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- Pastor
Keith D. Albury
- Man of God,
Scholar, Gentleman, Visionary Leader, Loving Husband and Father
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We are left to cherish the timeless words of our
husband, father, son, brother, leader and friend:
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“While longevity
on earth is a worthy goal,
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eternity with
God is more precious."
- He stated these words on
Monday, January 9, 2006
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On
Tuesday, January 24, 2006, at 5:37 p.m. EST,
Dr. Keith Albury died after
a one year battle with cancer in Scottsdale Hospital, Arizona, USA.
Today we take comfort in the
words of Paul who said: “…I have been crucified with Christ,
nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life
which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
BIOGRAPHY
Pastor Keith
D. Albury, Ed.D., J.P.
August 2,
1957 – January 24, 2006
Keith D. Albury was born on August 2, 1957 on Harbor Island,
Eleuthera, The Bahamas. He attended the Grant's Town
Seventh-day Adventist Church, Wellington Street, New Providence,
The Bahamas during his teen years. He matriculated at West
Indies College, (now Northern Caribbean University), Mandeville,
Jamaica, and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelors degree in
Theology. He served the Adventist Church in The Bahamas for
almost 27 years as pastor, departmental director, and conference
president. He died at the age of 48, on January 24, 2006, after
a battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. At the time of his death
he was serving as the president of the North Bahamas Conference
with headquarters in Freeport, Grand Bahama. He and his dear
wife, Ann Marie Brennen Albury raised three sons, Keith Anson,
Alden Densel and Brendon Evan.
Pastor Albury was witty, creative, down-to-earth, intellectual,
avid reader, deeply spiritual and a lover of all people.
Pastor Albury was well known and respected by governmental
leaders, community members and leaders of all faiths and the
Adventist Church. At the memorial service, held on the island
of New Providence, and the funeral service held on Grand Bahama,
the serving and former Governor Generals, Prime Ministers,
Members of Parliament and other distinguished leaders, paid
their last respects.
[
SEE PHOTOS
]
Keith Densel Albury began denominational service with The Bahamas
Conference on June 11, 1979, following his graduation from West
Indies College in the Spring of the same year. In September of
1981 he was assigned as district pastor for the Adventist
Churches on the Island of Eleuthera. In January of 1985, Pastor
Albury was ordained to the gospel ministry at the Grant’s Town
Seventh-day Adventist Church. This brought about added
responsibilities as he was transferred into New Providence to
pastor the Englerston Church on East Street. His high level of
creative energies, coupled with the unction of the Holy Spirit,
led him to work with the members to complete the beautiful
edifice now called Hillview on Harold Road.
This major project and transition resulted in the creation of two
churches, Hillview and the New Englerston Churches. Hillview
was completed and dedicated debt-free on April 16, 1989. During
his tenure as pastor of Hillview and Englerston Churches, Pastor
Albury also served as the first Church Ministries Director of
the Bahamas Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists in The
Bahamas, 1986 – 1990.
As his journey of service continued, this servant of the Lord
was called to lead out in the administration of the organization
in this part of God’s vineyard. On January 12, 1996, after
having served as executive secretary since 1990, Pastor Keith
Albury was elected president of The Bahamas Conference, making
him the youngest leader in its history, along with a young team
of administrators and departmental directors.
His administration was marked with years of dynamic growth and
development for the Church in The Bahamas. And one of the first
accomplishments during his presidency was the creation of a
conference-wide strategic plan. The plan was named, “VISION
2000.”
Under the same, the following were realized:
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The
establishment of eleven new churches and companies;
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The
building of a new academy in Grand Bahama, officially
opened by the nation’s third Prime Minister, The Rt.
Honorable Hubert A. Ingraham;
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The
construction and dedication of the new conference
headquarters on Harrold Road;
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The
construction of a new technical and vocational centre on
the camps of Bahamas Academy Secondary Division.
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Substantial increase in educational subsidies to our
schools. Moving from three percent to ten percent of
the tithe.
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Stabilizing the conference finances; savings increased
substantially and operating capital and liquidity
percentages well over 100%;
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The
purchase and operation of a mobile community services
van;
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The
signing of an agreement with The Government of The
Bahamas to manage the Mary Ingraham Intergenerational
facility, which serves senior citizens and preschool
children;
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The
creation of the conference’s website;
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The
creation of a professional counseling service unit for
the church membership;
The creation of a counseling and school psychological
unit for the educational system of the Conference;
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The
building, completion and dedication of more than eight
churches in The Bahamas;
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The
signing of an agreement with Cable Bahamas to provide
3ABN to the Bahama Islands;
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Created a membership database on headquarters network to
provide an accurate membership analysis in terms of
trends in growth, demographics, gifts and talents.
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The
planning for the division of The Bahamas into two
fields, creating a new mission.
