In anticipation of his birthday last December 28, staff and students of Corpus Christi College (CCC), Diego Martin, decided to honour in a special way “son of the soil” and college patron Sir Ellis Clarke on December 10.

The College could find no more appropriate way to demonstrate its gratitude than with a thanksgiving Mass, celebrated by parish priest, Fr Paul Jesuraja, SJ, at the nearby St John the Evangelist church.  

The teaching and anciliary staff formed a choir for the occasion. A vibrant rendition of Lord I Lift Your Name on High, signalled the beginning of Mass. In spite of their feeling of being incompetent singers the result was lusty renditions of appropriate hymns, with the entire congregation eventually joining in.

Sir Ellis had the privilege of proclaiming the Word as he did the First Reading. Fr Paul delivered an inspiring homily, which focussed a bit on Sir Ellis’ life as an example to the nation.  

A few students were involved in the Prayers of the Faithful. At the end of Mass, student Carence Joseph read from a large silk scroll on which the name “Sir Ellis Clarke” was written with each letter depicting an outstanding trait of this gentleman, the first President of Trinidad and Tobago. It was a touching moment!

After Mass, Sir Ellis, his family, friends and staff journeyed to Cascadia Hotel, St Ann’s for lunch. The programme began with an opening prayer led by vice principal Heather Burris-Thomas; principal Sr Petronilla Joseph, O Carm, delivered the welcome remarks.

Sr Petronilla described Sir Ellis’ 90th birthday as a milestone for which we must continue to give God thanks. 

She went on to list some of the outstanding achievements of this humble servant, from 1933 when he won the Jerningham medal, to 1985 when the following titles were conferred on him: TC (Trinity Cross); GCB (Knight Guard Cross of the Order of the Bath, a high order of knighthood); and GCMG (Knight Guard Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George).

Sir Ellis with Corpus Christi College students outside the church.

These achievements, she emphasised, tell the story of a man who understood that life is a gift from God, but what one makes of their life is their gift to God. 

She said Sir Ellis’ association with CCC began when a new education programme was launched at the College in 1976.

Sir Ellis succeeded in urging then Prime Minister, the late Dr Eric Williams to attend the ceremony. Since then, CCC has been the grateful beneficiary of the generosity of Sir Ellis and his cadre of benefactors as well. 

Sir Ellis has done much for the College, Sr Petronella explained. He was instrumental in the construction of a new wing and the library, now named after him.

Sir Ellis has funded academic scholarships, and offered assistance in one form or another to staff, needy students and their families. 

Sr Petronilla said many of those who benefited from Sir Ellis’s kindness never knew who the “fairy Godfather” was, since he has never attempted to blow his own trumpet.  Instead, he enjoyed seeing the lives of these students enhanced and enriched over the years as a result of his contributions. 

Sr Petronella quoted from the bible to best sum up the motive behind Sir Ellis’ gesture: “do all for the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31). 
“We are inspired by his life, to pursue excellence in all that we do”, she said.

After the meal, teachers and students entertained the gathering. Outstanding among the tributes was a former student with her calypso rendition If I could, I would which aptly described Sir Ellis.

Several persons - family members, good friends, a former secretary of Sir Ellis, and his personal chauffeur - expressed their personal admiration for his kindness, wisdom and faithfulness. 

When it was his turn to respond, Sir Ellis jokingly said if 25% of all that was said about him were true, he is indeed, grateful to God. Further, if only ten of the 425 CCC students benefited from his outreach, he would be fulfilled and consider his mission accomplished.

Sir Ellis spoke with delight of the blessing each member of his family, immediate and extended, has been to him. He concluded testifying that all his successes and accomplishments were because of his strong faith in God; he encouraged everyone to renew their faith in God and develop a personal relationship with Him. This, he felt, was the only answer to the challenges we experience in this “valley of tears”.  

As all joined hands in a joyous family spirit, the ceremony ended with the lusty singing of Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart.

Many photographs and appropriate music brought this delightful event to a close. 

We wish Sir Ellis continued blessings!