Remembering The Most Reverend Drexel W Gomez
1937 - 2025

Schedule of Final Rites

The State-Recognized Funeral for The Most Reverend Drexel Wellington Gomez will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, located on George Street in Nassau, New Providence, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. — Pontifical Concelebrated Eucharist of Thanksgiving and State-Recognized Funeral
Christ Church Cathedral, Nassau
(Followed by a procession to St. Agnes Church, Baillou Hill Road)

2:30 p.m. (approx.) — Liturgy of the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
St. Agnes Church, Baillou Hill Road

Following — Interment of Archbishop Drexel Wellington Gomez
Gardens of St. Agnes Church

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His Life and Legacy

The Most Reverend Drexel Wellington Gomez was born on January 24, 1937, in the Berry Islands, and was baptized at St. Bartholomew’s Church, where his calling to ministry was first spoken over him. He was ordained in 1959 and went on to serve across Barbados and The Bahamas with great distinction.

In 1972, he was consecrated Bishop of Barbados, leading the newly disestablished diocese through a period of renewal and growth. Later, in 1996, he was appointed Bishop of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, where his leadership continued to inspire clergy and laity alike. Two years later, in 1998, he was elected Archbishop and Primate of the Church in the Province of the West Indies, becoming a unifying figure across the Caribbean Anglican community.

Archbishop Gomez was widely known for his scholarship, humility, and steadfast commitment to what he often described as “The Ministry of the People of God – Ordained and Unordained.” After his retirement in 2009, he continued his ministry at St. Agnes Parish in Nassau, offering Bible study and pastoral care until his passing on October 14, 2025.

His journey of faith and leadership can be traced through key milestones: Ordained Deacon in 1959, Consecrated Bishop of Barbados in 1972, Appointed Bishop of The Bahamas & Turks and Caicos in 1996, Elected Archbishop and Primate in 1998, and Retired in 2009, before entering eternal rest in 2025.

Milestones
Photo Gallery

Final Rites for The Most Rev. Drexel Wellington

The Diocese Mourns the Passing of Archbishop Drexel W. Gomez

Recent Livestreams

November 3 - Memorial Service at St. Agnes Church
November 5 - Sung Eucharist at St. Agnes Church
November 5 - Hourly Vigil Eucharists at St. Agnes Church

Life of Archbishop Gomez

  • 1937Birth and Baptism

    Born in Bullock’s Harbour, Berry Islands, to Reuben Nathaniel and Wealthy Gomez; baptized at St. Bartholomew’s, where Fr. Henshaw foretold his future leadership in the Church.

  • 1952Education and Formation

    Excelled at Western Junior, Western Senior, and Government High Schools; graduated at 15. Attended Codrington College in Barbados, later earning a scholarship to the University of Durham in England to study theology

  • 1959Ordained Deacon

    Ordained in Barbados; served at Holy Cross Church until June 1960

  • 1961Ordained Priest

    Served as Assistant Curate at St. Barnabas and St. Agnes, Nassau; teacher at St. John’s College

  • 1961Marriage

    Married Carroll Chandler of Barbados on October 14, 1961; four children: Damian, Denys, Dominic, and Deborah

  • 1961Rector and Educator

    Rector, St. Patrick’s, Eleuthera (1961); Lecturer and Librarian, Codrington College (1965); Rector, St. Stephen’s, Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama (1968)

  • 1970Diocesan Service

    Secretary and Treasurer of the Diocese; Assistant Priest at St. Agnes (1970–1972)

  • 1972Consecration and Leadership

    Consecrated Bishop of Barbados on June 24, 1972; led the newly disestablished diocese

  • 1980+Regional and Global Influence

    articipated in multiple Lambeth Conferences and ecumenical forums; worked with the Caribbean Council of Churches and World Council of Churches; helped produce the West Indian Book of Common Prayer and the Provincial Hymnal

  • 1993National Service

    Served as Chairman of the Public Service Commission and Chair of the Youth Commission

  • 1996Appointed Bishop of The Bahamas

    Appointed following election as Bishop Coadjutor

  • 1998Elected Archbishop

    Elected Primate and Metropolitan of the Church in the Province of the West Indies

  • 1999Ordination of Women

    Ordained the first Bahamian woman, Rev. Angela Bosfield-Palacious, as Deacon (May 11, 1999) and as Priest (May 31, 2000). Appointed Rubie Nottage as first female Diocesan Chancellor and later Provincial Chancellor

  • 2000Diocese 2000 & Beyond

    Initiated major renewal project focusing on clergy formation, stewardship, and Christian renewal; established Christ the King (Freeport) and St. Mary’s (Grand Turk) as Pro-Cathedrals

  • 2005Ecumenical Statesman

    Served on Anglican Communion Commissions; corresponded with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI), who invited Gomez and his wife to his papal inauguration

  • 2009Return to Parish Life

    Retired as Bishop; returned to St. Agnes as Associate Priest, leading Bible Study and Wednesday Mass, both of which grew significantly under his care