by Nigel Coke
The administrators, workers and members of the Jamaica Union Conference mourning with the family of Pastor Wellesly H. Gunter who died in the Montego Bay Hospital and Urology Centre on Sabbath, August 6, 2016. He was 81.
Pastor Gunter, who is known for his unique preaching style which includes a frequent stamping of his feet, served the Seventh-day Adventist Church in various capacities during his 40 years of Christ-like ministry.
Pastor Gunter and wife Claire
“The Jamaica Union Conference joins the family of the late Pastor Wellesley Gunter in mourning his passing,” said Pastor Everett Brown, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica. “We pay tribute to a most outstanding Pastor, Evangelist and Administrator of our Church whose ministry of service has impacted us positively. In this moment of grief and sadness, we commend his wife and children to the God of all comfort, and encourage them to embrace the special promises of Jesus of a glorious resurrection of the saints when Jesus comes.”
Pastor Gunter started his Internship in West Jamaica Conference where he later served as Pastor, Principal of the Harrison Memorial High School, Lay Activity and Sabbath School Director, and Treasurer. He then served in the Central Jamaica Conference as Treasurer and Education Director, before accepting a call to serve again in West Jamaica Conference and Secretary and then Treasurer.
“He was a conscientious pastor, a caring shepherd and a consummate and eminent evangelist”, said Pastor Glen Samuels, president of West Jamaica Conference. “He has made an indelible impression in all the circuits in which he has served and has molded and mentored many pastor including me. He will long be remembered for his passion for evangelism.”
When the North Jamaica Mission was organized in August 2002, Pastor Gunter was asked to serve as its first Secretary. He also served the Mission as Treasurer before retiring as Family Ministries Director in June 2007.
“Pastor Gunter served North with diligence and zeal”, said Pastor Karl Archer, president of the North Jamaica Conference. “He was an outstanding preacher and a solid administrator. He loved workers and sought to assist them in various ways. Our prayers and condolences are with the members of his family.”
Pastor Gunter is survived by wife Claire; children Timothy, Donna, Sanchia and Cleon, other relatives and friends.
The Thanksgiving Service for Pastor Gunter will take place on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre in Mount Salem, Montego Bay, starting at 10:00 am. His body will be interred in the Dovecot of St. James.
