By Maggie Grootboom-DeBruyn, 15th Episcopal District Field Representative
The 139th elected and consecrated Bishop of the 15th District, Bishop Silvester Scott Beaman, arrived on the morning of 7th February 2022 at 08h20 at Cape Town International Airport and was warmly received by the Cape Annual Conference and the Boland Annual Conference presiding elders, clergy, and laity.
The Bishop had an eventful day scheduled with the clergy before the Thanksgiving Service organised by clergy. The service was scheduled at 6.00 p.m. SAST at the first church in the 15th District, Bethel Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, Hendal in Cape Town.
As a result of reduced COVID restrictions in South Africa, the church could host over 120 congregants between the two conferences that are within proximity of the Mother church. In addition, the spacing accommodated members who were unable to attend the 15th District Founders’ Day Program of the Bishop in Kimberley, Northern Cape, which is over 400 miles from the Western Cape.
All Clergy and Auxiliaries were represented and dressed in their respective regalia
The atmosphere was very jovial, and there was a good spirit as congregants were elated to meet their new Bishop. Some notable highlights outside of the program were the salutations presented by Chaplain General. Chaplain General of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Rev. Monwabisi Andrew Jamangile, the highest-ranking Chaplain of our church, represented the interest of the South African Government. He conveyed formal greetings and a special welcome on behalf of the President of the Republic of South Africa, the Honourable Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa. He furthermore presented gifts to the Bishop.
Bishop Beaman performed a profound act of humility by removing his blazer, rolling up his sleeves, and getting onto the ground to wash the feet of two people unbeknownst to them. The Bishop requested the Rev. William Charles Legolie, III (pastor of the first church), and Br. Henry van Rhyn (Boland Conference Lay President) to remove their shoes and socks. Both men were seated at the front of the altar as Bishop proceeded to wash their feet just as Jesus did, as per scripture. He stripped down, looked the part of a servant, took a basin of water to wash their feet and a towel to dry their feet. This act brought the entire service to a halt and evoked so many emotions by all present. No man of the cloth so highly ranked has ever performed such a duty of service to the people. Bishop made it vividly clear that he has come to serve and work with and for the people of the 15th and that he will do so as God ordains his steps.
Following the service, Bishop Beaman greeted and took photos with congregants before meeting with the clergy for dinner. Walking amongst the people after the service, the atmosphere was an expression of utter love and joy, and that had everything to do with Bishop Beaman’s powerful act. It reminded everyone that we are no greater than the next person and to love one another as the Bible teaches us.
We look forward to spending the next Quadrennium with Bishop Beaman as the Presiding Prelate of the 15thEpiscopal District.
