THE EDITOR, Sir:

Orville Taylor's recounting of the accomplishment of Bishop Percival Gibson and Monsignor Gladstone Wilson contributed to the filling of a vacuum. That vacuum created by neglect of many great Jamaican lives. A vacuum contributory to low self-esteem wherever it occurs in Jamaica. The old have forgotten and the young don't know. Thank you, Dr. Taylor.

I want to add to what was said of the Lord Bishop. It was not a matter only of achieving the past - many are satisfied with that - but a matter of enormous courage in the execution on his role.

New bell

During the early 1950s, Christ Church, Christiana was in need of a new bell and one was given by the Helwig family. It was decided to build a tower onto the rear of the church to accommodate the bell. Four hundred pounds was borrowed (two hundred from the Helwig family and two from the Gentles family) to erect the tower. The loan was interest-free and to be repaid over a period of five years.

The Sunday afternoon of the dedication of the bell arrived, and all the flower of the Anglican Church in Jamaica was there. They came from Mandeville, Kingston, Montego Bay and points between and points beyond. The powerful accompanied by their resplendent wives fanning with studied dignity on the sultry afternoon. The men, one arm hooked around the end of the pew acknowledged by a subtle wave of the other hand various greats ... while they ignored their wives' invitation to look at the ridiculous hat Mrs. so-and-so was wearing. The church was packed.

A group comprised of choir; the Beagle, Rev. H.C.D. Mitchell and Bishop Gibson, mumbled some sotto voce prayers at the back of the church. The hymn was given out and the procession went slowly up the aisle. At the rear was a small-bodied, short black man with his shepherd's staff and a big ring on his forefinger - Bishop Gibson. He nodded occasionally, satisfying those who were trying to catch his eye.

Choir in place, the Bishop seated, a prayer was said and it was now time for the first item - the Bishop's sermon. the congregation settled expectantly - looking intelligent and anticipating an apt text, followed by references to bells throughout time ... the Greeks and bells ... the Romans and bells ... until it would come at last to bells in our time and our mission as a church. It was going to be wonderful.

Bishop Gibson said: "Four hundreds pounds, to pay in five years, interest free ... NOT DECENT!!

If a pin had dropped in Spaulding, two miles away, it would have been heard ... distinctly.

He repeated the shocker.

Then he continued: "If you're not prepared to put your hands in your pocket and pay ... your religion is worth nothing to you".

This was said to a collection of islandwide Anglican power by a little black man in the early 1950s ... years before Independence.

Courage is what leadership is about.

Young people ... learn! Old people remember!

I am, etc.,

M.H. ELLIOT

Mango Valley

St. Mary