The leading pastor of a Pembroke church, described as a spiritual family, commanded respect both across the island and internationally.

Jimmie Ray Denwiddie ran the New Creation Worship Centre with his wife, Maybelle Denwiddie. He also served on the island’s family courts.

The church, which has more than 150 members, describes itself as a place where “there is clearly something bigger happening behind the scenes”.

Mr Denwiddie was born in Forrest City, Arkansas. He joined the Baptist church when he was 12.

He met his wife at bible college, and the couple had three children: Dhwanna, Jimmie Ray Jr and Devray.

Along with New Creation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, Mr Denwiddie was associated with Christ Community Church in Worcester, Massachusetts and Royal Priests Ministries in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In 2004, he and his wife founded the Aerie Foundation, a non-profit, faith-based group for young people and seniors.

The group helps the elderly with home care in particular.

Gina Spence, the founder of the charity Gina Spence Productions, which helps families who have lost loved ones to violence, said she had found hope through the church and Mr Denwiddie’s spiritual counsel after suffering her own devastating loss.

Ms Spence said both pastors revived her and supported her family in the wake of the gun murder of her son-in-law, James “Junior” Lawes, 26, in 2010, in what police termed was an “indiscriminate” attack on Dundonald Street in Hamilton.

Mr Lawes had married Ms Spence’s daughter, Greashena, shortly before the shooting and his death devastated her and her family.

In a tribute to Mr Denwiddie on social media, Ms Spence said she was “broken, battered and bruised, spiritually and emotionally”.

“You and Pastor May literally prayed me back to life. You embraced me and my girls with a love that could only come from God.”

Ms Spence told The Royal Gazette: “From the first day I walked up to his altar, he and his wife got me back to life and stayed with me in my journey”.

She described Mr Denwiddie as an “old school” pastor who was like a spiritual father to her.

“Just like a natural father, he would tell you things about yourself because he wanted to see you grow and be a better Christian. He was very protective of us — he was like a good shepherd.”

Ms Spence said Mr Denwiddie’s support helped her navigate the troubling aspects of her work “in the trenches”.

“When I was doing outreach and dealing with gang members and combative environments, he definitely supported me. He offered a safe place that I could go to.

“Apostle’s goal was to empower us to be more than churchgoers.”

Ms Spence said that in some churches, it could be difficult to cultivate a personal relationship with leaders.

“But with them, the church was more like family. Yes, we have protocols and do things according to the word of God.”

Mr Denwiddie was “someone you could call at 4am to come to the hospital and stay with you”.

She said the Denwwiddies brought a sense of camaraderie to the church, with some of their gatherings having the feel of social events.

However, Mr Denwiddie not only encouraged the spiritual life, but lived it.

She added: “He was soft-spoken in his voice and gentle, but the minute he got behind that pulpit, he preached with so much power.

“He was a very well loved, well respected and honoured man who was not just known locally, but internationally as a pastor — he had connections all around the world.”

• Jimmie Ray Denwiddie Sr, the head of the New Creation Worship Centre, was born on August 3, 1951. He died in July 2024, aged 72