Bishop Carmen Stewart retires as Custos of St. Andrew

Bishop Carmen Stewart retires as Custos of St. Andrew

August 10, 2010
By Michael Schurton
Bishop Dr. Carmen Lois Stewart O.J., O.D., J.P., Custos Rotulorum of St Andrew has officially retired from that position.

Bishop Dr. Carmen Stewart has served with distinction as the Custos of St Andrew from October 1992 until her retirement on August 8 this year. Bishop Stewart who is the Patron of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica has also served as deputy Governor-General on several occasions.

As Custos, Bishop Stewart represented of the Governor General in the parish of St. Andrew. Stewart also served as the chief magistrate for the parish, and ensure that there are enough Justices of the Peace to serve the Petty Sessions Court and the communities in St. Andrew.

The Governor-General has expressed appreciation and gratitude to Bishop Stewart for her hard work and dedication during her tenure as Custos.

Bishop Stewart, who was appointed Pastor of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple on October 30, 1966. Stewart created history when she was appointed the first female Custos Rotulorum of the parish of St. Andrew on October 1, 1992. She was also sworn into history as the first female Deputy Governor General of Jamaica when she acted in that capacity between August 8 -12, 1996.

Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, in recognition of her distinguished service to religion and community development, appointed her as the Ministries’ first Patron on October 19, 1997.

Bishop Dr. Carmen Lois Stewart O.J., O.D., J.P., former Senior Pastor of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple was honoured by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica on January 30, 2010 at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, 111 Windward Road, Kingston 2, at the organization’s at 16th Annual Excellence Awards Ceremony.

Bishop Stewart, who is the Patron of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, was honoured by the non-profit youth ministry for her distinguished service to the organization and the nation.

Word Time Ministries of Jamaica’s Annual Excellence Awards Ceremony is staged under the distinguished patronage of Bishop Dr. the Hon. Carmen Lois Stewart O.J., O.D., J.P., in an effort by the Ministry to honour and pay recognition to the members of the organization and corporate sponsors who have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Ministry.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen has appointed Marigold Harding as the new Custos Rotulorum of St. Andrew. Her appointment is with effect from yesterday, August 9. Mrs. Harding is the wife of President of the Senate Dr. Oswald Harding. The new Custos succeeds Bishop Dr. Carmen Stewart.

Chairman of the Board of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica. R. Michael Schurton J.P. also paid tribute to the contribution of the Patron, Bishop Stewart. Schurton stated that Bishop Stewart has enriched the lives of many by exceptional leadership qualities and her ability to motivate and inspire.”

Schurton also said “Bishop Carmen Stewart has consistently displayed an indomitable spirit, reflected in her quest for excellence and in her service to the nation and community.” Schurton described Patron Stewart as an exceptional God fearing woman with a deep sense of commitment to her country. He added further that “Bishop Stewart, through a holistic approach to Christian stewardship.