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It is hoped that visiting the Neil Ellis Library and Museum will provoke people into penning, publishing and preserving the stories about our history to remind or teach others about our past while tracing the distance from which many of our nation’s builders have traveled.
[expander_maker id=”1″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]Notably, there are seven Men God used throughout the course of my life during the different seasons of my life to get me to the various stages of my life. More [/expander_maker]
It is hoped that visiting the Neil Ellis Library and Museum will provoke people into penning, publishing and preserving the stories about our history to remind or teach others about our past while tracing the distance from which many of our nation’s builders have traveled.
It is hoped that young people who visit the Museum and Library will appreciate the journey of Neil Ellis and leave inspired knowing that one’s history does not always paint a true picture of one’s destiny. No matter where you were born, not only can you dream, you can become your dream.
It is hoped that visiting the Neil Ellis Library and Museum will encourage people from all walks of life to tell their own story.
Over the years Bishop Ellis has received many global and international awards. He has been recognized by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth of England for rendering distinguished services in Commonwealth nations. He is the recipient of the 2010 Trumpet Award for Spiritual Enlightenment and he is the youngest living inductee in the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame located in Atlanta, Georgia. His song, “Don’t Do It Without Me” was nominated for a prestigious Dove Award in the gospel music industry.
In the times in which we live, some count it robbery to give of themselves if there is no quick and or tangible return. Bishop Ellis and his family are prime examples that God takes care of His own.
The world and the Kingdom need more men who will lead God’s people along the path of righteous without fear or favour.
Our world needs more people who are prepared to sacrifice their plans and say as Isaiah said, “here am I, send me.
It is my hope that future generations of clergymen and women will emulate the service given by Bishop Ellis and the men of his ilk and generation.
Bahamians from within and without the Christian Community owe a debt of gratitude to this Chosen Vessel, who has convinced us to believe that the impossible is indeed possible, and that with God, the possible is non-negotiable.
It was Bishop Neil Ellis that affirmed a fledgling preacher (whom he had never heard read a scripture) to believe that he could not only pastor a congregation but that it was within him to one day become the Presiding Bishop of the historic Pentecostal Denomination to which he belonged.
As we acknowledge the pronouncement of Bishop Neil Ellis’s retirement as Senior Pastor of Mount Tabor Church, we want to thank God for this Man of God. His service and commitment, first to God and the people of Mount Tabor, to the broader community of The Bahamas, and the nations of the world, has not gone unnoticed or unheralded. He has certainly made a national and international mark.
In the Book of 1 Corinthians 12 Scripture teaches of “helps, government and differences of administrations, but the same Lord.” Bishop Ellis was able to incorporate and develop these giftings in administration on a professional level, enabling him to grow from local to global: numbering amongst the globetrotters of our world.
The Mount Tabor church started with humble beginnings. This ministry under the leadership of Bishop Ellis has distinguished itself as the leading church in this country. Bishop Neil and Patrice Ellis are also world travelers. He is a sought-after speaker on just about every continent.
The job of a pastor is a difficult job, but Bishop Ellis has made his journey look easy. He has equipped himself with a good supporting cast. John Maxwell says: “To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to have changed often.” Mount Tabor has kept up with the changing times.
The Mount Tabor church started with humble beginnings. This ministry under the leadership of Bishop Ellis has distinguished itself as the leading church in this country. Bishop Neil and Patrice Ellis are also world travelers. He is a sought-after speaker on just about every continent.
The job of a pastor is a difficult job, but Bishop Ellis has made his journey look easy. He has equipped himself with a good supporting cast. John Maxwell says: “To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to have changed often.” Mount Tabor has kept up with the changing times.
As we acknowledge the pronouncement of Bishop Neil Ellis’s retirement as Senior Pastor of Mount Tabor Church, we want to thank God for this Man of God. His service and commitment, first to God and the people of Mount Tabor, to the broader community of The Bahamas, and the nations of the world, has not gone unnoticed or unheralded. He has certainly made a national and international mark.
In the Book of 1 Corinthians 12 Scripture teaches of “helps, government and differences of administrations, but the same Lord.” Bishop Ellis was able to incorporate and develop these giftings in administration on a professional level, enabling him to grow from local to global: numbering amongst the globetrotters of our world.
