Claudine O'Neal was used as a Pilgrim during our 2023 Level Up Youth Camp.

As many people would describe her, was a woman of Faith and Action. Her service to God was one of distinction. As I look back on her life, I cannot help but stand in awe in recognition of her years of faithful, dedicated service to God and people.

Born 1919 in the peaceful community of Lower Capitol, Birch Grove, Sis O’Neal accepted Christ in the late 1950’s under the ministry of the missionaries (Sis Rich & Sis Luelf).

Although she had no children of her own, she successfully raised two of her nieces and two of her nephews and in addition some of her many god children who stayed or slept with her when her mother passed away.

One of her favourite scriptures was Eccl. 12:1 ‘Remember your creator in the days of the youth’.

She did a little gardening and kept a few yard fowls. She tasked herself with chipping coconut for them every evening.

With great excitement and enthusiasm over her new life, Sis O’Neal spun immediately into action.

The missionaries were still working in Upper Capitol, Birch Grove after the passage of Hurricane Janet when Sis Claudine O’Neal, Sis Monica Longdon and Bro Thomas George led the mission to a small community in the mountains of St Andrews, Morne Longue by name. From Birch Grove they carried galvanize roofing on their heads all the way up the mountain to Morne Longue for the purpose of constructing a makeshift building in which they would conduct services. The work there prospered with Sis O’Neal becoming Pastor of that flock.

Together with Pastor Septimus Charles and others, Sis Claudine launched out in many other communities within St Andrews spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Communities like Pleasance, Union, Post Royal, and Bell-view land, Sis O’Neal preached the gospel. Also assisting Pastor Septimus Charles as he took the Gospel to Cumar Junction St Andrew in the 1960’s was Sis Claudine.

Sis O’Neal later in 1964 became Pastor at our Birch Grove church, a position she held for several years until Pastor Septimus Charles took over in mid-1970’s.

Sis Claudine O’Neal was a woman of prayer; she did nothing without first consulting God for directions.

Due to failing health conditions, Sis O’Neal relocated to Gouyave, St John’s where she stayed with another sister in the faith.

In the evening of her life she was institutionalized at the Hills View Home which she saw as her mission field She made it her daily duty to share God’s word and pray with the others as another of her favourite scriptures  and into focus, Luke 19:13 ‘Occupy till I come.’.