NASSAU, The Bahamas – The National Ecumenical Church Service was held Sunday, May 21, 2023 – kicking off the Countdown to 50 days to the Golden Jubilee of Independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

The service was held at Evangelistic Temple on Collins Avenue and Fourth Terrace, Centreville.

Leading the congregation was Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis, KC; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper; Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Michael Pintard; Chairperson of the National Independence Secretariat, Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice, and committee members; members of the Clergy; senior Government Officials and other invited guests.

The service was held under the theme: 'A National Call to Prayer,' moderated by Pastor Mario Moxey, First Vice-President, Bahamas Christian Council.

Other clergymen who participated in the service were: Bishop Delton Fernander, President, Bahamas Christian Council with the welcome remarks; Word to the Family by Rev. Evangelist Rex Major; Word to the Future delivered by Apostle Clifford Smith III; Prayer for the Future by Apostle Brenda Pratt; Prayer for the Youth of the Nation by Rev. Father Kari Marcelle, Chaplain, St. John’s College; Prayer Against Crime by Pastor-Designate Tanya Duncombe, Mt. Tabor Church; and Prayer for the Families by Rev. Father Roderick Bain, Rector, St. Barnabas Anglican Church.

The service also included The Golden Jubilee Promise recited by students; Praise and Worship segment by Evangelistic Temple Praise Team; sermonic selection by Minister Mericha Walker, and musical selections by The Bahama Brass Band.

The service ended with the singing of the National Anthem – 'March On Bahamaland.'

The 50th Independence Anniversary is being celebrated under the theme: 'One Nation. Our Legacy. Our Future.'    (BIS Photos/Patrice Johnson)