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The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

The 74th Annual District Convention of the

Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island

“Awake Celebrate Rejoice” and and

- Isaiah 61:10

May 30th – June 1st, 2009 A Centennial Celebration of the Church of God of Prophecy 1909 - 2009 — 100 years!

Cripple Hill Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island, Bahamas

The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

Convention Management NATIONAL OVERSEER

Bishop Elgarnet B. Rahming DISTRICT OVERSEER

Bishop Shelton L. Beneby HOST PASTOR

Lay Minister Gweneth Gibson SUPERINTENDENTS OF OPERATIONS

Associate Pastor Don Daxon & Sis. Ivy Daxon CLERKS

Esther Rolle & Linda Hanna REGISTRARS & USHERS

Augulus Petit, Betty Williams, Hazel Petit, Beverley Pinder, Berkley Pinder & Joe Henry FINANCE COMMITTEE

Chairman - Rudolph Williams, Nathaniel Beneby, Edward Cunningham, Norman Beneby, Derek Hanna & Don Daxon

Church Flag Pledge I pledge allegiance to our Church Flag, and to the doctrine for which it stands - one God, one Faith, one Mind, and one Church for all. Amen!

PUBLIC RELATIONS & DECORATIONS

Ivy Daxon, Betty Williams, Felton Beneby Valderine Moss MUSIC CO-ORDINATORS

Maurice Simms, Sharon Scavella, Beulah Carroll, Stephanie Thompson, Dorcas Moss & Ron Cunningham CENTENNIAL CONVENTION CHOIR DIRECTOR

Dorcas Moss CENTENNIAL PRAISE TEAM DIRECTOR

Miriam Curtis CENTENNIAL BRASS BAND DIRECTOR

David Beneby AUDIO MANAGEMENT

Norman Beneby, Don Daxon & Devano Dorsett EXHIBITION & CENTENNIAL MOTORCADE

Felton Beneby, Esther Thompson, Norman Beneby, Barbara Dorsette, Janet Knowles & Derek Hanna

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Bible Pledge I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I will hide it in my heart that I might not sin against God…

The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

Message From The National Overseer Greetings to our host District Overseer, our Pastors, our faithful people and our supportive followers and friends who have joined in fellowship and worship with us in this historic 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy in Crooked Island.

As we in the Church of God of Prophecy continue in this year of 2009 to engage in our Centennial Celebrations giving God thanks and praise for enabling us as a people and organization to exist, work, witness and minister in these islands of our Bahamas, it is proper that we pause and reflect on the early and continuing contributions of Crooked Island to the stability, progress and ongoing success of our movement. In that vein, we are grateful for this island raising and producing the first two Colonial / National Leaders of our Church in the persons of the late Bishop Stanley Ferguson and the late Bishop Alvin S. Moss who led this work in commitment and in vision for a total of fifty (50) years.

We are grateful also for the many other spiritual giants, past and present, who hail from Crooked Island and who made and are continuing to make outstanding contributions to the forward progress and development of our work on this island and beyond. Crooked Island is rich in its wonderful history, heritage and lasting legacy in the Church of God of Prophecy in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

And so, while many in 2009 may be in an unfortunate state of despair due to the ongoing decline of our economy, we who are citizens of the divine economy, and who know where the Lord has brought us from, we have a right and a reason to “Awake, Celebrate and Rejoice.” For this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Bishop Elgarnet B. Rahming,

D. D., J. P.

National Overseer Commonwealth of The Bahamas

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The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

Message From The District Overseer I greet and welcome all our Members, Delegates and Friends sharing in this 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God Of Prophecy in Crooked Island. This Convention is significant as we c elebrate 1 0 0 y e ar s of G od’ s faithfulness to us as a church in The Bahamas.

We honour and celebrate all those Pioneers in the work for their sacrifice and labour. They have left us a rich legacy on which to build. “O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good for his mercy endureth forever. Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” - Psalm 107:1,8.

As we celebrate, we must ask the question, what is the Holy Spirit saying to us as individuals and as a church?

God is doing a new thing. We are to trust God as we move into this uncharted territory. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. God is in every tomorrow, planning for you and for me. Even in the dark we must follow and trust where our eyes cannot see. For we walk by faith and not by sight.

It is my prayer that we would truly be thankful to God for His goodness and mercies and as a people let us “Awake, Celebrate and Rejoice” in the Lord.

Bishop Shelton L. Beneby District Overseer Crooked Island District

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The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

History of our Church and Servant Leadership The Bahamas is known as the first mission field outside the continental United States to be reached by the Church of God. On November 7th, 1909, Rev. Edmond S. Barr and his wife Rebecca, of Exuma, Bahamas, were residing in Durant, Florida. At that time they attended a Camp Meeting held by the Old Holiness Camp group. Barr was converted and received the Holy Ghost at the Camp. Shortly thereafter he and his wife returned to Nassau, bringing the message of salvation.

