Home Going Celebration For the late
November 11, 1929 - January 12, 2019
SERVICE HELD AT:
St. Paul’s Methodist Church East Sunrise Highway
Freeport, Grand Bahama
The Bahamas Saturday, January 26, 2019
10:00 a.m.
OFFICIATING:
The Reverend Kenneth Lewis
ASSISTED BY
The Reverend Dr. Emmette Weir
Evangelist Carmen Ramlochan
Interment
Grand Bahama Memorial Park
Settler’s Way
Freeport, Grand Bahama
The Bahamas
Urban Lorenzo Gibbs was born to Joel and Clementina Gibbs on November 11, 1929 in the village of Allenview in the parish of St. Thomas on the island of Barbados. His father was a carpenter and his mother a seamstress, and theirs was a Christian home where daily worship and personal responsibility were a strict requirement for both he and his three siblings. He was widely acknowledged as a bright and industrious boy, displaying from an early age an intrinsic love of learning and a natural aptitude for scholastics. His sister, Ms. Eiolene Gibbs recounts that he was seldom seen without a book close at hand.
In 1957, he married Evangeline Headley and their happy union produced five children: Roger, Andrew, Lennox, Guy, & Dawne. A loving husband and engaged father, he instilled in his children an ethic of discipline, the importance of service, and a love for the Lord. Though deeply saddened by the loss of his beloved Vangie in 1986, he continued to anchor the family encouraging and inspiring his children through his indomitable faith and deep wisdom. He was the proud grandfather of four boys: Justin, Spencer, Graeme and Ryan.
A career educator, his expansive teaching experience spanned 51 years; beginning in 1951 at the age of 22, where as an apprentice teacher, he taught at Hillaby Mixed School, followed by several appointments including St. David’s All Age School in Christ Church, Barbados. He received his formal training and Teachers Certificate from Erdiston Training College and returned to the classroom in 1959 as a qualified teacher - at Holy Innocents Boys School where he had been a student years prior. On encouragement from his
childhood friend Othneil Watson (late), he applied for a teaching position in The Bahamas, and in June of 1961, he became Headmaster of the all-age school in Staniard Creek, Andros. He relocated his young family to the Bahamas and taught side by side with his wife for 2 years in the community.
In 1963, he was transferred to Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama; where he is widely viewed as having done his seminal work. He arrived to find a woefully understaffed, small one-room school on the front road of Hepburn Town. For four years he both administered there and taught alongside his wife; facing difficult odds. But through his partnership with the community the children made great strides. In 1967, he became the founding Headmaster of the newly constructed Eight Mile Rock High School; serving there until 1974. During that time, new heights were achieved in academics and athletics. He took pride in his role in the fundraising and construction of an athletic field for the school – the first in that community.
Over his next 20 years of his service to the Bahamas, he served as Principal or Vice Principal at seven schools throughout Grand Bahama and Andros including; Lewis Yard Primary, Bartlett Hill Primary, Hawksbill High, Nicholls Town All Age, Hawksbill Primary, Walter Parker Primary and finally the St. Paul’s Methodist College. Today; his former students occupy every space in Bahamian life; and many credit him as having played a defining role.
A gregarious, but humble, plain spoken man; he formed deep, enduring relationships. Student-teacher relationships became life-long friendships. He engaged actively at the ground level of the Grand Bahama community; but nowhere more than his beloved Eight Mile Rock. He was happiest connecting, and conversing with people about topics lofty and commonplace; but invariably, the topic of conversation would turn to Jesus Christ.
A life-long learner; he was in his 50s when he earned a B.Ed from the University of Miami and an MBA from Nova University. He read widely and constantly, with a keen interest in classical literature and ancient history. He was always up for a lively discussion on world affairs. Never idle, he was an avid gardener, delighting in tending the fruit trees and vegetables he grew in every corner of his backyard.