Bishop Ellis, you have given a life of service to the Lord and there have been times of great sacrifice and challenge, but the Lord has sustained you. The days of small beginnings have given birth to your global Kingdom influence.
There are many people whose lives have been positively impacted by your spiritual legacy. You may be aware of some of them but there will be others who will only be revealed to you in eternity. You have been blessed to be an inspiration to many and to have been granted the opportunity to lead others around the world.
Bishop Ellis, you have clearly earned the respect and appreciation of the membership of your church community and beyond.
The exemplary manner in which you have overseen the smooth transition of pastoral leadership in your church community is definitely worthy of praise and of imitation by others.
I wish, in particular, to express my gratitude to you for your cordial friendship and your spirit ecumenical engagement.
1. My Biological father Elder Clarence
Ellis laid a very strong foundation for all ten of his children. Daddy lead me into a personal relationship with Jesus and taught me the tenants of the Faith and good manners. What a great Priest, Provider and Protector he’s been to his 10 children. Daddy lived to see 4 generations of his descendants. He was nearing 97 at the time of his death in 2023.
2. My Grandfather, Rev. Robert Ellis Sr;
Papa, as he was affectionately called, between the ages of 8-12, spoke into my life almost on a daily basis and inspired me in ways that I shall never forget. He was the vessel God used to jump start me on my spiritual journey. When I was a mere 9 years old, Papa, who was Pastor of Mt. Zion in Bimini at the time, prophesied that one day I would pastor a great church.
When he was on his death bed, I was a student at SJC in Nassau and he sent for me. Three days later I arrived in Bimini. That afternoon he laid his hands on me for about a minute, without saying a word. Within hours, he slipped away from time into eternity. I was 14 at the time. Everyone in MTC knows about my beloved Papa.
3. Sir. Lynden Pindling.
When I was 11 years old and about to graduate from Bimini all age school, Mr. Pindling made his first official trip to Bimini as Premier of The Bahamas. I was invited to recite the speech welcoming Mr. Pindling to the island. That 3-minute speech, written by the Principal Mr. Jerry Odum, changed the trajectory of my life. Premier Pindling, as a result of the recitation, opened the door for me attend high school on a personal scholarship. For the duration of my time in high school, Mr. Pindling consistently called to follow up on how I was doing and wrote to me annually inquiring specifically on my academic progress.
4. My Foster Farther, Sir Franklyn Wilson.
At the age of 12, Sir Franklyn opened up his home to me as a stranger. At that time my only connection to him was his wife, who was my home room teacher at SJC I remained in his home until I took Patrice to be my wife. The Lord used Sir Franklyn in a major way to nurture me into manhood and his business acumen helped prepare me for the business aspect of ministry. Were it not for my exposure to the business arena and the hands on business training I receive from him, I don’t believe I would have been able to take the ministry to the level to which it has ascended. Over the years, he’s become more than my Foster Father, he’s a friend and confidante.
5. Dr. Earle Francis.
Dr. Francis was my Pastor from 1975 until he transitioned in 2014. He recognized the call of God on my life and on August 22nd,1982, allowed me to preach my trial sermon then licensed me to preach the Gospel. He taught me so much as a budding preacher and a young Pastor.
Earle Francis was the first person to sow into the Ministry of MTC. So much of what this man of God shared with me over the years, for my personal knowledge and development, I will take to my grave.
6. Dr. Charles W. Saunders.
On the request of his family, I had the privilege and the high honor of preaching the eulogy at the Home-going service for Dr. Saunders in February 2022.
7. Bishop Paul Morton.
Make no mistake about it, God sent Bishop Morton into my life at a time when God was redefining ministry for me. One visit to Mount Tabor by Bishop Morton changed the game for me. I did not know him beforehand and he’d only heard of me. I later found out that based upon the vision the Lord was showing and impressing upon Bishop Morton to launch, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, highly recommended to Bishop Morton a visit to MT. Bishop Ulmer’s recommendation got me on the ground floor during the birth of FGBCF and the rest is history.
That newly form fellowship not only gave authenticity to most of what we were doing in ministry locally but Bishop Morton gave me major opportunities that many during my tenure and after, were not as fortunate to receive. Today, Bishop Morton and I continue to enjoy a wonderful relationship.
