O God Our Help In Ages Past

O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of thy throne,

Still may we dwell secure;

Sufficient is thine arm alone,

And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,

Or earth received her frame,

From everlasting, thou art God,

To endless years the same.

A thousand ages, in thy sight,

Are like an evening gone;

Short as the watch that ends the night,

Before the rising sun.

Time, like an ever rolling stream,

Bears all who breathe away;

They fly forgotten, as a dream

Dies at the opening day.

O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come;

Be thou our guide while life shall last,

And our eternal home.

-          Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

O God Our Help In Ages Past

O Beulah Land

I’ve reached the land of corn and wine,

And all its riches freely mine;

Here shines undimmed one blissful day,

For all my night has passed away.

Refrain:

O Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land,

As on thy highest mount I stand,

I look away across the sea,

Where mansions are prepared for me,

And view the shining glory shore,

My heav’n, my home forever more!

My Savior comes and walks with me,

And sweet communion here have we;

He gently leads me by His hand,

For this is Heaven’s border land.

A sweet perfume upon the breeze,

Is borne from ever vernal trees,

And flow’rs that never fading grow

Where streams of life forever flow.

The zephyrs seem to float to me,

Sweet sounds of Heaven’s melody,

As angels with the white-robed throng

Join in the sweet redemption song.

-          Edgar P. Sites (1876)

Beulah Land

Adebayo Omodele Ndando Torimiro was born on November 23, 1947 in Victoria (now Limbe), Cameroon to Alice Eke (née Ngoo) and Samuel T. Abiodun Torimiro.  Known to most people as Bayo or brother Bayo, he was the quintessential first-born whose generosity, kindness and selflessness defined his character.  ‘Bayo attended N.A. School in Limbe and went on to Lagos Anglican Grammar School (CMS), Bariga-Lagos, Nigeria.  Upon graduation and making certain personal sacrifices for his younger siblings, he began a long professional career as a Custom’s Officer.  He served in this capacity at various locations including, Bota-Limbe, Kribi, Ambam (bordering Cameroon and Gabon), and Obenikan.  In all of these places of work, he was recognized repeatedly as a conscientious, hard-working and devoted civil servant.  Upon his retirement, he returned to the management of his family’s land holdings and other properties.  ‘Bayo was a lifetime member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Limbe and served as choir master; a role his father had also assumed for several years.  He also was an Elder, Deacon and Layman. Bayo was a wonderful soccer player on the PowerCam team and an avid supporter of England’s Manchester United.  He was a member of the Rotary Club and during his visits to the United States took the time to socialize with fellow Rotarians in Alexandria, Virginia and Greensboro, North Carolina. Of course, his culinary expertise must be unmentioned.  Family, friends and guests raved about his “equang.” Bayo was a great dresser and particular about his appearance; something he inherited from his dad.

           Bayo was married to the late Joan Torimiro (née Sangi). He was the proud father of six children: Leonie, Brice, Annie, Belle, Eke, Endale and five grandchildren: Anais, Bricette, Sylvain, Stephanie and Endale.  His surviving siblings include Adekola, Chief Olatunde, Afolake, Adesola, Adewale, Tokunbo, Mammie, Eyoma, Babjide, Chief Oluwole, and Modupe. His death was preceded by that of his sister, Olayemi, parents and brothers, Adeniyi and Adenola.  Bayo also leaves behind several nephews and nieces including Koge, Sunday, Sylvie, Olayinka, Abiodun, Roland Jr., Alex, Samuel, Alexis, Seth and Tia Eke, Afolarin, Eniola, Adedamola Modupe, Abayomi, Oluwayemisi, Biodun, Olubunmi, Oluboka, Lola, Adetoun, Adedeji, Newande, Bifoye, Olanrewaju, Adebusola, Moyosore, Afolabi, Olufulanyo, Adedayo, Moduranyo, Kemi, and Adetayo.  He was the proud grand uncle of Ian, Leah, Koge Jr, and Ethan. His surviving cousins include Ndabo, Elokan, Mouna, Sillo, Henry, Barbara, Momo, Epese, Belle, Esther, Rosaline and Papa. Bayo also leaves behind a lifetime friend and brother, Chief Matute Mbene.

  A befitting memorial and celebration site created for a wonderful father, grandfather, grand uncle, loyal husband, devoted son, fantastic brother, cousin and friend.  He was a modest man who saw the good in everyone and appreciated the intrinsic value of loyalty and friendship.  At a time when cynicism reigned, he inspired trust, faith, understanding, and respect for others regardless of their station in life.  Indisputably, he was a friend to everyone, a role model, and a child of God.  His infectious smile and greetings was always a timely reminder that chivalry was still very much alive and fashionable.  HE WILL BE LOVED, CHERISHED, MISSED BUT NEVER ASTRAY FROM OUR THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES.  Rest in Peace, Bayo!