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Community : Grand Bahama Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Grand Bahama Acolytes Receive Special Recognition
By Clayton Curtis
Jun 10, 2014 - 11:28:52 AM

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Archdeacon Harry Bain is seen presenting Top Acolyte awards to: Patriquo Hanna from St. Mary Magdalene in West End, as Fr. Ian Claridge looks on; Malia Swann from the Pro Cathedral of Christ the King, Freeport, as she is supported by Fr. Alvardo Adderley; Tammal Pinder from the Church of the Good Shepherd in Pinder’s Point who was nominated by Rev. Erma Ambrose; and Daznielle Jones, from St. Stephen’s in Eight Mile Rock, as her priest Fr. Rudolph Cooper looks on.

Recently, the Anglican Churches in Grand Bahama came together for a special service to honour the Most Outstanding Acolyte (also called Altar Servers) in the various parishes here on the island. The venue was the picturesque Church of The Ascension and young persons from every parish were present for the momentous occasion.

Acolytes, who collectively form the Guild of St. Ambrose, are an integral part of the worship experience within the Anglican Church, as they assist the Clergy in various aspects of the service. Even before the services begin, and quite often on a Saturday or other days of the week, these altar servers are responsible for trimming the candles, polishing various instruments and vessels that will be used in the worship, and generally make preparations for the service.

During the actual worship experience, they can be seen as either the Thurifer who is responsible for the incense, along with the Boat Boy/Girl who actually carries the container of incense; to the Crucifer, who majestically carries the processional cross, escorted by the acolytes on either side; and the Master of Ceremonies, who would orchestrate the orderly movement of members of the congregation as they move to and from the Lectern to expound and declare Holy Scripture or to offer the Prayers of the People.

This is a ministry all in itself and requires a considerable amount of rehearsals so as to move both in synchronization and in reverence. The young members who perform these duties do so totally on a volunteer basis and when they can very easily be engaged in some other activity. It requires a considerable degree of trust, as quite often, the Acolytes are responsible for carrying out their duties and the preparation for services without the direct supervision of the clergy. They also role models for other young persons in the parish and as such may be called upon to serve in leadership roles in other youth ministries within the church.

The sermon was preached by Fr. Rudolph Cooper, Rector of St. Stephen’s Parish in Eight Mile Rock, who admonished the youth to remain focussed and dedicated, as their service was not for form or fashion or to receive praises from men but to the honour and glory of God. At this service, every Acolyte in attendance was presented with a special crucifix which is to now be worn whenever they are dressed in their cassocks and cottas. The top Acolyte in each parish was then presented with a plaque declaring them as the Acolyte of the Year for their respective parish. A similar service was also held in New Providence for the parishes there.



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