May God continue to smile upon the good Bishop. Bishop Morton and my foster father are still with us today. Papa, Daddy, Sir Lynden, Dr. Francis and Dr. Saunders have all gone on to receive the rest promised to the righteous. May their souls and the souls of all of the dearly departed thru the mercies of God, Rest in Peace and one day Rise in Glory.
Preacher’s License
On August 22nd, 1982, Bishop Neil Clarence Ellis was licensed to “PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL” under the tutelage of Reverend Earle Francis of First Baptist Union Church after preaching his trial sermon on the subject, “I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES”, taken from Job 19:25-26, during which time he sought to move his audience to a better understanding of dauntless faith in the face of life’s adverse circumstances. During the Call to Christian Discipleship – four persons responded. To God Be The Glory!!! Some of the ministers present for the service were: the Reverend Earl Francis, Timothy Stewart, Simeon Hall, Enoch Backford Jr., Baltron Bethel, Harold Bodie and Paul Fitzgerald.
Ordination
Bishop Ellis was ordained on Sunday, May 26th, 1985 at Salem Union Baptist Church, Taylor Street, Nassau, Bahamas. At this point in time, Bishop Ellis was still the General Manager of Chicken Unlimited with some 62 persons in his employ. On this very special occasion, Bishop Ellis was described as an “Ambassador of the Highest Order”who “has indeed been divinely called by God, and anointed to interpret and relate the gospel of Christ to men and women of his time, that they may come to know Christ in the fullness of his love and saving power”.
Commencement, Commissioning& Induction
Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church was born on Friday, 13thFebruary, 1987 – a day that many refer to as “Black Friday”. On this day, a group of 13 Christians including DeHavilland Newton, Melonie (Johnson) Huyler, Pamula Ellis, Delton Ellis, Anna (Clarke) Ellis, Jennifer (Black) Dean, Antionette(Cartwright) Miller, Sharlene (Ellis) Gibson, Eunell (Rolle) Armbrister and Shirley Lloydmet at the Conference Room of Chicken Unlimited and having been led by the Spirit of God, it was decided that a new church would be organized for the preaching and teaching of God’s word from the Holy Scripture, the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, to heal the broken hearted and to set free those who are bound and bruised from the disease of Sin. It was unanimously decided that the name of the Church would be Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church andRev. Neil C. Ellis (as he then was) was elected as its Pastor.
First Anniversary Services
On Sunday, February 28th, 1988, Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church celebrated it’s first anniversary. At that point in time, the membership of the church expanded to over one hundred (100); the church had welcomed close to two thousand (2,000) visitors and twenty-three (23) persons were taken to the waters of Baptism. At this point in time, the church owned a “Praise Him” 15-seater bus along with an organ and a piano.
Corner Stone Laying & Dedicatory Services
On Sunday, April 16th, 1989, Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church gathered to lay the cornerstone to the First Phase of its building, after acquiring an acre of property in May of 1987 and three additional pieces of property in July of 1987.On this occasion, the Church had expanded to over three hundred (300) active members and forty-six (46) persons had been taken to the waters of Baptism over the preceding twelve (12) months. Prior to this occasion, because of the progressive, numerical growth that the Church experienced in 1988, Pastor Ellis (as he then was) was forced to move out of the Baptist Convention Headquarters in November of that year and pitch a tent on the Church’s property in Pinewood Gardens in order to accommodate the large Sunday Morning attendances. For seven (7) weeks during the winter months of 1988, the congregants of the Church worshipped under a “Big White Tent” and this notwithstanding, there was never an empty seat on a Sunday morning.
On, Sunday, February 23rd, 1992, a mere three years later, while the Church celebrated it’s 5th Anniversary, the Cornerstone to the sanctuary was laid in a rich and impressive service of Thanksgiving. The service was attended by a host of dignitaries and friends led by their Excellencies Sir Clifford & Lady Darling (as they then were), The Right Hon. Prime Minister & Lady Pindling (as they then were), Deputy Prime Minister Sir Clement Maynard (as he then was), other Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Hubert Ingraham, Leader of the Official Opposition (as he then was) and a good mixture of Denominational Leaders, Ministers and friends. The message was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Henry J. Lyons, Pastor of Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church (as he then was). Up to this point in time, just over One Thousand, Three Hundred (1,300) persons shared in the services as first-time visitors, many of whom eventually became members. Approximately four thousand, three hundred (4,300) persons had accepted Jesus Christ as Savior of their lives during services, while Five Hundred & Twenty-Seven (527) persons were taken to the waters of Baptism and the membership stood at just over One Thousand, Six Hundred (1,600) persons.
