Throngs of Spiritual Baptists from all over the country converged in the north Windward village of Overland earlier this week to bid farewell to a stalwart of their faith.{{more}}

His Eminence Cosmore Matthias Pompey was laid to rest in true Spiritual Baptist celebratory manner on Monday February 22, 2009 at the St. Mary’s Spiritual Baptist Cathedral at Overland.

The late Archbishop, who was described as a teacher, leader, a confidant and a true man of God, served the spiritual community locally and regionally as the Ecclesiastical Jurisdictor of the Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Archbishop’s small church, which was dedicated on March 22, 1959, was packed with Baptists draped in white, purple or black gowns, and similar head wraps. The crowd of mourners spewed out through the church’s small door, onto the streets of Overland, while others gathered at the house nearby and under a tent on a bank opposite the church.

Meanwhile inside the church, the service to celebrate the late clergyman’s life included the usual singing of hymns, tributes to the excellence of the Archbishop and a memorable sermon preached by his son Bishop Melford Pompey.

Heart felt tributes read on behalf of family members, described Pompey as a dedicated, loving father who shaped the lives of his children to what they are today.

“Whatever is good in me today, I owe to your wisdom, your patience, your strength, your love,” read part of a poem written by his daughter Prudence, who was not present for the funeral.

Reflecting on the love of her husband, wife Mona wrote “Cosmore was the sun in my day, the wind beneath my wings and the beat in my heart.”

Reading the Eulogy, son Cornelius and wife Gillian recounted Pompey’s many accomplishments as Priest, Marriage Officer and Patriarch. As priest, his first infant dedication was that of his last son Cornelius and the last marriage he performed was that of his first son Melford on July, 29, 2007.

Tributes were also paid by Archbishop Edmund John, Patriarch Dr. Granville Williams of Barbados and Patriarch John Noel of Grenada. Pastor Errol Daniel of the Streams of Power Church said a prayer for the family, while Minister of Education Girlyn Miguel spoke on behalf of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The service, which lasted over four hours, ended with an exuberant march to the Overland cemetery as mourners, jumped and swayed while singing hymns.

Pompey, who was 75 years old, died on February 11, 2010 at his home. He leaves behind his wife Mona, five children: Melford, Prudence, Ester, Cornelius and Jestina, Grand children Clint and Chad, Daughters in law Gillian and Chemar and other relatives and friends.