He served God throughout his life; learning, sharing, and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In his youth, he was a member of the Carrington Village Assembly of the Brethren Church. Upon his arrival in Andros he was housed in the Methodist manse, and soon joined the congregation of Methodists in Staniard Creek. Once in Grand Bahama he worshipped at the St. David’s Methodist Church in SeaGrape, eventually moving to St. Paul’s Methodist Church in 1974; where he continued his witness; becoming a fully accredited lay preacher in 1981. At the time of his death, he had served the Church as Circuit Steward, Secretary to the Leaders Meeting, Secretary to the Scripture Examination Commitee, and, finally, as Circuit Auditor.
Mr. Gibbs passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2019, called home from labour to reward.
He is survived by: Sister: Eioline Gibbs; Children: Roger Gibbs, Robert Gibbs, Lennox Gibbs, Guy Gibbs (Claudette) and Dawne Gibbs; Grand Children: Justin Gibbs, Spencer Gibbs, Graeme Gibbs and Ryan Gibbs; Sister In Law: Stephanie Gibbs; Niece: Debra; Nephews: Alfred Gibbs, Peter Gibbs and Malcolm Gibbs; Cousins: Enid Holligan, Rosita Holligan, Verna Hope, Trevor Sandiford, Kentleigh Sandiford, Deveron Sandiford, Meryl Reid, Frank Reid, Dalvina Reid and Grantley Reid; Special Friends Including: Mr. Grafton Ifill, Sr. and Family, Dr. Wismore Butcher, Mrs. Carol Watson and Family (Nassau), Reverend Kenneth and Mrs. Lewis, Hon. Senator Alwyn Adams and Family (Barbados), Nurse Eva Harris, Ms. Carmeta Miller and Family, Mr. Ewart Baillou and Family, Ms. Juliet Spence, Mrs. Gloria Goodridge and Family, Mr. Sherick Martin and Family, Mr. Leslie Rolle and Family, Mr. Wesley Butler and family, Mrs. Norma
Headley, Saints at Carrington’s Brethren Assembly (Barbados), Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Holder, Mrs. Ellenor Rochester (Barbados), Mrs. Rochelle Smith, Mr. Bert Lightbourne and Family, Mrs. Gloria Pedican and Family, Mrs. Dale Feaster, Mrs. Gloria Lundy, Mrs. Antonia Lord, Mrs. Minna Winters, Mr. Alex Ferguson and Family, Mr. Rawle Dean, Mr. Oscar and Joan Headley (Markham, Ontario), Mr. Daniel Williams and Family, Mrs. Sheryl Joffre, Mrs. Francita Brice, Mrs. Isula Hamilton, Mr. Cecil and Barbara Thompson, Rev. Lindy Russell and Family, Bishop Theophilus Rolle and Family, Reverend Dr. Weir and Family, Mrs. Yolanda Rolle, Mrs. Ismae Hudson and Family, Evangelist Carmen Ramlochan, Mrs. Maureen Campbell and Family, Mrs. Mazee Brusch, Sis. Dorcas Sawyer, Mrs. Erica Kemp, Ms. Gemini and Mrs. Meryln Cooper, Dr. Rita Stuart, Ms. Faye Smith, Mrs. Shirley Smith, Ms. Chrystal Thompson and Family, Mrs. Lucy Fertil, Peter and Midlean Basden and Family, Mr. Jean-Claude Mathieu, Ms. Berris Brown, Ms. Gretchen Martin and Family, Mrs. Wally Robinson and Family, Ms. Mary Hanna and Family, Mr. Ellis Russell and Family, Mr. Kirk Wildgoose, Mr. Edmund Martin and Family, Mr. Berkley Wildgoose and Family, Patrick and Eulease McDonald, The Beckles Family, Mrs. Greta Bain, Mrs. Naomi Butler, Mrs. Rosalind Dean, Mr. Mack Smith and Family, Mrs. Judy Frith, St. Paul’s Methodist Church Famiy, St. Andrew’s Methodist Church Family, Eight Mile Rock Community, Barbados-Bahamian Association and a host of other friends too numerous to mention. Special Thanks To: Dr. Michael Parkinson, Dr. Winston Forbes, Dr. Leviticus Rolle, Dr. Mandi Pedican, Dr. Robin Roberts. Nurse Stephanie Gittens, Nurse Ione Henley, Nurse Eva Harris and Mrs. Gloria Lundy.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Selection | Eight Mile Rock Old Scholars
PROCESSION OF FAMILY
RECEPTION OF THE BODY
Opening Sentences | Rev. Kenneth Lewis
I Am the Resurrection and the Life, says the Lord; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.
The hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
We brought nothing into this world and it is certain we shall carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.
I am the first and the last, I am he who lives and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore and I have the keys of death and of hell because I live, you will live also.
And death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, for the first things are passed away.
OPENING HYMN | O God Our Help In Ages Past
Our God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come, our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal Home.
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure; sufficient is Thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame, from everlasting Thou art God, to endless years the same.
A thousand ages in Thy sight are like an ev’ning gone, short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all its sons away; they fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the op’ning day.
Our God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come, be Thou our Guide while life shall last, and our eternal Home!
Opening
Prayer | Evangelist Carmen Ramlochan
MINISTRY OF THE WORD | Justin Gibbs (Grandson)
First Scripture Reading: Psalm 90
1Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.
4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
6 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.
7 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.
8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.
10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.
16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.
17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
Reader: The Word of the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Responsive Reading | Psalm
23 | Rev Dr. J. Emmette Weir
Leader: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Congregation: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Leader: He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Congregation: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Leader: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Together: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN | Jerusalem My Happy Home
Jerusalem, my happy home, when shall I come to thee? When shall my sorrows have an end? Thy joys, when shall I see?
O happy harbor of the saints, O sweet and pleasant soil!
In thee no sorrow may be found, no grief, no care, no toil.
Thy saints are crowned with glory great; they see God face to face; they triumph still, they still rejoice: most happy is their case.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, God grant that I may see thine endless joy, and of the same partaker ever be!
THE SECOND READING | Romans 8:35-39 | Canon Norman Lightbourne (Rector, Christ the King Church)
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reader: The Word of the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God.
TRIBUTES | Ms. Carmeta Miller
Mr. Bert Lightbourne
AS I KNEW HIM | Mr. Lennox Gibbs (Son)
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN | Through All The Changing Scenes Of Life
Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, the praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ.
Of his deliv’rance I will boast, till all that are distressed from my example comfort take, and charm their griefs to rest.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me; with me exalt his name; when in distress to him I called, he to my rescue came.
The hosts of God encamp around the dwellings of the just; deliv’rance he affords to all who on his succor trust.
Oh, make but trial of his love, experience will decide how blest are they, and only they, who in his truth confide.
Fear him, ye saints, and you will then have nothing else to fear; make you his service your delight, your wants shall be his care.
THE GOSPEL READING | John 11: 17 – 27 (All Standing) | Rev. Kenneth Lewis
RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
Minister: This is the Gospel of Christ. Congregation: Praise be to Christ our Lord
To be chanted (All Standing)
Allelujah, Allelujah, Allelujah, Allelujah, Allelujah, Allelujah, Allelujah, Allelujah
SELECTION | The Grand Bahama Methodist Circuit Choir
SERMON | Rev. Kenneth Lewis
RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
Minister: This is the gospel of christ Congregation: praise be to christ our lord
THE GLORIA PATRI | To Be Chanted (All Standing)
Glory be to the Father
And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end, amen.
REFLECTION HYMN | For All The Saints
For all the saints who from their labors rest, who Thee by faith before the world confessed; Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might; Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. Alleluia, Alleluia!
O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia, Alleluia!
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, Alleluia!
But when there breaks a yet more glorious day; the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of glory passes on His way. Alleluia, Alleluia!
From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, in praise of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia!
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER | (Family members)
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
THE APOSTLES’ CREED (Together - All Standing)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Rev. Dr. Benson Headley
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING | Rev. Kenneth Lewis
PRAISE BE TO YOU, O GOD OUR FATHER, who created us in your own image for eternal fellowship with you.
