The Bahamas YWCA Holds a Service of on the Occasion of the 75 th Anniversary of the Founding of The Association Honorees, YWCA Trustees and members of the Bahamas YWCA Bible Study and Prayer Group attend the service of. Sitting left from right: Lady Jacqueline Fawkes, Rev. Lluma Rolle, Velma Allen, Agatha Wells, Canon Kirkley Sands, Tamara Cargill, Lucetty Smith. Standing left from right: Cheryl Stubbbs, Rashanna Thompson, Hermina Gibson, Virginia Idah, Verna Elcock, Sandra Smith, Keva Mortimer Storr, Rosalie Fawkes, Keitra Pratt, Sarah Hepburn and Rev. Angela Palacious
Service of Top left: Virginia Grimes leads in the Litany of. Bottom left: Keitra Pratt reads a passage of scripture. Top right: Cheryl Stubbs thanks Canon Kirkley Sands for his address to the association. Sandra Smith opens service in prayer. Verna Elcock renders a vocal selection.
Lucetty Smith Recognized at the Service of on the Occasion of the 75 th Anniversary of the Founding of The Bahamas YWCA The children enjoyed the outdoor activities: basket ball and tennis were among their favorite pastimes and I recall that one of Stephen s memorable experiences at the camp was coming to Lady Fawkes house and heartily partaking of the hamburger sandwiches that were being served. I Tribute by Rosalie J. Fawkes I met Lucetty over twenty something years ago. Carlos, her son who is here with us today, had just entered Queen's College and I was his high school English teacher. From time to time I would see and talk to Lucetty when she would attend a Parents Evening. About two or three years after that, in the early 1990s, the YWCA was having a two week summer camp and we placed an advertisement in the newspaper to that effect. The day after the advertisement was printed in the paper, Lucetty Smith made her very first appearance at the YWCA and was accompanied by Carlos, his brother Stephen and a friend by of the boys by the name of Anwar. We were all pleasantly surprised to see each other again and the three young lads were left in our care for the next two weeks. Well that summer camp was Lucetty s initiation into the YWCA and ever since that day, she has been a steadfast member of the association. I am sure that all of her friends will agree with me when I name off some of her outstanding character traits: Enthusiasm for the work Always lending her full support to various endeavors Loyalty A positive and upbeat spirit and last but not least A good friend to all Lucetty on behalf of the YWCA, I would like to thank you for the outstanding dedication that you have given over the years and persons like you make it possible for the work of the YWCA to continue. Congratulations!
Rev. Lluma Rolle Recognized at the Service of on the Occasion of the 75 th Anniversary of the Founding of The Bahamas YWCA My name is Lluma Rolle and I am employed as a secretary at the City Lumber Yard. 1 st meeting of the Y s Kids Club in 2002. Rev. Rolle and Lady Fawkes stand at the far right In 2002, Lady Jacqueline Fawkes of the YWCA called to speak to my boss, Mr. Gary W.K. Roberts who had already left the office for the day. Lady Fawkes was very friendly and stated that the reason for her call was to ask for a donation of roof shingles for the YWCA. After recording the information, I told her who I was and we chatted for a minute or so. She told me how burdened she was for the children of the Rock Crusher Road area. At that time I gave little thought to what she had said but told her that she could call back at a later date. It must have been a week or so later that she called again inquiring about the donation and asked to speak with Mr. Roberts. I told her that the boss said that he would give her the shingles. After telling her that, Lady Fawkes spoke again about the children living through Rock Crusher Road. Right then I believe, God spoke to me and told me to take up the challenge of going into the Rock Crusher Road neighborhood. I told Lady Fawkes to stop looking for that someone and that I would go even though I had yet to meet her in person. Lady Fawkes & Rev. Lluma Rolle in 2012 One Saturday morning I was passing the YWCA and I saw a car and I stopped and introduced my self to a lady that I found there and sure enough it was Lady Fawkes. It was arranged that I would walk through the Rock Crusher Road area. She and her daughter, Rosalie give me some flyers to give out and the first yard I went into, I got 20 children. I am still teaching God s word to some of those children and now today to some of their children!
