GREENWOOD, St James –

Last week Wednesday, members of the Biblical Truth Tabernacle, also known as the Tribe of Gedaliah, declared December 19, 2007 a pubic holiday for tribe members in honour of the 41st birthday celebration of their spiritual leader Dr Bithiah Gedaliah.

The 24 tribe members, among them professionals, marked the occasion with a prayer watch and thanksgiving service.

“This woman is impacting lives positively, both here and abroad, hence, this is why the tribe of Gedaliah has no reservation in putting aside work to commemorate such strength and greatness,” a press release from the church stated.

Candles were lit symbolising “the light that will be seen from this tribe as they embark on a journey to change the world”.

According to the release, tribe members also showcased the work of their leader with an exhibition, which focused on three of her major achievements.

Gedaliah is the founder of the Biblical Truth Tabernacle where the belief is “one should live the whole Bible and not just a part”.

She also founded Priscilla Preparatory School and Priscilla High School located in Greenwood, St James. According to one tribe member, the school, named for Dr Gedaliah’s three-year-old daughter, depicts “an uncommon high standard in teaching, cleanliness of environment and complete care for all students regardless of race, colour or social status”.

Gedaliah is also the founder of the Gedalian Tribe which was officially formed on June 16, 2007.

The day climaxed with a big jubilee celebration which saw Slap Drum Skin, a drumming band from Negril, thrilling the crowd with a scintillating performance. The Truth Tabernacle dancers also led the crowd in high praise, worship and dance.

Tribe members have legally relinquished their surnames, replacing them with Gedaliah.

The tribe uses music, mainly drumming, and the founder, who professes to be an untraditional drummer and psalmist, creates her own beats and rhythms.

Since the birth of the tribe, the much revered tribe leader has formulated a tribe language – Gedaleeh – and alphabet which is used by members to communicate.

Tribe chief, Bishop Ozem Gedaliah, who stands firm in the belief that a united group can achieve great things, said that Dr Gedaliah “emphasises living strictly according to the rules and principles of the Bible”.

The Biblical Truth Tabernacle came to public notice nearly two years ago after some members of the Falmouth-based Assemblies of Holiness broke away from that congregation to form the new church.

Last week, a tribe member, in response to heightening controversy surrounding the authenticity of the tribe, said, “this is a woman who mouth can’t stop”.

“In spite of the negative criticisms that she receives from society, this woman, motivated by her inner strength, always finds a way to pursue the work that God has called her to do,” the tribe member said.