Rev. Gertrude Yei Dumbar on the 17th August 2025 was officially inducted by Bishop James Boye-Caulker as the District Superintendent of Western District and Pastor in Charge of Charles Davies Memorial United Methodist Church, Regent Road, Lumley, Freetown.
Mrs. Christiana Farmer, the Church Lay Leader expressed gratitude to Bishop James Boye-Caulker for appointing Rev Gertrude Yei Dumbar as a pastor in charge of the church, and assured unwavering support from the congregation. She urged church members to rally behind the pastor in charge in her spiritual leadership roles.
Madam Batilo Senesie Sandi, District Lay Leader thanked God for the favorable weather and commended the Bishop for Rev. Gertrude Yei Dumbar appointment. She pledged the district full cooperation, emphasising that the District Executive’s doors remain open for collaboration across the nineteen churches under her supervision.
Rev. Michael Tejan Gbenday, the Conference Secretary celebrated the successful induction service for Rev Gertrude Yei Dumbar as the District Superintendent of Western District and Pastor in Charge of Charles Davies Memorial United Methodist Church. He assured her of the Conference’s support always. He also addressed the ongoing efforts to reclaim encroached land at Pa Loko in Waterloo for the construction of the United Methodist University, stating that legal action would be pursued if necessary.
In her response, Rev Gertrude Yei Dumbar expressed deep gratitude to God and the Bishop for the appointment as the District Superintendent of Western District and Pastor in Charge of Charles Davies Memorial United Methodist Church, reflecting on her divine calling. She vowed to serve with dedication and humility, urging the congregation to put the past at their back, and focus on the cross where Christ died.
The Bishop, drawing from Jeremiah 1:4-7, underscored the distinction between power and authority. He described power as a self-centered, lacking regards for others and making one feels superior, while authority is God-given stewardship exercised with humility, fairness, and accountability. He reminded Rev.Gertrude Yei Dumbar that her role is divinely ordained and that God should be acknowledged in her appointment. He urged her to lead with integrity, scripture-based wisdom and resilience against distractions in her service.
He concluded by encouraging the congregation to uphold their commitments to supporting Rev Gertrude Yei Dumbar in her dual responsibilities to both the church and the district.
