Clergy

Reverend Donald Godfrey Kerr

Deacon Donald Godfrey Kerr was born in West End, Grand Bahama. At the age of ten, he was privileged to become a member of the serving choir at St. Mary Magdalene in West End as a incense bearer. His involvement in the Altar Servers Guild afforded Donald a greater appreciation for the Church and God's Work. As his commitment to God increased so did his social involvement in the community. He immersed himself in the Boy's Scouts and other community activities. A naturally gifted athlete, Donald excelled in track and field, his specialty being long-distance and cross country running. His success on the track led to a full Track & field scholarship at Tennessee Technological University, later articulating at the University of Tennessee where he earned a bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He was thereafter recruited to New York where he was employed as an accountant. In the Big Apple he did not forget his spiritual roots.

For many years he worshipped at the Church of the Ascension and St. Thomas in Manhattan. He was active in the ministries at both parishes. Although Donald spent many years in foreign lands, his heart was always anchored in West End and to St. Mary's. That distant voice in the wilderness calling him to labour in the Lord's vineyard was getting nearer and more pronounced. He totally absorbed himself in the Parish. He was encouraged by the late Catechist Alton Wallace and his mentor Assistant Bishop Michael Eldon and Canon Winfield Goodridge. The new rector, Fr. Norman Lightbourne recognized his zeal, energy and commitment and guided him accordingly. He was appointed Chief Altar Server, Master of Ceremonies, and chairman of the Christian Formation for Diocese 2000 and beyond. The more he became involved in St. Mary's the more he realized that his true vocation was to be one of God's Shepherds in the Vineyard of Grace and Humility. He readily embraced this calling to serve and was soon off to Codrington Theological College Seminary in Barbados. Donald truly believed that God has endowed him with the essential Spiritual attributes to advance the master's teachings on this mortal plain. His energetic leadership, vibrant outreach, dedication and disciplined lifestyle is a solid testimony of his devotion and commitment to Jesus, whom he sincerely acknowledges as his Lord and Saviour. All of God's children have a story to tell. Donald's story is one of global experience, worldly adventure, maturity and profound love and appreciation for God. God has been his vision; his strength, his endurance, his salvation. His passion to serve his compatriots is only exceeded by his passion to serve and please God Almighty.

On the 21st of December Ordinand Donald Godfrey Kerr was ordained as the first Deacon from a church with a rich heritage and history, Saint Mary Magdalene Church in West End, Grand Bahama.