A mere six months later, the sanctuary of Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church was dedicated on Sunday, August 9th, 1992. The Rev. Dr. C. W. Saunders (now Deceased) officiated and the Rev’d Dr. B. Wenith Davis (now Deceased) presided over the service. The Rev. Dr. Willie O. Wells, Pastor (at that time) of Greater St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church, Cocoa, Florida (now Deceased) was the speaker. This day was most certainly a red-letter day in the Church’s history. The congratulatory remarks poured in from several dignitaries, family members, friends and congregants. His Excellency, Sir Clifford Darling, Kt., J.P., Governor-General (as he then was) acknowledged that the Church was a source of strength to its members and those who visit and he described Bishop Ellis as “a true Man of God who possesses the characteristics of a good leader.” The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Sir Lynden O. Pindling (as he then was) penned the following words on this occasion: “Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church, as a practicing member of this Christian faith, has advanced from its cornerstone-laying service to provision of special attention to the sick and the aged; christening, baptizing, and holding responsibility for the young; encouraging members to maintain cordial, productive relationships among themselves in this neighborhood and the wider community; the delivery of premarital counsel, performance of marriage ceremonies, moral guidance, spiritual advice and helpful behavioural hints to husbands and wives, funeralizing families’ loved ones and committal of their remains to rest; and to church administration and management of the ministry of teaching, preaching and outreach efforts.”
The Commissioning Service for the church took place on Sunday, March 15th, 1987. On this occasion, Reverend Neil C. Ellis (as he then was) was inducted as Pastor of the church. This service was broadcast live via Radio Bahamas Z.N.S. 1. The Chief Celebrant of the service was Dr. Charles W. Saunders (now Deceased) who delivered the sermon and conducted the act of induction.
The Conferring of the Doctor of Divinity Degree
On Sunday, November 27th, 1994,the Virginia Theological Seminary, conferred upon Bishop Ellis, an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree. The Church convened a Commemorative Service in celebration of this occasion. The message was delivered by The Rev’d Dr. Henry J. Lyons, President (at that time) of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. Incorporated. Bishop Ellis is also the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from St. Thomas Christian College and he has a third Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Sojourner Douglas Collage and a PhD in Covenant Leadership from New Covenant University.
Station Identification
As the Church continued to expand, in May of 1996, “Station Identification” commenced. It was a week filled with seeking God’s face and hearing God’s voice in preparation for a revival in the land. The purposes of Station Identification were:
The Power of the Blood
Bishop Ellis completed his first book, The Power of the Blood in 1991. This book provides the believer with a practical guide on how to effectively apply the blood of Jesus to combat the plans of the Enemy. In these photographs, Bishop Ellis is seen here giving a copy of his first book to the Right Honourable Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (as he then was) and to Reverend Doctor C.W. Saunders (now Deceased).
In Porgy Bay, Bimini, the gateway to islands of The Bahamas, where turquoise waters meet white sands, there emerged a young talent—a spark pre-destined to ignite the world. His name? Neil Clarence Ellis.
Even at a tender age, Neil possessed that elusive quality—the ‘It’ factor. His grandfather sensed it, his teachers at Bimini All Age School recognized it, and the whispers of destiny carried it beyond the shores of his small island. Someday, the nation and the world would be introduced to it.
At just eight years old, Neil stood on stage in the capital, Nassau, representing his school at The Bahamas Arts Festival. The dramatic category was his dish, and he served his first 5-star meal. Victory was his, and the island celebrated with him as he brought the trophy home.
But fate had grander plans. Neil’s eloquence echoed through the salty breeze when he welcomed the esteemed Premier, Lynden Oscar Pindling, to Bimini. The Premier leaned in, intrigued. ‘Who are his parents?’ he wondered aloud. And in that moment, destinies clashed and paths shifted.
Mr. Pindling offered him a scholarship to attend St. John’s College in New Providence. This became his ticket to transformation. High school embraced him—the darling of the classrooms, and the assemblies. The inquisitive mind, with an intentional heart.
