On February 5, 2,000 plus mourners at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York, laid Minnesota Conference and former Northeastern Conference President, Dr. Daniel L. Honoré to rest.
A host of dignitaries from both the Seventh-day Adventist Church and from the Federal and New York City governments attended the service. From the United States Congress, remarks were given by United States House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, of New York’s 8th Congressional District. He was followed by United States Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, of New York’s 9th Congressional District. Former New York City Mayor and former Presidential candidate Bill de Blasio also gave remarks.
Denominational leaders present and giving remarks included North American Division President, Dr. G. Alexander Bryant and Vice President, Elder Calvin Watkins. From Dr. Honore’s current Union-the Mid-American Union-came President Gary Thurber and Vice President, Dr. Hubert Morel. Presidents from the Southern Union (Dr. Ronald C. Smith), the Lake Union (Elder Ken Denslow) and the Atlantic Union (Dr. Pierre Omeler) were in attendance as well. The host Regional Conference President, Northeastern’s Dr. Abraham Jules gave opening remarks and the rest of the Regional Conference Presidents were represented by remarks by Regional Conference President Council Chair, Elder Roger Bernard of the Central States Conference and the Vice Chair, Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, of the Southwest Region Conference.
Beautiful music was given by the several Praise Teams, choirs, soloists and duets, including the Brockton Temple Praise Team (the church where Dr. Honoré began his ministry in 1995), Northeastern Academy and Pine Forge Academy. A touching video of Dr. Honoré playing Richard Smallwood’s “Total Praise” was played.
Recognition was given to Dr. Honore’s linguistic gifts (he was fluent in several languages), with music and readings done in English, Spanish and French. The obituary was listed in the program in 3 languages-English, Spanish and French.
A powerful eulogy was delivered by Dr. Joel Honoré, Pastor, Montana Conference, the brother of Dr. Honoré. Dr. Honore’s eulogy came from Psalms 150:6 ”Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”
The service ended with remarks by the Honoré family. First his 4 children spoke and gave memories of their father. Closing remarks were giving by Dr. Honore’s widow, Mrs. Fritze Honoré. Graceful in her bearing, Mrs. Honoré referred to the fact that her husband did not believe in long speeches and spoke for approximately 1 minute. She thanked everyone for their presence and prayers and then ended by referring to her hope of seeing her husband again.
Dr. Honoré was taken to his final resting place-Pine Lawn Memorial Park, in Farmingdale, New York, on Monday, February 6. He awaits the call and the soon return of the One Whom He served so faithfully.
Even so, come Lord Jesus.