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Scores of family
members, friends and well-wishers from the four corners of the
island as well as abroad, gathered at the Spanish Town Seventh –Day
Adventist Church on Sunday June 17, 2007 to celebrate the life and
work of Pastor Benjamin “O.B” Mckenzie. Coincidentally it was
Father’s Day, but that did not deter family and friends from
reflecting warmly on the ministry of a gentleman who has
distinguished himself as both a literal and spiritual father.
On April 5th 1924, the home of Matilda James and Ezra Jeremiah
McKenzie of Bocas Deltoro, Panama, was blessed with a baby boy who
would live to paint the lives of those he touched with grace,
sincerity and truth. He was the last of ten children and as he
matured it was evident that he was no ordinary child.
He grew to become a “people person” and was loved by all. Some of
his colleagues described him as “faithful” and “jovial” in their
reflection but most interestingly, it was said that Pastor McKenzie
was always mild-mannered, kind and Godly.
“He never got ruffled, no storm could assail him…I envied him for
his diplomacy to all men,” Pastor Kirlew, his close friend and
colleague remarked.
As a spiritual father Pastor McKenzie fed his people with both the
spiritual and literal bread. It was said that he would always use a
portion of his salary to purchase food and clothing for the needy
people in his church community.
As a father, Pastor McKenzie’s faith in God deepened when his son,
Orville, was 2-years-old. It is said that he was reversing in his
driveway when the car accidentally ran over the toddler. He
allegedly lifted the car from the child, held him in the arms and
prayed. Shortly afterwards Orville revived and after taking him to
the hospital, it was revealed that he was unhurt. That miracle
remained a lifelong testimony of the goodness of God.
Pastor McKenzie was faithful and steadfast in the Lord unto the end
amidst his illness. His favourite text was, “O taste and see that
the Lord is good” (Ps 34:8). He predicted the exact timing of his
death (83 years) and said that he wanted to be buried in Jamaica,
and not beneath the “cold earth” abroad. After recuperating from his
illness in the United States last November, he returned to Jamaica
amidst his wife’s protest to spend what would be the final moments
of his life.
Mourning his loss are his wife Pearline, his three children Judy,
Maurice and Orvil, grandchildren, one sister Thazarbell Biggs, other
relatives and friends. He was laid to rest at the Dovecot Memorial
Park.
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