Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
It’s a delight to be here to honour a good friend.
You know, Bishop Neil Clarence Ellis is a singular man, of manifold influence.
One fateful day in 1987, he received a call to serve. He did not fret, he did not hide away.
He did not worry about leaving behind a surging career and stellar reputation as a successful business leader.
He took up the charge, and dedicated his days to spreading the good word.
Since then, his evangelism has healed and inspired communities across our archipelago, and around the world.
He has ministered to multitudes, sharing scriptures, parables, and personal anecdotes for the benefit of others. He didn’t just do it in person, he did it via television, radio, and the internet. When the world went digital, so did he. His sermons provided guidance and solace to the lost and weary, even to those whose personal circumstances prevented physical attendance.
My good friend Bishop Ellis has his roots in the island of Bimini – and those roots have never withered. Time and time again, he has shown himself to be a true son of the Bahamian soil. He has flourished, even through the many seasons of life, and his vitality has served as an inspiration to many.
Even more than a leader, he is a community builder. He brought countless Bahamians together, and today is just another testament to that spirit of togetherness.
When Bishop Ellis formed Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church with his wife Patrice and eleven charter members, he solidified a legacy of civic and spiritual outreach. In time, he became a pastor of thousands, and a role model to many more. After a decade as the Presiding Prelate of the Global United Fellowship, he has finally retired, having brought up a new generation of evangelists to carry on his crucial remit.
My friends, his is an impressive precedent, set in motion by a mighty God.
As we open this museum and library in honour of him, we do so with a profound sense of gratitude.
On behalf of the government and people of The Bahamas, I thank you, Bishop Ellis, for all your abiding contributions to our country. More importantly, I thank you for being a faithful friend. To me, and to so many gathered here today.
Your legacy is grand. And it will live on, not just in this building, not just at Mount Tabor, but through all the lives you’ve touched over the years.
May the Bishop Neil Ellis Museum and Library serve as a lasting haven for spiritual and scholastic growth. May it be a bastion of love, faith, and fellowship. And may it inspire more Bahamians to pursue their God-given gifts to the greatest heights. Just like you have.
My warmest regards go out to Maxine Newton and all those who helped make this opening possible. Thank you all for taking the time to attend and support this most special of ceremonies.
To my good friend Bishop, I say congratulations again on a glorious career.
Thank you.