06/04/2013
REV. LAWRENCE AND MOTHER PINDER. 31st. ANNIVERSARY AND RETIREMENT CELEBRATIONS.
The evening was balmy as hundreds flocked the historic settlement of High Rock, Grand Bahama for the end of an era and what we know is historic, the final pastoral celebration and retirement service for an icon of a preacher Rev. Lawrence G. Pinder and his wife Mother Theresa Pinder.
The event was filled with fanfare and a spectacular show of the highest regard for a man of God, who had served with honor and distinction. This event was speckled with local celebrities and dignitaries including , the current member of parliment for East. Grand Bahama and his family Mr. Peter Turnquest, Mr. Harvey Tynes , father of P.L.P. senator Teneshia Tynes, Mr. Ellis, local government chief, Bishop Huden Roberts-High Rock first Televangelist, Bishop Arnold Pinder Jr. , Rev. Rev. Rudolph Roberts, Rev . Peterson Baillou, Pastor Carolyn Cooper, Rev. Alison Pinder, Rev. Paul Mullings, and many other pastors, evangelists family and friends.
While the hundreds of well wishers packed the church facilities the Bahamas Brass Band fill the atmosphere with the jubilant sounds of praises to almighty God. After parading the streets of High Rock the band lead with a triumphant march into the church. A red carpet was then spread and Rev. and Mrs. Lawrence Pinder entered and were escorted to their seats in a display of royalty fitting for the office they both held in the hearts of their members and friends.
The service got off to a great start with opening remarks by Rev. Henry Cooper Jr. Pastor elect for Emmanuel Baptist Church, who capsulated well the ministry of the retiring pastor. The service then progressed with spirited singing by the house choir, the historic Emmanuel Baptist Choir. Opening prayer was offered by Rev. Wendell McIntosh of LatterDays Ministries in McCleans Town. Scripture was then read by Rev. Preston Cooper Sn. And then the music continued with Emmanuel Baptist Praise Team.
The word of The Lord came through Rev T. G. Morrison, senior pastor of the historic Zion Baptist church ,East and Shirley Street, Nassau . New Providence. Rev. Morrison text was hard hitting, enlightening and thought provoking. He questioned the biblical foundation for the retirement of a man of God as he opined that he was hard pressed to find a precedent in the word of God where a man of God was retired. He furthered admonished young pastors to wait on the Lord, for his timing and their appointment to the office of a pastor. He expound that all that glitters is not gold.
Rev. Lawrence Pinder then gave his remarks and thanked the members of his family, friends and supporters. He advised them that he had fought a good fight, he had kept h faith and he is now ready for his rewards. The hundreds of supporters were treated to scrumptious dining after the ceremony. This was indeed a historic and a glorious day oh the historic community known as "the gospel music capital of the Bahamas".
