MADDIX
THE RELATIONSHIP between the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) and the Rev. Renford Oliver Maddix took a discernable shape when he was accepted to prepare for full-time Christian ministry under the auspices of the denomination in 1963.
As time unfolded Renford Maddix etched his name on the union's historical slate and weaved himself into the hearts of many of its ministers and members.
Rev. Maddix was a gentleman. As passionately as he argued a point so was he also profuse in his apology if he were proven wrong! However, the stances he took were invariably rooted in principles of love, justice, liberation and in pursuit of the affirmation and empowerment of humankind.
He was to become known as a leader among leaders as was evident from his days at Calabar College when he was elected senior Baptist student. When that institution merged with others to form the United Theological College he had the distinction of being the first president of the student body.
He had been at the helm of each of the three parish associations namely, St. Ann, St. Mary and Kingston and St. Andrew, where he served as pastor.
Rev. Dr. Maddix later served as a member of the Executive Council of the JBU and was in fact a sitting member of the current body.
He is remembered as a conscientious, committed and creative pastor who provided many things to celebrate and cherish in his pastoral ministry.
From his first pastorate in the Bethany circuit, in the hills of St. Ann, in 1968, to the Oracabessa circuit, on the coast, in 1972, to the peculiarly challenging climes of the Jones Town circuit in 1981, he always sought ways of bringing the Gospel of Christ to those with whom he came in contact.
Karl B. Johnson, General Secretary, Jamaica Baptist Union
