Rev. Charlesworth A. S. Edwards

Reverend Charlesworth A.S. Edwards, a resident of Livingston, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Reverend Edwards was born and raised in Antigua, West Indies. He served as pastor and administrator in the Eastern West Indies Province for multiple Moravian congregations before coming to the United States to serve the Moravian church in the Northern Province.

Reverend Edwards obtained his first degree from the United Theological College of the West Indies and was ordained in 1976 at Spring Gardens Moravian Church in St. John’s Antigua. He continued his studies at the University of Chicago, where he received his Masters of Theology. He later pursued additional studies at Adelphi University, Fordham University, and Wagner College.

While serving as associate pastor at United Moravian Church in Manhattan, he worked, for ten years, as a New York City public school teacher. In 1997, he left teaching to assume the position of Senior Pastor at United Moravian Church. In this role, he placed his unique stamp on the congregation. He reorganized and rebuilt the Sunday School, gave new life to the youth organizations, increased membership and worship attendance, eliminated debt, and introduced the steel pan orchestra into the worship experience. He made the celebration of academics and spiritual excellence both an annual affair and a centerpiece of his efforts to reverse the lagging fortunes of those entrusted to his care.

The steel pan ministry, a tribute to his roots, was particularly dear to his heart. In instituting it, he scoured New York City to find a musical craftsman and the requisite oil drums to bring this ministry to life. To this day it thrives and has nurtured many souls with the gift of music and praise.

His commitment to spiritual service was matched by his commitment to social service and justice. Reverend Edwards served on the executive committee of the Council of Churches of the City of New York. He was chairman of the planning taskforce for Christian Action for Renewal and Development (C.A.R.D.), and a member of Upper Manhattan Together. In March of 1998, he was part of a ten-member delegation of the Council of Churches who visited Egypt at the invitation of then President Mubarak to address the persecution of Christians in the region. During this trip, Reverend Edwards met with, among many others, President Mubarak himself, as well as his Ministers of Religious and Economic Affairs, Pope Shenouda III of the Egyptian Coptic Church, and the United States Ambassador to Egypt.

Reverend Edwards was committed to a life of service. He cared for and advocated for those persecuted, suffering, or in need. He had a strong affinity for the youth entrusted to his care and encouraged young people to get involved in doing the Lord’s work. Reverend Edwards was a fighter in his calm and quiet way. He was not afraid to confront injustices or take on challenges that others might have left undone.

A lifelong student, his deep knowledge and love of learning led him to devour books and documentaries spanning every conceivable topic. His ability and willingness to listen and discuss varied matters was a gift he gave both willingly and frequently, particularly to his daughter, Naomi.

Naomi, has said of her father, “Words cannot express the deep joy that it has been to share the first 29 years of my life with you by my side. Your light and presence lit up the world, my father and my friend I will carry you onward in everything that I do.” His loving wife Maria of nearly 32 years has said “My life has been changed for the better because of you. A piece of my heart is in Heaven; Always and Forever my love.” In addition to his devoted wife and daughter. Reverend Edwards leaves behind his sisters, Olivette, Candace, Petronella, Etta, Coralie, Ruth, Ruby and Shoshanna; brothers Lloyd and Franklin; cousins, as close as sisters, all of his in-laws, a host of nieces and nephews, and other relatives and close friends too numerous to mention.

A special credit for the man he was and the life he lived goes to his grandmother Doris Naomi Harvey, and his mother Rita Harvey, both deceased who nurtured him and fostered his resilient spirit. He will be forever loved and missed on this earth, until we meet again.

A visitation for Charlesworth will be held Sunday, January 28, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. A visitation will occur Monday, January 29, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at United​ Moravian Church, 200 East 127th Street, New York, NY 10035. A funeral service will occur Monday, January 29, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at United​ Moravian Church, 200 East 127th Street, New York, NY 10035. A committal service will occur Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 12:15 PM at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY 10306.