Artisan to Adventist Leader: Life and Ministry of G. Ralph Thompson is Honored by the ECC
The remarkable acrylic portrait was crafted by Miss Robin Griffith, a Seventh-day Adventist artist and graphic designer, on canvas. Pastor Anthony Hall conveyed thanks for her artistry as Miss. Griffith joined him for the unveiling.
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Miss Robin Griffith, a talented artist and graphic designer from Barbados who is also a Seventh-day Adventist, meticulously crafted an acrylic portrait. This heartfelt work of art was then presented to the family of Pastor G. Ralph Thompson. The honor of presenting the portrait to Pastor Thompson's daughter was bestowed upon Sister Valrica Harrison-Dottin, the Treasurer of the East Caribbean Conference. Image by ECC media
His family became overwhelmed with emotion as a portrait in memory of George Ralph Thompson was unveiled at the office of the East Caribbean Conference (ECC) of Seventh-day Adventists on Monday, August 4, 2023. The unveiling was included in a ceremony to rename the conference’s media center and marked the culmination of a series of events, organized by the conference to pay tribute to the life and ministry of this Barbadian Adventist leader.
Pastor Thompson's journey toward his Adventist calling had humble beginnings as a tailor. His transformative moment was a providential introduction to The Great Controversy, written by Ellen White, which set him on a different life path. He served the Church at various levels and retired at the end of his tenure as Executive Secretary of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Dr. Kern Tobias, President of the Caribbean Union Conference, commended the East Caribbean Conference for planning the events and referred to Pastor Thompson as a true legend – a visionary who sought to emulate Christ.
The East Caribbean Conference Administrators, in collaboration with artist Miss Robin Griffith, have revealed a portrait honoring Pastor G. Ralph Thompson. The Conference's intention is for this location to become a lasting monument in memory of Pastor Thompson, featuring an inscription highlighting his life, achievements, and the official name of the building. Image by ECC media
Pastor Anthony Hall, President of the East Caribbean Conference, reiterated the iconic status that Pastor Thompson held in Barbados. He stated, “Pastor Thompson had risen to the highest echelon of the Church, even though he primarily served the Church from its headquarters in Maryland.” Pastor Hall expressed admiration for Pastor Thompson's eloquent and powerful preaching, and cited his numerous presentations to the global Adventist community during World General Conference sessions. Pastor Hall recalled that Pastor Thompson's arrival marked a turning point in the history of the East Caribbean Conference. He became the first voice associated with the conference's "Faith for Today" broadcast, which heralded the rise of media ministries in the Caribbean region.
Dr. Colin Thorne, Sabbath School Director of the East Caribbean Conference, highlighted his exceptional contributions to the church as a leader, teacher, enthusiastic evangelist, and self-proclaimed ambassador of the Garden of Eden in Barbados, as some reasons for honoring the memory of Pastor Thompson. Dr. Thorne also emphasized Pastor Thompson’s pioneering work in the broadcasting industry, particularly his launch of the religious program, "Faith for Today", fifty-six years ago.
The remarkable acrylic portrait was crafted by Miss Robin Griffith, a Seventh-day Adventist artist and graphic designer, on canvas. Pastor Anthony Hall conveyed thanks for her artistry as Miss. Griffith joined him for the unveiling.
At the renaming ceremony of the G. Ralph Thompson Media Center, Dr. Kern Tobias and the Thompson family members officially joined the East Caribbean Conference administration to capture the moment. The ECC media team was responsible for capturing this momentous occasion.
“Each time you look at the portrait, we pray that the memory of your father will continue to live on in your life,” said Sister Valrica Harrison-Dottin, Treasurer of the East Caribbean Conference, as the conference administrators presented the artistic tribute to the Thompson family.
The daughters of G. Ralph Thompson expressed their gratitude for the conference’s high regard of their father’s memory. They acknowledged that the portrait captured the warmth of their father's smile, which is among their heartfelt treasures.
Pastor Carl Dyal offered a prayer of dedication, and this was followed by the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon. The G. Ralph Thompson Media Center commemorates the contributions of an astute leader, and is a bastion, in Barbados, for wholesome, spiritual programs.