Outpouring of sadness and stirring memories of the late, Guyanese-born Reverend Dr. Helen Rose John, filled a virtual home going celebration on July 6, two years after her mother, Rev. Dr. Evelyn Rose John, founder of New Life Center of Truth Church in Brooklyn, died. Rev. John was 63.
Her sudden death on June 17, 2020 sent shock waves throughout the diaspora since she was conducting her scheduled bible studies and Sunday services via a conference platform to keep her hundreds of congregants connected to the word of God.
Consul General of Guyana to New York, Barbara Atherly, called Rev. Helen John, a leader and a woman of great faith who continued the noble legacy of her dear mother, the late Rev. Dr. Evelyn R. John.
She said the reverend, like her late mother, was a devout Christian who remained connected to her homeland Guyana, through her acts of patriotism.
CC Atherly, lauded Rev. John, for being enthusiastic and always ready to answer the calls for participation in various Guyanese functions, and diaspora community services.
The diplomat recalled that the Godly woman attended Guyana’s May Independence Anniversary celebrations, Republic Interfaith service, and many book signings at the Consulate, where she gave words of blessings to those, gathered.
The CG said many could attest to Rev. John’s comforting and peaceful nature, and remembered the clergy for her steadfast compassionate for all people.
“Rev. Helen took up the responsibility of guiding the flock of the New Life Center of Truth with grace and humility. We celebrate the great fulfilling life she lived and for building a strong foundation of faith.”
“On behalf of the Consulate General, the people of Guyana, and my behalf, I extend sincere condolences to the John family, and all relatives,” concluded the diplomat.
Community Advocate, Dr. Una S. T. Clarke expressed deepest condolences to the family in a social media posting, saying “rest eternal, grant her oh Lord and light perpetual shine on her. I will miss your gentleness and devoted love and friendship.”
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Senator Roxanne Persaud also shared tributes via the streaming platform.
The beloved, dedicated cleric, who was born in Georgetown, graduated of St. Roses High School, and in 1974, went on to work in the field of banking, before being inspired by her mother’s studies in the principles of metaphysics and her calling to serve the Lord.
She began her journey with the Lord while still living in Guyana, and continued when she migrated to the United States of America in 1986. She became involved in the New Life Center of Truth in Brooklyn, which was founded by her mother, late, Rev. Dr. Evelyn R. John in 1984.
A graduate of St. Francis College, Brooklyn with a Bachelor of Sciences degree, Rev. Helen John along with her academic achievements and faith in the Lord continued to grow, and was inducted into the Teacher’s Ministry under the direction of her mother.
After intensive studies, Rev. John was ordained a minister at the University of Healing, San Diego, California. She was ordinated and became the junior minister at the New Life Center of Truth. She was elevated to senior minister, and assumed the full responsibility of running the organization.
Rev. John served and ministered to the community at large, and is being remembered as being blessed with the gifts of love, patience, tolerance, selflessness, caring and charm. She was never too busy to listen to the many and varied problems of the members of her church family.
She shared her knowledge and experience and flourished spiritually. In 2017, she received the Masters of Theology from the Community Bible Institute in Brooklyn, and in 2018, received the Doctor of Divinity from the Community Bible Institute in Brooklyn. Rev. John’s family members and the congregants of the New Life Center of Truth have watched proudly as their beloved pastor grew in faith and love of the Lord. Her sermons were succinctly and beautifully delivered, and her messages were always an inspiration to all who heard them.
Rev. Dr. Helen R. John was the first of five children, born to Clifton Mortimer Llewellyn John, Esq. and the late, Reverend Doctor Evelyn Rose John.
Mourners celebrated the pastor during a social distancing viewing on July 6, and she was buried at Canarsie Cemetery where her mother is also interred.
She leaves to mourn, father, C.M.L. John, siblings, Richard, Dina, Marie and Hannah, nieces Monique, Daniela and Dyese, nephew Tariq, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, her church family, and many others.
Rest in Peace, dear Reverend Dr. Helen Rose John, we in the Guyanese community will miss you dearly.