Adina Munroe A Resident Speaks at the Service of April 28 th, 2012 I have lived at the Y for 15 months and consider it heaven on earth. The environment is quiet and everyone respects his neighbour's privacy. Living at the Y ensures its residents that God is at the centre of this environment. I take joy and pleasure on Sunday mornings as I prepare for church and listen to the old hymns of Zion being sung by a small gathering of believers and a sermon being preached even before I attend my own church. The Y reminds me of my university experience at the campus of St. Leo University. It was there that I lived next to a monastery and would be pleasantly awakened by the singing of monks attending their morning worship. Particular birds some times frequent the Y's premises due to the trees and flowers planted here and most mornings one awakes to this nature experience. In conclusion, I thank all of the founding and current members for the vision to create a "Heaven on Earth for someone like me. May God Bless the Y and may its legacy live on forever. Adina Munroe A Thank You From Keva As I prepare to leave the YWCA in May 2012, memories of a peaceful, sweet sensation arise in my heart. I truly appreciate my good fortune. Pending my departure, I deliberate on what is next for me and the YWCA. In an effort to learn ways to improve this non profit organization, it was a kind gesture by Ms. Rosalie Fawkes that led me to use my talents and time with the Y association. Attending the Nazareth Centre and Y planning sessions, visiting various churches on the island, and being apart of the Bible Study Group were among the activities that I partook of. This Bible Study group will be my most cherished memory. It is always good to reflect on God in the midst of everything. The YWCA is more than an organization; we are a community of faithful workers, caring, and loving people. Yes there are many of us involved in these wide range of activities and events, but the residents have the best advantage. Having the opportunity to be a tenant here, is a sacred place toconnect with God, a place to listen, and a safety spot for preparation into God's way of living. Saddened by the thought of leaving such a wonderful place, encourages me to return in short order - maybe not as a resident but as a helper to the uplifting of God's purpose and potential for the Y and living upward and onward to the rich legacy. Thank You for everything Ms. Fawkes and yes there are big plans in store for the Y and let us continue to pray and prepare. Keva Mortimer Storr stands 4 th from left at a Youth Planning Session
A Tribute by Rashanna Thompson It is my esteemed pleasure to introduce to you tonight a virtuous woman that was a member of the YWCA for more than 40 years. She is married to Pastor Edward Allen who is the Senior Pastor Emeritus of Abundant Life Bible Chapel and prides herself in being a loving mother and grandmother, a loyal wife and anexemplar for many young ladies. I present to you tonight Mrs. Velma Allen. Sister Allen was born on July 21 st, 1924 in Marsh Harbour Abaco to Alvin & Carolyn Archer. She gave her life to the Lord at the early age of 10 and it did not take her long to discover that her calling was that of missionary work with a focus on youth outreach. Being instrumental in developing the youth group by the name of Girls for Christ, she also served as a dedicated member of the women s ministry for many years where she fellowshipped, prayed and visited with the young ladies of the Girls Industrial School and also the patients on the Geriatrics Ward. Rashanna Thompson, Sister Velma Allen, Kendicia Clarke and Halle Bowe A Pioneer in the YWCA Movement Attends the 75 th Anniversary Service of However, before she went into full time ministry, she was a banker at the Pan American Bank and then later moved to Bahamas Air where she worked in the accounts department and in human resources management. Sister Allen mentions that she was encouraged to become a long term member of the YWCA when she saw the way they fellowshipped and assisted young people. She also mentioned that she was impressed with Mother Butler of the YWCA who had a heart for working with young girls. Her advice to Christians everywhere is that in all we do we must remember that we are doing it to the honor and glory of God. Therefore, we must be thankful that He is working through us and we must please him. Moreover, we must study the word, pray and trust in him and most importantly we should be both knowledgeable and active participants in the word. At the service of thanksgiving held on the occasion of the 75 th anniversary of the founding of The Bahamas YWCA, members and friends were pleased to welcome a former member who was present when the Y was established 75 years ago. Mrs. Velma Allen was recognized by Rashannna Thompson who serves as a youth representative on the Board of Management.
