Smartly-attired, and accompanied by his close-knit family, Pastor Philip Gumbs, one of the younger generation of passionate Anguillian preachers, stepped into the foyer of his Church of God (Holiness) edifice on Sunday morning, March 6, unaware of what was ahead for him. It was a double Appreciation Service for his 25 years of exceedingly successful Ministry, and his 50th Birthday, planned in secret and executed in the presence of a large gathering by family and congregational members.
The congregation included members of his extended family, such as his mother, Mrs. Inez Gumbs, who spends some time in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; his St. Lucian-born theological schoolmate and best friend, Pastor Steven Marcel, the Eastern Caribbean District Overseer of the Church of God (Holiness), based in St. Croix; a number of Pastors from several other churches in Anguilla; and colleagues serving on local public service organisations and boards in which he holds membership.
Pastor Gumbs was the recipient of some fitting words of encouragement from recently-retired Pastor Cecil Richardson of the Central Baptist Church. “I just want you to know, my brother, that I appreciate you and your Ministry,” Pastor Richardson, who has 40 years of Ministry in his particular church, stated among other things. “I have watched you for these many years and I am proud to be associated with you in the Gospel Ministry. Congratulations and to God be the glory….I want you to know that I admire your faithfulness; the stand you take [on issues] based on the word of God. I appreciate your consistency in your Christian life – your walk with God. You have been a beautiful model for many behind you.”
In his sermon, Pastor Marcel, the visiting preacher, spoke with much pleasure about the close friendship and spiritual relationship he and Pastor Gumbs continue to enjoy from their years of theological training. He described the Anguillian Pastor as “an inspiration, mentor and a spiritual guide” to him, and conveyed greetings to him from the sister Churches in St. Croix and elsewhere in the Caribbean region. He said God had blessed his friend “with many skills, abilities and gifts which he has used to bless many others”. He praised him for his passionate ministerial work which had attracted the attention of many local, regional and international religious bodies and individuals. He described him as a pioneer and warrior of the faith.
Pastor Gleason Brooks, who serves as Pastor Gumbs’ assistant in Anguilla, spoke on behalf of two other ministerial colleagues – Pastors Crispin Walsh and Denroy Gumbs. He acknowledged that Pastor Gumbs’ commitment to God and striving ministry had given birth to them as ministers of the Gospel. “His Ministry made a difference in us when we went on to Bible School,” said Pastor Brooks. “It made a difference in the way we preach and some persons have told us they could see that we have had some kind of experience. That experience was a result of his training – not just in word, but in sharing with us through example.”
Among those who participated in the service were members of the Children’s Ministry, Women of Virtue, Men’s Fellowship and the Shekinah Choir.
Pastor and Mrs. Gumbs were the recipients of a travel voucher for a cruise for two, presented on behalf of the church by Mrs. Sonia Morton and to be acted upon before December.
The Pastor was grateful to his wife, Mrs. Cynthia Gumbs, their children and all members of the congregation who planned the joint surprise event for him, and to all the visitors whose presence meant so much to him.
Pastor Gumbs is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Gumbs originally from The Valley, Anguilla, where his father was a well-known preacher. He (Pastor Gumbs) graduated from The Valley Secondary School in 1984 and taught English at Sixth Form level, for one year, before commencing theological studies at the age of 18 at Kansas City College & Bible School. He graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology.
From 1989-1991, he served as Assistant Pastor at the Church of God (Holiness) in Virgin Gorda, where he born on March 6, 1966, and served as a school teacher in addition to his pastoral work. He was transferred to Anguilla in 1991 and ordained Pastor. In 1994 he oversaw the construction of the new Church of God (Holiness) sanctuary on the Queen Elizabeth Avenue. He served as District Overseer of the Eastern Caribbean District for two five-year terms, and is presently Chairman of the Caribbean Conference of the Church of God (Holiness) and Coordinator of the District Men’s Ministry.
Pastor Gumbs’ educational and religious pursuits led him to have served as a Council member of the Anguilla National Trust; a member of the Education Advisory Board, the National Aids Committee and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School where he taught in 1997 and 2003. He is presently a member of the Anguilla Public Service, a Certified Mediator with the Anguilla Judiciary Department and host of the Radio Anguilla Social Solutions talk show.
He and his wife Cynthia, a teacher at the Comprehensive School, have three children – Joshua, Aaron and Danielle.
