Sabriena Simpson
“Forty years in any institution, in any job, or as a wife is hard work,” said Evangelist Cherilyn Henry, guest speaker at an honour service held in appreciation of a woman who has dedicated her life to serving her church. The Ebenezer Pentecostal Church of God, on Sunday, December 7, held an honour service in appreciation of Marlene Steer (Snr), who has been the church secretary for the past 40 years. The service commenced with some lively devotional songs which were led by Winsome Hutchinson. Subsequently, the congregation was led into prayer by Reverend Hibbert. The scripture reading which followed was done by Chevonie Hill. Host pastor of the Ebenezer Pentecostal Church, Reverend Bernard Dunn said, in his greetings, that at the end of every year Mrs Steer was able to give an account of every cent that came into the church and how it had been spent. “The job of a church secretary calls for patience, it calls for endurance,” he said. “Some people think it is about sending letters and collecting money but they would not last three months in the position.”
“All her life has been spent in this church and you can depend on her”, he continued. “I always say that the woman knows how to stretch money” he laughed. Pastor of the Davis Town Pentecostal Church Bryan Lemon, said when the young people in the church refuse to participate in different activities, he always reflects on Sister Steer who has been serving the church in the same capacity from he was a boy. Similarly, chairman of the service, Deacon G. Orrett said that the youths in the church were reluctant to participate when asked but Mrs Steer who has a hearing impediment has never ceased to carry out her duties. Reverend Leroy Henry who represented the Bamboo Circuit of Churches said Mrs Steer was a model to other churches as it relates to secretarial jobs. “You can hardly find persons to do ten years much less 40 years. Well done and your reward is in heaven,” he told her. Playing on her name, he then told her to “continue steering.”
The audience enjoyed an electrifying rendition of a Louise Bennett poem by Chenelle Simpson, a song selection by the Campbell sisters and a heart-warming medley of songs done by Marlene, Althea and Samuel Steer, children of Mrs Steer. Guest speaker Evangelist Cherilyn Henry, who received a standing ovation after her speech, said she had planned to leave the island before the ceremony but when she received the invitation and saw the forty years of dedication, she decided that she had to be present. “Forty years is worthy of high commendation, she remarked. Every single letter that I have ever received from this church was always signed by M. Steer.” She said that it was not easy to find persons who were dedicated or committed to a task and she was honoured to be a part of the service. “She was concerned about the welfare of the church and God’s ministry and she wanted to be a part of it,” Evangelist Henry said. “She always gives, even if it is a word of encouragement and we can stand here and speak boldly because whatever we are saying about her is true.” In the citation done by Joan Kenyon, Mrs Steer was described as a motivator, visionary, confidant, an excellent actress and one who always opened up her home to visitors.
RESPONSE
In her response Mrs. Steer said she really appreciated the effort that they made to honour her and that whatever she had done was all through Jesus. “I am really happy to be here tonight and I just want to say thank you all,” she responded as she smiled. She also thanked Pastor Dunn and his wife Ethlyn Dunn, with whom she lived for a number of years, for their guidance and supervision in her life. She also thanked her late husband who died in a car accident earlier this year and joked that sometimes he said “All yuh think bout a church.” Mrs Steer added however that he was very supportive of her and never stopped her from doing the work of the Lord.She was presented with some gifts and awards towards the end of the ceremony and the event ended with a vote of thanks done by Joel Kenyon.
