The Daniels hailed as an example to all on their 50th anniversary

Pastor Errol Daniel and Sister Carmalie Daniel, married for 50 years, and serving in ministry for over 50, were hailed as an example to all, during a service at the Streams of Power Church, Sion Hill on Sunday, February 2 to mark their golden anniversary.

Half a century of marriage and ministry brought together a full church on Sunday evening, as the couple, decked out in matching gold and white outfits, renewed their vows.

Tributes and praise flooded in for the husband and wife who have praised God all their lives, including from sister churches in Carriere, San Souci, and Bequia.

A violin solo by granddaughter, Agapé Daniel, a song by Member of Parliament for the Southern Grenadines, Terrance Ollivierre, and a number of choir and dance performances were rendered at the celebratory event.

Though living overseas and therefore being unable to attend, some of the children and grand children of the couple, of the couple, affectionately known as as “Pastor D and Sister D”, also sent in congratulatory messages during the ceremony.

An exhortation was done by Methodist Lay Preacher, Monty Maule, and the renewal of vows was conducted by Reverend Dr. George Frederick.

The highly anticipated climax of the service came when Pastor Daniel placed the wedding ring back on his bride’s ring finger, followed by a shy kiss, which the congregation demanded.

The Chief Bridesmaid from the ceremony 50 years ago, Bishop Juliette Campbell, delivered remarks at the service. She recalled that the ceremony held at the Faith Temple Church at New Montrose, was a royal wedding, which involved Sister Daniel marrying “charming Prince Errol.

” To describe your lives, I’ve got to choose a phrase from Romans 12:1 that would best describe both of you ‘Living sacrifice onto God, Living Sacrifice onto God,” said Campbell, whom Pastor Daniel led to the Lord 34 years ago.

“You hardly took any rest, it was Monday night- prayer meeting, Tuesday was something else, Wednesday it was miracle service, Thursday bible study, Friday – Bequia, Saturday – visiting, Sunday two services – San Souci, Carriere, and also home visitation,” Campbell recalled.

“You’re an example, you are examples for the believers to follow, and I really say this from my heart.”

Her speech and many others, including some emotional moments, caused the couple to wipe their eyes, or each others’, a number of times during the service.

From the Sion Hill church itself, Pastor Alwyn Joseph, who was baptized and married by Pastor Daniel, addressed the couple, stating “Pastor D, Sister D I really want to thank you for not listening to the negative voices out there because I, you know, what you see with Pastor D and Sister D is what you get.”

Minister of Health, Luke Browne, who was raised in the Sion Hill church, declared the couple to be an example, saying “We have to really appreciate the example of Pastor and Sister Daniel who have come to this joyful occasion, 50th anniversary of marriage and ministry and, in an age when marriage and the church seem to be under siege, we welcome and celebrate this example.”

He added that “Pastor and Sister Daniel have been true to the Christian- and incidentally the legal definition of marriage- the voluntary union for life of one man to one woman to the exclusion of all others”.

He pointed out that it was necessary to be exact with the definition and “we as a society have to be careful how be walk the fine line between what some people call religious liberty and what constitutes religious compromise.”

During his remarks, the Minister also commented that Sister Daniel had also served as a nurse, and referring to the death of nurse Arianna Taylor Israel last week, he commented “the clear message is there that we need more husbands like Errol Daniel. A man who knows how to live and cherish and respect women, and who has been practicing what he has been preaching from this pulpit for 50 years.”

A student from the Dr JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School and a staff member also congratulated the couple. The student revealed that “since the Pastor started coming to the school, it feels more peaceful, more of us are passing and some children have given their life to Christ.”

Mandela Peters, who also received nurturing in the church, in her remarks, assured the two, “we know that there are crowns of righteousness laid up for you, great eternal reward, so thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.”

After tributes, gifts were also presented, among them, a bouquet of flowers and a cake with the Daniels pictured on it, which were accepted with thanks.