The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

IN a recent gathering of Anglican priests where they celebrated their anniversaries of ordination, members of St John the Baptist in Abaco chose to highlight Archdeacon Harry Bain.

"We invited Archdeacon Harry Bain, rector of the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King in Freeport, Grand Bahama, to partake in this grand celebration. The church and members of the St John the Baptist spared no expense and left no stone unturned so that this occasion would resonate in the heart and mind of the Archdeacon for a very long time," said Father Chester Burton, rector of St John the Baptist.

He went on to explain that the reason for this celebration was to highlight Archdeacon Bain being named the new Dean of the Cathedral in the City of Nassau, effective September 1.

"Inviting the Archdeacon to Abaco would have meant that he would be given a grand farewell by the parish of St John the Baptist, expressing in a tangible way our endearment and appreciation to him for his tremendous contribution to the Grand Bahama community over the past 35 years," said Father Burton.

He said Archdeacon Bain also served for many years as an educator and as the principal of the former Freeport Anglican High School, now the Bishop Michael Eldon High School. He served as a priest at most of the Anglican churches on the island; as chairman of the Grand Bahama Christian Council for two terms; as Archdeacon of the Northern Bahamas; as a Rotarian; as chaplain at the Rand Memorial Hospital; as a member of the Juvenile Panel, and as the rector of the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King for the past 20 years.

"During this time the Archdeacon also celebrated his 39th year of ordination in a gala banquet, organised by Parish Administrator Shelly Austin with the executive and members of the St John the Baptist Anglican Church Women," said Father Burton.

"After the Eucharistic celebration, well-wishers from Abaco filled the Parish Hall of St John the Baptist to salute an esteemed gentleman who offered years of stellar and exemplary service to our Anglican Diocese, and in particular to the people of Grand Bahama. The Archdeacon was presented with many accolades and a new luggage set to make his transition to the new Dean of the Cathedral so much more easier in September."