Anglican Diocese Celebrates the Ordination of Preston Pinder to the Sacred Order of Deacons

The Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands gathered in joy and thanksgiving on Friday, August 8, 2025, to witness the ordination of Mr. Preston Mario Kirkland Pinder to the Sacred Order of Deacons. The service took place on the Feast of St. Dominic at The Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King in Freeport, Grand Bahama, before a packed congregation of family, clergy, friends, and parishioners from across the Diocese.

The ordination liturgy was celebrated by The Rt. Rev’d and Rt. Hon. Laish Z. Boyd, Bishop of the Diocese, with clergy from Grand Bahama, New Providence, Barbados, and other islands joining in support. The Pro-Cathedral’s Senior Choir, musicians, and acolytes led a moving celebration that combined solemn liturgy with joyful thanksgiving.

The preacher for the evening was The Rev’d Kirkland H. Russell Jr., Rector of St. Stephen Anglican Church, Eight Mile Rock, and Preston’s uncle. His sermon, equal parts scriptural teaching, pastoral guidance, and personal reflection, wove together biblical truths with family history, noting the unique generational blessing of the moment:

“On the 13th of July, 2001—24 years ago—Preston, you were only a year old, and I was made a deacon in this very church of Christ the King. Now, another generation of my family is entering into the sacred ministry. To God be the glory! He has been exceptionally good to my family, and we are blessed to see this day.”

Fr. Russell charged his nephew to live out four key commitments drawn from John 15:16: stay connected to Jesus, remain humble, bear good fruit, and be a man of prayer.

“This ministry is not for the faint-hearted. It can be a lonely road… but if you hold on to Jesus’ hand, He will carry you over the hills and through the valleys of life. Remember always—it’s not about you, Preston. It’s about Jesus. Stay humble, love your people, and serve them always.”

The preacher also reminded Preston that his ministry will be measured not by status, but by the fruits of the Spirit evident in his life and work:

“If you are a man of God, full of the Holy Ghost, you will lead your people to peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control… Let it be said that you led them to holiness.”

A lifelong member of The Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King, Preston has been known since childhood for his faithful service on the altar and deep involvement in parish life. He helped launch the parish’s Media Ministry, enabling livestream broadcasts of services, and has served actively in youth work, music, and outreach.

After graduating from St. George’s High School, Preston built a successful career in information technology and media production, earning two Associate degrees from the University of The Bahamas in Marketing and Computer Information Systems. In 2020, he founded Pinder’s Media, offering multimedia and marketing services to clients across various sectors.

Yet, despite his success in technology and business, Preston discerned a deeper call to spiritual leadership. In 2022, he entered Codrington College in Barbados to test his vocation to the sacred priesthood. He earned a Diploma in Pastoral Studies and graduated with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology.

In his printed reflection for the service, Preston expressed gratitude for the many people and communities who have shaped his call:

“From my earliest memories as a child, I have carried a quiet but persistent yearning toward ordained ministry… I give thanks for the unwavering support of my family and for the countless individuals and communities whose presence and influence I will forever cherish.”

He credited his formative years in Barbados, especially his time with the parish family of St. Barnabas Anglican Church and the Codrington College community, with instilling in him “lessons of grace, discipline, and perseverance.”

Preston emphasized that his ordination was not his achievement alone, but the fruit of a wider network of love, encouragement, and prayer:

“This milestone is not mine alone, but is shared with every person who has lifted me up in love, in truth, and in faith. Above all, I dedicate this moment and every moment thereafter to the glorification of God and the edification of His Kingdom.”

As a deacon, Preston will serve under the Bishop’s direction, assisting in the proclamation of the Gospel, leading intercessions, preparing the altar, and engaging in works of service and charity. The role, as Fr. Russell reminded him, is rooted in humility and service:

“The word ‘deacon’ comes from the Greek and means waiter, messenger, and servant. When you are serving around God’s holy altar, do it with pride and honor, because it is a holy privilege to serve.”

As Preston embarks on this next step toward priesthood, the Diocese offers prayers for his faithfulness, growth, and continued joy in ministry.