The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

REVEREND Melvin Grant knew leading the congregation of The Remnant Tabernacle of Praise would not be an easy task. As a matter of fact it meant he would have to give much more of himself, sacrifice his time and be fully committed to the pastoral call.

However it was a challenge he was more than honoured to accept. And this Sunday the congregation will host the third pastoral anniversary service to celebrate Rev Grant's leadership and the church's journey over the past year.

The theme of the event is "A man preaching the heart of God" for which the scriptural reference is 3 John: 2.

Annually, the church takes time out to say 'thank you' to the leadership. During this special service which begins at 2.30pm, several members of the church are honoured.

Pastor Trajean Jadorette will be the guest speaker at the anniversary service. He is the Senior Pastor at New Covenant Baptist Church and former pastor of the First Community Church in Nashville, TN.

He is also a member of the RBPF Reserve, a Guidance Counsellor at C R Walker Senior High School and the Director of Christian Education at the Baptist Institute and Vice Moderator of the Bethel Baptist Association.

The Remnant Tabernacle of Praise was founded in 1999 by the late Dr Kendall Stubbs who served until his death in 2012.

In May, 2007, under the banner "The House That the Lord Built" (Psalm 127:1) the church's multipurpose building was constructed. It's design reflects the church's "trichotomous" ministry approach to the spirit, mind and body.

The church consists of a sanctuary, administrative offices, a primary school, The Remnant Miniversity and Academy, an indoor basketball court, fitness gymnasium and a ballet studio.

"It is important for the public to know that the church is still active in our everyday lives. The Remnant Tabernacle of Praise has an extensive outreach program. Along with having a primary school, the church also offers all of its facilities to the public. The church has a number of ministries including the Youth, Fine Arts, Evangelism, Stewards, Hospitality, Sunday School, Men and Women's Ministries, Marriage Ministry, Children's Church and Girls Brigade," said Indira Collie, a representative of the church.

Ms Collie said Rev Grant has made a major impact on the church body since taking up leadership three years ago.

"It is important to recognize people's contributions while they are alive and well to appreciate it. Not only the contributions of the pastor and senior leadership but also the contributions of all of the members," she told Tribune Religion.

Rev Grant received a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology with a minor in psychology with Honors (Magna Cum Laude) in December of 1989 from the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee. At seminary Rev Grant was the recipient of many awards. He was listed in Who's Who in American Christian Leadership in 1989, Who's Who among students in American Universities & Colleges 1990, Named to the distinguished National Dean's List for scholastic achievement 1989 and again in 1990 and was recognized by being placed on the school's Dean's List, every semester.

He was ordained to the sacred ministry in September of 1990 by the Reverend Timothy Stewart at Bethel Baptist Church, and has held many offices of responsibilities at Bethel including Office Manager, Marriage Counselor, and Administrative Assistant and at the present, he is in Church Administration and Pastoral Care.

Rev Grant was married to the former Bernadette D. Rolle (deceased) of Nassau and their union produced three lovely children, Melissa Alana, Megan Ashley and McKyle Alexander Melvin.

The beloved pastor has since remarried to the former Donna Elaine Fenton-Longley and together they have three children, namely Dr Nakeesha Longley, Aaron Longley, CPA and Natasha Longley.