SDA Pioneer, G. Ralph Thompson, is Mourned
The Caribbean Union Conference is deeply saddened to inform our field Administrators, Directors, employees, and members of the passing of Pastor G. Ralph Thompson.
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File image of Pastor G. Ralph Thompson supplied by the East Caribbean Conference.
The Caribbean Union Conference is deeply saddened to inform our field Administrators, Directors, employees, and members of the passing of Pastor G. Ralph Thompson.
In the Caribbean, Elder G. Ralph Thompson held several key leadership roles. He was Evangelist of the South Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (Trinidad and Tobago) from 1950 to 1953. At the former Caribbean Union College (Trinidad and Tobago) he served as an educator, pastor, and Chair of the Theology Department from 1953 to 1954 and from 1959 to 1964. He was called to the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (Barbados) in 1964 and served as President until 1970. He then served as President of the Caribbean Union Conference (Trinidad and Tobago) from 1970 to 1975.
After departing the shores of the Caribbean, this stalwart soldier and faithful ministerial worker served the Seventh-day Adventist Church with distinction as Vice President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (Maryland, USA) from 1975 to 1980. His tenure as Executive Secretary of the General Conference for 20 years is considered his pinnacle achievement (1980 - 2000). It prepared him for the unique task of field representative of the Ellen G. White Estate – also at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Elder G. Ralph Thompson, originally from Barbados, has left us an enduring legacy of service and dignity. His passion for evangelism is indelibly impressed in numerous periodicals and resources, which are available for earnest seekers of truth.
During this difficult time, we mourn with the family and friends of the late G. Ralph Thompson. As we grieve in the hope of a resurrection, let us remember that, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34: 18)