V Ferguson

HOME-GOING SERVICE OF PRAISE AND CELEBRATION

for the life of

Born: 10th August, 1931 | Died: 25th December, 2022 | Age: 91 years

Service Held at: THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY East Street Tabernacle, Nassau, The Bahamas

SATURDAY, 21ST JANUARY, 2022 AT 10:00 A.M.

Officiating:

BISHOP HULAN A. HANNA, Senior Pastor

BISHOP DR. WOODLEY C. THOMPSON, Associate Pastor

BISHOP KENDAL C. SIMMONS, Former Pastor

Musicians:

LOUISE SIMMONS

DEREK MOSS

GLENMORE JOHNSON

PAUL ROSS

Interment:

WOODLAWN GARDENS

Soldier Road, Nassau, The Bahamas

10TH AUGUST, 1931 - 25TH DECEMBER, 2022

In the city of Nassau, on August 10, 1931, the late Bishop Stanley R. Ferguson former colonial overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy and Clotilda Ferguson welcomed the birth to twin boys the late Vanhaden and Vanderson Jonah Ferguson.

Vanderson was the 7th of 8 children all of whom predeceased him namely Kelly, Milton, Olive, Samuel, Corraine, Vanhaden, Vanderson, and Margaret.

Vanderson returned to Crooked Island where he spent his early years before returning to Nassau. He received his early education at Southern Junior and Senior Schools.

Vanderson’s primary occupation was in the Airline Industry. He worked for BOAC, Pan Am Airways and British Airways until he retired. After which he was able to continue his airline career at Bahamasair until his second retirement from the Airline Industry. Even while employed in the airline industry being the striving and industrious man he was, Vanderson also joined the ranks of the Royal Bahamas Police as a reservist officer where he served for 43 years and progressed through the ranks retiring as an ASP, Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Vanderson was also a loyal and faithful family man. On December 22, 1954, he married Ethelyn Finlayson and from this union was born 6 sons, Jeffrey Van, Trevor

Sidney, Jerome Stanley, Brian Kendrick (deceased), Darrel Lee, and Emile Rockwell. Ethelyn predeceased Vanderson by 16 years but as she was the love of his life Vanderson happily remained a widower until his passing looking forward to his reunion with her someday. Vanderson loved his family and spent much time together as they travelled frequently and as the family of sons was able to bond through another major theme of Vanderson’s life the love of music.

Proverbs 18:16 says A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. The proof of this scripture can clearly be evidenced in the life and times of Vanderson. He started his musical journey with lessons from his mother on the air organ. This spurred a fascination with music and ignited a God given talent and anointing that was evidenced throughout his life. Vanderson started his musical career as a drummer with

the Bahama Brass band in 1946. But his talent continued to mushroom and evolve. He later moved on to the alto horn and the bass horn. The story is told how he, at his first time playing the bass horn, so skillfully played the late Pastor Hermis Ferguson laid hands on Vanderson and pronounced him a bass horn player. In a similar fashion Vanderson rendered a selection before the message of the late Bishop Alvin S. Moss. Because of the skill and talent, Bishop Moss pronounced upon Vanderson the title of professor, a title that stuck with him the remainder of his life. And it was on the trumpet his instrument of choice that Vanderson made his mark. In his later years Vanderson switched to the saxophone to prolong his ability to worship through his playing but it was on the trumpet that he recorded his trumpet solo album in 1994 entitled an “Instrument of Praise”. He was a trumpet soloist who performed on countless occasions and stages all around the world.

Although Vanderson was not a licensed minister his legacy and ministry however is clearly evidenced and chronicled by the countless hundreds of men and women that Vanderson touched as he taught them music and instructed them on their instruments. Not only did he teach them music, but he became a father figure to so many of them and thus mentored many young men in the Church of God of Prophecy, other denominations this nation at large and internationally. Vanderson was affectionally called Brother Van or Professor Van by many of his students and counterparts. And this affection was occasioned by the fact that Bro. Van for many years selflessly opened up his home on a weekly basis to teach young men music often free of charge. In addition, Bro. Van for multiple decades took on the responsibility of dropping young men home after Saturday practices all for the building of lives and the building of the kingdom of God and the church. All of this without fanfare; truly the definition of ministry and a minister.

One of the hallmarks of the life and ministry of Bro. Van was his unique calling and gifting to organize and give birth to brass bands. It all started back in the early 70’s when the late Bishop Arthur Ferguson the then Sunday School Superintendent at East Street was inspired after having a vision to ask Professor Van to organize a band. Bro. Van accepted this challenge, and the East Street Sunday School band was birthed. Because of the interest of so many youth from other local churches this band evolved and in 1972 it officially morphed into the Junior Brass Band. As this band continued to grow and become popular the junior band became the Bahama Youth Brass Band which Bro. Van directed for over twenty years before he retired in 1992. And it must be noted that during much of these years Bro. Van served as assistant director of the Bahama Brass Band as well.

