NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The newly launched collector’s book “In Memory of Them” shares a glimpse of 67 outstanding individuals and residents of The Bahamas through eulogies and tributes written by Dr Reginald W Eldon.
These short eulogies of “Them” transpired over Eldon’s 44 years of service in the Methodist Church. Centered around family members and friends who played an important role in his life, the tales are of adventures, hardships, pain and joy, told in an intriguing manner that keeps you reading.
Eldon shared that he had moments of tears, sometimes crying his way through hours of a eulogy’s preparation right up to the time he was due to speak at the pulpit; he would then gain his composure and deliver their eulogy.
The book was launched on the 100th Remembrance Sunday in November 2021 at Ebenezer Methodist Church.
A tribute from former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes stated: “It is so important that we record and tell our stories, which together are the stories of the people…a nation.
“I believe that this book will not only memorialize some very interesting Bahamians but also that we will draw inspiration from it to sweeten our own lives.”
“In Memory Of Them” features people from all walks of life, connected by marriage, professional lives, church or other ways.
Two people had lived past their centenarian year: Nelly Weech (1911-2013) and Sir Durward Knowles (1917-2018).
Other figures include AR Jack Knowles (1915-2002), a founder of Family Guardian Insurance Company; and Margaret, Lady Symonette (Sir Roland’s Wife) (1915-2002).
Perhaps not as well-known but impactful were women like Rhoda C Symonette (1922-2002), Merle Gibson (1915-2003) and Fredricka Rosetta Symonette (1905-1997).
Sir Roland’s niece Rhoda C Symonette (1922-2002), sister to Ruth Eldon née Symonette (1924-1985) and aunt to Eldon, played a significant role. She understood her nephew when he performed funerals for the neighbors’ pets as a young boy and encouraged him to work with youth and continue his journey into ministry. Later in his adult life, friend Vanny Johnson gave Eldon the title “minister of funerals”.
Other connections to “Them” include their offsprings. Merle Gibson (1915-2003), who was born in Savannah Sound, was the mother of former Queen’s College Principal Andrea Gibson, who was the first woman and first person of color in that role.
Admirably, Fredricka Rosetta Symonette (1905-1997) was the earliest born person and her nephew is John Gomez, CEO of Cable Bahamas.
Some younger people in the book include well-known accountant Terence CA Bethel (1958-2020) and Joseph Robison (1959-2005), who had established the Ashé dance troupe and was an advocate for HIV/AIDS education in the 1980s.
“In Memory Of Them” creates a fleeting nostalgia. These individuals, most whom were born in the early 20th Century, were the heroes whose ideals of character, ethics, hard work, service and gratitude helped mold and shape two generations and contributed to their families, church, community and country.
The book can be ordered by emailing Dr Reginald Eldon at regweldon@gmail.com.
For more information and a detailed press release, follow this link.
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