Pat Prescod laid to rest

Voices blended in sweet harmony last Thursday, to bid farewell to a music icon.{{more}}

Patrick Eugene Prescod was buried on July 18, following a touching service at the Kingstown Methodist Church that was filled with musical tributes from Cantemus, the Kingstown Chorale and others.

Prescod, composer of “The Right Hand of God,” was remembered by family and friends as a warm, humble and friendly individual, who was the owner of a hearty laugh.

In delivering the eulogy, Dr Julian Duncan highlighted the musical genius’ infectious personality and lifetime achievements. Although Duncan pointed out many positives, he also noted that Prescod was not without fault. “Acclaiming that he was without fault would be like denying his humanity. His faults, whatever they would have been, were eclipsed by his virtues,” Duncan said.

In his sermon, Reverend Cuthbert Edwards declared that Prescod had died satisfied that he had completed the goals that he had set for himself in life. “He died having completed his goal. It is easy to begin, but hard to finish,” Edwards said. “There are many persons today who start things and never complete them. A good musician is one that brings great joy through music, creates an atmosphere that exudes the presence of God. He lifts the worship, the preacher and the spirit of the worshippers. Pat was always able to pray while the preacher prayed…and so he finished well”.

During the burial at the Kingstown Methodist churchyard, bereaved family members could be seen blinking away their tears while they silently looked on as the men threw dirt onto the coffin.

Pat Prescod experienced many achievements in his lifetime. Born to Christopher Wilberforce and Louise Prescod, Pat attended the Georgetown Primary School, the St Vincent Grammar School and Trinity College of Music in England.

He is the founder of the Kingstown Chorale and has taught music to many persons even after retiring from his post as music officer in the Ministry of Education.

Prescod was a Member of the British Empire and has received many awards, including the St Vincent Grammar School Centenary Award and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Music Association 40th and 50th anniversary awards.(BK)