Wolverhampton Honours Founding Father of NTCG UK

For the first time in its history, the city of Wolverhampton, via the Wolverhampton Civic & Historical Society (WCHS) has recognised the life and service of a key Black church leader, by unveiling a Blue Plaque in honour of the late Rev Dr Oliver A Lyseight, a founding member and first ever national leader of the New Testament Church of God (NTCG) in the UK.

People across Britain travelled to join with Rev Lyseight’s family and attend a commemorative service and to witness the plaque unveiling, held on the same day the NTCG started in Wolverhampton 60 years ago.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Jamaican High Commissioner, Her Excellency Aloun Ndombet-Assamba; Patrick Vernon OBE; representatives of the WCHS church leaders, including Bishop Dr Joe Aldred; Mrs Millicent Brown, wife of Bishop Eric Brown, National Overseer of the NTCG, and members of the NTCG.

Jamaican-born Rev Dr Lyseight came second in 100 Great Black Britons, a public survey launched by Patrick Vernon to find out the people considered the most important Black role models here in the UK. Vernon is the brainchild behind getting Rev Lyseight honoured with a plaque.

There are plans to launch another 100 Great Black Britons survey in 2014.