Rve. Dr. Hope J. McCormack - A life of service

REV DR HOPE J. McCORMACK - A life of service


Published: Monday, October 11, 2010 Jamaica Gleaner

"She always has a smile on her face. She is a bright person not just in terms of academics but in everything that she does. She is very swift on her feet and in her thinking and any subject she touches takes on a new life."

These are the words, the Rev Ascott McCormack, widower of the Rev. Dr Hope McCormack, used to describe her in an interview the couple did six years ago. These words have proven to be the epitome of Dr Hope's life.

Rev Dr Hope Juliet McCormack, who would have celebrated her 66th birthday on Tuesday, October 5, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, September 25, in St Andrew, Jamaica after a period of illness.

She was born on October 5, 1944 in Kingston, Jamaica, the last child of the late Rev Llewellyn and Mary Simpson.

After completing her elementary and high school education, she enrolled at the University of the West Indies where she received a bachelor of science degree in economics. She continued and received a Master of Science degree in economics.

McCormack also held a doctorate in ministry. She was a chartered accountant, Fellow of Life Management Institute (FLMI), lecturer, and a trained counsellor.

'Dr Mack', as she was affectionately called, was a minister, deaconess, intercessor and teacher in the Jamaica Pentecostal Union (Apostolic) and in particular at her local church - Pentecostal Gospel Temple in east Kingston. She also held several positions in a number of organisations and made a valuable impact on a number of lives.

Her ministry commenced in 1960 at the age of 16 at the United Pentecostal Church - Wildman Street. She was ordained as a minister in 2000 and dedicated 47 years of service to the people of God.

In her local church, Dr McCormack was the director of Christian Growth Ministry - Sunday school, in which she taught for over 20 years. Other positions she held include, chairperson of the finance committee and financial advisor to the church board, director/advisor/member - ladies ministry, counselor and presenter - counselling ministry, coordinator/teacher - training department and church bible study, committee member - youth committee, member - church council, board member - Early Childhood Education School.

Her work included launching Sunday school programmes in Rae Town and Harbour View to address the issue of crime and violence in those communities with a view to capturing young minds before they are taken over by the evil forces. She was compiling several short inspirational readings and publishing a book based on her doctoral studies.

Dedicated service

At the national level, she served as director/management & finance committee and member of the National Religious Media Commission (NRMC), (LOVE FM), Member of the planning board of the National Prayer Breakfast Committee, director/treasurer of the Jamaica Pentecostal Union-JPU (A), deputy director of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica and member of the Small Business Association of Jamaica.


She was the chairperson of the Agency for the Selection & Support of Individuals Starting Trade (ASSIST); a member of the Urban churches for Urban Renewal Board, treasurer/member of the Wilbert Stewart Basic School Board, executive director of the Word Time Ministries of Jamaica and was also distinguished past president of the Norbrook Springs Club of Optimist International, Caribbean District. At the time of her passing she was the chairperson for Optimist International Oratorical Competition for the Caribbean District.

For her years of dedicated service in Christian ministry, in 2008 she was given a National Christian Lifetime Award at the inaugural ceremony held in Kingston in the latter part of that year. Additionally, as an entrepreneur, she incorporated her business, H&M Financial Consulting Services Ltd which realised significant success during its existence.

Excellence

In May 2008, in recognition of her work and her love for sports evangelism, the Word Time Ministries of Jamaica's Champion Boy Trophy and Scholarship was named in her honour. She was also awarded the Grace Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2009 by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, for her consistency of purpose, quest for excellence, and inspirational leadership and for 48 years of distinguished services to the nation in the fields of religion, media, education and community development.

A strong, committed and exemplary woman, McCormack fought a good fight, finished her course and has transitioned from labour to reward.

The thanksgiving service celebrating her life and work will be held on Saturday, October 16, commencing at 10 a.m. at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, 111 Windward Road, Kingston 2. Interment follows at Dovecot Memorial Park.

A strong, committed and exemplary woman, McCormack fought a good fight, finished her course and has transitioned from labour to reward.