A Tribute to a Faithful Servant of God – Canon Lamuel Been

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“Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek”. (Ps. 110:4)

My sisters and brothers, no doubt, have already heard of the passing of Canon Lamuel Been on April 28th ,2025, after a very brief illness. We remember Canon Been as a devoted priest whose life reflected Christ’s love, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Church.

Canon Been’s ministry began here at St. George. He, his wife Cynthia, and their children were as much “Valley Boys and Girls” as many of us. In his ministry in our diocese, he was more than a spiritual leader; he was a shepherd, a teacher, a comforter, and a friend. He touched countless lives with his gentle words, compassionate heart, deep devotion to the sacrament, and of course, beautiful singing. He lived the Gospel he preached — sincerity, selflessness, and steadfast faith. In his presence, people found peace. In his prayers, they found strength. Whether in moments of celebration or sorrow, Canon Been walked with us, reminding us of God’s presence in all things. After his retirement, when visiting New Providence, he was a fixture here at St George, attending masses, singing “his heart out,” visiting the sick and fellowshipping with us through our spiritual journey.

I had the privilege of being in his Sunday School Class while he was assigned to Saint George’s as Assistant Priest. The impact of his teaching left a lasting impression on me.

In 2004, on His farewell retirement tour, he spent the weekend in St. Luke’s Parish, South Eleuthera, where he served as its former Rector. I had the opportunity to observe him firsthand, up close and personal. He was loved by the people of South Eleuthera. They felt that they truly had a Priest who cared and loved them. Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life — a promise he believed in with all his heart. May he now rest in the embrace of the Lord, he served so faithfully.

In your prayers, I ask you to remember before God his children, who he loved and who surrounded him with love, care, and attention. Most especially to we remember our Parish Secretary, Deborah Greene, at this heart-wrenching time.

To Canon Been, we say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. May your soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

+Fr. Andrew Toppin