On Monday, May 10, 1937, greatjubilation filled the home of the late Samuel and Olive (Jessie) Ferguson ofThe Forest, Exuma at the birth of their last son, Christopher Elijah. Chris, ashe was lovingly called, was nurtured in a God-fearing home and attendedPalestine Union Baptist Church with his parents and siblings regularly.
HIS EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Chris commenced his formal educationat Mt Thompson All Age School, and upon completion, he migrated to Nassau wherehe successfully gained his first employment at Bahamas Gas and Fuel Company.Like many of his peers, Chris later ventured to the United States of America wherehe worked for seven years on the contract. Christopher loved people and always believed ingoing beyond what was expected of him. His hospitality demonstrated while inthe employ of The Peace & Plenty Hotel, Two Turtles Inn, The Hague’sResidence and The Exuma Taxi Association forged many life-long friends. Chriswas indeed a patriotic ambassador of the tourism industry. His exceptionalservice, for more than thirty years, relative to domestic tourism waslegendary.
HIS SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
While in the State of Florida; Chrisbegan his spiritual journey. On February 5, 1956, he accepted Jesus Christ asHis Lord and Saviour. Upon returning to The Bahamas in the early 1960’s, he beganworshiping at The Church of God of Prophecy, Three Peace Corner New Providence.He later became a covenanted member under the leadership of the late DudleyCox.
HIS FAMILY
On July 11, 1962, Christopher weddedthe beautiful Emmazell Mavis (née Curtis) of Richmond Hill, Exuma. This unionwas blessed with five children, three daughters and two sons, Christopher was a firm believer inthe power of prayer. Each morning hissolemn voice echoed throughout the Ferguson’s Residence, never ending his prayerwithout praying for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.He was indeed the priest, provider and protector of his family. His firm, butloving method of rearing his children fostered a close knitted family who sharea deep love for each other. This love and unity extended beyond his biologicalchildren to his numerous nieces and nephews, as well as residents of TheForest, and the students who rode the school bus which he drove. His amiable demeanorwas never underestimated. All it took was one look to demonstrate his firmness.
HIS CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
Over the years, this giant of a man,made invaluable contribution to The Forest and The Exumas at large. He was arevered community leader who loved his community. The residents reciprocated byholding him in high esteem. He was actively involved in the civic, social,political and moral development of his community. On May 26, 2006, he wasappointed Justice of The Peace. He was subsequently honored during the 44thAnniversary of Independence of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas for his stellarservice for Religion on the island of Exuma. He served as the first Presidentof The Exuma Branch, of The Forest Development Association. He was a foundingmember of the Exuma Taxi Association, a member of the Star of Peace BurialSociety (The Forest). He also served Chairman of The Forest Branch of TheProgressive Liberal Party during the era which ushered in Majority Rule andeventually was awarded the title Stalwart Councillor.
HIS MINISTRY
Upon relocation to the island of hisbirth, Exuma, Brother Ferguson joined the membership at The Church of God ofProphecy, The Forest. He served under the leadership of the late Leader Effie Fergusonand the late Pastors: Rudolph Curtis, Edward Saunders, Homer Curtis, WilburGibson and Obadiah Roache. It was under the pastorate of the late Pastor WilburGibson that he was tutored and trained for ministry. Brother Chris was first given the opportunityto serve as Director of the youth auxillary of the church, VLB (Victory LeadersBand). He was given the privilege to preach during the evangelistic services onSunday nights. This he did willingly. The exemplary leadership of the latePastor Wilbur Gibson, and moreover the support, prayers and encouragement fromhis wife, Emmazell and children further solidified his Christian discipleship.He recounted the prophetic words spoken over him by the late Pastor WilburGibson who adopted him as a son in ministry and prophesied to him, “Son one ofthese days you will be the Pastor.”
