Bishop Bradley Dyer celebrates 70

Bishop Dr Dyer takes a photo with his wife, Elder Joan Shaw-Dyer.

The week of February 19-26, 2012 was a monumental occasion in the life of veteran pastor, Bishop Dr Bradley Septimus Ervin Dyer, and members of the Rehoboth Church of God in Christ Jesus (Apostolic) of Jamaica, Inc, located at Augusta Drive, Independence City.

It marked the 70th birthday celebration of their bishop and also the annual Holy General Convocation for the church.

The main speaker was the birthday celebrant, Bishop Dr Dyer, who spoke emphatically about how the Lord has taken him through "this great spiritual journey", and how he will continue in the power of the Holy Ghost until he reaches heaven. He noted that he was grateful to the Lord who has caused him to reach a significant milestone in his life, his threescore years and 10, the measure given to man, according to Psalm 90:10.

The day's event climaxed with a jubilant birthday celebration for Bishop Dyer in which a large cake bearing the words "The days of our years are threescore years and 10; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years" was cut by the pastor and his wife, Elder Joan Dyer, which was complemented by bubbly bottles of champagne. There was also a powerful performance and tribute to their dad by the dynamic former gospel group, The Dyer Five. It was then that the degree 'Doctorate of Divinity' from the Omega Bible Institute and Seminary in Louisiana, USA, was conferred upon Bishop Dyer.

This great man of God has been baptised for 50 years (since January 1962) and has been preaching the gospel for 48. The birthday celebration continued after the Sunday morning service, which was also a very ceremonious occasion.

Bishop Dr Dyer is the first bishop of the new Portmore development and pastors the first church within the municipality.

Bishop Dyer also started the first basic school, the Rehoboth Basic School, which celebrated its 47th anniversary this year. He's also the only pastor to serve three terms as the chairman of the Portmore Ministers' Fraternal, a position he now holds. He is a marriage officer and counsellor, Justice of the Peace, Lay Magistrate, chairman for many institutions, Bible teacher par excellence, and skilful executor of the word of God.