However, God was not finished with Bro Van as yet and in 1997 he invited youngsters from 8 years of age to learn music and through hard work and commitment another band was formed. Vanderson had given birth to the Bahamas Junior Brass Band for a second time. After more years of committed service once again Bro. Van retired from being director of the Junior Brass Band, but

he was thankful that God had given him the opportunity to impact another generation of young men. 2. Tim 4:5 exhorts us to make full proof of our ministry, and the ministry upon the life of Bro. Van once again stirred him. In 2005 the then Reserve Sergeant 191 Ferguson formed The Royal Bahamas Police Force Reserve Band. This band successfully performed at many community events and for various government agencies. Bro Van received both Long Service and Outstanding Mentor Achievement awards in 2007 for development of reserve officers and for formation of the reserve band from the then Commissioner of Police the late Paul H. Farquharson. In 2017 for the final time Reserve ASP Vanderson Ferguson retired leaving behind a wonderful legacy. But it must be noted that when Bro. Van began worshipping at the Fox Hill Church of God of Prophecy in 2015 where his son serves as Associate Pastor once again Bro. Van sought opportunity to serve and at the age of 84 Bro Van put out the call for students desiring to learn music to check with him. This did not result in another band, but once again he was able to share his gifting with students. Although Bro. Van will be remembered for his great work with bands the records show that he also served with distinction as the choir director of the former East Street Junior Choir and the Senior Choir now the East Street Sanctuary Choir.

No doubt Bro Van has a rich reward awaiting him in the halls of glory, but he was the recipient of many, many rewards during his life. In 1998, he was awarded the Long Service Medal by the then Governor General His Excellency Sir Orville Turnquest. Then in 2015 he was awarded the Governor General’s Award by Her Excellency Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling. Also, the Hon. Brave Davis Urban Renewal Community Service Award, and the Lady Ann-Marie Davis Life Time Service Award. In 2022, Vanderson was on the list of those conferred the Distinguished Service Medal by His Excellency, the Governor General, The Most Honourable Sir Cornelius Smith. Unfortunately, because of ailment he was unable to attend the award ceremony, to receive his award but history still records the same.

Truly Vanderson Jonah Ferguson lived a full life and truly he left empty having fulfilled the mission and purpose that God put him on this earth to accomplish. Only heaven holds the true record of all of the individuals that Bro. Van touched with his heart, commitment, musical genius, and an unparalleled record of service, to the kingdom of God, the body of Christ, and the nation at large. Truly the musical gifting of the man the legend, the director, the trumpeter, the soloist, Retired Reservist ASP, Professor, Dr. Vanderson Ferguson is unparalleled, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.

But underwriting all that Bro. Van has accomplished is the simple fact that Bro Van was a loving husband, devoted father but most of all a child of God. To God Be the Glory for the Life and Times of Vanderson Jonah Ferguson.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ethelyn M. Ferguson (2006) and his son, Brian K. Ferguson (2011).

Left to cherish his memories are:

CHILDREN: Jeffrey & Sandra, Trevor & Holly, Stanley & Cara, Darrel & Deborah, Emile & Opal, Loren and Mary Ferguson.

GRANDCHILDREN: Rochelle, Brendan (Michelle) and Renee Ferguson; JaVan, Kareem and Alyssa Ferguson; Ayanah (Randy) Bryan; Trevor Jr (Kaneik) and Thea Ferguson; Alicia, Jecaro and Jarvis Ferguson; Bradley and Leonardo Ferguson, Danielle and David Ferguson.

GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Lia, Noelle, Victor and Sterling Ferguson; Janay, Ariah and Khristian; Ella and Ava Ferguson; Trey Mackey.

BROTHER IN LAW: Garet Finlayson

NUMEROUS NIECES AND NEPHEWS INCLUDING: Oramae, Kim (Sherry), Andrea (Elton), Gary (Shirley); Ann, Kenneth, Elizabeth, Antoinette (Andrew); Frances, Dorothea; Arnold (Lydia), Deborah, Dr. Theodore Ferguson; Caroline, Dedrie, Bethsheba, Bernard (Sheila) and Keith Munroe; Janette (Mackey) McKenzie; Maria (Errol) Simmons, Pauline (Bishop Winston) Reid; Ceola Charles; Winston (Linda) Williams, Carmen (Victor) Francis and Dawn (Leon) Francis; Michelle Ferguson.