It was during the 71st Annual NationalConvention of The Church of God of Prophecy held in March 1991, this prophecy wasfulfilled. Brother Ferguson was appointed Pastor of the local church at theForest Exuma and subsequently became a Licensed Minister on December 3, 2002.Recognizing the need to be fully equipped for ministry, Pastor Fergusonsuccessfully completed courses offered by the Center for Biblical Leadership(CBL) and the Ministerial Development Program (MDP).
During his twenty years in ministry,Minister Ferguson’s commitment to preaching, teaching and living the Word of Godresulted in numerical and spiritual growth within the local church. He wasinstrumental in the purchase of the adjoining property of the church and therefurbishing of the sanctuary. His mentorship to the members but mostimportantly. the young ministers who are presently in church leadership is a testamentof his exemplary legacy.
On March 14, 2008, during theNational Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy, Minister Ferguson wasordained to the office of a Bishop. Bishop Ferguson not only served his localchurch faithfully; but his sacrificial service was to the entire Exuma District,particularly the Church of God of Prophecy. During local church conventions andother church related events, Bishop worked assiduously to ensure the saints ofGod were comfortable with transportation and housing accommodation. They alwaysenjoyed the delicious meals, and of course Bishop’s exceptional hospitability.On a District level he served as Assistant Treasurer, Member of the ConventionExpense Committee and Consultant to the Operations Committee. His love formusic captured his interest in the Church of God of Prophecy Exuma Brass Bandas one of the lead snare drummers, and in the Exuma District Sanctuary Choir asthe lead tenor.
On March 17, 2013, Bishop retiredfrom active ministry and on the weekend of November 1 - 3, the localchurch in The Forest honored God’s servant and his supportive wife, Lay Minister Emmazell Ferguson, for their twenty years of exemplary leadership in ministry.
Despite Bishop’s deteriorating health over the years, his faith in God never decreased. As Apostle Paul reassures us in 2Corinthians 4:16-17. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inner man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
On Wednesday, March 2, Bishop transitioned from earth to glory.
Precious memories will forever becherished by HIS WIFE OF 59 YEARS:Emmazell Mavis Ferguson; CHILDREN:Jacqueline Rolle (Alvan), Marvaret, Karen, Sherry Cox (Lanford), Garren(Ericka), Rashad and Steffon Smith (Dr. Deondra); GRANDCHILREN: Crystal, Mazena, R. Lanford, K. Marvaret, Garren Jr,and Lance ; GREAT GRANDCHILDREN:Rashae, Stefan, Sierra, O’shen, El Pacco, Ameila and Wyatt; SPIRITURAL CHILDREN: Minister ReckleyArmbrister, along with his wife, Minister Michelle Armbrister & Childrenand Wenrick Clarke; ADOPTED CHILDREN:Kenva & Calvin Adderley; BROTHERS INLAW: Emmanuel Curtis Jr. & Alburn Rolle; SISTERS IN LAW: Elizabeth, Verlee and Laverne Curtis, EthelFerguson of Plant City FL,; AUNT. Halcie Hanna; NUMEROUS NIECES INCLUDING: Magnola Clarke, Annamarie Coffie (Earl),Aloma Lloyd (Darrel), Annette Munroe, Corlet Ferguson, Janet Wilkinson(Stefano), Yvonne Cayard (Roosevelt), Ernestine and Raquel Bodie, Sandra Rolle,Cindy Braynen, Cynthia