Bahamas Baptist Union

Exuma District

Historical Sketch – The Exuma District Convention of The Bahamas Baptist Union of Churches

In 1934, the Rev Enoch Backford, Sr., the 2nd Superintendent of the Bahamas Baptist Union of Churches, inspired and propelled by the Holy Spirit, went to Exuma with a plan that, in our opinion, was divinely revealed. He met with the leaders of the Churches of the Bahamas Baptist Union on the island and invited them to a joint Session, which was held at the Mt. Zion Union Baptist Church, Moss Town, Exuma.

The idea was to organize a Convention within the Exuma District Union of Churches. The District Minister at that time did not see the necessity for such an organization, therefore the matter was dropped, but the seed was sown. The late Superintendent was persistent in his endeavors, so he returned to Exuma in 1935 and met with Leaders and Officers of various churches at the Ebenezer Union Baptist Church, Farmer’s Hill. The idea was accepted and the nucleus of the Exuma District Convention came into being. It was first called the Union Baptist Sunday School Convention of great and little Exuma.

Upon the Organization of the Convention, the following Officers were elected:

Bro. Alpheaus Smith	President
Bro. Boston Curtis	Vice President
Bro. Jacob Rolle	Secretary
Bro. John N. Smith	Treasurer
Bro. Melvin (Dodie) Forbes	Assistant Treasurer
Bro. Isaac Rolle	Minister of Music

The second branch of the Convention was the Baptist Training Union known at that time as the Baptist Young People’s Union (B.Y.P.U.). It had as its President, Deacon Zephaniah Rolle and Sister Enid Ferguson as Secretary. Whenever the District met, the Baptist Training Union was given one hour (1) for its activities.

In 1937, two (2) years later, the Women’s Department was organized with Sis Daisy Roache as the first President. Over these seventy three (73) years, there have been days of struggle, strife, hardship, dilemma, trouble, tears and heartbreaks, as well as days of joy, compassion and high achievements. The Exuma District has grown by leaps and bounds and we praise God for it. We salute those who have served and those who are serving presently.

With the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit, in conjunction with Superintendents Rev Enoch Backford, Sr., Rev Dr. L. D. Cox and the Rev Dr. C. W. Saunders, under the guidance and direction of the various presidents, the following accomplishments were made:

Ordination of Pastors, almost all the Leaders of Churches within the District were made Pastors. The Minister’s and Deacon’s Council of Exuma was organized. Young men were sent to Seminary. Congresses, Seminars and Workshops were organized. Mini Island Crusades were organized. Ordination of young Ministers within the District to the Sacred Gospel Ministry.

We praise God for the wonderful work that has been done and is about to be done in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Following are the names of the Presidential Teams from the inception of the Convention:

Parent Body

Brother Alpheaus Smith	1935 – 1948
District Minister Jacob Rolle	1948 – 1960
Rev. Elisha J. Rolle	1960 – 1976
Rev. Dr. Earnest C. McKenzie	1976 – 1992
Rev. Irvin Clarke	1992 – 2002
Rev. Cedric Smith	2002 – 2010
Rev. Adam Brown	2010 – 2016
Rev. Lynden Clarke	2016 – 2021
Rev. J. Leslie Curtis	2021- Present

Women’s Department

Sister Daisy Roache	1937 – 1949
Sister Melvinia Clarke	1949 – 1972
Sister Maudline Taylor	1972 – 1982
Sister Idella Clarke	1982 – 1994
Sister Elsiemae Smith	1994 – 2002
Deacon Valerie Ferguson	2002 – 2010
Sister Erica Archer	2010 – 2013
Minister Melda Ferguson	2013 – Present

Youth Department