Baptist leader dies in London

Archbishop Lennard Neverson was preaching at a Convention of Spiritual Baptist Churches of the United Kingdom, at the Capital City Academy , Doyle Gardens, London, when he fell ill. This was confirmed last night by Ashton Ford, Information Attache at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in London.

Neverson was among three spiritual leaders of the Baptist community from Trinidad and Tobago who were in London to celebrate the annual Spiritual Liberation Baptist service under the auspices of the High Commission which was held on April 8. Neverson was accompanied to London by Bishop William Leon John and Reverend Mother Angela Patrick.

Ford said the Baptist leaders remained in London for the Convention which was attended by Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Glenda Morean-Phillip.

Neverson had lunch with the High Commissioner hours before he collapsed.

According to Reverend Patricia Stephens, co-ordinator of the convention, Neverson was in full flight preaching when he collapsed. The paramedics and a doctor were on the scene in a very short time and attended to the Archbishop before he was taken to the hospital. Preliminary reports revealed that Neverson may have suffered a heart attack.

His last words, according to Stephens, were: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me and he has appointed me to preach.”

The delegation was due to return to Trinidad on Tuesday. They were also present at the international media function for the Soca Warriors hosted by Her Excellency on April 10.