Rawle Seymour Porte, 1924-1999Rawle became a candidate for the Methodist ministry in his homeland, Barbados, West Indies. Upon graduation from Caenwood Theological College in Kingston, Jamaica, he first served in British Guyana. This is where Rawle met and married Elsa Pollard Porte, who was his lifelong partner. While in Jamaica, Rawle made a significant difference in the life of so many persons as the Manager of Schools, where he worked in the Caribbean. During this period in his life, Methodism took a leading role in elementary and high school education in the Caribbean. Rawle developed festive ordination traditions that continue to this day. In 1972, he helped to develop The Caribbean Ministers’ and Spouses’ Fellowship. This is a group about 200 strong throughout the United States and Canada. Rawle was an active member of this fellowship up to the time of his death. Rawle and his beloved Elsa served a number of Virginia Conference churches. He served Staunton-Grottoes, Wesley Memorial in Richmond, Roberts Memorial, and was district program director in the Alexandria District. In retirement, he was pastor at St. James in the Peninsula District (1989-1993). Bishop Robert M. Blackburn appointed Rawle as superintendent of the Peninsula District in 1983, where he served for six years. Bishop Blackburn made this reflection about his working with Rawle: "He was a compassionate leader of the Peninsula District, ministering to the needs of the laity and the clergy. Not only did he exhibit outstanding leadership there, but also in the bishop’s Cabinet. His British background and training brought a sense of Methodist authenticity in his ministry. I thank God for the friendship I have had with Rawle and Elsa." Rawle had many passions. He loved his family. Many know that Rawle’s two daughters, Lenisse and Caryl, were the "apples of his eye." Rawle loved the Body of Christ, our connectional system and the ordained ministry. He enjoyed mentoring persons who were called to the ordained ministry. Despite poor health, Rawle attended the 1999 annual conference and participated in the ordination of one of the ordinands that he had mentored. Rawle Porte possessed an aura of sophistication and gentleness which was a force for encouragement and strength to those who knew him well, but projected unfathomable mystique to others. He possessed an adventurous spirit, a keen mind and a youthful disposition. We remember him as one who was forever young. — The Rev. Fitz Allen John, Bishop Robert M. Blackburn, |