NIECES AND NEPHEWS IN LAW: the children of Garet (the late) Finlayson; the children of the late Clyde Finlayson; the children of the late Bishop Arthur & Ivamae Ferguson; the children of the late Minister Delegal & Mayrona Seymour; the children of the late Mayna Hepburn; the children of the late Maxine Jones; the children of the late Simeon & Ellen Knowles.

A HOST OF RELATIVES AND FRIENDS INCLUDING: Bishop Franklin & Min. Rovena Ferguson & Family; Bishop Brice & Teacher Advira Thompson, Bishop Elgarnet & Min. Jacqueline Rahming, Bishop Rudolph & Sis. Veronica Bowe, Bishop Hulan & Sis Valerie Hanna; Bishop Dr. Woodley & Sis. Vernique Thompson; Bishop Kendal Simmons; Deacon Herman & Sis. Nora McClain; George Lafleur; Harry Simmons & Family; Members of the Bahama Brass Band – Senior & Junior Bands; The Royal Bahamas Reserve Police Band, the entire Church of God of Prophecy family especially East Street Tabernacle and Fox Hill.

SPECIAL THANKS TO Dr. Theodore Ferguson; the medical staff of the Princess Margaret Hospital; Bernice McClain, Dorothea Collie, Harry & Revaughn Simmons, Dereo Maycock.

If we failed to mention your name, please forgive us; we appreciate all of the kindness shown.

VANDERSON JONAH FERGUSON - 6

VANDERSON JONAH FERGUSON - 7

THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LIFE OF

Pre-Service Concert ............................................................................................................. Bahama Brass Band

ORDER OF SERVICE

Moderator ............................................................................................................... Bishop Kendal C. Simmons

Viewing and Entrance of Family ................................................................................................... Instrumental

Opening Remarks ............................................................................................................................... Moderator

Opening Prayer .................................................................................................. Bishop Woodley C. Thompson

Congregational Hymn .................................................................................................. “To God Be The Glory”

To God be the glory, great things He hath done, So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice! Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God; The vilest offender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Old Testament Reading ............................................ Psalm 150 ....................... Danielle Ferguson, Granddaughter

Musical Selection/Hymn ............................................................................ Royal Bahamas Police Force Choir

Remarks ................................................................................................................ The Commissioner of Police

Tribute & Selection ...................................................................................... Royal Bahamas Police Force Band

Reflections ........................................................................................................................... Pastor Barry Morris

Bishop John Wesley Ferguson

Tribute & Selection ...................................................................................................... The Bahama Brass Band

Obituary ........................................................................................................................ Dorothea Collie, Godchild

Praise & Worship .................................................................................................................................................

Ministerial Remarks ............................................................... Bishop Dr. Franklin M. Ferguson, National Bishop

Selection ............................................................................................................................. The Williams Family

New Testament Reading ......................................2 Timothy 4:1-8 ........................ Brendan Ferguson, Grandson

Musical Tribute Bradley & Leonardo Ferguson, Grandsons

Special Tribute ........................................................................................................ Pastor Darrel Ferguson, Son

Selection .................................................................................................................. East Street Sanctuary Choir

Sermon .......................................................................................................................... Bishop Hulan A. Hanna

Prayer for the Family ................................................................................................ Bishop Maurice D. Simms

Recessional .................................................................................................. Royal Bahamas Police Force Band

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Opening Remarks ................................................................................................................ Bishop Ghaly Swann

Hymn ............................................................................................................................................ “City of Gold”

There’s a City of Light, where there cometh no night; ‘Tis a City of Beauty untold; All my treasures are there and its beauty I’ll share, When I get to that City of Gold.

When I leave all trouble and care I will say good morning up there; I will have great gladness untold When I get to that city of gold

There’s no sorrow up there in that city so fair And no sickness can enter I’m told Shadows all will have flown, I will meet friends I’ve known When we get to that city of gold

Won’t you go there with me to the home of the free Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold? If you will come along, we will sing heaven’s song When we get to the city of gold

Prayer ....................................................................................................................... Bishop Kendal C. Simmons

Committal ...................................................................................................................... Bishop Hulan A. Hanna

Hymn ............................................................................................................................................ “I’ll Fly Away”

Some glad morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away.

To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away.

I’ll fly away, O Glory, I’ll fly away. (In the morning)

When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye, I’ll fly away.

When the shadows of this life are gone, I’ll fly away.

Like a bird from prison bars has flown I’ll fly away.

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away.

To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away.

Acknowledgements ...........................................................................................................

