Scores of household, well-wishers and supporters packed the Kendal Convention Centre in Manchester on Saturday to pay tribute to the life and towering legacy of Bishop Dr Percival Alton Manradgh, bishop and normal overseer of the Jamaica Free Baptist Church buildings (JFBC) – a denomination encompassing greater than a dozen branches throughout the island.
Manradgh led the 4 Paths department of the JFBC, the place he ministered alongside his spouse of 42 years, Pastor Lois Manradgh.
In a show of reverence and unity, the congregation was adorned in purple and white – colors symbolising royalty, dignity, non secular knowledge, and purity – a wholly becoming homage to a person whose life, many mentioned, embodied these virtues.
Saturday’s Thanksgiving ceremony marked the ultimate chapter in a three-part commemoration of Bishop Manradgh’s life. The primary service was held in Could in america, adopted by a tribute service on June 19 at Mount Bethel JFBC in 4 Paths – the church the place Manradgh was baptised on the age of 12, and the place, for many years, he ministered and constructed his non secular legacy.
The collection of commemorations bore the theme: ‘A Shepherd’s Legacy – Constructed on Love, Led by God’.
LAUNCH OF FOUNDATION
Saturday’s service additionally served because the official launch of the Bishop Percival Manradgh Basis.
The ambiance was one in all deep reverence and solemnity, with elegantly crafted shiny programmes overflowing with tributes – together with that from Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, and Olivia Grange, minister of tradition, gender, leisure and sport.
Manradgh, 63, transitioned on Could 14. His household mentioned he died of a cardiac arrest. Information of his premature passing reverberated far and large, sending shockwaves via the native and worldwide spiritual communities as folks grappled with the lack of a person honored as a real servant of God.
In his tribute, Holness praised Manradgh as “a exceptional non secular chief whose affect spanned greater than 5 many years, and touched numerous lives throughout Jamaica and past”.
Grange, in her reflections, mentioned she was saddened to listen to of the passing of Manradgh, who she described as a dedicated and steadfast steward.
Grange added: “I had the pleasure of assembly Bishop just a few years in the past on the thanksgiving service for my cousin, Cleonie Whyte-Robinson. Though it was a troublesome time for our household, Bishop was a pillar of energy and a supply of consolation throughout a difficult interval. To his household, on behalf of the Authorities of Jamaica, I stand with you right now,” Grange mentioned, including, “Bishop was a lightweight in his neighborhood, throughout Jamaica and inside the diaspora.”
Manradgh’s voice was additionally a well-recognized and cherished one on the airwaves – his impassioned preaching on the favored radio programme, Complete Reward resonated with listeners each close to and much.
Posited by many as a deeply family-oriented man who strove all the time to offer his greatest to his family members, Manradgh, a grandfather to 5, was remembered with profound affection by his youngsters. Their tributes, draped in heat and heartfelt emotion, painted the portrait of a loyal father whose love and unwavering steering had formed their lives.
His passing got here simply three days shy of witnessing his eldest son’s doctoral commencement – a milestone the household mentioned he had eagerly anticipated.
TRIBUTE
Dr Demar Manradgh, the eldest of the late bishop’s three sons, and one of many officiants on the service, spoke with nice emotion about his father’s life and ministry.
“His spirit got here alive in worship, and his voice was usually lifted in songs that stirred heaven and earth. His affect stretched far past these partitions, and his ministry has left footprints throughout communities, generations, and hearts. At this time, we honour not solely the person, however the mission – not solely the loss, however the lasting legacy,” Demar mentioned.
His second son, Sanjay, proudly holds the title of their dad’s beloved domino companion.
“So many reminiscences flood my coronary heart, however what I’ll cherish most is the easy pleasure of our social life collectively, particularly the laughter and enjoyable shared over numerous video games of dominoes,” mentioned Sanjay in a tribute.
Manradgh’s youngest son, Sachin, delivering the muse’s quotation, described the initiative as an everlasting embodiment of their father’s ardour for ministry, unwavering religion, and dedication to the following era.
“Rooted in his ardour for ministry, dedication and his unwavering perception within the empowerment of younger folks, the muse will work to help youngsters in want by offering important college provides and serving to to take away boundaries to their progress and success,” mentioned Sachin. The inspiration will even search to develop extra Christ-centred initiatives inside the neighborhood.
Manradgh’s spouse, Pastor Lois Manradgh, delivered the sermon beneath the theme, ‘Devoted till demise’. She asserted her late husband as her secure place and an answered prayer. The friendship that they had shaped as mere 12-year-olds morphed into many years of affection and ministry.
“What started in youthful friendship, blossomed right into a sacred bond that solely Heaven may have orchestrated. By means of the years, you taught me the which means of unwavering religion. You really liked God first after which, in doing so, taught our sons not solely tips on how to lead, however tips on how to love,” she mentioned in a tribute.
Courtney Campbell, of the JFBC, 4 Paths youth division mentioned they may miss their bishop’s routine check-ins, and expressions of his compassion and care.
Though there have been moments of sorrow, the day’s celebration usually swelled with vibrant, joyful vitality – resembling a grand live performance of reward, with soul-stirring music, spirited dance, and rousing worship – a triumphant farewell to a life dedicated to religion, service, and the unifying energy of affection.
