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HomeNewsArchivesRev. WilmouthT. N. Scotland, Well-Known Minister, Dies at 81

Rev. WilmouthT. N. Scotland, Well-Known Minister, Dies at 81

The Right Reverend Bishop Wilmouth Theophilus Nathaniel Scotland, 81, entered final twilight on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, Maryland, following a protracted terminal illness.

He leaves to celebrate his life and to mourn his passing his beloved wife of 51 years, Helenita Ramona Byam Scotland; five loving children: Suzanne Elizabeth Scotland, Helenita Allette Scotland-Crosby, Rosalie Althea Beverly Scotland, Allington M. Scotland and Olivia E. L. Scotland; daughter-in-law, Nicola Scotland; grandchildren: Rosa Lee Scotland, Marvin L. Scotland, Allington M. Scotland, Christiana J. Campbell, Alton M. Scotland, Nigel H. Crosby Jr., Nical C. Scotland, Ryan N. A. Scotland; his only great-granddaughter, Kira Lily Ann Scotland; goddaughter, Jean Thomas; godson, Casim Phipps; fellow members of the clergy; as well as close, beloved friends of the family too numerous to mention.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Scotland, mother, Olive Roberts, and a half brother.
Rev. Scotland was born Nov. 7, 1929, in Grays Farm, St. Johns, Antigua, to parents Olive Roberts and Leonard Scotland. Following the death of his mother when he was only six years old, Mr. Scotland was taken in under the loving care of his foster parents: Caroline Merchant and Thomas Williams. After several years of vocation classes and apprenticeships, he became a skilled carpenter and, much like Jesus, plied his trade for many years, earning him a reputation across the island of Antigua as someone who took pride in his work and always gave his best.
In 1956, he received God’s call to the ministry and made the decision to attend the Caribbean Pilgrim College (CPC) in Barbados. Once he completed theological studies, becoming valedictorian of his class in 1959, Rev. Scotland returned to Antigua where he married his sweetheart, Helenita, and assumed pastorate of a small church at Grays Hill, all in the same year. Reverend Scotland went on to pastor several churches in Antigua over the years in Bolans, Parham, New Winthropes and Swetes Village. He accepted evangelical invitations from all across the island and abroad, and under his ministries, he brought countless souls into God’s loving embrace.
In 1973, he decided to accept a ministerial position at the Church of the Nazarene on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He eventually moved his family to St. Croix, where he pastored that church for four years. Obeying the leading of the spirit, he founded the Ebenezer Holiness Church in 1977, and assumed pastorship of that Grove Place beacon until the time of his passing.
Reverend Scotland was many things to many people: husband, father, preacher, teacher, confidante and friend. He was first and foremost, though, a man of God. Fully dedicated to a life of service, He understood intrinsically that in order to have a rich, full life with payoffs in the hereafter, he would have to elevate God to the most important place in his life – at the very head. The reverend was the best example anyone could ask for of how to be a dedicated man of God, a loving husband, caring father, faithful shepherd and lifelong friend. He always had a kind word for everyone, a word of admonition or advice, a twinkle in his eye, a special smile on his face and joy in his heart. He gave voice and meaning to God’s love here on earth, and we commit his amazing spirit into God’s warm, welcoming hands. Rest in peace, Daddy Scotland.
The Memorial Homegoing Service for the late Reverend Scotland will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Church of God Holiness in Peters Rest, St. Croix. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
All arrangements are by James Memorial Funeral Home Inc.

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