On January
13, 2003, Pastor Albury demitted the office of the
presidency of The Bahamas
Conference and accepted the call by the West Indies Union
Executive Committee to serve as the first president of the
newly-formed North Bahamas Mission. He came to this new
field with the same fervour, vision and commitment that
actuated his ministry for the first twenty-three years.
In his three years as president of the North Bahamas Mission, he
once again allowed the Holy Spirit to anoint his ministry, and
the blessings are evident in the phenomenal growth during this
short period. Among the many blessings we have seen are:
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The
completion of a multipurpose building at Grand Bahama
Academy
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The
addition of grades 9-12 at Grand Bahama Academy
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An
increase in the overall churches membership from 1200 to
1700 members
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A net
increase in tithe of 57 percent over three years
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The
ground breaking and laying of the foundation of the
Sunrise Church in Hawksbill Creek
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The
ground breaking and building of the Mission headquarters
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The
ground breaking for a new church in North Abaco
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The
formation of a New Church from Cooper’s Town Company to
the North Abaco Church
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Commenced development of a Youth Campsite
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The
creation of the North Bahamas Mission Pathfinder Band
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The
ground breaking of the Jervis Community Centre at the
Freeport Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Pastor Albury was known to be an avid reader and became versed
on many subjects. His life-long quest for knowledge fuelled his
academic pursuits. In 1990, he completed his Master’s Degree in
religion with emphasis in New Testament Studies from Andrews
University, Michigan. And on July 7, 2004, he successfully
defended his doctoral dissertation successfully on “An Analysis
of Factors of Pastoral Leadership ad Church Growth among
Churches with The Bahamas Conference and North Bahamas Mission
of Seventh-Day Adventist.” On November 13, 2004, Argosy
University , Sarasota, Florida, conferred upon him his Doctoral
Degree in Education.
Throughout his years Pastor Albury was influential and revered
for his contributions made to various national committees,
having been appointed by the government of the Bahamas to the
National Commission on Crime, The Bahamas Telecommunications
Board of Directors, and The Education Review Panel. He was
also a recipient of many denominational and civic awards for
his committed dynamic evangelistic efforts and visionary
leadership.
Pastor Albury was married to the Ann Albury, nee Brennen, a
registered nurse and educational and development psychologist.
Their union produced three sons: Keith Anson, Alden Densel
Lauren, and Brendan Evan.
His Personal Life
Written in 2000 (To be updated)
LIFE
BEGINS
He dreams about boil fish. He brags about his
picturesque, picket-fence birth place–Harbor Island, the Bahamas. He
walks and sleeps while doing his favorite past-time--reading. He
vehemently expostulates on theological issues. He passionately
preaches about his love for Jesus like no other islander can. Whom
am I talking about? He is the six-feet-one-inch tall, 43-year-old,
Keith Densel Albury--the youngest-ever president of the Bahamas
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Pastor Albury started his life on one of the most
beautiful little villages on
earth–Harbor
Island, Eleuthera, nick named "Briland." Harbor Island is
located more than 60 miles from Nassau, on the northern tip of
Eleuthera. It has often been called the Nantucket of the Caribbean
and the prettiest of the Family Islands. There is full employment,
and the people live in peace and comfort. Why not? Harbor Island is
the place with one of the few
pink sand beaches in the world.
What does Pastor Keith love to do when he is not
in his office? He loves to relax, sleep, read, surfing the web, and
wear easy man shirt-jackets. There is one more thing Pastor Albury
loves to do when he is not in his new, tastefully decorated,
presidential suite. He plans, plans, and plans.
In the words of his mother, Fannette Albury, "Keith always had a
mind to achieve. He likes setting goals and planning to reach them.
He had a mind of is own to become someone great." The truth is that
planning, setting goals, and achieving, them are as much a part of
his public life as it is his private world. Today, the Bahamas
Conference is growing and accomplishing many innovative initiatives
for development.
- INSPIRATION
BEGINS
- At the age of four, Pastor Albury left Harbor Island
with his parents to move to Nassau. But every summer, the
magic of Briland would draw him to his birth place. It was
only after the birth of his own children and as church
responsibilities grew that his travels to Harbor Island
slowed down.
When his parents moved to Nassau, they became
active members of the Church of God of Prophecy. One by one the
family grew with six more siblings: Darlene, Jannel, Tammy, Wendy,
Dawn, Londell.
When Pastor Keith was eleven-years-old, in 1968,
he was baptized by Pastor Roy Fernander and became a member of the
Grant's Town Church. He was an active pathfinder during
these early years. In 1975 he recommitted his life to Jesus in the
Come Alive Crusade conducted by Pastor Silas McKinney. That was the
beginning Keith Albury’s call to become a minister of the gospel and
his desire to share the good news of what God had done in his life.
He began planning to go abroad to study to become an Adventist
minister.
The lack of money did not dampen his drive to
reach to his goal. He enlisted as a student colporteur and sold
enough books to achieve the first years scholarship at
Northern
Caribbean University (Formerly West Indies College).
