Canon Weeville Gordon, servant of the people
The late Reverend Canon Weeville McCurbin Gordon, OJ, CD was a true and faithful servant to the people of Jamaica. He served his church, his community and the nation with distinction and humility for over 50 years, including after his retirement from formal church duties in 2002. His example and contribution will long be remembered by a grateful nation.
Canon Gordon began his career when he was ordained to the priesthood of the Anglican Church in 1953. He pastored at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Allman Town where he is remembered with affection and admiration for his service to the community. He was a constant source of encouragement, advice and inspiration to all, taking time to work with the youth in particular. In recognition of his work in the community, Hitchen Street in Allman Town, where St Matthew’s Church is located, was renamed Weeville Gordon Street by the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation Council in 2005.
But Canon Gordon’s service extended beyond his ministry in Allman Town into many aspects of Jamaican life. For example, he chaired a variety of community organisations and gave dedicated service to the Anglican Church beyond the shores of his beloved Jamaica.
His involvement in the Province of the West Indies of the Anglican Church was most exemplary and he was noted for the willingness with which he freely shared his knowledge, advice and opinion with others, especially those in need or in despair.
In recognition of his sterling contribution to his country, and to the capital city in particular, Canon Gordon was appointed Custos of Kingston in 1991 — the first member of the Clergy to hold that office.
He served until December 2009 and was so highly respected that he was accorded the honour to act as governor general on 72 occasions between 1994 and 2009 when Her Majesty’s representative had to be absent from duties.
He also had the honour and distinction of serving as deputy governor general to three heads of state — Sir Howard Cooke; Professor Sir Kenneth Hall; and Sir Patrick Allen, the current governor general.
In recognition of his invaluable contribution to the clergy and the public service, Canon Gordon was deservedly conferred with the Order of Distinction – Commander Class in 1995, and the Order of Jamaica in 2007.
Throughout his long career he served with dignity, distinction and dedication, continuing even after his retirement from public life in 2009. His calm personality and sense of humour made him approachable by people of all walks of life. And though he held very high office and had access to the corridors of power, Canon Gordon never lost his humility. He was never too busy to take time to share his wisdom and provide spiritual guidance.
We place on record our deep appreciation for his service and extend our heartfelt condolence to his wife and children and the Allman Town and Anglican communities.