Archdeacon Maxwell marks 100 with communion
Eric Linton Maxwell, a senior retired clergy of the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, yesterday marked his 100th birthday with celebration of the Holy Eucharist administered at his Mona Heights home by Lord Bishop The Rt Rev Dr Alfred Reid.
Maxwell, the former archdeacon of Kingston, began his life in sacred ministry when he entered St Peter’s College, at that time the training centre for persons who opted for ordination in the Anglican Church.
He was ordained in 1931 and proceeded to study at Durham College, England, to which St Peter’s was affiliated. There he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1933.
In the ensuing years, Maxwell ministered at several churches in the Diocese, among them St Matthew’s, Allman Town, Buff Bay and Birnamwood, Port Maria, St Ann’s Bay, Ocho Rios and the Cathedral in Spanish Town.
His longest tenure and the one for which he became best known was as rector of St Luke’s in Cross Roads from 1948 to 1974. He presided over the building of a new structure, as the old one could not accommodate the congregation which had grown extensively under his leadership.
In 1973, Maxwell was named Archdeacon of Kingston with responsibility for overseeing the work of the Church in the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas, Portland and St Mary. He served in that capacity until 1978.
His distinguished record to the Church and community also included overseas service as chaplain to the Caribbean Regiment 1944-46.
Maxwell also tutored at Kingston College in 1931 and is believed to be the only surviving member of the teaching staff of that time.
Twice married (his first wife died after 52 years of marriage), he is the father of two sons, Peter, a senior lecturer at Shortwood Teachers’ College; and Dr John Maxwell of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona.
In addition to the visit of the Lord Bishop, Archdeacon Maxwell was scheduled to be feted at a luncheon hosted by his family.
Tomorrow morning, he is scheduled to return to St Luke’s for the morning service at which he will be honoured.
Although he is now sightless, Archdeacon Maxwell is enjoying good health. He has a strong memory of the past, a keen sense of humour and keeps up-to-date with current events.
Asked to what he credited his longevity, he said, first the kindness of God, the care of his family “and a glass of sherry before lunch”.