Centenarian on the go! By Dale McNish, Freelance Writer WESTERN BUREAU:
AS A youngster, retired Bishop Samuel Adolphus Robinson did not have a heart for anything else other than winning souls. His entry into the ministry over five decades ago was the fulfilment of a life-long dream and he blazed the gospel trail with vigour and consistency thereafter.
Bishop Robinson, who celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday, retired from active pastoral duties seven years ago. "Daddy Rob", as he is fondly called, pastored the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic (formerly Christ Temple United Church of Jesus) in Darliston, Westmoreland, for 58 years. "I thank God for His grace and mercy... I didn't know I would live to see a hundred, I'm satisfied with my life of living and ready to go home to my maker," said a sprightly Bishop Robinson, as he lay on his verandah chair with legs propped up. Born in Mahoe, St. Elizabeth on June 1, 1901, Bishop Robinson's transition from a life of sin to accepting Christ at age 26 during a regular church service didn't take much prompting. "I used to attend church regularly as a young man... I wasn't a bad boy, I didn't curse but I had girlfriends until one day the Lord touched my heart and saved me," he recalled. The church in Darliston was founded in 1930 by the late Bishop George Whyte and his wife Melvenie, "Daddy Rob" recalled during those early days meetings were held on the streets due to the absence of a building. "I remember how energetic we were evangelising to people, we would walk distance having meetings all over the place because we had a passion for souls," he said. When the Whytes resigned from the Darliston congregation after six years of service, their natural successor was Bishop Robinson, who accepted the baton and stride with diligence, fortitude and patience. "Except on one occasion when he visited the United States for a short period, I cant recall Bishop Robinson ever leaving his congregation, he stuck by us during those many years of service," said Phyllis Harvey, who is now pastoring the congregation. According to Pastor Harvey who got saved under the ministry of Bishop Robinson 44 years ago, members and non-members alike view Bishop Robinson as their mentor. "He is loved and respected by many, he's an asset to the community and people just love him," Pastor Harvey said. "He was a dynamic preacher, mannerly and quiet-natured. He never compromised the gospel and tell it to you like it is," Pastor Harvey conceded. Standing at 5ft 3ins, the centenarian who still has his 32 teeth in tact, only suffers from a "little old-age pain" and his faculties are unimpaired except for occasional memory lapse. Bishop Robinson, who has an open diet attends church occasionally and is able to read without his tested glasses. He still manages to do a number of things on his own and attributed his longevity and versatility to his clean life and God's goodness. Bishop Robinson's wife of 25 years Florence Wong pre-deceased him 18 years ago. The union did not produce any children. The church community will be hosting a service of appreciation in honour of Bishop Robinson tomorrow at 4 p.m. Delegates from across the island and overseas are expected to be in attendance, in addition to Prime Minister P. J. Patterson (who is Member of Parliament for the area) and Governor-General Sir Howard Cook, who were both invited. Now you can send your articles, letters, suggestions and personal requests directly to the Religion Feature at: religion@gleanerjm.com or write us at Religion Feature, The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kgn
|
