By Joseph Gregoire
GRANDBAY, Dominica--Wednesday, June 19, marked a magnificent demonstration of Christian co-existence in Dominica.
The occasion that brought this about was the burial of Lambert Henderson, deputy principal of the GrandBay Secondary School.
Mr. Henderson was a member of the Worldwide Church of God for 22 years until his battle with abdominal cancer ended June 13, at the age of 42.
Simply put, Lambert Henderson was an exceptional Christian man, whose life was dedicated to the service of God and fellow humans.
These qualities were so visible that Jerome Moody of the Roman Catholic Church offered the facilities of his church and cemetery for the burial service and interment in the event of Mr. Henderson's death.
This offer could only have been accepted today because of our understanding that there are Christians in other churches.
Paul Krautmann, pastor of the Dominica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent churches, stressed this point when he conducted the burial ceremony.
Crisford Vidal, a local church elder, was master of ceremonies. Mr. Moody gave a eulogy on Mr. Henderson's achievements in the fields of education, sports, music, culture and community development.
As a friend, I delivered a eulogy based on the spiritual aspects of the life of this remarkable man.
In the presence of several priests, ministers and pastors of other religious denominations, Mr. Krautmann's message was short, powerful and to the point. Many said that their respect for the Worldwide Church of God increased because of Mr. Krautmann's public admission and apology for the church's former belief that true Christians could not be found in other churches.
Plans have been made to get involved with the various denominations and cultural groups of the community in projects to foster greater spiritual and mutual benefits.
Although the Dominican church has lost an outstanding member, his wife, Margaret Rose, has lost a husband, and his three children, Marie-Claire, Michele and Jonathan, have lost a father, we have all gained the respect of the various denominations of the country along with the admiration of the people of GrandBay, where Mr. Henderson lived.
This admiration was demonstrated at a fund-raising sportsorama that took place in GrandBay for the family on the weekend of Mr. Henderson's death.
On sale, and quickly in short supply, were shirts printed in tribute to the man affectionately known as coach by many sportsmen and women of the community.
The church funeral service was preceded by a memorial tribute to Mr. Henderson in his home village. Starting one kilometer from the church, in a 45-minute procession, the body was preceded by a contingent of uniformed Boy Scouts, Brownies, cricketers, basketballers and the rounders team, followed by a crowd of students and villagers with solemn music in the background.
The final viewing of Mr. Henderson took place on the basketball court outside the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Henderson had a passion for basketball and was a key figure in the rebuilding of the GrandBay basketball court.
A tent and public address system were erected on the court for the final viewing of the body and a community memorial tribute.
Distinguished villagers rendered their glowing tributes in oratory and song to the outstanding life, work and achievements of Lambert Henderson.
The turnout for the burial service, estimated to be at least 1,500 people, included political dignitaries such as the parliamentary representative of the GrandBay community and the parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs.
The occasion had a celebrative rather than mournful atmosphere, in accordance with Mr. Henderson's parting words regarding his funeral: "I do not want sorrow or sadness. Rejoice that I am going to the kingdom."
The funeral service was carried live on GrandBay's Radio En Bas Mango and was later reported in the print and broadcast media with televised footage on the news.
Nov. 19, 1996, Worldwide News, page 15
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