A mantle passed

IN A moment both historic and deeply personal, Lois Manradgh was ordained assistant bishop of the Jamaica Free Baptist Churches (JFBC), becoming the first woman to hold the office in the denomination’s 83-year history. Her elevation, witnessed by congregants across more than a dozen JFBC branches islandwide, and congregations overseas, marks a significant milestone for the church. Yet, for Bishop Manradgh, the triumph carries the weight of bittersweet memory.

In May, she lost her husband of 42 years, the late Dr Bishop Percival Manradgh, who served as head bishop, general overseer of the JFBC and host pastor of the Four Paths branch. His passing left a profound void not only in the organisation but also in the congregation he faithfully shepherded. Now, as she steps into a new era of leadership, Bishop Manradgh finds herself carrying both the mantle of ministry and the memory of the man who shaped so much of it.

“For me, the moment had nothing to do with gender,” she reflected, speaking of her ordination. “I have always been a hard worker, committed to serving God with all my heart. So I wasn’t thinking about being the first female bishop. I was simply focused on the work of the Kingdom. That has always been my priority,” she told Family and Religion.

Manradgh’s appointment comes at a time when responsibility and grief meet at a delicate intersection. Stepping into leadership of the very church her husband pastored was, she admitted, emotionally overwhelming.

“I did not feel worthy. I was content and humbled serving alongside him. In my heart, I always envisioned him standing with me, continuing the work we began together. His absence made the moment deeply emotional,” she shared.

Though grieving, she has had little room to pause. “I truly haven’t had the space to fully grieve,” she admitted. “The people needed leadership, and if I allowed grief to take precedence, those entrusted to my care would suffer.”

Yet, even amid loss, she speaks of divine strength. “I have experienced the peace Paul describes … Whenever I feel as if I might break, it’s as though God Himself gathers the pieces and puts me back together,” the newly minted bishop told Family and Religion.

Bishop Manradgh interprets her elevation not as coincidence but as purpose unfolding.

“Jeremiah [chapter] one reminds us that before we were formed in the womb, God knew us and ordained our purpose … . Now I see how each season has been preparing me for this assignment,” Manradgh posited.

Much of that preparation came through decades of ministry alongside her husband. She speaks of that time not only as partnership but a training ground:

“Serving with him allowed me to experience the length, breadth, width, and height of ministry. Even when I doubted myself, he saw what God placed in me.”

In stepping into this historic role, Bishop Manradgh is determined to preserve the legacy of the man who led the JFBC with vision and devotion.

“I feel called to continue his humility, hard work, consistency, and perseverance. His belief in people transformed them. I am determined to continue that legacy,” she said.

That commitment extends to the congregation at Four Paths, where she had already been serving as assistant pastor prior to the passing of the late Bishop Dr Manradgh —an experience that softened the transition but not the emotion.

“We all knew things would never be the same, but the strong foundation Bishop built, gave us stability. Both I and the congregation understood that a mantle had been passed.”

The support of her family has been one of the quiet pillars holding her through this season.

“A text, a call, a word of encouragement — those small gestures lifted my spirit on the difficult days.”

The ordination of her son, Dr Demar Manradgh, during the same ceremony carried immense spiritual significance.

“As a mother, it was a moment of fulfilment. I thank God for allowing us to now serve together in this capacity,” she said.

She noted that all her three sons serve the ministry in some way.

Bishop Manradgh’s elevation has resonated especially among women, who have long navigated the complexities of gender within the Church. She hopes her journey offers assurance.

“Serving God is not limited by gender. God uses vessels that are willing and available. Stay steadfast, maintain your integrity, and position yourself to be used by God. He will open every necessary door,” posited Manradgh.

In this season of loss and elevation, courage has taken on a profound meaning.

“For me, courage is stepping into the mantle he left behind. ‘ Be strong and of a good courage’ — that is the scripture I live by.”

Purpose, she believes, is not diminished by hardship.

“Purpose does not die even in painful seasons. Loss does not diminish purpose, it reveals it.”

Anchoring her through it all are two guiding truths:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and, “Only what you do for Christ will last.”

Her ordination took place alongside that of Bishop Deventon Smith, now head bishop and general overseer of the JFBC, who pastors the Mandeville, Manchester, branch. Together, they assume leadership of a denomination standing at the threshold of transition, growth, and renewed mission.

For Bishop Lois Manradgh, the moment is historic, but ultimately, it is simply another step in the work she has always been committed to: serving God, His people, and the legacy of a ministry built on faithfulness.

olivia.brown@gleanerjm.com