APPLIANCE Traders Limited (ATL) yesterday marked its 40th anniversary with a Mass at the Missionaries of the Poor Corpus Christi Chapel in downtown Kingston and high praise from Father Richard HoLung.

The well known Roman Catholic priest lauded the company’s founder, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, for his contribution to the Mission and Jamaica over the years.

HoLung, the Missionary group founder, said it was critical that companies understand that it was not about buying, selling and making profit but also about the business of building the Kingdom of God.

Saying that to whom “much is given much is expected”, HoLung noted that it was this ability to give back that made Stewart similar to himself.

“We both love our island and deep in our hearts – I have no doubt – we wish to bring joy and happiness and goodness to everybody,” he said, as he cited one example when Stewart readily offered assistance following the recent hurricane .

HoLung told the solemn mid-morning Mass that Stewart had been a good steward who had watched over, guarded and protected all that had been given to him.

“Why does he come to the ghetto and not another church?” HoLung asked.

“Why do I see Butch come here sometimes before Mass and kneel…because in all the demands of work and life I think he knows that there is someone who is mighty and powerful in whose hand he must place his life,” HoLung said.

Meanwhile Stewart told the Observer that he chose the Corpus Christi Chapel in the heart of downtown to celebrate the achievements of the company after 40 years, because of the tremendous work that they do and the passion that was there.

“This is a church that I come to regularly because it has an enormous spirit, passion, and the music makes you feel good and I wanted a feel good day to do this,” Stewart said.

He said the decision was also based on the spirit and brotherhood there and the thousands of good things they do for Jamaicans. He also thanked HoLung for the influence he has had over Jamaica and the people as well as the interest he had taken in Stewart’s own family, who were themselves a part of yesterday’s service.

Stewart said it had been a good 40 years, even as he asked for prayers as the organisation moves ahead into another 40 years.

He also lauded the input of the staff, some of whom no longer work with the company, but took time out to be there, as he said it would not have been possible without them. “Here are the ones who have driven the organisation,” he said

After melodious and lively singing from the brothers, HoLung, read from St Luke 12 and urged Jamaicans to live together in truth and love. He said the island, with all its weaknesses, was the most beautiful country there was. But it was lacking the depth and seriousness of the Jamaican spirit.

“Jamaicans are known to have a dynamic element because there is something about Jamaicans who are filled with a power others don’t have and we need to release that power and do great things for God and for our country,” he said.