Rev. John Mervin Hutcheson

Rev. John Mervin Hutcheson Age 70 Years of #38 Fifth Street, Coconut Grove, 
took the early morning train at his residence on Friday, November 03, 1995.

Mervin or Daddy Mervin as he lovingly called by his family and friends 
was born in the quaint settlement of Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, Bahamas on 
Tuesday, May 26, 1925 to the late Rev. A. E. Sr. and Mrs. Alma Jane Brown-Hutcheson. 
He was the eighth of ten children born to that union.

He was educated at the All Age Primary School, now the P. A. Gibson Primary School. 
He was made a monitor by Mr. G. L. Lowe in 1938.

In August of 1940, he left school to work as a time-keeper for the Harrisonville Company 
at Hatchet Bay, where he remained until November 1942. Mervin came to Nassau in 
April 1943 and worked as a waiter in the Sergeants Mess and an orderly in the 
Royal Air Force Hospital at Prospect Ridge.

On September 08, 1943 he joined the Royal Bahamas Police Force, where he served for 
twenty-three years achieving the rank of Crown Sergeant. While on the Police Force, 
he was also the Drum Major of the World-Famous Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. 
Tourist and residence alike would flock to Bay Street to watch the tall handsome drum major 
take the band through their precision drills. He was also a founding member of the 
Internal Security Division of the Police Force. For his service to his country, in 1977 
he was awarded the queen's Silver Jubilee Medal.

He joined the Department of Immigration in June 1966, where he remained for thirteen years 
achieving the rank of Chief Immigration Officer. He then transferred to the Labour Department, 
as a Chief Labour Officer remaining there until his retirement in August 1985 
completing forty-one and a half years in the civil service.

He was a member of Royal Eagle #1, Bahamas Consistory, Prince Hall Affiliate and Nemesis #75. 
He was joined in Holy Matrimony to the lovely Nathalie Jane Russell, on Wednesday, August 03, 1949 
by the late Rev. Dr. H. W. Brown. This marriage was blessed with five sons and two daughters. 
He also fathered five other children, three sons and two daughters. 

In the years 1975, John heard the audible voice of the Lord calling him into his kingdom and service. 
He was ordained to the sacred ministry, on Wednesday, November 17, 1976 along with Rev. Beryl Francis. 
Since that time, he has been actively involved in the church's improvements and upkeep.

A life member of the Historic Bethel Baptist Church, he was known for his no-nonsense ways 
and his attention to detail. For his service to God and his Church, he received several plaques.

He was never shy about bragging of his children, grand children or in-laws during service. 
Pastor Stewart's children, T. C. and Michael along with Donna, Enid and Doreth will miss him too. 
You see, he never left church without supplying them with candies. Many other children at church 
were also recipients of goodies from the "candy man".

For many years the family resided in Eneas Street in the Bain Town Community. His neighbours 
can attest that he was a friend indeed "if somewhat strict". The "fade and Yul Bryner" that you are 
now paying so much for was worn by our brothers and the neigbourhood boys since the 1960's 
only then it was called the "cup and saucer" and bald head. Other daddies cooked better, but none cooked more.

John Mervin was a disciplinarian who managed his children with military precision. 
If we were playing in the street and even imagined that he turned the corner or hears 
"Mr. Mervin coming", only the puffs of dust as the street cleared would let you know 
that we were out there.

John Mervin always talked about going to be with his saviour, but even more so after 
celebrating his 70th birthday in May this year, he finally got his wish. Though we mourn his passing, 
we rejoice because we have the assurance he is resting with his Lord.

John Mervin's Winding Sheet:
For we all have a winding sheet, we are all graveyard travelers and candidates for the judgment. 
He has been seeking his grave for seventy years and in a little while will be interred.

Just think of holding a hand and finding that hand, God's hand,
Just think of breathing celestial air and felling invigorated anew,
Just think of stepping onto a shore and finding that shore "Home".

John Mervin is preceded in death by his:
Daughter: Jane Hutcheson, in 1973;

The Radiance of this "Emerald of A Gem" will always glow in the hearts of his:
Wife: of forty-six years Nathalie;
Eight Sons: Jerry, Customs Officer Albert (Darnell), Assistant Superintendent of Police Kirkland, 
Edward, Whitfield (Bernadette), Victor, Maurice and Police Sergeant 503 James Hutcheson I (Robyn);
Four Daughters: Maria Ferguson (Matthew), Andrea Pinder (Police Inspector Robert Sr.), 
Nellie Strachan (Kenneth) and Janet Hutcheson;
Four Daughters-in-law: Gaynell, Karen, Vanrea and June Hutcheson;
Thirty-One Grand Children: Detective Constable of Police 964 Robert Jr., Trevor, Michael, 
Candida, Tshura, Makelle, Tanya, Kovan, Leslie, Shenique, Sherelle, Nicole, Anishka, Kenton, 
Melissa, Zina, John, Shamila, Kendria, Maurisa, Raymond, Sharmaine, Alena, Uriza, Victoria, 
Anthony, Denzel, Miaeda, Leah, James II and Kellen;
Two Brothers: Rev. Dr. Albert E. Jr. and Cardinal Hutcheson;
Five Sisters: Idelle Rolle of Miami, Florida, Corene Thompson, Almatha Hutcheson, 
Rhona Bethel (Claudius) and Erma Hepburn (Wilberforce);
Three Adopted Sons: Police Constables Jack and Jimmy and Floyd Walker;
Adopted Brother: Rev. Leroy Carey of Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, Bahamas;
Uncle: George N. Brown;
Six Aunts: Nellie, Dorell, Fredericka, Miriam and Helen Brown and Esther Russell;
Six Sisters-in-law: Ruby, Elsie and Sarah Hutcheson, Fanny Davis, Hazel Palacious and Mable Sands;
Nephews: Archdeacon William, Canon Gilbert and Dr. Philip Thompson, 
Harry and Walter Rolle of Miami, Florida, Edward, Lindbergh, Albert, Jermaine and 
Leonard Hutcheson Jr., Barry, Glen, Quinton, Garth and Julian Hepburn;
Nieces: Alma Turnquest, Alma Adams, Ernestine Major, Loan, Bertha, Janice, 
Theresa and Orrine Hutcheson, Norma Francis, Melony and Crystal Hepburn, 
Deanie Johnson and Harriet Powell;
Other Loving family and friends.