ELIM, St Elizabeth — Growing up with his father being a leader in the Shiloh Apostolic Church in this south-central parish, Pastor Everton Charlton’s upbringing paved the way for his community-based passion and desire to uplift people here.

Elim, a community situated in north-eastern St Elizabeth, became the focus of Pastor Charlton 36 years ago.

“In 1987 when he became the youth president at the Goshen Assembly he made the revelation and received the blessing from his pastor and father Elder R Charlton. Following this, a trio journeyed from the Goshen Shiloh Apostolic Church to Elim to survey the area, and on May 24, 1987 Pastor Charlton convened the first open air service in the community of Elim, after which the Elim Shiloh Apostolic Church was formed,” a statement from the Elim Shiloh Apostolic Church read in part.

Members of his church recently hosted an honorary service to recognise his contribution to the organisation and the Elim community.

“Through his leadership many souls have been born in the kingdom, and one of his desires as leader, to ensure a facility to house his members, realised… He is an active believer in taking the gospel to the people, thus his initiative to conduct open air services at different points in the community where persons can hear the gospel,” the statement read.

Pastor Charlton was also hailed for his love and support for young people.

“He is selfless, very supportive, and is an epitome of industriousness and dedication. He is passionate about ensuring that the youths are educated. Through his leadership an education centre was constructed on the church grounds, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic students across the community of Elim and its environs received support in the areas of literacy, numeracy, computer technology, and baking.”

He is also credited for spearheading scholarships and support for secondary and tertiary-level students.

For the festive season Charlton plans to continue an annual treat in Elim.

“His interest in community development has propelled him to spearhead the team on an annual basis to ensure that the aged and shut-ins are provided with meals on Christmas Day,” the statement read, in part.

Pastor Charlton is also the leader of the Grosmond Shiloh Apostolic Church in St Elizabeth.