Rev. Lloyd Grant is a man of God, full of power and anointed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and genuinely loves the people of God. Rev. Grant currently resides in the community of North Preston, Nova Scotia with his wife Cecille (Williams) Grant. Together in their 39-year union they have two children, son Brandon (Shana) and daughter Lacee (Jordell), plus five grandchildren (Alea, Niyah, Alijah, Avaya and Ace).
Rev. Lloyd Grant graduated grade twelve receiving his diploma with an excellence in Academic Achievement from Graham Creighton High School. After completing High School, Rev. Grant worked in the moving industry for 15 years in various roles such as warehouse manager and dispatch, operational manager.
Rev. Lloyd Grant retired (HRM- Halifax Transit) as a Bus operator where he worked for over 27 years. His workplace has placed him in many leadership roles of supervisor, confidante, councillor, spiritual advisor and a supportive friend. His unique interaction with each individual and their personal life, is a testament of his character.
He has been instrumental in helping various parties develop an understanding of each other’s points of views and encourages dialogue to resolve the issue, showing the world the example of Jesus’ love and being a beacon in this lost dark world. He received the Lord into this life in April of 1979. Since then he has dedicated his life to the faithful service of the Lord at Saint Thomas Baptist Church, where he was instrumental in starting a successful food bank within the Church and community.
Rev Lloyd Grant accepted the call of Deacon, June 2000, where he was ordained under the leadership of Saint Thomas Baptist Church. In 2008 Rev. Grant accepted the call on his life furthering his education in the field of 'Bachelor of Theology' degree at Acadia Divinity College. Rev. Grant has achieved many of life’s challenges, knowing he can “do all things through Christ who strengthens him” Philippians 4:13.
In June 2011 the Beechville Baptist Church and congregation called upon Rev. Lloyd Grant to minister, to be their leader in both the church and community where he continues to minister to this day.
In May 2020 Rev. Lloyd Graduated from Acadia Divinity College. He is currently the Clergy Representative to the Provincial BYF, and the Clergy Representative to the Laymen Council.
His demeanor with every day struggles never strays. His spiritual character uplifts and calms those around him with the presence of the Lord. Rev. Grant’s words of wisdom to everyone he meets and his testimony of the change in his life after accepting the Lord is:
We are God’s work of art and our salvation is not earned by our good deeds but by how we live for Christ. All that I have is from God and to show my gratitude to God I will generously give of myself, my time and talents to those in need, to reach out to the lost world and help them find their way.
2004 to Present - Deacon Patsy Crawford is a daughter of the late George and Ruby Jarvis. Pasty and her late husband, Wilfred Crawford have seven children together - Blair (Brenda), Randall (Tammy), Troy (Marlene), Dion, Tony (Lisa), Venessa, Marsha (Michael); twenty grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Deacon Crawford accepted the call on her life and was installed to the office of Deacon on February 29, 2004, in Beechville Baptist Church.
Deacon Crawford has held various positions over the years including church clerk, choir member, Baptist Youth Fellowship (BYF) Counsellor and President of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Deacon Crawford also held many positions in the African United Baptist Association (AUBA) and community which includes: Past President of the Beechville Residents Association, Co-Chair of the Beechville Education Committee and Secretary of District #2.
Deacon Crawford is a strong advocate for the spiritual well being of youth. In 2013 Deacon Crawford retired from the Halifax Regional School Board after working 35 years as an Educational Program Assistant devoting her time to special need students.
She is known in the church as Nunny. Her favourite book of the Bible is Hebrews.
2017 to Present - Deacon Wayne Drummond was born in Halifax, NS to the late Edward and Daisy Drummond. He attended schools in Digby and Halifax. During his childhood years, he spent time in Digby, where he attended the Acaciaville Baptist Church where he was baptized at the age of twelve.
He married Janet Hamilton of Beechville and later joined the Beechville Church. They have two sons, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Deacon Drummond has served in several positions at the Beechville Church; Chairperson of the Board of Management, Chairperson of the Usher Board, member of the Trustee Board, Men’s Brotherhood and the Brotherhood Choir. Along with Janet, he is the church Custodian.
Deacon Drummond enjoyed a long career in the Federal Government, working in employment and unemployment insurance. He retired after 37 years of service. As a volunteer, Deacon Drummond works with the St. John Ambulance as a Medical First Responder, Treasurer for the Board of the North End Day Care Centre and leads weekly activities for mentally challenged adults.
Deacon Drummond is also an active member of the Black Educators Association Golf Tournament Committee. In April 2017 Deacon Wayne Drummond accepted the position of Deacon of the Beechville Baptist Church and looks forward to undertaking his duties with care, respect and with the support of the Beechville Church family.