Ferguson, Rev. Keva Smith (Bishop Durant), DebbieFerguson, Laura, Arimina, and Rosemary Wright, Leolean Rolle (Garth), LaverneCooper (Cephas), Miriam, Dr. Berdie and Willestine Curtis. Bebie Farrington(Gregory), Sandy Ferguson (Dr. Albert), Pastor Inah Gray (Johnny), CarlisaWilkinson (Kerrington), Sherry Moss (Whitfield), Kaye Rolle (Edmund), DamarisCurtis, Edena Pierre (Philoma), Anastacia Pratt (Carl), Pricilla Dixon(Howard), Linda, Arnette, and Carolyn Curtis; NUMEROUS NEPHEWS INCLUDING: Ivan Ferguson, Leslie Armbrister(Joan), Kenneth Roberts (Tina), Alvin, Philip and Leonard Rolle, Kirklyn andLuther Ferguson, Van Munroe (Racquel), Alvarez Ferguson, Kendrick and ClaytonBodie, Samuel, Richard, Freeman, George, Preston and Justin Wright, EmmanuelFerguson (Evie), Alton Ferguson and Harold Francis, Rodney, Dorlan (Kaylisa),Bishop Buford (Shelly), Homer Jr (Eurika), Trevor (Darlene), Charles (Valencia)Pastor Randolph (Laverne), Benson (Densima), Stuart, Camarie (Astrid), Jasonand Akeito Curtis and Dereck Ferguson (Brendalee); NUMEROUS GRANDNIECES AND GRANDNEPHEWS; GOD CHILDREN: Rose Taylor,Sandra Mcphee, Barbara Rolle, Jenniemae Smith, Erica Williams, Sandy Ferguson,Karen Deveaux, Raquel Rolle, Sameika Sherman and Owen Adderley; OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS: AshlynMunroe, Nicola Mcphee, Vernice Bodie & Family, Rose Humes & Family,Benjamin Ferguson, Wesley Flowers & Family Visna Bowe Mackey, Joan BoweMckay, Almaida Bowe-Henry, Nigel, Kenneth, Dr. Dane, Forrester, Janeen Curtis,Berrynetta Oliver, The Hague Family, Ethel, Maria, Bradley and Paulette Clarke,Maria Ferguson, Tracey Styles & Family, Keturah Fox, Patsy Ferguson &Family, Marion Clarke & Family, Wendy Morley, Deloris Butler, BeverleyMcPhee, Minerva Edwards, Elsiemae Smith& Family, Lizzie Rolle & Family, Faye Brown, Naomi Rolle & Family,Paul Turnquest, Pastor James Rolle, Pastor Carlton Taylor, Pastor Justin Nord,Minister Margaret Woodside, Bishop Rudolph V. Bowe & Family, Bishop GhalySwann & Family, Bishop Dr. Brice Thompson & Family, Bishop Dr. ElgarnetRahming & Family, Bishop Dr. Franklyn Ferguson & Family, Dr. BarbaraWilliams, Bishop Hulan Hanna & Family, Bishop Rudolph Mckinney &Family, Bishop Branson Gibson & Family. Bishop Andrew Brown & COGOPWulff Road Family, Pastor Timothy Johnson & COGOP Baillou Road Family,Minister Chad Adams & Family, Apostle Phalmon Ferguson & UFMI Family, Rev.Hueter Rolle & Salem Union Baptist Family, Pastor Lynden Clarke &Palestine Union Baptist Family, Rev Cedric Smith & Family, Rev Adam Brown& Family, Rev. Leslie Curtis & Family, Rev Franklyn Mckenzie &Family, Rev Stephen Smith & Family, Rev John Rolle & Family, TheHonorable I. Chester Cooper, Member ofParliament, Exuma & Ragged Island, The descendants of the late: Cephas & Nethalee Clarke, Jefford &Marylean Ferguson, Cedric & Edna Ferguson, Jerome & Ismae Ferguson,Alphonso & Sylvia Newbold, Joe Clarke, Henry & Eugene Clarke, CoreenRolle-Ferguson, Rev, Clemese Cox, Idell Taylor, Drucilla Dames, Zilpha (Hattie)Sturrup, John & Veronica Marshall, Clifton & Mabel Rolle, Naaman &Rebecca Ferguson, Cornelius & Marinetta Bodie, Charles & EthleeFerguson, Peter Bodie & Family, Livingstone & Isadora Adderley, LorettaMckenzie, Raymond & Annie Lloyd, the entire COGOP Family Exuma District andthe communities of The Forest and The Exumas.
