Long-Standing IAD Vice President Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree in Jamaica

Pastor Leon B. Wellington (left) receives his Honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Lincoln Edwards (left) president of Northern Caribbean University, on Aug. 13, 2017, during the institution’s commencement ceremony on campus. Image by Rohann Wellington

August 17, 2017 | Mandeville, Jamaica | NCU/IAD Staff

Northern Caribbean University (NCU) conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree on Pastor Leon B. Wellington during the institution’s 94^th Commencement (Graduation) ceremonies on campus in Mandeville, Jamaica, Aug. 13, 2017. Wellington, who recently retired from serving as vice president of the Inter-American Division (IAD), was honored for his service to religion and his contribution to Jamaica.

“It feels good to know that one’s service has been recognized and appreciated,” said Pastor Wellington. “I thank Northern Caribbean University for honoring me in this manner, which hopefully will inspire others to give selfless service God, church and community.”

Wellington, who has 40 years in denominational work, holds the record for serving the longest as a vice president for the church in Inter-America. He retired in June of this year. He also served as Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director, Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries secretary, and Spirit of Prophecy coordinator overseeing the establishment of three Ellen G White Research Centers.

Image by NCU

“Pastor Wellington was the first elected vice president set in our Headquarter Office in 2000 and his leadership greatly benefited the church throughout Inter-America,” said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America, who was proud to for the honorary degree bestowed on Wellington.

Abel Márquez, IAD communication director, was happy to hear of the honor granted to Pastor Wellington, who previously served as IAD communication director for 13 years.

“During his years of service as head of the communication department, his vision, experience and determination were key in redefining the course of the department,” said Marquez. “Pastor Wellington implemented new strategies, which included the promotion of evangelism using various media, the launch of various newsletters, the redesign of digital communication strategies, and more recently, the planning of the opening IAD’s three new television channels as Hope Channel Inter-America.”

Born in the district of Asia in South Manchester, Jamaica, Wellington gained his early education and exposure to church life. His career path went from teaching, to the civil service in the Department of Statistics, then back into the Insurance Industry, before God led him to West Indies College where he obtained a Bachelor Degree in Theology.

He is an ordained minister who has served as departmental director, conference secretary, and union president in Jamaica.

Pastor Wellington and wife Shirnet have two grown sons and four grandchildren.