Were it possible, the roof of the Christian Fellowship Church would have been ripped off by the jubilant and thrilling songs of praise; the riveting and well-coordinated sounds of the highly-turned musical instruments; and the energetic dancing by several performers – all in celebration of the life and service of the Reverend Dr. Alfred Ambrose Richardson.
Further, were it possible, the late beloved Anguillian Preacher would have been awoken from his perpetual sleep by the delightful clamour to inquire from the vast crowd, in his own particular vernacular and style: “Wha happen to ayer”? And, were it possible, the foundation of the main church building would have crumbled due to the enormous weight of the jam-packed multitude. The situation was eased somewhat when the swarming crowd spilled over into the spacious annex and under the large double tent, filling both to capacity as well.
Spellbound by the enormity of the two days of celebration, September 4 and 5, it is difficult for The Anguillian newspaper, like so many people, to describe – other than in the above manner – what amounted to have been perhaps the biggest-recorded farewell service, celebration, and fan-fare, for any departed Anguillian national so far.
On the first day, Friday, September 4, there was an almost three-hour session of tributes attended by “the whole of Anguilla”, as one person, unable to give an estimate or a composition of the overwhelming crowd, put it. That event was dubbed Tributes [for] The Man: An Unmatched Legacy: A True Egalitarian. It also gave all persons an opportunity to file past the mahogany casket bearing the remains of “the-larger-than-life” Pastor known for his candour, pragmatism, lofty ideals and leadership qualities. The second day was the funeral or, as it was formally referred to, the “Service of Thanksgiving & Celebration”. Like the first event, this also attracted “the whole of Anguilla”.
The Service of Tributes, led by Music Minister, Mr. Chris Richardson, included performances by the Worship and Praise Team of the Christian Fellowship Church, the Senior Choir, the Children Sunday School, members of the Dance Ministry, the Men’s Fellowship and the Kingdom Awakening Dancers. The Programme also featured tributes by Pastors from various other Churches and/or members of their congregations in Anguilla, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Atlanta and elsewhere. One of the participating groups was the Domino Club at the Clayton Lloyd International Airport of which the celebrated Pastor Ambrose was a notable member.
The Service of Thanksgiving & Celebration, on Saturday, September 5, also saw a full and lively programme. In a statement of expressions on behalf of the Christian Fellowship Church, prominent member, Mrs. Grace Carty, spoke about its establishment in 1967 by Pastor Ambrose, with a small group of followers, to its present overwhelming growth; Pastor’s caring love, leadership and methodologies for the advancement of the ministry. Concluding her delivery, she stated: “Pastor taught us to hold to things in life loosely and we did just that; but we failed to hold to him loosely. We emphasise: Pastor, you gone too soon. A void has not only been left in our hearts, but in the earth. Engraved on his epitaph is being scripted: ‘An unmatched legacy; the ultimate effervescent Spiritual Leader; a true egalitarian”’.
Mr. Clyde Richardson, eldest son of the late Pastor Ambrose, and a Building Contractor in Anguilla, spoke on behalf of his mother, Associate Pastor Reverend Kathleen Richardson, and his brothers – Pastor Carl Richardson, who is serving in St. Thomas, and Mr. Curtis Richardson, Minister of Infrastructure in Anguilla. He told about his father’s love, spiritual guidance and the family life they enjoyed. He was grateful for the support of the vibrant Church and that of the citizenry of Anguilla in general.
The eulogy was delivered by Clyde’s youngest brother, Curtis, who, having traced his father’s family, spiritual and social life, described him as: “a shepherd, a counsellor, an advisor, a businessman; a voice of wisdom; a no-nonsense person; a man who loved dominoes and games; a man who loved joking and being jovial; a superb father to his sons and those born in the spirit; an exemplary husband; a man who kept his word; a strong witness that God was mighty in all His ways; but, most of all, his biggest attribute was his desire to see everyone walk diligently with God.”
The meditation was presented by Curtis’ other brother, Pastor Carl Richardson, who first saluted and thanked all church leaders in attendance; and the rest of the crowd inside and outside the church building. “My father was much loved and will be greatly missed,” he told his listeners. “The full expression of his life, his love, and his ministry, even now lives on; and, as I look across this sanctuary, it is written all over your faces. Proverbs 10 says…that the memory of a righteous man is a blessing; and I am going to tell you that my life will be blessed by the memory of my dad. Today, we have come to celebrate and honour a righteous man. He was a good man; a good husband; a good father; a good father-in-law; a good grandfather; and a good shepherd; and… an excellent friend. Pastor Ambrose was faithful and strong; he raised a strong family; he built a strong church; and he was surrounded by loyal friends and good people….Even now, we glory in this one compelling truth: God was his strength; God was his song and God is his salvation.”
The massive attendance from the rank and file of the Anguillian community, the outpouring of diverse and glowing tributes, and the high level of organisation and celebration, took on some of the characteristics of a national funeral.
Those who officiated at the Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration, included Pastor Iton Connor, a member of the early Church and a long-time friend and associate of the late Pastor Ambrose; Pastor Carl Richardson; the Christian Fellowship Church Worship Team, led by Music Minister, Chris Richardson, as stated above, and Mr Lemuel Harris, Musician. Bob Simple, a close friend of Pastor Ambrose, was also among the platform personnel.
The departed Reverend Dr. Alfred Ambrose Richardson, who was born on July 3, 1943, passed from this life on August 25, 2015 in Puerto Rico where he had been receiving treatment. His remains were interred at the Sandy Ground Cemetery on Saturday September 5.
