Halifax
“Looking ahead in a new direction with God’s help. You will reach it. Take hold of a moment. God will bless you within it.” ~Patriarch Vincent the 1st
The Story of a Great Man of God.
Patriarch Vincent the 1st was born in Hillaby St. Andrew Barbados, West Indies on January 19, 1926. He was the eldest of sixteen siblings (eight passed away at birth). At an early age, he was determined to travel abroad to improve his life. In his early teens, he arrived in the United States of America.
He settled in the busy city of New York. Vincent worked for the Brooklyn Union Gas Company where he became the first Black Meter Reader and rose to the ranks of Replevin Inspector until he retired in 1983. Overcoming many obstacles and with the inspiration of being in the presence of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Marcus Garvey, Vincent knew he had to persevere and continue to build the strong foundation for generations to come. Vincent studied in the Enrich Theological Seminary and was ordained to priesthood in 1964 in the American Catholic Church and later transferred to the Holy Cross Pro-Cathedral African Orthodox Church. In 1983, Vincent entered the second part of his journey, as the Rector of St. Philip’s African Orthodox Church in Whitney Pier, NS where he served for 33 years and took a sabbatical due to his health. Vincent rose through the ranks of Priest, Archpriest, Bishop, Archbishop, Primate, and lastly the highest rank in the organization, a Patriarch.
Vincent was a lifelong learner and an advocate for justice, equity, and an agent of change to a better functioning society. Many accomplishments this great man possessed. To highlight a few are: Chaplin of Rikers Island Prison New York, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 128 and the Cape Breton Naval Veterans. Past board member of: The Black United Front (BUF), Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, Red Cross Society, Pastoral Care, Affirmative Action, Multicultural Society of NS, Black Cultural Association, Boys and Girls Club; and the Board of Directors of Values and Ethics for 17 years and Board Chair for 3 years with the Educational Program Innovations Charity (EPIC).
Vincent is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 47 years, Isabel Waterman; his three daughters, Yvette Waterman, Alabama, Victoria (David) Byrd, New Mexico and Frances (David) Waterman-O’Connell, Halifax; grandchildren, Vincent (Shakeima) Mitchell, Tevin Mitchell, Nevaeh O’Connell aka “Buddy”, his little look- a-like Evander O’Connell, and the furry grandchild, Sir Broadway; his sisters, Elvira Lokey, Rev. Ernestine Walkes; his sister-in-laws, Dr. Mayann E. Francis, Eloise 'Yvonne' Edwards, Donna and Debbie Marshall; his brothers, St. Clair “Athiel” (Cynthia) Waterman, and Dr. Serville (Silvia) Waterman; brother-in-law, Karl “Howard” Francis-Williams.
Vincent was predeceased by his parents, Florence and Westermen Waterman; his infant son, Vincent Jr, and brothers, Joseph Waterman, Bishop Othneil Waterman, and Rudolph Waterman.
The peaceful passing of Patriarch Vincent the 1st happened on January 22, 2019. He was surrounded by loved ones as the sweet pipe organ music and singing of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” played.
Special thanks to the Palliative Care Team doctors and Nurse Monica Flynn, the staff of Continuing Care, the medical staff and Dr. Dupere in 5A Victoria General Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel at 755 George St., Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, February 28th and in St. Philip’s Church from 4-9 p.m. on Friday, March 1st.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 2nd at 11 a.m. in St. Philip’s African Orthodox Church, Whitney Pier with Archbishop Theodore Mascoll officiating. Interment to follow at a later date. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com
