The grounds of the United Bethren in Christ Church along St John's Road in St Catherine was a very special place for centenarian Clarence Thompson as he was showered with words of praise by those who love him. Thompson was honoured at a church service held on the grounds of the place of worship recently.

It was an occasion that saw Thompson, a long-standing member of the church, being showered with words of love and admiration.

''I really love this evening as it shows that people really love me. I feel very good to be in church for the celebration, and I thank everyone," Clarence said near the end of the ceremony.

Thompson was born in Broad Leaf, Manchester. He later moved to St Catherine, where he met and fell in love and fathered 14 children. Three of his children have now passed on, but Thompson has not let that bother him too much. In fact, he now lives with one of his sons.

''He has lived at my house since 1982, and I take very good care of him as he is a very good father," his son Norris said. "In his earlier years, he was a bit strong-headed, but that has changed with the years, though."

Norris said what was remarkable about his father was that he still cooked, washed, and cleaned for himself. He added that the centenarian was very independent and liked to do things for himself.

It was revealed that Clarence, in his younger days, worked very hard to feed his family. He is said to have been a fisherman, a painter, and also travelled on the Overseas Farm Work programme in the 1940s.

Norris said his father enjoyed walking in his younger days, and there was an added incentive as he once walked from Broad Leaf in Manchester to Old Harbour Bay to be with the woman he loved. "He was also a good swimmer, that even when his boat capsized at sea, he was able to swim to safety," a relative said.

Clarence, who was born October 8,1913, has fathered 14 children, 31 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Amid the singing and praying, there was a permanent smile on the face of the centenarian, who is still full of life.

"I really love this evening as it shows that people really love me. I feel very good to be in church for the celebration, and I thank everyone."