A Commemorative Church Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate Jamaica’s 47th year of independence will be held at the historic Cathedral Church of Saint John the Devine at 1046 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City on Sunday, July 26, 2009 starting at 6 p.m.

The Service, which is being organized by New York offices of the Consulate General of Jamaica, will also celebrate the legacy of the Jamaican born, Rt. Rev. E. Don Taylor at the diocese. On September 1, 2009 Bishop Taylor will leave the diocese after serving as Vicar Bishop of New York City for more than 15 years. He will be assigned to The Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Parish Church of Kingston in Jamaica as the rector.

Consulate General of Jamaica-New York, Hon. Geneive Brown Metzger, is very excited about the opportunity to stage the Service at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Devine and to honour Bishop Taylor who will also deliver the homily. “This will be a very special service for Jamaicans and New Yorkers, and the entire community is looking forward to the occasion,” Brown Metzger noted.

The Cathedral which seats over 2,000 people is expected to be overflowing with Jamaicans and well-wishers including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, former US Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda La Grande Johnson, elected officials, community leaders and other dignitaries

The Independence Choir of approximately fifty voices which has sung at independence services for over 20 years will offer a repertoire of Handel, Gounod, and arrangements by Jamaican composer, Noel Dexter. The Choir, directed by acclaimed Jamaican organist Lloyd Chung, will feature soloists: Aubrey Baker, bass, and Sonya Headlam, soprano. A special musical selection by a children’s steel band from the Bronx will inspire the audience.

Messages and greetings have been provided by Her Royal Highness the Queen of England and the Most Honourable Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica. The offering will be shared with that Jamaica Early Childhood and the Basic School Foundation.

The primary mission of the Jamaican Consulate General in New York is to promote and safeguard the interest of Jamaica and Jamaicans. The Consulate also seeks to strengthen the linkages with the Jamaican Diaspora and encourage their participation in national development.
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For further information contact:
Jamaican Consulate General, New York
Tel: 212-935-9000; Ext 20, 21