Mount Salem, St. James…Sunday, August 19, 2012… Nigel Coke

Thousands of Seventh-day Adventists from all walks of life came together on Sunday, August 19, 2012 to say final farewell to Dr. Basil Reid, the longest serving president of the Adventist Church in West Jamaica. 

Dr. Reid who has served the Adventists Church in various capacities for over 44 years, died on Friday July 20, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. He was 71.


Dr. Basil Reid

Dr. Reid, who upon his passing was Director of the Ellen G. White Research Centre at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) and an Assistant Professor in the School of Religion and Theology (SRT), was hailed as the consummate administrator who had an intolerable resistance to laziness, and one who loved and knew his church. He was also described as a committed father who love and cared for his two daughters and also a true pastor and evangelist who looked after the spiritual and social needs of his members.

Former treasurer of the West Jamaica Conference (WJC), Barrington Sinclair, who worked with Dr. Reid for 36 years, said that his passion for the Church was shown when “he (Dr. Reid) cried like a baby for the Mount Salem Adventist Church when it was badly damaged by hurricane Gilbert in 1988.” “He love people”, continued Sinclair, “and would give his last dollar to someone in need.” 


Master Guides carry the remains of Dr. Basil Reid from the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre in Mount Salem, St. James on Sunday. August 19, 2012. (photo by Nigel Coke)

Pastor Astor Bowers, President of WJC described Dr. Reid’s leadership of the Conference as exceptional; Reid served in administration for fourteen years, four as Executive Secretary and ten as President.

“Most people would agree with me when I say the Dr. Basil Reid has served this conference very well,” said Pastor Bowers to a loud amen from the audience. “From a human perspective we would say that he is one of those who has gone too soon.”
Some of the legacies of Dr. Reid’s leadership included the establishment of:

• The annual camp meetings.
• A scholarship funds to assist children leaving preparatory schools who passed GSAT (Common Entrance then) to attend Harrison Memorial High School.
• Relocation of the Harrison Memorial High School from Cottage Road to Catherine Hall
• A building fund to assist with the building of churches in West Jamaica.  

In his charge to those gathered, head of the Adventist Church in Jamaica, Pastor Everett Brown reminded them that “life is uncertain, but death is sure. Without Christ, life is a waste. Without Him life is meaningless, but there is hope and promises in Jesus Christ.”


Pastor Everett Brown, President of Jamaica Union Conference delivers the homily at the Service of Thanksgiving for the late Dr. Basil Reid.
 
Tributes in songs interspersed tributes and condolences given by persons from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists(the Ellen G. White Estate), The Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, The Jamaica Union Conference and its Fields and Institutions, families and friends.

Dr. Reid’s body was interned at the newly established Hillview Memorial Park, Moor Park, St. James.

Dr. Reid is survived by his wife of three months, Valda, two daughters; Mikhala and Anecia, step son Antwayne, three brothers, other relatives and friends.


The family of the late Dr. Basil Reid (L-R) daughters; Mikhala, Anecia and wife Valda. (photo by Nigel Coke)


Members of the clergy and close friends (left) pray with the family of the late Dr. Basil Reid.