The Tribune

THE Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks Caicos Islands is mourning the loss of Rev Canon John Colin Clarke, who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday at Doctors Hospital. He was 75.

Bishop Laish Boyd paid tribute to Canon Clarke, commenting that throughout his ministry, he was known for his quiet dedication, his keen interest in people and their circumstances and a deep desire to hhelp and uplift the downtrodden. “This was his hallmark wherever he served,” the Bishop said.

The Diocese offered condolences to and prayers for his wife, Florinda, his children, Elizabeth, Michael, Miriam and Andrew, his grandchildren Shaniece, Ife, Traice, Justin, Jordan, Philip and Azaria, his siblings, the parish families of St James and St George, New Providence, and all those who mourn. “We thank God for his life and ministry as we mourn his sudden passing,” a statement from the Diocese said.

Canon Clarke was born on the Eastern Road, Nassau, on November 7, 1940, to James and Elizabeth Clarke. Tragedy struck early as his mother died during childbirth amd was then raised by Ethel Cooper, his grandmother. He was a real “Fox Hill Boy” and grew up in St Anne’s Church.

He obtained his formative education at St Anne’s High School, New Providence, and attended St Aidan’s Theological College, Liverpool, England, from 1962-1965. Prior to seminary, on Sundays, he would often ride from the east to the west of New Providence, to assist with evensong at St James’ Parish, Adelaide.

He was ordained to the Diaconate in June, 1965, at St Chad’s Kirby Parish Church, Cheshire, England, by Bishop Lawrence of Warrington. On returning to The Bahamas in 1965, he was posted to Christ Church Cathedral and became the first black Bahamian on staff. In June, 1966, on the feast of The Holy Trinity, he was ordained to the priesthood. While attached to the Cathedral, and having studied Clinical Psychology at St Aidan’s, he began a pastoral ministry at the Princess Margaret Hospital. There he met and fell in love with Nurse Florinda Archer. They were married in 1967.

His ministry assignments began in 1967-1970 as Parish Priest at St Philip’s Parish, Mathew Town, Inagua. It was while at St Philip’s that he initiated the ecumenical movement among the churches in Inagua, and was responsible for the purchase of the house which serves as the present rectory.

From 1970-1975 he served as Parish Priest at St Stephen’s, Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama. While in Grand Bahama, Fr John was also one of the founding members of the Grand Bahama Christian Council. As he had done in Inagua, he initiated the ecumenical movement among the churches in the Eight Mile Rock Community.

From 1975-1977, he succeeded Bishop Donald Knowles, as Parish Priest of St Margaret’s, New Providence, and from 1977-1984 he was Co-Rector of St Anne’s Parish, New Providence, and served as Anglican Chaplain at Her Majesty’s Prison. While at St Anne’s he was instrumental in the formation of the mixed choir.

From 1984-2000 he was officially appointed Prison Chaplain at H M Prison, New Providence. During his time as Prison Chaplain he was part of the initial dialogue to recommend, upgrade, and promote from within the prison staff. He initiated Prison Officers’ Week, and was instrumental in providing the extension of social interactions between inmates and their children.

From 2001-2006 he was Priest in charge at St Margaret’s Parish, North Andros, after which he retired.

Since then Canon John had been assisting in various parishes, still very active in ministry, and always willing to serve, particularly in the parishes of St George and St James, New Providence. He continued that ministry each week.

After a Mass of Thanksgiving at St George’s Church, Montrose Avenue, last night, there will be a Memorial Service at St James’ Church, Adelaide, at 7pm on Friday.

On Saturday Canon Clarke’s body will be received at 10am at St James’ for public viewing and on Monday at 10am it will be received for public viewing at St Anne’s Church, Fox Hill.

The funeral will be at Christ Church Cathedral on Tuesday at 11am with interment at St Anne’s Cemetery, Fox Hill.