Tribute byhermina Gibson In 1961, Agatha heard a radio announcement that mentioned that there was going to be a meeting at the Y.W.C.A. which was situated on Dolphin Drive. She was naturally attracted to the meeting. Why you may ask? Agatha attended a business course in Canada for one year. While there she was a boarder at the YWCA. There she got an appreciation of the Y. She later decided to join the YWCA of The Bahamas and was made a member in 1961. Some of the programs of the Y over the years included a Garden Club which held flower shows; a Chorale Group which included men; a youth group; sewing classes and table tennis. Agatha was a part of the Y Chorale Society which presented a number of concerts including a Christmas performance of Handel s Messiah and another performance of Steiner s Crucifixion. Agatha was also a secretary to the late Miss Bertha Granger when she became president. Agatha remains a faithful member of the Y. Agatha Wells Recognized at the Service of on the Occasion of the 75 th Anniversary of the Founding of The Bahamas YWCA Agatha Wells stands second from left in the YWCA s Chorale directed by the late Erna Messiah (standing at the end of the first row far rightend of first row atth
Reflections Remarks made on the occasion of the 75 th Anniversary Service of April 28 th, 2012 Rosalie J. Fawkes I would like to thank everyone for coming out and joining with us, as the Young Women s Christian Association marks the occasion of their 75 th Anniversary. One evening in the early 1960s, I remember my mother saying to me, Rosalie, I would like for you to go with me to a meeting tonight. I asked no questions and within the space of an hour, we got ready and jumped into our new Ford Falcon. We had not driven for more than a few seconds when the car came to a halt in front of the house of Mrs. Amelia Cooper who also lived on McPherson Street. Mom blew the horn and Mrs. Cooper emerged from her home and climbed into the front seat. A few minutes later, the car stopped again at the home of Canon Milton Cooper situated at the top of the Hill on Market Street. Out stepped Mrs. Gwenie Cooper and she joined me in the back seat. Ten minutes later we found ourselves at the Aurora Hall on Charlotte Street, downtown. I recall sitting at the back of the room.hearing the ladies chat but nothing that they said registered. This meeting was my first introduction to the YWCA. Top Photo: Rosalie (third from right) attending the YWCA s Halloween Party 1962. Bottom Photo: Preparing for the Y Teens Art Exhibition. From left to right: Rosalie Fawkes, the late Willard Capron and Desiree Aranha
Another recollection that I have of my early years at the YWCA happened when I was around nine years of age. I was informed that the YWCA needed to raise funds (this was a refrain that I was to hear throughout the decades) and that my brother and I would have to perform a piano duet Hot Cross Buns at a Y concert. My participation in YWCA events did not stop there. Later on all the children in the immediate and extended family and the neighborhood were told that the YWCA was organizing a Halloween party. Now in those days nobody thought that Halloween was of the devil. In fact it was with great anticipation that we looked forward to the YWCA s Halloween events and how happy we were to get on our bicycles to ride to Mrs. Pedican s Shop on Market Street to be outfitted in our various costumes For the last seventy five years, we have had a steady stream of men and women in the community who have given of themselves in both great and small ways to keep the YWCA going. The idea of a YWCA in The Bahamas was birthed by a woman who had every excuse not to involve herself in community service. You see she was a widow and when her husband died, he left her with ten children to raise. To find employment, she left the country to work as a housekeeper in the United States. In spite of adversity and hardship, it was still her desire to do a good work in the community.
