Posted by Gabe on Jun-13-00 10:43pm from 172.155.247.243
L.M. Christian, OBE, O.M., Dominican musician, music teacher, commercial school director and the man who wrote the musical score to Dominica’s national anthem, “Isle of Beauty,” died on the afternoon of Monday, June 12, 2000. He was 83.
Born in Antigua in 1917, Mr. Christian was brought to Dominica by his Antiguan Police officer father as a toddler. He served in the Leeward Island’s Police Force. He was awarded commendations for coastal defence efforts he led against German U-boats operating off Dominica’s north coast in the early days of World War II. He later served as the Chief Plant Propagation Officer at the Botanical Gardens before opening the Christian Musical Class and Commercial School in 1949.
In 1966, he wrote the musical score for the national anthem “Isle of Beauty,” while W.O.M. Pond wrote the lyrics. The Queen awarded him an OBE in 1967 for his work in agriculture, music, and commercial education. He was also a founding member of the Music Lovers Government Band.
Mr. Christian was recently honoured as one of the 100 great Dominicans of the 20th Century. Certainly, those who knew him will remember his life of patriotic service and dedication to excellence. And for generations yet unborn, his music will continue to be heard whenever the national anthem is played. May we be motivated by his legacy of service as we each contribute to developing our “Isle of Beauty.”
Burial services for Mr. Christian will be held on June 22, 2000.
Six brothers and six Grandchildren survive the late Mr. Henkel Christian. As the country mourns, flags on the island will be flown at half mass. The Funeral Service took place on Friday, February 6th, at the Roseau Cathedral.
