Jamaica: Former church leader conferred with National Honor

October 15, 2012 – Mandeville, Jamaica…Nigel Coke/IAD

Retired Pastor and former family ministries director in Jamaica Errol Thomas, was conferred with the National Honor of Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD). He was among 150 individuals who were recognized by the government of Jamaica for service to the nation during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honors and Awards 2012 held on the lawns of Kings House on National Heroes Day, October 15.

Governor General of Jamaica, The Most Honorable Sir Patrick Allen, pins the insignia of the Order of Distinction (OD) on Pastor Errol Thomas during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honors and Awards 2012 held on the lawns of King’s House Oct. 15. Thomas was awarded for long and dedication service to youth and family education in Jamaica. Photo by Ricardo Makyn, courtesy of The Gleaner.

Pastor Thomas, who started his ministerial journey when he commenced studies at West Indies College, (now Northern Caribbean University) in 1962, was recognized for long and dedicated service to youth and family education.

“It is with humility and pride that I accept this National Award and wish to thank the Honorable Prime Minister, His Excellency the Governor-General, and all those who participated in considering me for this noble recognition,” said Pastor Thomas. “At the same time, I give thanks to God for allowing me the opportunity to ably serve my country and fellowmen over the many years.”

During Pastor Thomas’s days at West Indies College, he attended the Mandeville Church serving as youth leader, organizing the Pathfinder Club, and the first Vacation Bible. He graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Theology.

Thomas also served as church ministries director, communication director and youth and ministries director at the formerly known West Indies Union now Jamaican Union. He served at the Union for seventeen years from 1988-2005. He returned to pastoral ministry in 2006, and served as a Senior Pastor in the Central Jamaica Conference before his retirement in January 2011.

“It is with a deep sense of pride that we welcome the announcement of this national award for Pastor Thomas”, said Pastor Everett Brown, president for the church in Jamaica. “He is truly deserving of this award having served the Church and Jamaica with distinction over the years.”

Pastor Thomas, who has earned two master degrees in English and Religion both from Andrews University, now works as an adjunct professor/instructor at NCU at the graduate and undergraduate level.

Thomas joins a list of noted Adventists in Jamaica who have been recognized by the Government of Jamaica with National Honors. The list include: the late Dr. Sydney Beaumont – former president of NCU, Dr. Patrick Allen – former president of West Indies Union Conference and now Governor General of Jamaica, Dr. Herbert Thompson – former president of NCU, Pastor Leon Wellington – former president of West indies Union and Retired Superintendent of Police Mrs. Ionie Ramsay Nelson.

Pastor Thomas and his wife Denise are celebrating 39 years of marriage this year and have two adult sons, a daughter and two grandsons.