The Methodist Church in Anguilla observed a solemn and deeply significant week as it celebrated the lives and ministries of two of its devoted servants, the Rev’d Franklin A. Roberts and the Rev’d E. Dunstan Richardson.
On Thursday, 12 February 2026, the life of Rev’d Roberts was celebrated at the Ebenezer Methodist Chapel in The Valley. The following morning, Friday, 13 February 2026, the same sanctuary was again filled as family, friends, clergy and members of the wider community gathered to give thanks for the life and witness of Rev’d Richardson. Both services respectively began at 10:00 a.m., with interment following at the Bethel Cemetery in South Hill, in a plot reserved for Methodist ministers, a final resting place among fellow servants of the Church they loved and served faithfully.
The two days of worship were marked by reverence, gratitude and a powerful sense of shared history. The Circuit Choir, directed by Mr. Devaunie Richardson, ministered at both services, offering hymns of hope and assurance that lifted hearts, even in grief. Other talented musicians who featured included Dr. George Roberts, famed composer, and Mr. Edmund Roberts, both nephews of Rev’d Roberts, as well as Mr. Lennox Vanterpool and Ms. Diane Brown-Quarless. Tributes were presented by family members, congregational groups and choirs, each recalling not only the public achievements of the ministers but also the personal kindness, mentorship and pastoral care that shaped countless lives.
Rev’d Franklin A. Roberts’ ministry spanned decades and crossed many shores. He served extensively within the Leeward Islands District, including appointments in Nevis, St. Kitts, Montserrat, Antigua, St. Maarten/St. Martin, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica and Curaçao. His pastoral journey also took him to the Jamaica District from 1966 to 1979, and later to the Guyana District, where he served as District Chairman from 1985 to 1988. Those who spoke of him remembered a steady and visionary leader whose influence reached far beyond any single congregation. The Formal Remembrance for Rev’d Roberts was read by his cousin, Mr. Kenn Banks, and the sermon was delivered by Rev. Everald Galbraith, who reflected on a life poured out in faithful service to God and to the Caribbean Church.
Rev’d E. Dunstan Richardson, ordained in 1967, began his pastoral service in the South Caribbean District from 1971 to 1976 before returning to serve widely within the Leeward Islands District. His appointments included Montserrat, St. Kitts, Aruba, Antigua, St. Thomas, Curaçao, St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Croix and Anguilla. He also gave ten years of dedicated service as Secretary to the Leeward Islands District Synod and held the offices of District Candidates’ Secretary and General Secretary for Mission and Evangelism. The Formal Remembrance for Rev’d Richardson was read by his godson, Mr Sanford Richardson. Rev. Otto Wade preached at his funeral, lifting up themes of faithfulness and enduring witness that defined Rev’d Richardson’s ministry.
In honour of these two stalwarts, the funerals drew the Superintendent Ministers of all fifteen circuits in the Leeward Islands District. The District Bishop, Rev’d Damien Hughes, was present, and the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) was represented by former Connexional Bishop Rev’d Otto Wade. Other ministers officiating included District Secretary Rev. Morna Christmas-Frazer, who read the District Obituary for both ministers, and Superintendent Minister Rev Vincia Celestine. Their presence underscored the regional and connexional impact of both men’s service.
Large congregations attended both services, reflecting the breadth of the ministers’ influence. Worshippers came from across the Anguilla Circuit and from other Christian denominations. Visiting relatives and friends travelled from throughout the Caribbean and beyond to stand in solidarity with grieving families and a grateful Church. Government officials and clergy from other churches joined members of the Methodist family, demonstrating the wide respect both ministers commanded in civic and ecclesial life.
For those unable to travel, the services were livestreamed on the Church’s social media platforms, enabling family, friends and members of other circuits across the MCCA to participate in the farewell.
As the final hymns faded and the committal prayers were offered at Bethel Cemetery, the week stood not only as a time of mourning but as a testimony. The lives of Rev’d Franklin A. Roberts and Rev’d E. Dunstan Richardson bore witness to decades of steadfast ministry, regional leadership and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. In celebrating them, the Methodist Church in Anguilla affirmed both its gratitude for their service and its confidence that their legacy will continue to shape generations to come.
