GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

The first christening at the Sanguinetti New Testament Church of God in Clarendon for 2015 took place on Sunday, January 4.

Dominic Smith was also the first baby to be dedicated to God by district overseer and new pastor for the church, Reverend Donald Dawson.

He is the son of Keddie Marshall, and grandson of Elvis Marshall of Ritchies, Dominic Smith.

Dawson told the congregation that the family is a divine institution, ordained by God since the beginning of time; and children are a heritage of the Lord, committed by Him to parents for care and protection and training for His glory.

"It is the duty of every parent to recognise this obligation as a solid responsibility to both God and the child in this matter. The parents of this child must likewise recognise the sacredness of their charge, and with all sincerity accept their responsibility for the nurture and admonition of this child," said Reverend Dawson to the parents.

He said the parents of the baby need to ensure that Dominic is trained in the way of righteousness and godlness. Dawson said because Dominic was presented by them for Christian dedication, it is their (the parents) duty to provide a Christian home and a godly environment.

"See that he is taught, as soon as he is able to learn the principles of our holy faith and the nature of the Christian life.

"See to it that he is trained to give reverend attendance to the public and private worship of God and the teachings of the Holy Scripture; and seek to lead him into the love of God," encouraged Reverend Dawson.

Dominic's mother and godparents made a pledge to grow him up in the fear and admonition of the Lord, lead him early to accept Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour and set examples of godly and consistent lives.

After pledging to do those things, the baby was prayed for by Reverend Dawson and officers of the church. During his prayer, Reverend Dawson called on God for his protection, prayed that God will provide for him through his parents. He was then commended to the glory of the Lord.

Dominic was born September 8, 2014.

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