In Celebration Of The Life And Legacy Judge James N. Gilayeneh, Sr.

PHOTO: (L-R) Bishop Samuel Quire signing the book of condolence and the funeral procession

Bishop Quire said the occasion was not only a time of mourning, but also a moment to celebrate a life marked by purpose, justice, and faithful service to Christ and humanity.

The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC), under the leadership of Resident Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. has celebrated the life and enduring legacy of the late retired Relieving Judge and Counselor-at-Law, Cllr. James N. Gilayeneh, Sr.

Delivering the sermon at the fun service held at the E. Jonathan Goodrich Memorial United Methodist Church over the weekend, Bishop Quire described the late jurist as a man of integrity, humility, and dedicated service whose contributions to Liberia’s judiciary, the UMC and the nation at large will never be forgotten.

According to Bishop Quire, the passing of Cllr. Gilayeneh has left a profound sense of loss among family members, friends, colleagues, and members of The United Methodist Church in Liberia.

Partial view of the congregation

However, he emphasized that the occasion was not only a time of mourning, but also a moment to celebrate a life marked by purpose, justice, and faithful service to Christ and humanity.

Bishop Quire noted that throughout his years in the judiciary, the late judge remained committed to upholding the rule of law with fairness, wisdom, discipline, and dignity. He stated that Cllr. Gilayeneh’s service within Liberia’s legal system earned him widespread respect and admiration across the country.

The Liberia Area Bishop further indicated that even in retirement, the late jurist continued to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance to younger professionals and members of society. He described him as a man who exemplified honesty, hard work, and respect for others.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bishop Quire praised Cllr. Gilayeneh for being a devoted family man who deeply valued the unity and wellbeing of his loved ones.

He said the late judge served as a father, mentor, protector, and role model whose teachings and values will continue to live on through his family and all who knew him.

Bishop Quire reminded mourners that, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” He encouraged the bereaved family to find comfort and strength in God during this difficult period of grief and reflection.

The Resident Bishop also called on members of the judiciary, United Methodists, and Liberians in general to continue upholding the principles for which Cllr. Gilayeneh stood, including truth, fairness, humility, and service to humanity.

As prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of his soul, the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church reaffirmed its appreciation for the life and legacy of Cllr. James N. Gilayeneh, Sr., whose impact on the legal profession and Liberian society will continue to be remembered for generations to come.

At the funeral service, the Episcopal Church of Liberia Bishop James B. Salee,we have come to identify with the family on behalf of the Episcopal doisese of Liberia.

“Put your trust in the Lord amd he will take care of you”

Among those in attendance at the funeral were Bishop James B. Salee, Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Liberia; Associate Justice Jamestta H. Wolokollie of the Supreme Court of Liberia; Rev. Dr. George K. Wheagba, Vice President for Administration at United Methodist University; Rev. Dr. Anthony G. Dio, Vice President for Academic Affairs at UMU; Cllr. Medina A. Wesseh, Head of the Interim Management Team at UMU; Cllr. Samuel Zunoe, Conference Chancellor of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church; Rev. Gould, Administrative Assistant to Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr.; Mother Richlain N.K. Quire, spouse of Bishop Quire; Fr. EmMeryson P. Harris, Director of Connectional Ministries of LAC/UMC; Rev. Blidi Nimely, Chairperson of the Board of Ordained Ministry; Rev. Regnald Wade, District Superintendent of the St. Paul River District; Rev. Patrick Lougan, District Superintendent of the Gompa District Conference of LAC/UMC; and Rev. Dr. Samuel K. Karyeah, Dean of the Bishop John G. Innis Graduate School of Theology.

Also present were members of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Yamie Q.Gbesay and members of the judiciary, the Liberia National Bar Association, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, and members of the Christian community.

Several ceremonies were held in honored of the late Cllr.Gilayeneh, United Methodists paid tribute to his remains at the E..J. Goodrige Memorial United Methodist Church in Barnesville,Saniqualle Court yard, and Gbanh United Methodist Church in Gbahn showing respect and gratitude to the late Cllr. Gilayeneh for this services to the United Methodist Church in Liberia, humanity and the judiciary.