The Reverend John Adolphus Gumbs, a cherished figure and spiritual leader in Anguilla, celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday, 15 August.
Family, friends, government officials and members of the wider community gathered to wish him well during a party marking the milestone occasion.
Attendees enjoyed food and drink and during the event Governor Julia Crouch presented Rev Gumbs with a birthday card signed by King Charles III.
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Acting Premier Cardigan Connor, communications minister Jose Vanterpool and parliamentary secretary Cordell Richardson presented flowers on behalf of the government.
In a Facebook message, Josephine Gumbs Connor described her father as “a revolutionist” in the church, “unshakable in his faith and ministry”, and “dynamic, fearless”.
“He has touched and impacted so many many lives… We are blessed beyond measure to God for you and the life you have lived,” she wrote.
On 16 August a thanksgiving service was held for the centenarian and his wife of 59 years, Veronica Gumbs, at Ebenezer Methodist Church.
A celebratory message from the Ebenezer Methodist Church community offered “heartfelt and blessed birthday greetings” to Rev Gumbs.
“We give God thanks for his remarkable life and faithful service throughout the region and beyond,” the message said.
Born in Anguilla in 1925, Rev Gumbs devoted more than six decades to ministry, education and national service, leaving an enduring impact on both church and society.
In 1947, he became one of the legendary ‘Holy Seven’ pioneering Caribbean ministers trained in Jamaica, the church explained.
Together their vision and leadership helped to lay the foundation for the establishment of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA).
His ministry spanned the Leeward Islands, Aruba and Curaçao and was marked by “prophetic preaching, fearless advocacy for justice and a deep commitment to education”, the church said.
He made history as the first Anguillian to serve as chair of the Leeward Islands District, opening doors for generations of future leaders.
Beyond the pulpit, he championed democratic governance, serving as chair of the Anguilla Constitutional and Electoral Reform Committee and as the first nominated member of the Anguilla House of Assembly.
“His life stands as a powerful testimony to faith, courage, and the transformative power of service to God and community,” the church community wrote.
“Today, we celebrate not just a century of life, but a century of legacy. May God’s blessings continue to surround him with grace, peace, and joy.”
looking forward to seeing it.