|PIC1|A service of thanksgiving has been held at Westminster Central Hall in memory of late black church pioneer Melvin Powell who died on November 4 at the age of 77.

Bishop Powell emigrated to the UK from Jamaica in 1961 and founded the New Testament Assembly in south London in August that year together with his friend and fellow leader Bishop Donald Bernard. He served in the denomination's leadership for the next 45 years.

Christian and civic leaders paying tribute last night included Bishop John Francis of Ruach Ministries, Bishop Eric Brown of the New Testament Church of God, Sadiq Khan MP.

Singers and musicians including the Rev Basil Meade, leader of the LCGC, sang worship songs during the service.

A church spokesman commented, “It felt fitting to have a special thanksgiving service for Bishop Melvin Powell at Westminster Central Hall. He was well respected across the church throughout the world, both for his spiritual leadership and his work in the local community.”

The NTA has grown into a leading black Pentecostal denomination with several branches in the UK, as well as churches in Ghana, South Africa, the USA, Canada, Jamaica, India, Singapore and Malaya.

The denomination is respected for its ecumenical work since the 1970s, aimed at fostering greater unity between black and white church leaders.

Bishop Powell previously served as President of the African Caribbean Evangelical Alliance, an organisation founded by fellow church pioneer, Philip Mohabir.

Bishop Powell is survived by his wife of 53 years Rose, sons Martin, Delroy and Paul, daughters Roselee, Marcia and Alethea, 18 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.