East Sunrise Mortuary

Benediction Bishop Ghaly Swann

VANDERSON JONAH FERGUSON - 11

Tribute to Daddy

People called him a professor, an extraordinaire musician, friend, and uncle. To me, he was known as daddy. He did not have any daughters so I became a daughter.

Daddy had an impeccable character, soft spoken and unassuming. He possessed a winsome personality and had an infectious smile. Daddy encouraged, supported and imparted sound advice and Godly principles on me and all those who he came in contact with.

Daddy enjoyed travelling and looked forward to our Orlando family vacations and family time. He valued his family.

My memories of daddy’s time spent here on earth will forever be etched in my heart and his rich legacy will forever live on.

Grandpa,

Just like gravity you were always constant, consistent and absolutely necessary… I can’t imagine life without your presence, influence and imprint… we are…because of who you are… you were undoubtedly the anchor.

We’ve learned so much from you in retrospect and we know as time passes more will come to light… You seeded a family built on love, support, values, principles and most importantly one that has God as the center.. your legacy lives on in us… thank you for everything you’ve done, known and unknown… We love you and appreciate you.

TJ AND FAMILY

Grandpa,

I’m not sure if you were able to read my Christmas card, but my wish for you this Christmas season was for good health and life, however, God had other plans. You were Strong yet Gentle. Hard-working yet Humble. You exuded strength- mentally and physically. In my eyes you were an epitome of a man! You will be missed, but I am comforted knowing you are now with Grandma and you are resting in peace. Grandpa, you loved and you were loved.

Love always, THEA FERGUSON

HOLLY

VANDERSON JONAH FERGUSON - 13

Professor Vanderson Ferguson

was a life marked with God’s Amazing Grace. l am honored and blessed to have known him as Dad, being the God chosen wife to his fourth son (the late Brian Ferguson, whom I loved dearly) for almost 19 wonderful years of marriage. Dad, a man of quiet strength made huge deposits on this earth, with life impacting transforming testimonies through the vehicle of music, his life gifting.

December 23, 2022, bears a significant cherished memory. While in Nassau, I visited with him. He was delighted to see me and I likewise.. I video called Bradley and Leonardo to share this precious moment with their Grandad. He expressed how we made his day and repeatedly declared his love for us. He encouraged his grandsons to live for God and always make him number one in their lives. This was a joyous time, as we laughed and shared together. Most impactful was when He proclaimed a blessing upon me. We were so thankful for the words of wisdom and insight given! A prayer was offered for him and He was joyful and thankful.....My words in leaving him was, we love him and I will see him in church on Christmas Day, not knowing this would be the last time I would meet him alive. He will always be the best father-in-love I was blessed to have in my life. My parents (Hylton & Norma Thomas) and family were tremendously blessed to have had precious memories to cherish with Dad. Our lives have been marked by Dad who left us with a powerful transforming ministry legacy. He transitioned to glory empty.

“...Absent from the Body but present with the Lord...” (2 Corinthians 2:5)

Love always LOREN, BRADLEY AND LEONARDO

FERGUSON

Rest on Papa!

We love you and will cherish all the time we spent together.

DANIELLE & DAVID

VANDERSON JONAH FERGUSON - 15

COLOUR PARTY COMMANDER

Supt. A. Sweeting – ISD

COLOUR PARTY

FLAG BEARERS

PC 4339 Pratt – WD

PC 4510 Rolle – EEPS

PC 4433 Moss – NED

CAP BEARER

FLAG OPERATORS

PC 4152 Fowler – ED

WPC 4181 Davis – Cease Fire

WPC 4472 Johnson – PID

W/ASP E Paul – ACP

PALL BEARER COMMANDER

Supt. E. Oralhomme - CID

PALL BEARERS

ASP D McCartney – ISD

ASP K Brown – Courts

ASP G Rolle – CRO

ASP A Wilson – WD

ASP S James – SWD

ASP R Hanna – SIB

ASP T Cox – Cease Fire

ASP M Sweeting – TD

ASP G Cartwright – TPD

ASP M Johnson – CBD

ASP N Elliott-Cooper – HR

ASP Y Rolle – PID

ASP L Minus – ED

ASP J Ramsey – ED

ASP S Riley – DEU

ASP D Francis – SSS

ASP A Bowles – CID

ASP C Penn – NED

Acknowledgements

We, the family of the late Vanderson Jonah Ferguson, would like to express our heartfelt love, gratitude and appreciation for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during this period of bereavement. Your thoughtfulness and love will never be forgotten. We rejoice in the knowledge that he has gone from labour to reward. We pray that God will bless you as you have blessed us.

THE FAMILY