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING TO YOU, O CHRIST, OUR LORD AND OUR GOD, who have overcome the sharpness of death and opened the Kingdom of heaven to all believers, and are now seated at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.
PRAISE AND BLESSINGS BE TO YOU, O HOLY SPIRIT, GOD OUR COMFORTER, who bear witness within us of our acceptance with the Father and have become the pledge of our eternal inheritance.
ALL PRAISE AND GLORY, BLESSINGS AND HONOUR, THANKSGIVING AND WORSHIP BE TO YOU, O BLESSED TRINITY, FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD FOR EVER AND EVER. Amen.
We bless your name for the life of URBAN whom we today lay to rest. We give you thanks for the joy and the blessing his life has brought to others, and his service to his generation according to your will and for every happy remembrance of his life.
We bless you for your mercy and goodness which have followed URBAN all the days of his life, that now the trials of this world are over and death itself is past. Receive him into your perfect Kingdom and bring us with all who have lived and served you faithfully to the fullness of your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OF COMMENDATION (All Standing)
ETERNAL GOD, who have made us all and hate nothing that you have made, and have given your Son for our redemption we commend our brother URBAN to your perfect mercy and wisdom.
Eternal rest grant unto him. And let perpetual light shine upon him.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (All Standing, Hands joined)
OUR FATHER, which art in heaven; hallowed be thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
BENEDICTION
NOW THE GOD OF PEACE who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal Covenant, make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen
RECESSIONAL HYMN | My God How Wonderful Thou Art
My God, how wonderful Thou art, Thy majesty how bright, How beautiful Thy mercy seat, in depths of burning light!
How dread are Thine eternal years, O everlasting LORD; by prostrate spirits, day and night, incessantly adored.
How wonderful, how beautiful, the sight of Thee must be, Thine endless wisdom, boundless pow’r, and awesome purity.
O how I fear Thee, Living God, with deepest, tend’rest fears, and worship Thee with trembling hope, and penitential tears.
Yet I may love Thee too, O LORD, Almighty as Thou art; or Thou hast stooped to ask of me the love of my poor heart.
No earthly father loves like Thee, no mother e’er so mild, bears and forbears, as Thou hast done with me, Thy sinful child.
Father of Jesus, love’s reward, what rapture will it be, prostrate before Thy throne to lie, and ever gaze on Thee!
Our relationship was so special. No matter how old I became, I was always daddy’s little girl. God in his wisdom chose you to be my father, and you looked to Him to influence you in that role. You were a father par excellence. You were a provider, protector, leader and confidante. I could always count on you through thick and thin, you never disappointed. You supported me throughout my long educational trek. You would find the resources, going from pillar to post, searching for US currency. I always marveled at how a man so small in stature could be so full of energy. You were never idle; busy writing sermons in the wee hours of the morning, or researching a paper for a student who needed your help, busy in the garden, organizing social events, visiting the sick and shut-ins, attending church services. No matter the location or the weather, you attended weddings and funerals. You were so loyal. I remember when Graeme and Spencer were very young, one exclaimed, “grandfather is always working!”
Your spirit attracted people, young and old. Where ever we went – Mr. Gibbs! I was proud to be your daughter. You served with distinction in the home and outside the home; what an honourable man you were! Daddy, you were my bedrock, my source of inspiration and support through the years. When you became ill on December 23rd 2018, I saw the tables turning, and I tried to be your strength. I was honoured to be at your service, to help you through your annus horribilis – I would have it no other way.
Now I must continue without you. You worried about me, but there was no need; for you had already imparted the key life lessons. You taught me through your actions - service above self; but most importantly love and reverence for God.
We shared a passion for Jeopardy; and had a running debate over whether Jakes was better than Hagee. I still say Jakes.
Daddy; I will miss you dearly; but I remain confident in that great and joyful reunion.
Dr. Dawn Gibbs
