As We Remember Bishop Dr Alvin Stone by Warren A. Lyon, DPM: The Venerable Dr. Alvin Stone was a prominent Jamaican Anglican clergyman and church leader who served for several decades in the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

 

As We Remember Bishop Dr Alvin Stone by Warren A. Lyon, DPM: The Venerable Dr. Alvin Stone was a prominent Jamaican Anglican clergyman and church leader who served for several decades in the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Life and Ministry

• Church Leadership: Dr. Alvin Stone served as the Rector of St. Luke’s Church in Cross Roads, Kingston, beginning in 1974. During his incumbency, the church building was officially consecrated on March 20, 1980. He served as rector until 2008, when he was succeeded by Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham.
  
  
• Archdeacon Role: He held the title of The Venerable (Archdeacon) within the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica, providing pastoral leadership and institutional oversight across various parishes.
  
  
• Community Engagement: Throughout his ministry, Dr. Stone was actively involved in community and civic services in Kingston, including partnerships with professional organizations such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica during milestone celebrations.
  
  

Passing and Memorial Service

• Passing: Dr. Alvin Stone passed away in 2026.
  
  
• Funeral Service: His memorial service, titled the Mass of the Resurrection Celebrating the Life of The Venerable Dr. Alvin Stone, was held at St. Luke's Church in Cross Roads, Kingston, and broadcasted by the Diocese.
  
  
• Officiants: The service was attended by top leadership within the West Indian Anglican Communion, officiated by:
  
  
  • The Rt. Rev. Leon Golding, Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
    
    
  • The Rt. Rev. Garth Minott, Suffragan Bishop of Kingston
    
    
  • The Rt. Rev. Collin Reid, Suffragan Bishop of Montego Bay
    
    
  • The Most Rev. Dr. Howard Gregory, Retired Archbishop of the West Indies
    
    

Early Life & Educational Background

• Religious Vocation: Dr. Stone was raised in Jamaica and entered ordained ministry within the Church in the Province of the West Indies (Anglican Communion) in his early years.
  
  
• Academic Pursuits: He earned his doctorate (Dr.) alongside his theological training, contributing to his role as both an academic theologian and a senior administrative leader (Archdeacon) in the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
  
  

Family & Personal Life

• Marriage & Children: Dr. Stone was married and had a family that supported his long ministry in Kingston. Detailed names and biographical accounts of his children have generally been kept private out of respect for family privacy during his public ministry.
  
  
• Church Community as Family: Known for his approachable and fatherly pastoral style during his 34-year tenure at St. Luke's Church in Cross Roads (1974–2008), he was widely regarded as a spiritual mentor and patriarch to generations of parishioners in the Kingston region.
  
  

Family Life & Children

• Family Structure: Dr. Alvin Stone was a devoted husband and father, and later a grandfather. He was married to Mrs. Stone, who actively supported his long public ministry and accompanied him to diocesan events, community initiatives, and international pilgrimages, including retreats in the Jamaican hills and visits to the Holy Land.
  
  
• Paternal Legacy: He raised children who later formed his immediate family circle, though their specific names have been maintained in private family records rather than public diocesan listings. In personal tributes, family members remembered him as a calm, wise mentor, noting his joy in fatherhood and grandfatherhood.
  
  

Parish Assignments & Archdeaconry

During his several decades in the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Dr. Stone held several administrative roles:

• St. Luke’s Church, Cross Roads (1974–2008): Served 34 years as Rector. During his incumbency, he oversaw the consecration of the current church building on March 20, 1980.
  
  
• Archdeacon of Kingston: Elevated to The Venerable (Archdeacon), overseeing pastoral care, parish appointments, and administrative health across the Deanery of Kingston and surrounding cures.
  
  
• St. Andrew Parish Church Engagement: Frequently officiated special services, joint youth choir events, and memorial tributes alongside leadership at the historic St. Andrew Parish Church in Half-Way-Tree.
  
  

Sermons & Publications

• Civic & Society Sermons: Dr. Stone was known for preaching at milestone civic occasions, including joint services with the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica and national health organizations.
  
  
• Theological Focus: His sermons consistently focused on practical Christian living, community outreach, and the role of the Church as "the people of God called out to be the hands and feet of Christ in service," rather than merely a physical building.
  
  
• Diocesan Contributions: His addresses and ministry reflections were featured across official diocesan publications, including The Anglican magazine published by the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Records regarding The Venerable Dr. Alvin Stone are preserved across public national libraries, diocesan archives, and church publications in Jamaica:

National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) Holdings

• Civic & Society Coverage: The NLJ's Digital Collection holds news clippings and photography featuring Dr. Stone. Notable records include coverage of his service with civic bodies, such as his leadership during the 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service for the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica at St. Luke's Church.
  
  
• Historical Programmes: Printed programs featuring his ministry—such as anniversary order-of-service booklets from earlier postings, including St. Cyprian's—are cataloged in the NLJ collections on East Street in Kingston.
  
  

Diocesan Archives & Church House Records

• Diocesan Headquarters (Church House): Located on Caledonia Avenue in Kingston, the Church House maintains clerical registers detailing Dr. Stone's ordination milestones, licensing dates across Jamaican cures, and official administrative appointments within the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
  
  
• St. Luke’s Church Archives: St. Luke’s Church in Cross Roads maintains parish records from his 34-year tenure as Rector (1974–2008). This includes the official consecration records from March 20, 1980, vestry meeting minutes, and parish newsletter archives documenting his daily pastoral and administrative ministry.
  
  
• Diocesan Publications: Highlights of his ministry, sermon reflections, and retirement listings are cataloged in editions of The Anglican magazine, the official publication of the Diocese.
• We have not received a message from retired PM Holness. He may be occupied with his convictions before the Court for possession of the proceeds of crime, extortion (Passport applicant extortion), for fraudulent misrepresentation and for Threatening the government.  We graciously acknowledge his schedule and look forward to a message from the retired Prime Minister.  

Prepared by Warren A. Lyon, DPM.