“Celebrating a century” that was the theme and sentiment for Joseph Bailey at his 100th birthday celebration on Saturday, May 3 at the Salem Baptist Church, St Ann. Family, friends and members of the church gathered to show their love for Deacon Bailey. A divine worship service was held which consisted of a few selections of praise, the sharing of God’s words andgreetings by retired veterans and community members. Joseph Bailey was born on May 3 1914, and is the only child for his mother Sophia Fullerton and father Hezekiah Bailey.
Joseph has lived a wonderful life and said to have seen it all. He Attended the Sturge Town Elementary School and is said to have lived a holy Christian life and helped to motivate and inspire the community. Joseph joined the British army on August 17, 1944 and served for six and a half years. He Lived in Green Castle and moved to Kingston during his service in the army. After serving, he returned to Green Castle and later moved to Salem where his mother bought a property. Joseph was married twice; his first wife being Joyce James and his present wife being Ruth Tilly. Both unions produced no children.
A brief sermon was presented by Reverend Donald Fisher, after which a citation was presented to Mr Bailey for his dedication to the Salem Baptist Church and his long life in making it to a century. This citation was read by Grace Muir-Hector. A part of the citation stated “We salute you for your faithful service to God and this church for the past 54 years. As a deacon to the work of God, Josephs has helped to lay the foundation for fellowship which we now enjoy.”
Joseph Bailey is said to have great carpeting skills which he used to help to expand and maintain the physical structure of the Salem Baptist Church. In a brief reply to the tributes, Mr Bailey thanked the church dearly for the gratitude and love shown towards him in celebrating his 100th birthday. After the divine worship everyone was treated with a scrumptious meal and dined with Mr Bailey and his wife. A special moment was the cutting of a beautifully decorated birthday cake, a moment grasped by Mr Bailey. He and his grand niece, Marcella Haye, did the honours to much applause from the appreciative gathering.
