By Francis Quamina Farrier

The Reverend Joseph Alexander Sydney Gittens is one of Guyana’s newest centenarians. Described by a relative as “A humble servant of God who never seeks the limelight, and consistently expresses standards of excellence in both his secular and religious pursuits”, he established over his long life, his humility, a focused approach to any task and a passion for enabling practical and spiritual solutions for those facing life’s challenges. He could also be described as a man of valour and a shining example as a role model for the younger generation. As a Marriage Officer, the Rev. Joseph Gittens has officiated at over 60 weddings over the years.

The calling to enter religious service came at age 17 for Rev. Gittens. In the early years, he studied in London, England, as well as in the USA, Canada and the Caribbean. In his secular life, he so distinguished himself as a consummate professional, so much so, that his expert advises in architecture and construction was and is still sought by many. The Reverend Gittens is further gifted in arriving at precise assessments of issues and expresses unique wit and humour. Over the years, his Christian service to others exceeds over seven decades. Even in his present golden years, his mantra is that he “would rather work out, than rust out.” His disciplined approach to any undertaking is undergirded by his central practice as a man of prayer and work. As a pastor, Rev. Gittens personifies God’s heart of a true shepherd, proven by his compassion in calling, visiting and caring for the Faithful in his congregation.

As a husband and father of seven children, one of whom is also a pastor, Rev. Gittens led his home and church by example. At the age of 61, and with the support of his wife Marjorie and other close family members, Rev. Gittens founded a new ministry called, “210 Christian Gospel Assembly” at their home at Durban Backlands, Georgetown. Birthed through weekly Bible Study and Prayer Meetings, those endeavours resulted in the debt-free construction of a church building at Lodge Housing Scheme in Georgetown. The edifice attests his competence in construction as congregants are led in Godly pursuits in the sanctuary, such as school feeding and camaraderie in the Fellowship Hall. That programme results in practical responses for the needs of the people of the Lodge Housing Scheme and environs. Rev. Gittens still mourns the passing of his wife Marjorie of 67 years, who went to be with the Lord in 2011.

In 1973 there was an incident when Rev. Gittens nearly lost his life. He was a passenger in a vehicle which was travelling along the West Coast of Berbice Public Road, when it got into an accident at Number 12 village. Reverend Gittens was badly injured and spent three months recuperating in hospital. Nonetheless, after he regained full health, he continued being the avid gardener he is and has produced enough food to feed many families. His own favourite dishes are cook-up rice with fish stew. Mango tops the list of his favourite fruits.

The life’s work and legacy of the Rev. Joseph Gittens by his Christian Ministry are seen through the practical programmes he executed through the church he founded, as he faithfully toiled in God’s vineyard over the decades. All who know him will vouch and proclaim his sterling contributions, not only to his immediate family, but also those whose lives he touched. The Rev. Joseph Gittens may not like to seek the limelight, but on this special time of his century on planet Earth, the Limelight sought him, and rightly so. During the past two weeks, there were many segments of celebration for his centenary of life. The celebrations included a motorcade drive-by at his home. Gifts and tributes were also received from home and abroad.

Although now a citizen 100 years of age, the Reverend Joseph Gittens remains a man of prayer and work. He is still making contributions to Guyana, and from all indications, he will continue to do so for some time to come, still being a man of prayer and work.