It was more than 27 years ago when the Rev. W. Eugene Joell gave up his job as an ambulance driver to become a full-time pastor at the New Testament Church of God at Cedar Hill in Warwick.

The church is now called Sanctuary of Praise. And while he is no longer an active pastor he has vowed to continue into the foreseeable future the tradition of a family luncheon he started while there.

It all began when one of his fellow ambulance drivers asked him what he thought about having a special service at his church for the drivers. They came one Sunday in October and enjoyed it so much they wanted to come back the following January.

To make it a more meaningful event, he decided to entertain the drivers to lunch at the nearby St. Mary's Church hall. It was the last Sunday in January, and he sent out invitations to family and friends, just like one would send out invitations to a wedding. Scores from all over came, and that's the way it continues.

Sunday gone was no exception, the food and fellowship were super, and Rev. Joell was at his genial best, with his wife Quillard at his side.

Among the guests were some who had been attending since the inception in 1982, or soon after, including a 97-year-old cousin from Somerset; and Mrs. Evelyn Smith, of Devonshire, who will be 103 years old at her next birthday.

Pastor Joell is seen above with centenarian Mrs. Smith. Left he's close up and at centre are some of his guests enjoying the fellowship.