The Matilda Smith Williams Senior' Residence did not just happen. Its creation was as a result of a vision seen by Sister Berniece Cann during a noonday prayer meeting at St. Paul's A.M.E. Church.

Rising from the altar she immediately talked it over with Sisters Isabelle Ratteray and Helena Williams.

Later they met with the Missionary Society and the Trustees of the church.

At that meeting the trustees informed the ladies that a property had been bequeathed to the through the will of one Matilda Iridel Smith Willams.

The property was formally offered to the missionaries to operate along the lines they envisaged. They opened for occupancy on May 2, 1963.

Dr. Thomas C. Stowe provided excellent leadership as the president for 25 years, retiring 1988 due to health reasons.

From the humble beginning on Union Street, the home grew until their financial advisor, Richard Gorham O.B.E., purchased "Ashford'' a property on Kent Avenue in Devonshire in 1971.

In 1972, under the guidance of Mrs. Iris DeShields, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed and this group purchased the road side property bordering the Home and presented the deeds to St. Paul A.M.E. Trustees in 1977.

Presently Sister Joyce Butterfield leads the Auxiliary and continues to work hard at raising funds for the operation of the Home, along with many others too numerous to mention.

Eva Aubrey is a delightful resident at age 103. She looks forward to breakfast and tea time. She said: "The best time of my life was when I was a younger woman with small children.'' Vibrant Mary Custodio will celebrate her 85th birthday on August 17, 2000. She feels great and breakfast is her favourite meal. She has two children, seven grands and ten great grandchildren. She watches `The Young and the Restless' every day during the week with the other residents.