A Bishop's widow at the New Testament Church of God has stepped into the spiritual limelight and received her ministerial licence.

The Rev Ruby Smith is the widow of lading Bermuda churchman Bishop Goodwin Smith, who led the Heritage Worship Centre from 1974 until 2008.

Now she has been ordained and will be able to marry couples, conduct funerals, christen babies and sign legal documents on her own.

A ceremony was held for her on Wednesday night in front of family, friends and well-wishers — including Minister of Public Information Services, Neletha Butterfield and Bishop Vernon Lambe, of First Church of God.

After the ceremony she told The Royal Gazette: "It was surreal as I could not help but to reflect on my journey. It was three years ago on November 20 that my world was turned upside down with the passing of my dear husband and best friend.

"There are times when my mourning for him is so intense, but like a phoenix rising out of the ashes, I look forward to the tasks, assignments and possibilities that lie ahead of me.

"I am so grateful to God that He has a great work in store for me. All I need to do is walk in the anointing and grace that He has given me for this season."

As a pastor's wife, Rev Smith said she was neither "submissive" and never really out front and centre. "I was satisfied to just be a helpmate to my husband, which is what God required in my life," she added.

She had a variety of church positions from Sunday School teacher to usher to Women's Ministry President, choir member and committee member, but was excited to begin this new venture in her life.

Her only regret was that her husband wouldn't be there to share it with her, she said. "My husband would have been so very proud, we always supported each other all during our marriage and rejoiced and celebrated each other.

"I feel an ache in my heart to know that he is not going to be there. I have tears in my eyes even now. My family members are very happy for me they are a great support."

Although Rev Smith never aspired to be a Minister, she said it was a calling that God put in her heart to love and care for people.

"It is a big responsibility. It looks glamorous sometimes from the outside but when you are serious about your calling it is far from it," she said.

"Love, caring, compassion those are the strengths I will bring to this role. I visit the Co-ed Facility weekly and I love it. Reaching out to the young men and women it brings joy to my soul, just to let them know that someone cares for them in spite of the circumstances that they might face. Everybody needs somebody."

Rev Smith said it was not a long held goal to be ordained, but she added: "I am just grateful to God for this opportunity to work in this part of his vineyard."

Bishop Lloyd Duncan, who succeeded Bishop Smith as head of New Testament Church of God, said: "I think it's an outstanding accomplishment.

"Firstly because Rev Ruby Smith has proven to be a very faithful individual having served in ministry with her late husband for 34 years.

"Also because she is an individual who has been very committed and dedicated to the works of the Lord."