The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE excitement surrounding the recent confirmation service held at St Martin’s Anglican Church, Abaco, will linger in the hearts and minds of the many who attended.

In the settlement of Sandy Point, members assembled in droves to witness more than 30 confirmation candidates affirm for themselves the faith into which they were born – the Anglican faith.

This recent service was Father Chester Burton’s very first confirmation exercise since arriving on the island of Abaco just over a year ago as an Anglican church rector.

Since his early years as an ordained priest in the Diocese, Father Burton has held the belief that patronal festivals and feasts of titles are monumental and memorable occasions in the life of any parish, and these services should always be celebrated.

To prepare for the confirmation service, Father Burton oversaw some renovations at the parish hall.

Task

“This task was undertaken some weeks back with the complete removal of some windows which defamed the aesthetic beauty of the parish hall. After completion of this task the church’s walls were extensively painted, both the interior and exterior of the edifice of St Martin’s. A cadre of men worked feverishly so the mission may be complete and no effort was spared to ensure the beauty of this palatial edifice was vehemently maintained,” he said.

Father Burton said confirmands lined up at the rear of the church; the young ladies were dressed nicely and the young men were decked out from head to toe.

Also in attendance was Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd, who visited in his official capacity to administer over the Pontifical Confirmation Eucharist Mass.

“Bishop Laish Boyd, accompanied by his lovely wife Joan Boyd, was presently surprised to see first-hand the extensive preparations undertaken for this wonderful occasion,” said Father Burton.

“The confirmands were firmly admonished by Bishop Boyd in his confirmation charge where he used words of the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah, which state, ‘The spirit of the Lord is upon me’.”

Father Burton said the Bishop then highlighted the fact that every individual seeking confirmation must strive to live a godly, Christ-centered life, saying although it may be difficult, with Jesus Christ as their guide the task will be accomplished.

“Bishop Boyd mentioned that they must remain connected because most times the Sacrament of Confirmation is seen as a graduation from the Anglican Church and youngsters are never seen again.

“He suggested fostering better commitment and camaraderie amongst the candidates that are confirmed, and the commitment and engagement will continue,” said Father Burton.