The Diocese announces the passing of Canon Harry Wellington Ward

The Rev.d Canon Harry Ward

The Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands announces, with deep sadness yet profound gratitude for a life of dedicated ministry, the passing of Canon Harry Wellington Ward, retired priest, who died on Wednesday, 12th November 2025, at the Princess Margaret Hospital following a short illness. He was 79 years old.

A native son of Eleuthera, Canon Ward faithfully served the Church for nearly five decades. Ordained a deacon on 30 November 1977 and a priest on 29 June 1978, he ministered across several parishes throughout the Family Islands and New Providence. Even after his retirement, he continued to serve quietly and consistently, providing pastoral and sacramental support wherever he was needed.

Canon Ward’s contributions to diocesan life were both visionary and historic. As the first Director of Evangelism, he approached ministry with creativity, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel. His pioneering work in religious broadcasting marked a turning point in Anglican media outreach: he played a key role in producing the first Anglican television broadcast service and teaching series, and he was instrumental in the early development of the “Insight” radio programme and other diocesan communications initiatives.

His ministry to children and young people was equally transformative. Canon Ward was deeply involved in the National Children’s Committee, advocating for the spiritual, academic, and personal development of young people across the nation. His service as Principal of St. John’s College further extended his leadership and influence on generations of Bahamian students.

Canon Ward will be remembered for his humility, his gentle wisdom, and his steadfast love for people. Clergy and laity alike often remarked on his warmth, his readiness to listen, and his ability to support and guide younger priests and leaders in the Church.

Schedule of Final Rites

The Diocese announces the following arrangements for the celebration of his life and witness:

Tuesday, 2nd December 2025

• 6:30 p.m. – Memorial Service
  St. John’s College Auditorium, Stapledon Gardens, New Providence

Thursday, 4th December 2025

• 9:30 a.m. – Arrival of the body at
  St. Margaret’s Church, Kemp Road, New Providence

• 10:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. – Public Viewing

• 6:00 p.m. – Sung Eucharist

• 8:00 p.m. – Midnight – Hourly Celebrations of the Holy Eucharist

Friday, 5th December 2025

• Midnight – 6:00 a.m. – Hourly Eucharistic celebrations continue

• 11:00 a.m. – Pontifical Concelebrated Eucharist of Thanksgiving
  Christ Church Cathedral, Nassau
  Cremation will follow, and interment will take place in Eleuthera.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Julie, his sons Gordon, Gawaine (Ericka), and Greg, the wider family circle, Fr. Whitfield Hutchinson, and the parish family of St. Margaret’s Church, Kemp Road. May God grant them comfort and peace.

May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.