|
From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates
Miami, Florida – From the time he was a small boy, Denrick Ephraim Rolle knew he wanted to be a priest. There was nothing else he wanted to do with his life, he said. But becoming shepherd of one of the most historic Black churches in Miami is a stark reality for the 36-year-old, who was inducted Pastor and Rector of Saint Agnes Episcopal Anglican Church located on 1750 Northwest Third Avenue. During the mass held Sunday, December 2, 2012, Reverend Rolle was presented with the Bible, a vessel of water, the stole, a book of prayers, oil, the keys of the church, the Constitution and Canons of the church, and the bread and wine – all tools for serving in the ministry. “I am excited. I think there is a lot of work to be done and I am excited to be getting it done here in Overtown,” said Reverend Rolle. He asked God to be faithful in administering His Holy Sacraments “and by my life and teaching set forth your true and living Word.” Saint Agnes Episcopal Church is one of Miami’s oldest and largest churches, which had its origin in October 1897. Rev’d Rolle explained how he came into the church with such a rich legacy. “St Agnes came after me pretty much. My knowledge of St Agnes is quite limited. Father Barry called me about four years ago and mentioned to me that he was about to retire and wanted someone to take on the responsibility of the parish. So I told him I would consider and well, the rest is history,” he said. His Immediate plans are to become more entrenched in the community, know what the peoples’ needs are and seek to respond to them in a positive way. “So part of my responsibility to the parish is getting to know the people in the immediate community first and then seeking to build them in every way possible, spiritually, academically and otherwise.” Notwithstanding the American influence in the church he said those who came from Bahamian roots, have never lost that connection. Hence with him being there would be an opportunity to revitalise that which they’ve always had. “I’ve always wanted to be a priest. It was actually the priest of my parish that caused me to be attracted to the kinds of movements around the altar. So I have never seen myself as anything other than a priest. “And in fairness, there are many priests throughout the years who have helped me and have stood by me and taught me in many ways how to go about achieving that,” he said. Rev’d Rolle also credited his grandmother and mother for their support and instilling values in him which ultimately led to him becoming a priest. Another interest of his is that of lecturing/teaching at the university level should the opportunity present itself. His message to the young men is that you can achieve whatever you want to accomplish. Some will have to work harder than others but if you are determined there are people along the way who will help. “Giving up is not an option and we have to be more concerned about building our self image than being concerned about what others say we are, what others say we can be. That is very important especially within our Bahamian culture where we have become so judgmental and where we pay attention to the things we see and hear, which have very little bearing on the true essence of a person’s heart and soul; that which only God knows. “So my encouragement to young persons throughout the length and breadth of our country is to study hard and use education as a means to expose yourself to places that you cannot travel and use the knowledge and wisdom of those who have gone on before who can teach you how to live,” he said. To have the Prime Minister pledged Bahamian support to the church, Rev’d Rolle said it gave him great joy to know that his home is willing to back him up. Reverend Rolle was born in New Providence on August 18, 1976. He is a graduate of Freeport Anglican High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados and a Master of Philosophy degree from the University of the West Indies in 2012. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree with Second Class Honours, and received the Colin and Pearl Hirton Prize in Theology. He was Curate of Christ the King, Ridgeland Park West from 2002-2004; Parish Priest of All Saints Parish (All Saints, St David, St Alban, St Barnabas and St Mary) in Mangrove Cay and South Andros from 2004-2010.
|
