Memorial and 40th Day observance for late Rev. H. C. Bernard
The family of the late Reverend Abiola Henry Crispin Bernard would like the public to mark their calendars, and take part in a memorial service, to be held at 10 am on September 12th at Saint Edmund’s Episcopal Church, 1905 Maurice Avenue Bronx, NY 10453, and East 177 Street. A reception would follow immediately after the service at the church’s recreation hall. (Photo: the late Rev. HC Bernard with the clergy)
Mr. Crispin as he was fondly known served in various capacities at Fordham United Methodist Church, Bronx, NY, First United Methodist Church in Jamaica, Queens, and recently before his death, at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Harlem, NY. His roots germinated at Congo Town, Freetown, where his Christian foundation had deep roots. He served as a choir boy and lead tenor singer, in various Methodist churches. His audacious and infectious tenor voice made people wonder where such a compelling voice was coming from. Mr. Bernard attended Saint Edwards Secondary School, Freetown. He was also an ardent sportsman who manned the goalposts for the Darlington Football Club.
The late Rev. HC Bernard flanked by his grandkids
He was accountant at Brookfields Hotel for several years. He would later immigrate to Liberia, where he worked for several years before his sojourn to the United States. After graduation from Fordham University with Bachelors in Accounting, he held the position of accountant at Borough of Manhattan Community College. On receiving his call to the sacred ministry, he resigned from his accounting job to answer to the Divine call. He enrolled at NY Seminary where he graduated with a Masters degree in Theology. He was later ordained by the United Methodist Church, as Minister of the gospel.
He was a man of many parts. His rooted cultural upbringing prepared him for a much broader perspective of life and an independent lifestyle. He mastered the art of cooking especially African dishes, enjoyed mostly by the Creoles. He prepared finger licking and mouth watering cuisines mostly on Saturdays. These included foo foo and bitters, sour sour, and crain crain dishes. He often welcomed visitors, including women, pouring into his home with their dishes to take home sumptuous meals, after feasting on his African delicacies.
In the West where women are too busy to cook, or some just don’t like to cook, he cared for the body as well as the soul. He would be missed by many folk who came in contact with him. Mr. Crispin gave new arrivals from Serra Leone a less stressful start in life in these United States. He never claimed to be a perfect servant of God, not even to his flock. At the ripe age of 76 years, he answered to the clarion call from his creator onto higher service. H.R. Haweis poetically articulates the home beyond in his verse: Hymn of the Homeland:
The homeland the homeland! The land of the free born; There’s no night in the homeland, but aye the fadeless morn I’m sighing for the homeland my heart is aching here; There’s no pain in the homeland, to which I’m drawing near. My Lord is in the homeland with angels bright and fair There’s no sin in the homeland, and no temptation there, The voices of the homeland are ringing in my ears And when I think of the homeland my eyes are filled with tears.For directions to the event please contact:
Daphne: @ 856-904-2478, Doreen: 240-413-4280, Donald: 347-739-3648
Roland Bankole Marke is a poet, writer and a widely published author of Sierra Leone heritage. He’s also a commentator, activist for the poor and destitute, and those without a voice. His poems and short stories have been anthologized. Visit his website: www.rolandmarke.com
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2010, https:. All rights reserved.