The first Church meetings were held in the vicinity of Augusta and Meadow Street in Nassau, New Providence.

In 1910, a group of missionaries from the Holiness Church USA, including A. J. Tomlinson, arrived in The Bahamas. He visited Exuma, Long Island, and Ragged Island, while another Minister R. N. Evans, stopped in Nassau and preached, confirming the work of Rev. Barr.

In 1911, the first local church was established with three members in a rented house owned by the late John Alfred on the southern side of Dowdeswell Street, Nassau, New Providence. This was the first place of worship for the early pioneers of the church.

Over these many years the work grew and expanded to almost every inhabited Island in the Bahamas. Courageous men and women of yesteryear, braved the storms of opposition, persecution and much suffering for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some were arrested, placed in prison, scorned and humiliated by society for their religious convictions. However, they preached without fear and favour. The Lord confirmed the word, as thousands received Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and were added to the Church of God. Serving the Church as National Overseers from 1911 to the present time were the following Bishops: • R. M. Evans 1911-1912 • C. M. Paget 1913-1915 • W. H. Cross 1916-1917 • Milton Padgett 1917-1919 • Stanley R. Ferguson 1924-1934 • Alvin S. Moss 1934-1974 • Brice H. Thompson 1974-1999 • Elgarnet B. Rahming 1999 to present.

UNTO THEE, O GOD, DO WE GIVE THANKS!

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The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

Centennial Report Bishop Shelton L. Beneby

District Overseer Crooked Island I give thanks to Almighty God for the opportunity to serve the Crooked Island District for the past nine years.

I want to especially thank our former District Overseer Minister Philip Darville Ferguson, for his love, support and faithful service to his God. When I was appointed to the work after consultation with the former District Overseer, I was able to identify three urgent objectives for the revitalization of the work.

The need for bus transportation, major repairs to the sanctuary and membership growth.

We went to work, and with the assistance of the local church, our National Office, Family Members, Friends and the Business Community, we were able to accomplish our objectives. The people had a mind to work. God has honoured this work. A brand new bus, a brand new aircondition unit, stained-glass windows, expansion to the stage and an increase in membership and followers, from 10 to 30, representing at least 10% of the population. Our greatest accomplishment has been to impact the children and young people of the District.

All of this could not have happened without the commitment and work of Pastor Gweneth Gibson and Associate Pastor Don Daxon. I want to especially thank Associate Pastor Don Daxon and his wife Ivy Daxon for their special assistance with our District activities.

We have also commenced work to the True Blue Church, where I presently serve as Pastor. This historic church was first pastored by the late Bishop Alvin Moss in 1922. I am honoured to serve this church which was also pastored by my father’s foster-father, Bishop Arthur Moss, my mom’s father, James R. Moss and my aunt Mary G. Moss, who have all gone on to be with the Lord.

While the population has shifted from this area, we have made a commitment for this local church to serve as an Historic Center and House of Prayer. As a tribute to the pioneering leadership from the east who blazed the trail for the Church of God of Prophecy.

I am also grateful to my prayer partner and travelling companion, my wife Shelly and children for their support in ministry. I just thank God for the opportunity to serve the wonderful and kind people of Crooked Island. I speak a blessing over the people and land of Crooked Island; I declare that you are BLESSED!

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The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

The Word of God Isaiah 61:10-11 (King James Version) 10

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

Upcoming District Events October 19-23, 2009 CBL Training Course Bible Cripple Hill Church December 12-13, 2009 Centennial Exhibition / Pre-Christmas Programme True Blue Church February 3-5, 2010 Annual District Crusade Cripple Hill Church “VICTORY IN JESUS�

I heard an old, old story, How a Savior came from glory, How He gave His life on Calvary To save a wretch like me; I heard about His groaning, Of His precious Blood's atoning, Then I repented of my sins And won the victory.

I heard about His healing, Of His cleansing pow'r revealing.

How He made the lame to walk again And caused the blind to see; And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, Come and heal my broken spirit," And somehow Jesus came and bro't To me the victory.

O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever.

He sought me and bought me With His redeeming Blood; He loved me ere I knew Him, And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory.

And I heard about the streets of gold Beyond the crystal sea; About the angels singing, And the old redemption story, And some sweet day I'll sing up there The song of victory.

