GLADSTONE Augustus Mack of Lot 11, ‘A’ Field Sophia, Georgetown turned 103 two Saturdays ago; and from all indications, is set to continue his innings with the aim of scoring another century!

And whereas a lot of men are reluctant to make their age known on scoring the proverbial ‘three-score-and-ten,’ it is with pride, joy, and an amazing depth of gratitude to God that Mack is making it known that he had attained the enviable age of ‘five-scores-and-three’.

“Today I am 103 years old, and would not want to hide it under a bushel, but I’ll let it shine. I’ll shout it out and let the world know that it is God who has brought me thus far, and has blessed me with health and long life!” the centenarian declared.

“Brother Mack,” as he is familiarly called, was born on October 31, 1911 at Aurora on the Essequibo Coast, but now resides at Sophia, Greater Georgetown with his daughter Violet Crawford and her family.

Having lost his mother at the tender age of two, and his father at age 14, he eventually migrated to Georgetown; but, as the proverbial saying goes, ‘his navel string was left’ at Aroura, and so, many years later, he gravitated back to that village, where he met and married a wonderful damsel named Viola Fortune.

Their wedded bliss lasted for 66 years, until her demise in 2010.

However, that union, having begun with nine children, gave rise to quite a pedigree: 35 grands, 70-plus great-grands and three great-great-grandchildren, all of whom Brother Mack is eminently proud.

Having been brought up in a strong Christian family, even after his parents had died, Mack continued to live those virtues. While yet in Aurora, he served as a Church Steward at the Aurora Methodist Church. And so, even after his eventual return to Georgetown to take up permanent residence after 2010, his guiding principle in life continued to be that he should maintain a close relationship with God, and influence those around him to do likewise.

And to this end he has accomplished great success, for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue to live in the fear and love of the Lord.

Mack also has a son, Caesar Mack, who is a Church of God pastor in Essequibo.
In celebration of Gladstone’s 103rd birth anniversary, the extended family held a grand birthday Thanksgiving Service in his honour last Saturday. Scores of relatives, friends and brethren gathered under a huge tent colourfully decorated in the yard at his daughter Violet Crawford’s residence — Lot 11, ‘A’ Field Sophia — for a memorable occasion of rapturous outpouring of praise and thanksgiving.

The sermon was delivered by none other than his son, Pastor Caesar Mack, and Gladstone was the proud guest of honour. Decked in a crown of scintillating colours on his head, Gladstone proudly occupied a special chair at the table, beaming throughout the proceedings.
Until today, Brother Mack has a very good memory. His sight is good, and he eats just about anything edible, provided it is good for his health, as his daughter Violet insists. Generally, he is in good health except for pains he now experiences in the knees, which have rendered him immobile.

And so, on his special day, the family, friends and brethren wished Mr. Gladstone Mack, a Happy Birthday, and they thanked God for his life. They are grateful for his wisdom, strength and support, and for his continuous and unconditional love.

They contend that he is the perfect example of what a dad should be: devoted, loving, caring and dependable.