The consecration and robing of Pastor Dr Samuel U Daniel, as Bishop of the Church of God of Prophecy in the Anguilla District, was one of the most impressive ceremonial events seen at the ordination of ministers on the island in recent times. Yet, for the Bishop-Elect, known for his humility, it was one of his most humbling experiences.
The eventtook place at the Church of God of Prophecy at West End on Sunday, March 30. The Chief Consecrator was the General Presbyter in the Caribbean region, Bishop Clayton Martin of Jamaica, who was assisted by other Bishops including Bishop Michael Greenaway of Montserrat, the Regional Overseer in the Leeward Islands. There is one other Church of God of Prophecy Church in Anguilla – the now Spanish congregation at South Hill; and it is understood that another Spanish Church is to be established in the Welches/Island Harbour area of the island.
Aside from being Senior Pastor at the Church at West End, Bishop Daniel is the Head of the Counselling Department at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School; an Adjunct Psychology Lecturer and Counsellor at the Anguilla Community College; a Tutor with the Anguilla In Service Teacher Training Programme in Educational Psychology; a Counsellor at the Hughes Medical Centre; and a Fellow of Cambridge Commonwealth Society in the UK. He holds a Doctor of Ministries Degree in Biblical Counselling from Friends International Christian University in California; a Masters of Philosophy Degree from Cambridge University; a Certificate in Counselling from the United Theological College of the West Indies, Jamaica; a Bachelor of Education (Hons) Degree from the University of the West Indies; a Certificate in Teacher Education from the College of Further Education in St Kitts; and an Advanced Certificate in Health and Family Life Education from the UWI School of Continuing Studies.
Born in England, he was raised in St Kitts and in 1992 he migrated to Anguilla, the birthplace of his wife and two children; and in 1999 he was appointed Pastor of the West End Church of God of Prophecy. In 2003 he became District Overseer and in 2004 he was appointed Christian Education Director in the Leeward Islands.
In delivering the sermon, based on the leadership of Moses and Joshua, Bishop Clayton Martin said in part: “Bishop Daniel, like Joshua, you have a big task to perform and various challenges to face…Today you have come to be consecrated. I want you to know that your foundation is Jesus Christ and He will see you through.”
The Chief Consecrator presented Bishop Daniel with a Bible as a symbol of authority; and he was dressed in the Bishop’s Garment by Bishop Greenaway who also presented him with the appropriate license. This was followed by a response from Dr Daniel who, among other matters, pledged to uphold the principles of the high office; his call to God’s service and to build a legacy of spiritual leadership.
