“We are who we are because of Papa Gayle”
Tributes continue to pour in for the late Rev Clement Hugh Lester Gayle, who died on May 3, 2020, after giving more than 40 years of sterling service to the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU), Jamaica and the Caribbean.
In a virtual 90-minute wake coordinated by the Jamaica Baptist Union, on Friday June 26, church leaders ‘near and far’ hailed Rev Gayle as an embodiment of the African philosophy Ubuntu, noting that “we are who we are because of who he was.” Rev. Gayle was always open and available to others, critiquing the work of others, yet affirming others in love and compassion; wearing humility like a well-fitted garment, and with healthy self-assurance.
Rev. Gayle was also eulogized as a friend, mentor, spiritual director and servant leader, who maintained a steady focus on his divine purpose.
According to Rev. Norva Rodney, JBU President, Gayle was a source of positive influence to young pastors in training; and a shepherd whose conduct, demeanour and lifestyle inspired others to want to do better. Rodney mentioned his seminal work on the black Baptist pioneer George Liele.
Rev Michael Friday, one of Rev. Gayle’s Trinidadian students, who now serves in the USA, elaborated on Rev. Rodney’s mention by noting that Gayle was a Caribbean church historian, who was passionate about Baptist history and legacy; and that the work to which Rev Rodney referred, titled, George Liele: Pioneer Missionary to Jamaica (1982), is the first book ever published on George Liele. Others weighed in and opined that the book is a constant reminder to Caribbean peoples to appreciate their story.
Retired pastor, the Rev A. Oliver Frazer, who was a long-time friend of Gayle, pointed to his honesty and forthrightness, comparing him to Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, by underlining Gayle’s gentleness of spirit, unimpeachable character and glue-like dedication to God and God’s church. According to Rev Fraser, his qualitative work would be long remembered and would continue to inspire others to excellent service.
It was not only Baptist Ministers, who paid tribute to Rev Gayle; the Methodists who are shareholders in the United Theological College (UTC) was represented by the Rev Bosworth Mullings. He spoke to Rev Gayle’s stamp and influence on the growth and development of the Church in the Caribbean Region and he further underscored his signal contribution to the spiritual formation of Methodists in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Mullings further told the gathering that the Methodists were very proud of the integrity of Rev Gayle’s testimony; his keen insights in church history; and the level of care and preparedness, evident in the several sermons he preached.
The Caribbean Baptist Fellowship was also present at the virtual wake, moderated by JBU Vice President Karl Henlin. Its Executive Secretary-Treasurer, the Rev Everton Jackson emphasized that Gayle was not only a father figure earning the moniker ‘Papa Gayle,’ but he was a meticulous and astute administrator, who ensured that the local churches were properly organized. According to Jackson, many pastors could rise up and say, “Ubuntu, we are who we are because of Papa Gayle.”
There were pastors in the Caribbean diaspora, whose lives have been molded by Papa Gayle while they walked the hallowed halls of the United Theological College: The Rev Dennis Webb made it clear that “if you did not leave the UTC with the ability to preach, you did not meet Rev Gayle.” Webb also underscored Gayle’s frankness, explaining that he spoke his piece and his peace without fear or rancor, but with care and compassion. He averred that Rev Gayle spoke with authority, status and influence, but his critiques were tempered with humility even as they were lacking in airs and pretentions.
The Rev Peter Grinion agreed and added that Gayle’s Saturday morning classes had impacted indelibly, the lives of many a young trainee; his critiques of sermons, Grinion said, were clear precise, yet uplifting.
Based on what Grinion and others testified, Rev Gayle was the accountability whip at the UTC, and his authority was embedded, not in any church position but in his powerful captivating presence; his keen mind and his life and lifestyle that exemplified the life of Jesus Christ.
Tributes were also given by several other church leaders including JBU Vice President Celia McKoy; pastors Judith Johnson Grant, Glenroy Lalor and Trevor Edwards; Deacons Phil Rattray from the Ocho Rios Baptist Church and Natalie Williams, who serves the Walkerswood Circuit, the last congregation shepherded by Rev. Gayle before his retirement in 1998. They all spoke to the mettle of the man; his keen sense of humour; his mindfulness in encouraging, while reproving, as their spiritual leader and father in their years at UTC.
Rev Stephen Jennings who closed in prayer couldn’t resist adding his own thoughts; he skillfully crunched the 90 minutes of tribute in timely words: “Rev Gayle was a man of prayer whose discipline was grounded in truth and love.”
The funeral service for the Rev Clement Gayle takes place on Saturday June 27 at 10:00am at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church. Owing to the Disaster Management Risk Act (2020) that places restrictions on the number of attendees at funerals, you are invited to join virtually at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOGH5xqcSla09kKUWPh_QDQ.
Contributed by:
Dorrett R Campbell