PNBC President Timothy Stewart Dies at 64

Timothy Stewart, the first international president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, has died, his denomination announced. He died on September 17 at age 64, shortly after serving three years of his four-year term.

The Bahamas pastor presided over the virtual annual session of the historically Black religious group in August. In a statement, the PNBC noted that Stewart “faithfully served the Progressive National Baptist Convention for over 3 decades, making history in 2018.” He was the first president from the International Region in the organization’s 60-year history.

Stewart began serving as the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Nassau, Bahamas, when he was 25, according to a bio provided by the PNBC. He also was known for his role as a civic leader in the Bahamas and beyond. He was a board member of the Bahamas Development Bank, a member of the Bahamas Juvenile Panel, and a chaplain to the country’s House of Assembly.

When Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas in 2019, Stewart led the PNBC in raising money for supplies for his country’s devastated islands. “I believe that this tragedy gives me an opportunity to affirm my faith and to apply my faith,” he said at the time. “In spite and in light of what has been a very tragic, very horrendous situation, we are forced to still see the grace of God.”

Stewart’s leadership extended beyond his denomination, reflecting a commitment to community and service. His work as a civic leader and his response to natural disasters underscored his dedication to both spiritual and practical forms of care. His death marks the loss of a leader who served with integrity and purpose.

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