‘Sister Make Up and Lipstick’ celebrated for 40 years in ministry despite no church grounds

Reverend Dr Clara Marshall, pastor for the Cornerstone Mission Open Bible Church, who was formally recognised on Sunday for 40 years of service to ministry, is happy that she continues to successfully spearhead a church that has no building of its own.

Marshall, who proudly said she is often referred to as ‘Sister Make Up and Lipstick’, operates a church on the grounds of Ascot Primary School in Portmore, St Catherine, and credits its start and success to getting the go-ahead from Mark Jackson, principal of Ascot Primary School, for a “prayer meeting” to be held there nearly nine years ago.

“We started here May 5, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. and we have not left yet. Mr Jackson, we are still looking for a place of our own, but we are so happy that both school and church can partner together. We have a partnership going,” Marshall said in her brief response to the formal recognition by the church and specially invited guests.

However, Marshall is not alone in being without an actual church building in Portmore, the largest community in Jamaica, which authorities aim to establish as another parish, given that another church is similarly operated at Greater Portmore High School.

After being given a plaque with words expressing how her congregation felt about her, Marshall said she was happy to be with her biological family and spiritual family on Sunday, and paid homage to “the King of Kings and Lord of Lords”.

Present to hear her concern over not having a church building was Fitz Jackson, member of parliament for St Catherine Southern, who has been associated with Marshall for years - as they were both associated with the Portmore Community College, which started in 1991 - and made note of her determined ways and inherit characteristics which have brought her to the point she now is in ministry.

“Dr Marshall and I have travelled a long journey together ... She was a member of staff of that institution while I was chairman of the board ... Being chairman then, I was fully aware of her professional contribution to that institution and by extension Portmore, and that has continued through her many years of service to this community of Portmore,” Jackson said.

Perseverance, commitment

Jackson applauded her for pioneering the commencement of the Greater Portmore Open Bible Church.

“[In] the early years, when there was nothing, she led [the church] and, inherent in that is the demonstration of perseverance, is the demonstration of commitment. So, many of you might come to know her now and in her current roles, but many will not be aware of those inherit characteristics of her, which have brought her to this point. Those are examples for many to emulate, and that’s the reason why I choose to highlight this, because many people wither in the storm or their knees get feeble in the storm, [but] this is a woman that demonstrates courage, will [and] perseverance,” Jackson said.

“She has put herself up as a shining example of what can be accomplished when you have those kinds of characteristics, and so I want to applaud you, Dr Marshall, for that,” he said.

Jackson also highlighted the fact that Marshall has brought the religious community of Portmore to the centre of the administration of the Portmore municipality, and has played an integral part in the development of the whole “Portmore community”.

Amid not having a church building, her numerous church family who gave tributes stressed that she not only helped with building Portmore, but also the Kingdom of Christ.

Zone of Spiritual Operations

Courtney Morris, president of the Portmore Ministers’ Fraternal, who succeeded her in becoming the president, recognised Marshall as “the first female president and chair of the Portmore Ministers’ Fraternal” who “pioneered changing the title from chairman to president”.

“She guided the Fraternal for four years, and those were the COVID years. She has a call and commitment that is beyond none other. She ensured that we saw it through those years, when we were not necessarily having meetings as we ought to, but she ensured that we stayed together, pulled together and came through together,” Morris said.

He noted that, during the pandemic, she pioneered the Zone of Spiritual Operations (ZOSO) in Portmore, which mimics the zones of special operations established by the Government.

Marshall is also a distinguished figure in the educational sphere with a remarkable career spanning over five decades. With a profound commitment to both spiritual guidance and community uplifting, she has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.

As the immediate past president of the Portmore Ministers’ Fraternal, Marshall played a pivotal role in fostering unity and collaboration among religious leaders in the Portmore community. Through her leadership, she facilitated interfaith dialogue and cooperation, working towards common goals of social justice and spiritual enrichment.

Having also devoted more than 40 years to the teaching profession, Marshall’s journey into the ministry was marked by a deep-rooted desire to instil values of compassion, justice, and empowerment in the hearts and minds of her students and those whom she encounters. Her tenure as an educator not only shaped young minds, but laid the foundation for her dedication to youth and community development.

Marshall’s pastoral leadership has been equally impactful. She previously served with distinction as the pastor of the Church of the Open Bible Greater Portmore, where it is said that her dynamic preaching, compassionate ministry, and visionary leadership revitalised the congregation and strengthened its engagement with the wider community.

Currently, as the pastor of the Cornerstone Mission Open Bible Church, Marshall continues to inspire and empower her congregation to live out their faith through acts of service and advocacy. Her ministry is characterised by a sense of compassion and a relentless commitment to addressing the needs of the marginalised and under-served.

ainsworth.morris@gleanerjm.com