In September, during his second year of high school, he met Mrs. Sharon Wilson—a newlywed teacher with a special twinkle in her eyes. Mrs. Wilson saw beyond textbooks; she glimpsed Neil’s potential. By October, he was invited to spend a weekend with the Wilsons. With his parents’ permission, he moved in with his teacher and her husband Franklyn, an accountant and shareholder in Sunshine Holdings. Their home became his sanctuary. Within those walls, Neil blossomed. Student leader, orator, and debater extraordinaire—his voice resonated like a Bahamian goat skinned drum.
College beckoned, and Neil answered. Accounting and Management became his compass. As a freshman, he sprinted into student politics, winning the vice presidency of the College of The Bahamas Union of Students. Fate intervened again—the elected president stumbled, GPA slipping. Neil stepped up, becoming the only two-term president of (COBUS)
But life isn’t just about titles; it’s about seizing opportunities. Sunshine Holdings, owner of Chicken Unlimited, a local franchise, teetered on the brink. Sales plummeted; losses loomed. 19-year-old Neil, a warehouse manager, was sent to manage the restaurant until its closure. He saw the potential and convinced Mr. Wilson to purchase the franchise. All he needed was a $75,000 investment, and a committed team to turn things around. Chicken Unlimited thrived under Neil’s watchful eye. Two more stores were added under his management.
And so, Neil Clarence Ellis—the boy who held ‘It’ in his grasp—wrote his story across the archipelago. From Bimini to Nassau, from classrooms to boardrooms, he danced to the rhythm of resilience.
Pictured on display:
The shirt Neil wore at the Bahamas Arts Festival competition in Nassau in 1972.
Photos:
Awards & Recognition
Bishop Neil Ellis is one of the youngest individuals in the Caribbean to be honored by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, for his distinguished services to the Commonwealth.
In the realm of Christendom, his song “Don’t Do It Without Me,” initially recorded by the Mount Tabor Praise and Worship team and later by Bishop Paul S. Morton of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, garnered a gospel music Dove Award nomination. It originated from a deep sense of spiritual devotion and a desire for divine guidance. The song expresses a heartfelt plea for God’s presence and involvement in every aspect of life, emphasizing the importance of not wanting to move forward without God’s blessing and direction.
Few people have the privilege of having their footprints immortalized in granite. Bishop Neil Ellis is among the youngest to receive this honor. In 2011, he was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 2004 by civic-minded citizens, the Walk of Fame honors history makers who have fought for equality, justice, and the empowerment of others. It features 2×2 granite squares bordered in bronze, with an impression of the honoree’s shoes embedded in the granite, along with their name and date of birth.
Previous inductees include notable figures such as Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., Rosa Parks, President Lyndon B. Johnson, President Jimmy Carter, President Bill Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Medgar Evers, Lena Horne, Stevie Wonder, Justice Thurgood Marshall, and Sir Sidney Poitier.
In January 2014, Bishop Ellis was named Person of the Year by Jones Communications Network. He has also been inducted into the International Career and Business Alliance Global Hall of Fame in Hollywood, FL.
He received the Presiding Bishop’s award from the United Pentecostal Churches of Christ of America In 2023, Bishop Ellis was celebrated among prominent Black leaders and ministers who have influenced the global Pentecostal movement. He received the Lifetime Global Influencer Award from the Alliance for Black Pentecostal Scholarship and Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK.
Few people have the privilege of having their footprints immortalized in granite. Bishop Neil Ellis is among the youngest to receive this honor. In 2011, he was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 2004 by civic-minded citizens, the Walk of Fame honors history makers who have fought for equality, justice, and the empowerment of others. It features 2×2 granite squares bordered in bronze, with an impression of the honoree’s shoes embedded in the granite, along with their name and date of birth.
Previous inductees include notable figures such as Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., Rosa Parks, President Lyndon B. Johnson, President Jimmy Carter, President Bill Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Medgar Evers, Lena Horne, Stevie Wonder, Justice Thurgood Marshall, Sir Sidney Poitier, Sir Lynden Pindling, The Rt. Hon. Perry Christie and Sir Franklyn Wilson.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”
Luke 4:18-19
This is the text that Bishop Ellis preached from the Sunday after he was installed as Pastor of Mount Tabor Union Baptist Churchin 1987
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
This is the last text that Bishop Ellis preached from as Pastor of Mount Tabor Churchon January 8th,2023.
