Archbishop Welby leaves lasting memories at Church Teachers’ College

Church Teachers’ College Mandeville was abuzz with excitement as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, visited the institution accompanied by his wife, Caroline, the Diocesan and Archbishop of the West Indies, Howard Gregory; the Suffragan bishops of Montego Bay Leon Golding, and Kingston Garth Minott.

The Archbishop ceremoniously planted a June plum tree, marking the occasion with a gesture of hope and commitment to the future.

Garth Anderson, principal of the college, led Archbishop Justin and his entourage on an insightful tour of the institution. The tour highlighted several significant locations, such as the Cafeteria, the Sir Francis Kerr-Jarrett Hall of Residence, and the School of Music. At the latter, named after the former Suffragan Bishop of Mandeville, Harold Daniel, Archbishop Justin delighted the group by pausing briefly to play the pan drums.

The next stop was St. Matthias’ Chapel. Before entering the chapel, Archbishop Justin was invited to bless the college and subsequently unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark his visit on the eve of the college’s diamond Jubilee Celebrations, and the 200th anniversary of the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The tour continued to the Rev. Dr. Allen White Library, where Archbishop Justin and his wife were particularly captivated by an exhibition on the founding fathers of the college and the library’s museum collection.

Following this, the party visited the Educational Assessment and Intervention Centre, a facility dedicated to supporting children with special needs. En route, they also viewed a photo display documenting the victims of Hurricane Beryl in south Manchester.

The archbishop luncheon began with a warm welcome from the principal, followed by a graceful invocation led by the chairman of the board of management. Custos Rotulorum for Manchester, Garfield Green, extended greetings and a warm welcome on behalf of the citizens of the parish, highlighting the significance of the Archbishop’s visit. The day’s festivities concluded with a meaningful exchange of gifts, symbolizing the deep appreciation and respect shared among all present.

The Archbishop held a final session with young people from the Anglican churches in the cures, alongside students from the college. This gathering took place in the Bishop William Murray Lecture Theatre, where he shared words of wisdom and encouragement, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the youths.

The Archbishop’s visit left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, faith, and the integral role of nature in connecting people to a shared mission.