A TIME
TO BE MARRIED
In
1947, Earle married Marjorie
Eloise Taylor-Sargent whom he later affectionately called his “Sweet
Potato.†Earle loved Marjorie and
she in turn loved him. Their deep love was often described as a
marriage that was born in heaven
and transcended to earth. This union gave birth to six boys and seven
girls. Together, they stood as ministry team players, business
partners, home builders, lovers, co-laborers and friends. Their
marriage lasted for sixty-six and a half years, allowing them to stand as
marital pillars, trailblazers and national examples to other couples.
Pastor
Francis effectively led this ministry from March 28, 1964 to April 2, 2014.
This dynamic visionary and preacher/ teacher was was known for his jovial
spirit and genuine love and concern for people. He exemplified “familyâ€;
being a very loving husband and a strong father. Together, he and
Marjorie reared their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Dr
Marjorie served as the Church’s Organist for over 45 years, serving diligently
and faithfully in the work of the Lord. With longevity in life and ministry,
Pastor Francis was a Pastor’s Pastor and he fathered many spiritual sons and
daughters; including Rev. Dr. Walstone Francis and Rev. Dr. Joseph Francis
(also biological sons), Bishop Neil C. Ellis, Rev. Gloria Ferguson, Rev. Dr.
William Thompson, Rev. Nathan Rolle, Apostle Nelson & Valleria Strachan and
many others.
Pastor
Francis was a pioneer, a trailblazer and a national hero in his own right. He
was a man who effected Government and Politics (serving as one of the longest
serving Chaplins of our Senate), Culture (serving a Chaplin of the Shell Saxons
Superstars), Business & Entrepreneurship (serving as the proprietor of the
Francis Hotel, and as one of the first black businessmen in our country); the
Brotherhood (serving as Past Grand Master of Prince Hall Lodge) and Family Life
& Marriage (being married to “Sweet Potato†for some 67 years); Religion
(serving as Sr Pastor of First Baptist Church, Nassau, Bahamas for 50
years).