FALMOUTH, Trelawny

The police were forced to divert traffic in Falmouth’s Water Square last Saturday as a large gathering jam-packed the scene in a no-holds-barred celebration of the 40th birthday of Prophetess Bithiah Gedaliah, matriarch of the newly founded Biblical Truth Tabernacle (BTT) in Greenwood, St James.

As the 40-member Heights Marching Band strutted their stuff, a convoy of motor vehicles, some decorated with ribbons transporting members of the church preceded Gedaliah’s grand entry in a 2006 stretch limousine.

The regally dressed founder of the church stepped out of the motor vehicle and waved to members of her flock and other awe-struck bystanders. She then signalled three men standing near the water fountain to release hundreds of gas balloons.

A helicopter, displaying the name of the church, hovered in the sky with a videographer perched at its door capturing the moment.

The church members then formed a motorcade which was headed by the limousine and headed for the Rose Hall Resort and Country Club, for dinner with the birthday girl.

BTT’s Bishop Patrick Chambers noted that for her sterling contribution to the church – a breakaway from the Falmouth Community Church – the prophetess deserved the birthday treat.

“The function was done in honour of her birthday it was of that type and standard because of the woman she is. She is very dedicated and committed to the church and the ministry at large, she is the founder of the Biblical Truth Tabernacle,” he said.

Prophetess Bithiah Gedaliah expressed her appreciation for the warmth and love that she received arguing, “it was definitely not a show but an expression of true love”.