Deacon Iona Duncan States was born to the late Vivian Mairea States-Duncan and Gerald Franklyn Duncan of Three Mile Planes, Hants Co., Nova Scotia on January 21st, 1940.
Iona lived there until she was 8 years of age. In 1948 Iona and her sibling Sister, Jenifer 10 years old moved to Beechville, Nova Scotia with their mother. Iona and her sister Gen, moved into the only Black owned 3 story apartment building owned by Mr. & Mrs. Clark/Currie who were her best friend, Martha Blackmore’s Grand Parents.
Iona is a mother, grandmother, God mother, great mother-in-law, an aunt and a true friend. She is a child of God and loves her Heavenly Father. Now retired, Iona has worked for the Cultural Federation of Nova Scotia for 12 years, follow by the Department of Community Services for 22 years.
Deacon Iona Duncan-States is the recipient of many certificates and awards, that are testaments to her commitment continuing education and lifelong learning. As a member of Beechville Baptist Church (for which she has served for 23 years), the Deacon serves as Chair of the Cemetery Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Management, Trustee Committee, Senior Choir and Ladies Auxiliary.
She also serves as Co-chair to Beechville Community Development Association and is a member the Road to Economic Prosperity Elder Council. She is an avid bowler and enjoy many recreational activities.
Deacon Elect Iona feels honoured to be a called at this age and stage to God’s work. It has answered her inner question as to her lifelong purpose.
Deacon Troy Crawford was born February 2nd, 1967 in Halifax, the son of Deacon Patsy Crawford and late Wilfred Crawford. He grew up in the community of Beechville and is 3rd eldest of 7 children. He married Marlene (Fraser) May 8th, 1993. They have 3 children, Cori, Tori (Moosie) and Rachelle.
They have been blessed with thirteen grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 5 Godchildren and many community grands that just fall into their family unit. Deacon Troy Crawford was baptized, August 27th, 2017, and felt God's blessings as he began my new life in Jesus!
Serving as a Church Usher brings him great joy greeting and assisting our congregation each Sunday, preparing the hearts of people for their whole experience in the House of the Lord.
Deacon Troy Crawford is the Social Committee Chair and knowledge of events is key in planning, shopping, recruiting volunteers, setting up, hosting and clean up for a successful event. Ephesians 2:10 reads; For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. I am blessed to work the Lord and serve his people.
As a Sunday School teacher, he is spiritually moved seeing how children open their hearts to God. It brings him great joy and happiness to serve his people in his vineyard.
After Deacon Troy Crawford graduated in 1985, I took a cooking trade at the Nova Scotia Community College. He started working at Smitty's, then accepted a position at the Holiday Inn. He is currently the Chef of Salty’s Restaurant for 30-years. God has blessed him with the gift of cooking and serving.
Deacon Troy Crawford is a soldier in Christ army. He has changed his life; he changed his soul; and has always been there for him. Deacon Troy Crawford surrender to him and believes in his Lord and savior.
Beechville Baptist Church Officers
Clerk: Sis Marlene Crawford
Clerk Assistant: Sis Venessa Ewing
Finance Chair: Bro Milo Ewing
Finance Chair Assistant: Sis Carolann Wright
Treasurer: Sis Marlene Crawford
Cemetery Chair: Deacon Wayne Drummond
Cemetery Chair Assistant: Bro Josh Crawford
Sunday School Chair: Sis Venessa Ewing
Sunday School Chair Assistant: Sis Barb Hamilton-Hinch
Choir Director: Bro Carson Jackson
Choir Director Assistant: Bro Josh Crawford
Usher Committee Chair: Sis Janet Drummond
Usher Committee Chair Assistant: Deacon Troy Crawford
Trustee Chair: Sis Carolann Wright
Trustee Chair Assistant: Deacon Patsy Crawford
Sick/Visitation Chair: Sis Ardith Downey
Sick/Visitation Chair Assistant: Sis Laura Francis
Social Committee Chair: Sis Ada Thompson
Social Committee Chair Assistant: Deacon Troy Crawford
Sound Chair: Bro Milo Ewing
Sound Chair Assistant: Sis Marlene Crawford
Nomination Committee Chair: Sis Ada Thompson
Nomination Committee Chair Assistant: Deacon Patsy Crawford
Website/Facebook: Sis Marlene Crawford
Custodian: Bro Tony Crawford
Thank you to our church and community for all the great support we received on making our 180th Anniversary a memorable blessing. To God be the Glory.
Blessings Rev L Grant