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PM Says Weeville Gordon Served with Distinction

November 21, 2010

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Prime Minister, the Hon Bruce Golding, has expressed regret at the death Saturday night (November 20) of former Custos of Kingston, Rev Canon Weeville Gordon, noting his long and distinguished career of service to the city.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen (right), presenting then outgoing Custos Rotulorum of Kingston, Rev. Canon the Hon. Weeville Gordon O.J., with a citation in recognition of 18 years of service in that capacity at an appreciation luncheon at King’s House last December.

“Our former Custos served with distinction and was respected for his dedication to community. He was especially beloved in Allman Town, where he served as a pastor for several decades, but he also became a familiar leader throughout all of Jamaica,” Mr. Golding said, in a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on Sunday (November 21).
He said that he was happy that Canon Gordon was able to enjoy his brief retirement, after half a century of public service.
“I will miss him for his calm spirit and dignified strength. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Elonia, his three children, Peter John, Angella and Flavia, the rest of his family, the many whom he served in his community and friends,” the Prime Minister said.
Canon Gordon, the immediate past priest of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Allman Town, Kingston, was installed as Custos of Kingston in 1991 and retired in 2009.
He was the first clergyman elevated to that office. During his tenure, he acted as Governor-General on 72 occasions, between 1994 and 2009, and holds the distinction of serving as Deputy Governor-General to three Heads of State – the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke; Professor Sir Kenneth Hall; and Sir Patrick Allen.
He was succeeded as Deputy Governor-General by the Custos of Clarendon, Hon. James deRoux, in 2009.In recognition of his contribution to the clergy and the public service, Canon Gordon was conferred with the Order of Distinction [(Commander Class) C.D.] in 1995, and the Order of Jamaica in 2007.
Hitchen Street, Allman Town, on which St. Matthew’s Church is situated, was renamed, Weeville Gordon Street, in his honour, in recognition of his work in the community, by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) Council in 2005.

Last Updated: August 13, 2013

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