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The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

Saturday, 30th May, 2009 EVENING Theme:

“Celebrating Our Rich Past” 5:00 PM CENTENNIAL MOTORCADECommencing at True Blue Church 6:30 PM OFFICIAL OPENING OF EXHIBITION 7:00 PM OFFICIAL DEDICATION OF CHURCH EXTENSION 7:30 PM OFFICIAL OPENING OF CONVENTION Bishop Shelton Beneby, District Overseer Welcome……………………………………...Ivy Daxon Song Service Prayer Service Testimony Service Musical Tribute…………………………..David Beneby Greetings and Remarks……...Delegates & Dignitaries Skit Presentation...........................Cripple Hill Church A Time For Giving………………...Finance Committee Selection………………………….Crooked Island Band Selection…………….....Convention Centennial Choir

MESSAGE……...BISHOP RUDOLPH ARTHUR National Field Director Time of Prayer & Commitment Closing Prayer & Dismissal

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The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

Sunday, 31st May, 2009 MORNING– 10:00 AM Theme:

“Awake To The Word Of God” Devotional……………….Associate Pastor Don Daxon Presentation & Selection.........................The Children A Time For Giving…………….......Finance Committee Selection.....................................................Brass Band Presentation & Selection.......................Betty Williams & Cunningham Family

AWAKE TO THE WORD…..PASTOR TREVOR & JULIETTE SEYMOUR *

MORNING - 11:30 AM Theme:

“Awake To Pentecostal Power” Sing unto the Lord Pray without ceasing and with the Word of God Centennial Reflection....Minister Jacqueline Rahming Musical Tribute……………………………...Brass Band A Time For Giving………………...Finance Committee Special Recognition……...Mother Blanch Ferguson Centennial Reflection............Pastor Gweneth Gibson Selection...............................Convention Praise Team

MESSAGE…………………..PASTOR KENDAL & MINISTER JOY SIMMONS Prayer & Dismissal

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The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

Sunday, 31st May, 2009 EVENING– 7:00 PM Theme:

“Celebrating An Exciting Past” 7:00 PM Special Centennial Video Presentation 7:30 PM Convention Praise Team Greetings & Remarks………………....Visiting Pastors, Delegates & Dignitaries Musical Tribute……….Vanderson Ferguson & Family Selection.......................Centennial Convention Choir A Time For Giving…………...……Finance Committee Dance Presentation..Shalah Beneby & Kalei Simmons Music..........................................................Brass Band Selection………………….Cripple Hill Sanctuary Choir

MESSAGE...

BISHOP DR. ELGARNET B. RAHMING NATIONAL OVERSEER Time of Prayer & Commitment Closing Prayer& Dismissal * NOTES _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

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The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

Monday, 1st June, 2009 EVENING– 7:30 PM Theme:

“Anticipating A Glorious Future” Convention Praise Team Greetings & Remarks.............Delegates & Dignitaries Centennial Reflections.........Bishop Cephas Ferguson Selection...............................................Visiting Choirs A Time For Giving………………...Finance Committee Selection.......................Centennial Convention Choir

MESSAGE…….BISHOP SHELTON L. BENEBY District Overseer Expressions of Thanks…………….Sis. Valderine Moss Moderator officially closes the 74th Annual District Convention *** NOTES _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE THINGS HE HATH DONE! 11

The 74th Annual District Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Crooked Island * May-June 2009

A grateful church salutes our extra special C ent en ar i an - Mo t her Blanch Ferguson, who celebrates her 100th birthday on August 1, 2009.

Mother Blanch is the only living member of the Church of God of Prophecy to be alive during the time of the formation of our great church in The Bahamas.

S h e h as m ad e s t el l ar contributions to our church and Crooked Island, especially as wife of our former Pastor and former District Overseer, Minister Philip Darville Ferguson.

Thank You And God Bless You! “JOY UNSPEAKABLE”

“WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN”

I have found His grace is all complete, He supplieth every need; While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet, I am free, yes, free indeed.

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus Sing His mercy and His grace In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, Full of glory, full of glory; It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, Oh, the half has never yet been told.

When we all get to Heaven What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus We’ll sing and shout the victory.

I have found the pleasure I once craved, It is joy and peace within; What a wondrous blessing, I am saved From the awful gulf of sin.

While we walk the pilgrim pathway Clouds will overspread the sky But when trav’ling days are over Not a shadow not a sigh.

I have found that hope so bright and clear, Living in the realm of grace; Oh, the Savior’s presence is so near, I can see His smiling face.

Let us then be true and faithful Trusting serving every day Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.

I have found the joy no tongue can tell, How its waves of glory roll; It is like a great o’erflowing well, Springing up within.

Onward to the prize before us Soon His beauty we’ll behold Soon the pearly gates will open We shall tread the streets of gold.

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Centennial Recognition of Mother Blanch Ferguson