Devoted pastor laid to rest

CANON EVEREST Evans Daniel Hall, 74, who served the St Andrew’s Anglican Parish, Couva, for 35 years, was described by Anglican Bishop Calvin Bess “as a pastor who pursued his dream with the tenacity of a bloodhound” at his funeral service on Tuesday.

Among those in attendance were Bishops Emeritus Clive Abdullah and Rawle Douglin, Dean Knolly Clarke and Archdeacon Kenneth Forrester. The sermon was delivered by Bishop Bess. Canon Hall was in charge of the St Andrew’s Anglican Church; St Sylvan’s in Carapichaima; St Alban’s in Tortuga; and St Phillip’s in Savonetta. The eulogy read at the funeral service stated: “Simplicity was his well-being and people from all walks of life gravitated to him for solace, courage, spiritual guidance and friendship.

“Canon Hall practiced what he preached. He had high ideals and liked things done to perfection. Everything should be done with a sense of perfection because to him God is a God of order. “His death is a great loss to the Anglican Church as Canon  Hall made steady progress from server, to Priest, to Dean and then to Canon”. Bishop Bess said Canon  Hall was “called by God to be of service to humanity”.  He added: “Jesus knocked on his door and Canon Hall allowed Him to enter so that he could minister to the people. He accepted his responsibility with a deep sense of commitment, never wavering in his love and devotion for Jesus. “Canon Hall was ordained by God to bear fruits for Him and he had a unique way to bear fruits in the ministry of deliverance.”

Bishop Best stressed: “God’s love has shielded Canon Hall from the finality of death because the love of God is greater than the power of death. Canon Hall has gone to rest on the lap and embrace of Jesus, because the Creator went to prepare a place in his mansion for all those who truly love and serve Him.” Canon Hall was Vicar of the St Clement’s Church when he took study leave and went to the United Kingdom to begin his theological training. He returned to the country and got married to Margery Jones (now deceased) and fathered a son,  Richard, around whom he centered his life. After being ordained in 1966, Hall was assigned to the St. Paul’s Church, San Fernando. Apart from his duties as a priest, he hosted a radio programme, “Sunday Half Hour”. When he served in the St. Andrew’s Parish, he was chief co-ordinator in rebuilding the Couva Anglican Church, which stands as a landmark at the corner of Couva Main Road and the Brechin Castle Stretch.