The installation of a new pastor is quite often described as "solemn," "dignified," and "memorable." Pastor Oshain Stewart’s installation at the Washington Gardens District of Churches was all that and more. What stood out most, however, for the newly installed pastor was the opportunity that was created for him to ‘hit the ground running’ during his very first contact with his new pastoral district.
The service was conducted at the Washington Gardens Seventh Day Adventist Church with full participation of both the Washington Gardens and Balcombe Drive churches on Sabbath, October 24, 2026. Presiding was Pastor Ralston Tyrell, Personnel Ministries Director of the East Jamaica Conference and First Elders, Dr. Marston Thomas, and Elder Vernon McCallum of the Washington Gardens and Balcombe Drive churches, respectively. Other elders from both churches also participated in the morning’s activities. An impressive number of members turned out to welcome the new pastoral family.
:: Photo credit: Nicholas Frater
In his introduction, Pastor Tyrell not only informed the congregation of Pastor Stewart’s place of origin, early life in the church, his familial connections, and his dedication to his wife, Tamara, but he also outlined his sojourn as a preacher, his commitment to the church's mission and passion for seeing individuals give their lives to the Lord. The service entailed a litany of installation and was enriched with fitting musical renditions. Pastor Stewart’s response and inaugural sermon, entitled "Michael Still Stands," fittingly expounded on the experiences of Daniel in Babylon and how his unrelenting commitment to God clearly demonstrated his conviction that Michael would always stand up on his behalf.
Moments after inviting his congregants, in the sanctuary and online, to recommit to the faithful service of the Lord, Pastor Stewart was descending into the baptismal pool where two precious souls were baptized. This was a task that was enthusiastically embraced by Pastor Stewart, as it enabled him to fulfill one of his top priorities as a minister of the gospel. Thus, he was able to start his tenure in his new pastoral district in full flight of the race to rescue perishing souls from Satan’s Camp.
:: Photo credit: Nicholas Frater
:: Photo credit: Nicholas Frater
The solemnity and significance of the service was etched in the mind of all worshippers, who covenanted before God and each other to place Him first, to seek the guidance of His Spirit and to work together for the uplifting of Christ and prepare others and themselves for His coming.
Thus marked the beginning of a new chapter in the life and history of the Washington Gardens and Balcombe Drive pastoral district with the installation of its 26th pastor, the one God has chosen to lead his people at such a time as this.
As Pastor Stewart embarks on this new chapter of ministry, the congregations look forward with faith and anticipation to the spiritual growth, renewed commitment, and souls won for the kingdom that, by God’s grace will mark his leadership.
All look forward to a mutually rewarding experience for the next four years of service to God and the community.
:: Photo credit: Nicholas Frater