Bishop Carmen Lois Steward OJ, OD, JP |
In the spirit of International Women’s Month, I’m compelled to share the remarkable stories of women who have left an indelible mark on my own journey, both directly and indirectly.
Among these extraordinary women stands the late Bishop the Hon. Dr. Carmen Lois Stewart, a name intertwined with my own and a testament to resilience and leadership. While I didn't have the privilege of meeting her in person, her legacy resonates deeply within her family, whom I've had the honour of getting to know.
Dr. Stewart's remarkable life was commemorated by her family through a centennial exhibition which ran from International Women’s Day on March 8-March 11, 2024. Interestingly she transcended on March 8, 2020. This exhibition, held at the headquarters adjacent to the church she founded at 111 Winward Road in Kingston, Jamaica, serves as a touching tribute to her enduring impact.
A true trailblazer, Dr. Stewart's legacy extends far beyond her lifetime. Her family has established the Carmen Lois Stewart (CLS) Foundation, launched in 2021, dedicated to enhancing the lives of East Kingston residents by providing opportunities for social development and addressing the community's diverse needs.
Despite my personal detachment from the church, I cannot help but respect and admire its role in fostering community development, a mission Dr. Stewart championed fervently through her unwavering Christian faith.
As the first female Custos of the parish of St Andrew and the inaugural female deputy Governor-General of Jamaica, Dr. Stewart shattered glass ceilings with grace and determination. For 44 years, she served as Pastor of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple (111) and presided over the Pentecostal Gospel Temple Family of Churches as its esteemed Prelate.
During my visit to the exhibition, I was awestruck by the multitude of plaques, trophies, certificates, and photographs documenting her extraordinary achievements. A fellow church member remarked, 'This is just a fraction of her awards; there simply wasn't enough space to display them all.'
Truly, the legacy of Bishop the Hon. Dr. Carmen Lois Stewart, adorned with accolades such as the Order of Jamaica (OJ), Order of Distinction (OD), and Justice of the Peace (JP), lives on through the Carmen Lois Stewart Foundation. Her daughter, Dr Carolyn Stewart, and her entire family attest to the enduring strength of this woman.
Let us continue to honour and celebrate the legacy of this remarkable woman whose impact transcends generations.
Lois celebrating Dr Carmen Lois Stewart at the International Women's month exhibition. |
Organisers, Dr Carolyn Stewart (L) daughter and organizer of the exhibition and another family member. Lois is standing. |
Writer, Lois Grant
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 1200 - 1300 HOURS
9A CHELSEA AVENUE, NEW KINGSTON, JAMAICA.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS
MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2024.
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It's Just a Click
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Her Sister Ethlyn Palmer Vice Principal then Principal of Moneague Teachers College in St Ann.
ReplyDeleteThis for a combined near half a century.
Mrs Palmer was the Sister of Reverend Stewart.
Ms Palmer transitioned about 3months ago.
Ok,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great feature of how her family and the community have commemorated her outstanding life and work!
ReplyDelete