Today seventy-five years later we give thanks for the vision of Mother Frances Butler. Since those early years a steady stream of women supported by a small band of men have continued to explore the need for supports and services for persons in the community. Their commitment to better life opportunities for people in the country has enabled the work of the YWCA tocontinue over the decades. Today we give thanks to all who have led the YWCA through the decades: Dora Sands, Mother Donaldson, Bertha Granger, Clarice Granger and Lady Jacqueline Fawkes. We are thankful to the men, many of whom worked behind the scenes, that supported the efforts of the women Ulric and Lowell Mortimer, Sir Roland Symonette and Sir Randol Fawkes - to name a few. We are grateful for all of their efforts to secure property, construct buildings, generate revenue streams, cultivate lush gardens and create Y programs and all of this for the benefit of present and future generations. We remember also the many women who sold cakes, suppers and tickets in an effort to pay the bills and keep the Y alive through both sunshine and stormy weather. We give thanks for the women of today who have stepped up to the plate to continue in the grand tradition of this international organization that is at work in over 120 countries throughout the world. We thank God that the Christian heritage of this local body in The Bahamas is still strong and continuing onwards. In closing I would like to repeat the words of a tenant who spoke with me this week. (she has given me permission to use her name). Keva called me on Tuesday and said that there was a possibility that she would be leaving the YWCA as she was contemplating going abroad. She said, Miss Fawkes I would like to leave on a good note because if I ever come back I want to return to the YWCA. Miss Fawkes, this Y has so much potential. Any way that you look at it, she continued, there are just so many different directions in which you can go. Today we give God thanks for the foundation that has been laid, for the walls that have been built and for the possibilities we have for the future. To God be the Glory, great things he has done! Top Photo: YWCA ladies attend church (late 1980s) Bottom Photo: Marie Murray (Weaving Guild, Quilting Society and Y s General Secretary (1980s)
Tamara Cargill Recognized at the Service of On the Occasion of the 75 th Anniversary of the Founding of The YWCA of The Bahamas Tribute by Lady Jacqueline Fawkes In paying tribute to Tamara Cargill, Lady Fawkes recalled that twenty years ago, Tamara s father, Mr. Al McCartney came to the Y with Tammy and her cousins and encouraged her to involve the ladies in the work of the organization. Upon learning that Tammy was a chartered accountant (CPA) she immediately knew that the Y could benefit from Tammy s expertise in this area. Above Photo: Tamara Cargill (third from right) being installed as a YWCA member in 1992 Photo at right: Lady Fawkes, Kendicia Clarke, Tamara Cargill and Rev. Lluma Rolle Lady Fawkes thanked Tamara for all of the work that she did in preparing documents to enable the YWCA to move forward with the Affordable Housing Project and for being one of the bondspersons that guaranteed the mortgage at the bank. Mrs. Cargill currently serves as treasurer and trustee in the organization.
A Final Word It has been a pleasure updating the history of The Bahamas YWCA. Working on the book has allowed me to bring together three of my favorite hobbies: writing, photography and graphic arts design. Little did I realize that when I was a child attending YWCA meetings with my mother that some fifty years later, I would be the General Secretary of The YWCA of The Bahamas. Although the position has its challenges, I have, nevertheless, found it very rewarding to be able to engage in ministry and service to the community no matter how small or large the undertaking. A program started last year was the YWCA s Bible Study and Prayer Group. Those who have attended the meetings have been much enlightened from the readings and discussions. I can t help but think that this is how the World YWCA movement started in 1855, when two associations, a prayer union and a training institute, merged to form the Young Women s Christian Association in England. In our 75 th year of existence, the YWCA of The Bahamas looks forward to continuing to serve in the Master s vineyard. Rosalie Fawkes B.A., M.Edu, a veteran music and English teacher, taught at Queen s College Secondary School for twenty-three years and spent an additional five years at Lyford Cay School. Miss Fawkes, an accomplished pianist and choir director, is the owner and operator of Bahamas School for Piano Studies.