Were it possible, the roof of the Christian Fellowship Church would have been ripped off by the jubilant and thrilling songs of praise; the riveting and well-coordinated sounds of the highly-turned musical instruments; and the energetic dancing by several performers – all in celebration of the life and service of the Reverend Dr. Alfred Ambrose Richardson.
Further, were it possible, the late beloved Anguillian Preacher would have been awoken from his perpetual sleep by the delightful clamour to inquire from the vast crowd, in his own particular vernacular and style: “Wha happen to ayer”? And, were it possible, the foundation of the main church building would have crumbled due to the enormous weight of the jam-packed multitude. The situation was eased somewhat when the swarming crowd spilled over into the spacious annex and under the large double tent, filling both to capacity as well.
Spellbound by the enormity of the two days of celebration, September 4 and 5, it is difficult for The Anguillian newspaper, like so many people, to describe – other than in the above manner – what amounted to have been perhaps the biggest-recorded farewell service, celebration, and fan-fare, for any departed Anguillian national so far.
On the first day, Friday, September 4, there was an almost three-hour session of tributes attended by “the whole of Anguilla”, as one person, unable to give an estimate or a composition of the overwhelming crowd, put it. That event was dubbed Tributes [for] The Man: An Unmatched Legacy: A True Egalitarian. It also gave all persons an opportunity to file past the mahogany casket bearing the remains of “the-larger-than-life” Pastor known for his candour, pragmatism, lofty ideals and leadership qualities. The second day was the funeral or, as it was formally referred to, the “Service of Thanksgiving & Celebration”. Like the first event, this also attracted “the whole of Anguilla”.
The Service of Tributes, led by Music Minister, Mr. Chris Richardson, included performances by the Worship and Praise Team of the Christian Fellowship Church, the Senior Choir, the Children Sunday School, members of the Dance Ministry, the Men’s Fellowship and the Kingdom Awakening Dancers. The Programme also featured tributes by Pastors from various other Churches and/or members of their congregations in Anguilla, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Atlanta and elsewhere. One of the participating groups was the Domino Club at the Clayton Lloyd International Airport of which the celebrated Pastor Ambrose was a notable member.
The Service of Thanksgiving & Celebration, on Saturday, September 5, also saw a full and lively programme. In a statement of expressions on behalf of the Christian Fellowship Church, prominent member, Mrs. Grace Carty, spoke about its establishment in 1967 by Pastor Ambrose, with a small group of followers, to its present overwhelming growth; Pastor’s caring love, leadership and methodologies for the advancement of the ministry. Concluding her delivery, she stated: “Pastor taught us to hold to things in life loosely and we did just that; but we failed to hold to him loosely. We emphasise: Pastor, you gone too soon. A void has not only been left in our hearts, but in the earth. Engraved on his epitaph is being scripted: ‘An unmatched legacy; the ultimate effervescent Spiritual Leader; a true egalitarian”’.
Mr. Clyde Richardson, eldest son of the late Pastor Ambrose, and a Building Contractor in Anguilla, spoke on behalf of his mother, Associate Pastor Reverend Kathleen Richardson, and his brothers – Pastor Carl Richardson, who is serving in St. Thomas, and Mr. Curtis Richardson, Minister of Infrastructure in Anguilla. He told about his father’s love, spiritual guidance and the family life they enjoyed. He was grateful for the support of the vibrant Church and that of the citizenry of Anguilla in general.
The eulogy was delivered by Clyde’s youngest brother, Curtis, who, having traced his father’s family, spiritual and social life, described him as: “a shepherd, a counsellor, an advisor, a businessman; a voice of wisdom; a no-nonsense person; a man who loved dominoes and games; a man who loved joking and being jovial; a superb father to his sons and those born in the spirit; an exemplary husband; a man who kept his word; a strong witness that God was mighty in all His ways; but, most of all, his biggest attribute was his desire to see everyone walk diligently with God.”
The meditation was presented by Curtis’ other brother, Pastor Carl Richardson, who first saluted and thanked all church leaders in attendance; and the rest of the crowd inside and outside the church building. “My father was much loved and will be greatly missed,” he told his listeners. “The full expression of his life, his love, and his ministry, even now lives on; and, as I look across this sanctuary, it is written all over your faces. Proverbs 10 says…that the memory of a righteous man is a blessing; and I am going to tell you that my life will be blessed by the memory of my dad. Today, we have come to celebrate and honour a righteous man. He was a good man; a good husband; a good father; a good father-in-law; a good grandfather; and a good shepherd; and… an excellent friend. Pastor Ambrose was faithful and strong; he raised a strong family; he built a strong church; and he was surrounded by loyal friends and good people….Even now, we glory in this one compelling truth: God was his strength; God was his song and God is his salvation.”
The massive attendance from the rank and file of the Anguillian community, the outpouring of diverse and glowing tributes, and the high level of organisation and celebration, took on some of the characteristics of a national funeral.
Those who officiated at the Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration, included Pastor Iton Connor, a member of the early Church and a long-time friend and associate of the late Pastor Ambrose; Pastor Carl Richardson; the Christian Fellowship Church Worship Team, led by Music Minister, Chris Richardson, as stated above, and Mr Lemuel Harris, Musician. Bob Simple, a close friend of Pastor Ambrose, was also among the platform personnel.
The departed Reverend Dr. Alfred Ambrose Richardson, who was born on July 3, 1943, passed from this life on August 25, 2015 in Puerto Rico where he had been receiving treatment. His remains were interred at the Sandy Ground Cemetery on Saturday September 5.
