Sion Hill Sports and Cultural Club host anniversary church service, and luncheon for Seniors

Longstanding community organization, the Sion Hill Sports and Cultural Club, last Sunday, June 29, 2025, held an anniversary service at the Church of the Ascension at Sion Hill, followed by a luncheon at the same location for senior citizens of the community.

Sunday’s events were part 50th anniversary celebrations of the club which was officially launched on April, 7, 1975.

The church service was presided over by Monsignor Michael Stewart, who was the first secretary of the club.

The first executive committee also included David “Darkie” Williams, President; Septimus Barrock,

Vice-President; Masefied Williams, Second Vice-President; Rosslon Collis, Treasurer; and Joycelyn Bailey and Anthony Browne, as Committee Members.

Recounting his tenure both as an administrator and footballer of the club, Monsignor Stewart noted that his experiences helped to shape him into the person he is today.

“I am happy to know that Sion Hill has produced a Catholic priest. It is what you prepared that allows me to stand here now,” Stewart said with gratitude.

The Catholic Priest said with pride that his upbringing has given him a sense of satisfaction.

“Sion Hill is very dear to me. When I think of Sion Hill, I am overjoyed. I wouldn’t exchange my growing up days in the village for anything else. Whether we were fishing on the rocks, having house parties, playing cricket, playing football, standing under the lamp pole at Top Village…”.

He urged the present leaders of the club to ensure its continuity through mentorship.

“I am saying to you, mentoring and mentorship are important for this community. We have to prepare for the next generations. I had a few good influences in my life, people who took me on. It had persons who took an interest in me, hence, I am where I am at the moment. We have to help the young ones face the challenges of the moment,” Monsignor Stewart added.

Look after the young ones, care for them, nurture them.”

The church service and luncheon was one of the major events to commemorate the club’s Golden Jubilee, which is being held under the theme, ‘Honouring the Past: Shaping the Future’.

In October this year, a Sion Hill Day will be held, and a recognition and awards ceremony is listed for December.

The other event held so far was a mini concert on April 7, 2025, at the Sion Hill Intersection to mark the date of the club’s formation.