Tribute by the Rt Rev Dr Howard Gregory, Bishop of Jamaica & The Cayman Islands, to the Rt Rev E. Don Taylor, late rector of the Kingston Parish Church.

THE DIOCESE of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands mourns the passing of Bishop Don Taylor, even as it gives thanks for his life of outstanding service to this Diocese, the nation and the wider Anglican communion.

As a young priest in this diocese, he was noted for his creativity and pastoral leadership while serving as priest-in-charge and subsequently as rector of the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Molynes Road.

His rapport and mentoring of the young people of the congregation was a major force in helping to shape the life of those who have gone on to serve the Church, the nation, and in various spheres in the international community.

Challenging situations

His ministry exercised in the Episcopal (Anglican) Church in the United States was no less noteworthy. Through his pastoral leadership in Buffalo and Atlanta, he was able to lead the congregations in a process of growth, even while maintaining multi-racial membership in a racially divided society. While serving the Church, he also affirmed his Jamaican identity and served the nation as honorary consul in Atlanta for several years.

Elected as bishop of the United States Virgin Islands and subsequently as assistant bishop and vicar bishop of New York, he faced many challenging situations, having responsibility for some of the poorest congregations of mixed racial composition in his jurisdiction. Here he sharpened his skills in ministering to the poor and marginalised in an affluent society.

Returning to Jamaica in his retirement, he brought to bear on his ministry his vast experience and pastoral skills in ministry in downtown Kingston, while serving as rector of the Kingston Parish Church.

The Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and the people of Jamaica owe him a debt of gratitude for his contribution in both spheres of our lives.

We offer our sincere condolence to his daughter, Tara, and to his wider family, colleagues and former parishioners.

May he rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him.

IMAGE: Bishop Taylor From The Gleaner