The Leeward town of Chateaubelair came in for a double dose of blessings last Sunday. One dose came in the form of a brisk “Praise” at the Sharpes bus shed by the Spiritual Baptists; pilgrims came from as far as Georgetown and Stubbs on the Windward coast to bring tidings and testimonies.

The other event was the Patronal Festival of the St David’s Anglican Church. The faithful came from all over the island in their uniforms and bearing banners to celebrate the gala event with their Chateaubelair counterparts.{{more}}

March 1st is designated St David’s Day by the Anglican Church so the congregation named after the Patron Saint celebrates on the first Sunday of March.



The festivities started off with a church service, where The Reverend Junior Ballantyne in his preaching implored the congregation to be faithful.

At 3 o’clock the faithful formed into a procession and marched from the church building to Mission Corner and back with the Police band playing “Onward Christian Soldier”. The Thurifer and Boatboy, the Crucifier and Acolytes and the Sunday School children followed by the Police band and other servers led the procession. The Clergy with Bishop Leopold Friday himself brought up the rear.

The Benediction was conducted by the Bishop who told SEARCHLIGHT that it was a joy to see so many persons turning out to celebrate the Feast Of St David and it was historic for him as its his first time worshipping at St David’s Anglican Church.