Throughout his college life Pastor Albury
supported himself by selling religious books during the summers. He
also testifies of the many ways God has intervened in his life
during his days as a college student. His words are "When times
seemed toughest my God was my closest companion."
- ROMANCE
BEGINS
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 College
life was active, adventurous, and romantic. While studying
for the degree in religion, he was an active student leader,
and of course, one of the campus favorite energetic young
men. There was one female that captivated the eyes of
youthful Keith Albury. It was Ann Marie Brennen. Wow! It was
love at first sight. A match made in heaven. Can you imagine
Pastor Keith composing and singing love songs for his lovely
bride-to-be? Ann was thrilled each time she heard that soft,
expressive voice,
singing to her those songs never heard before by anyone else
on earth. Did it work? Did he have to practice by himself in
the bushes? Were Pastor Keith’s compositions magical? They
must have, because on December 23, 1979 (21 years ago) Ann
and Keith became one in holy matrimony. They now have three
wonderful sons: young adult
Keith Anson, a
religion and business major at Oakwood college; and
teenagers,
Alden
and
Brendon, students at
the Bahamas Academy.
- Pastor Keith Albury has served as president of the
Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists since January
12, 1996. Prior to his election to the presidency of the
conference, Pastor Albury served as Executive Secretary of
the Bahamas Conference for five years: 1990-1996. He was the
first to be named Church Ministries Director in the Bahamas
(1986–1990). Before that he was the pastor for the Eleuthera,
Englerston & Hillview districts of churches.
In coming to the office of president, Pastor
Albury initiated strategic planning and developed the Bahamas
Conference’s blueprint, "Vision 2000," which projected a major
expansion of the Conference over a five-year period. This strategic
plan has already resulted in the building of a new academy on the
island of Grand Bahama and anew conference office. It also
encompasses the establishment of plans to build a convention center.
The principle aim is to establish 10 new churches in new territories
in the Bahamas
THE DISTRICT
PASTOR
During his 21 years of ministry, Pastor Albury
has preached to thousands in crusades and other events throughout
the islands of the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Central and North
America. Hundreds have accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior as a
result of his ministry. Pastor Albury served on the island of
Eleuthera (his first pastoral district), Hillview, New Providence
and Grant’s Town churches.
He led the members at Englerston Church on East
Street to reach their goal of moving into their new spacious
sanctuary on Harrold Road in 1986, debt free. This new structure was
named the Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Albury is a
no-nonsense, energetic, innovative, spirit-filled pastor. He always
wants to do what is right and best for his congregation. He is not
afraid of doing new things once it will help in the growth of the
church.
THE STYLISH
PREACHER
 How
could we forget the dynamic pinstriped or robed preachers-–Keith
Albury and Jeff Thompson? Pastor Keith passion to preach led him to
try new ways of preaching the gospel. He joined with his close
friend Jeff Thompson to form the first-ever duet preaching team in
the Bahamas. They conducted a successful youth crusade at the
Grant’s
Town Church and then in Exuma. They thrilled congregations
everywhere. No one could do it like these two special preachers. It
sounded like one person preaching. Their phrases were joined
perfectly. Their thoughts flowed smoothly. Their black robes or slim
pinstriped suits swayed gracefully as they methodically and
skillfully presented the message.
HIS SPIRITUAL
LIFE
Before the sun rises each day, Pastor Keith opens
the Word to begin the day with God. He connects his heart to the
giver of life and opens his mind to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Keith’s commitment to his Savior is evident in his everyday
life. His family devotions and spicy and invigorating. His sermons
are a reflection of his deep connection with the Author of knowledge
and life. He joins his wife in effectively leading their sons
everyday to Jesus. He is a spiritual leader because the Supreme
Spiritual Leader is in his heart.
HIS FAMILY LIFE
Today, Pastor Keith is a happy and dedicated
father and husband. He is an excellent
father to his three sons. He takes his time instill in each one to
excel. He wants his
sons to be thinkers and not just "reflectors of other mans thought."
He makes his family first in his life. He cherishes his time spent
with his lovely wife, Ann, and their bouncing dog.
Pastor Albury is completing a EdD in Human Services
Administration/Organizational Leadership.
Ann
Albury is a registered nurse and an educational
psychologist. She holds a MA in Educational and Developmental
Psychology from Andrews University, and presently pursing further
studies.
As of September she has been appointed School
Psychologist with the Special Services Unit for the Office of
Education of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Ann
Albury is the leader of the Shepherdess Club (a sorority for the
wives of pastors), whose current interests is a church history
project for the Bahamas Conference. Happy wedding anniversary Ann and Keith Albury
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- Copyright
(c) August 2000 Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
- P.O. Box
N-356, Harrold Road, Nassau, Bahamas. Tel:
242-341 4021
Fax: 242-341 4088
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