GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

Fionie Collins, mother of baby Steve Anthony Collins Jr holds him at his dedication. - george henry

spaldings, clarendon

It was a most proud moment for the parents, god-parents and other close relatives of little Steve Anthony Collins jr. on Sunday March 9 at the Sanguinetti New Testament Church of God, as the little lad was dedicated to God. Smiles were the order of the short ceremony which was presided over by Reverend Barrington DaCosta, the host pastor.

In front of a packed Sunday morning congregation, the parents stood and listened attentively to Reverend DaCosta, who reminded them of their role as parents for the little boy.

Though Steve and Fionie Collins were not parenting a child for the first time, the pastor impressed on the couple and the god-parents, that their duty as they seek to nurture little Collins, include, apart from providing for him physically and otherwise, the need to ensure that he is brought up in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

The parents were reminded that children are blessings from God, and that all must be done to see to their spiritual growth. This they all acknowledged in tandem with shouts of 'amen' from the members of the congregation who also endorsed every word uttered by Reverend DaCosta.

In praying for little Collins and his parents, Reverend DaCosta asked God to provide the necessary things to help satisfy the needs of the lad. The pastor called on God to grant Steve and Fionie who also has a daughter, Tash-Marie, the strength and courage needed as young parents, in getting their young child to know the Will of God from an early age.

Little Steve Anthony Collins who was christened in his tiny black suit, white tuxedo shirt and white shoes, and who was born on December 27, 2007 at the Mandeville Public Hospital in Manchester, was the second baby to be dedicated at the Sanguinetti New Testament Church since the start of 2008.

Also witnessing the dedication of the little lad were his grand-mother Mrs. Patricia Brown, (mother of Fionie) and great-grandmother Mrs. Mary Cohen, and grandmother of Steve Collins Sr. Steve Anthony Collins is the ninth great-grandchild for Mrs. Cohen.