Left: Errol Lee, past student of Knox College and leader of The Bare Essentials Band, leads the congregation in singing at the 60th anniversary service last Sunday. Right: Part of the congregation at Knox College's 60th anniversary service. - photos by George Henry

George Henry, Gleaner Writer

SPALDINGS, Clarendon:

It was a big audience at Spaldings United Church, in Clarendon on Father's Day; not because they were celebrating fathers. It was Knox College's 60th anniversary service.

But, fathers who were in attendance were presented with tokens, and praised for their efforts over the years as they saw to the welfare of their families. The many distinguished past students of Knox who were in attendance took time out to meet, greet, and renew acquaintances while reminiscing about the good old days at the school.

Among those present were: Errol Lee of the Bare Essentials, who sang for the audience, and got them involved; Former principal Dr. Barbara Jones and her husband, Leo, as well as their son, Dr. Gwyn Jones, who is also a past student; Mrs. Molly Rhone, former president of the Jamaica Netball Association; businesswoman Odette Azan-Rose and Mr. Duncan Davidson, son of one of the school's founders, the late Dr. Lewis Davidson.

In her greetings, Ms. Sandra Simmonds, who is president of the Knox Past Students Association, said as the school celebrated 60 years of existence, they were also using the occasion to honourfathers, especially the founding fathers of the institution, including Dr. Davidson and Mr. David Bent.

Fulfilling dreams and aspirations

Ms. Simmonds pointed out that Knox alumni associations at home and abroad, continue to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of the school's founding fathers. As a church school, Simmonds said Knox continued to strive, serve and not to yield, which is its motto.

She also noted that Knox continued to operate on the concepts of a progressive community-wide education, which it had set out to do when the institution was founded 60 years ago on the hills of Spaldings.

The school was rooted in the Christian faith, thus honesty, integrity and the advancement of strong humanitarian and business principles were still evident she also noted.

In his sermon, Rev'd Gary Harriott, who is also a past student, said he was heartened by the fact that more fathers were participating better in their children's upbringing, but expressed concern about men who continue to ill-treat their children, especially the girls.

He said there were men who continued to grow with hate in the society, exploit women and girls for sexual favours and he appealed to them to stop the ungodly practices.

"Relinquish your ties with such acts and get a close relationship with God, so that there can be the start of something different in the society," Rev'd Harriott said.

He also praised the vision of the school's founding fathers, who he said gave much thought to establishing the school in faith.