“His Lord said unto him, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Matthew 25:21
This is what Bishop Ellis wishes to hear once all of his Earthly assignments are completed and he is called home to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
“If I am not making someone else’s life better, I am truly wasting my life.”
Bishop Neil C. Ellis
This has been Bishop Ellis’ mantra, his guiding principle by which he evaluates all that he says and does. And make no mistake about it, Bishop Ellis has improved the lives of countless of persons, both locally and around the world. Whether it was through God’s word spoken from the many pulpits which he has graced over the years; the several books which he has authored; the wise counsel which he has so graciously provided to others; the manner in which he immediately sprang into action to render assistance to the destitute after the passage of Hurricane Dorian, Bishop Ellis has never squandered an opportunity to positively impact the lives of as many persons as he was able to.
In Porgy Bay, Bimini, the gateway to islands of The Bahamas, where turquoise waters meet white sands, there emerged a young talent—a spark pre-destined to ignite the world. His name? Neil Clarence Ellis.
Even at a tender age, Neil possessed that elusive quality—the ‘It’ factor. His grandfather sensed it, his teachers at Bimini All Age School recognized it, and the whispers of destiny carried it beyond the shores of his small island. Someday, the nation and the world would be introduced to it.
At just eight years old, Neil stood on stage in the capital, Nassau, representing his school at The Bahamas Arts Festival. The dramatic category was his dish, and he served his first 5-star meal. Victory was his, and the island celebrated with him as he brought the trophy home.
But fate had grander plans. Neil’s eloquence echoed through the salty breeze when he welcomed the esteemed Premier, Lynden Oscar Pindling, to Bimini. The Premier leaned in, intrigued. ‘Who are his parents?’ he wondered aloud. And in that moment, destinies clashed and paths shifted.
Mr. Pindling offered him a scholarship to attend St. John’s College in New Providence. This became his ticket to transformation. High school embraced him—the darling of the classrooms, and the assemblies. The inquisitive mind, with an intentional heart.
In September, during his second year of high school, he met Mrs. Sharon Wilson—a newlywed teacher with a special twinkle in her eyes. Mrs. Wilson saw beyond textbooks; she glimpsed Neil’s potential. By October, he was invited to spend a weekend with the Wilsons. With his parents’ permission, he moved in with his teacher and her husband Franklyn, an accountant and shareholder in Sunshine Holdings. Their home became his sanctuary. Within those walls, Neil blossomed. Student leader, orator, and debater extraordinaire—his voice resonated like a Bahamian goat skinned drum.
College beckoned, and Neil answered. Accounting and Management became his compass. As a freshman, he sprinted into student politics, winning the vice presidency of the College of The Bahamas Union of Students. Fate intervened again—the elected president stumbled, GPA slipping. Neil stepped up, becoming the only two-term president of (COBUS)
But life isn’t just about titles; it’s about seizing opportunities. Sunshine Holdings, owner of Chicken Unlimited, a local franchise, teetered on the brink. Sales plummeted; losses loomed. 19-year-old Neil, a warehouse manager, was sent to manage the restaurant until its closure. He saw the potential and convinced Mr. Wilson to purchase the franchise. All he needed was a $75,000 investment, and a committed team to turn things around. Chicken Unlimited thrived under Neil’s watchful eye. Two more stores were added under his management.
And so, Neil Clarence Ellis—the boy who held ‘It’ in his grasp—wrote his story across the archipelago. From Bimini to Nassau, from classrooms to boardrooms, he danced to the rhythm of resilience.
Pictured on display:
The shirt Neil wore at the Bahamas Arts Festival competition in Nassau in 1972.
Photos:
This robe was given to Bishop Ellis at his installation as Pastor of Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church in 1987. This garment is almost forty (40) years old.
In 1994, Bishop Ellis began wearing this robe after he received his onouraryDoctorate of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary. Bishop Ellis spent approximately one year preaching in this robe.
In 1995, after Bishop Ellis was consecrated, this is what he usually wore to preach. This garment is known in the religious world as a “chimere”,the prophet’s mantle and it is a part of the Bishop’s attire.
This represents the Bishop Ellis’ first colour (purple) as a consecrated Bishop and his first appointment was that of Regional Bishop for The Bahamas for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. By the time he resigned from the fellowship in 2013, he had ascended to the rank of Second Presiding Bishop where his official colourwas red purple (fuchsia).
