Andrew Bond Collins

Andrew Bond Collins, the first of seven children was born to George Edward and Ruth Alverta Collins on April 28, 1934. From early childhood Andrew was nurtured in the rich Pentecostal tradition of the apostolic church. At an early age Andrew was baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost at the First Apostolic Faith Church at Eden and Monument Streets. Andrew received his education in the Baltimore City Public Schools. He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1952. While attending Dunbar High School, he played the tuba in the Marching and Concert Bands. He studied the piano and organ under the tutelage of his dad, the late Brother George E. Collins and Mrs. Lucille M. Brooks, which provided the rich musical training ground for his unparalleled contribution to the body of Christ. He also studied music at Catonsville Community College, Towson University, Morgan State University and The Peabody Institute of Music. He received a degree in General Business from Cortez Peters Business School in 1958. After Andrew’s honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps, he was joined in holy matrimony to Doris Turner on June 13, 1959. From this union was born one son Craig Andrew Collins. Subsequently, Andrew became employed by the United States Postal Service where he retired after 31 years of service. Brother Andrew served faithfully at the First Apostolic Faith Church since childhood. He served on the Usher Board, sang with The Echoneers’s Young Adult Choir and The Male Chorus. He served as director and musician for The Senior and Gospel Choirs, and The W.A. Showell Temple Choir, all under the leadership of the late Bishop Winfield Showell and the present Apostle Cornelius F. Showell. Andrew is also known for his outstanding catering skills. He along with his father, the late George Collins, his uncle the late Walter Smith and his brother Walter forming the Collins and Smith Caters who catered and served as chefs for church events, weddings, and various community functions. Andrew’s retirement from regular employment with the U.S. Postal Service in 1989, merely meant that he would have more time to become even more involved in the up building of God’s Kingdom and spreading of His gospel through song and services. Brother Collins love for gospel music and his great repertoire of sacred music were so extensive that he would be the first choir director of First Apostolic to include an orchestra to accompany the choir in full concert. His choirs would sing anthems, favorite spirituals and soul stirring gospels. He would often reach back and pull out songs that our forefathers of Pentecost sang. Brother Collins brought together families, friends and choir members from around the city to sing together in an “ Ole Fashion Sing-Along” service to celebrate his 67th birthday. It was a tremendous success. Andrew served faithfully as church organist and choir director for Saint James A.U.M. P. Church, Towson, Maryland, The Apostolic Community church, Baltimore, Maryland and The Saint Marks Apostolic Church, Frederick, Maryland under the leadership of his brother-in-law, Bishop Ernest A. Ambush Jr. Andrew was a substitute teacher for the Baltimore City Public School System. He was also a piano instructor at First Apostolic Faith Church for many years. Andrew was a mentor for his nieces and nephews: Rita, Chianti and Jason.As a result of Brother Andrew’ accomplishments,he has over forty-five years of faithful and diligent service as a tireless and talented worker in the Master’s vineyard. His sudden departure from this life at the break of day on Wednesday, July 10, 2002, while a great lost to family, friends and church, symbolized for him the dawning of a new and more glorious day. We will never know nor ever be able to accurately measure the impact the life of one Andrew Bond Collins has had on his family, community and church. We can simply say – already he is greatly missed! Brother Collins faithfulness to his family and church was an inspiration to all that knew him. Although his absence leaves a void, it is filled with memories of a life of song and smiles.He leaves to mourn a loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Doris T. Collins, one son, Craig Andrew, one daughter-in-law, Cynthia, one grandchild, Taylor, two sisters, Mrs. Ann V. Higgins, and Mrs. Ruth N. Ambush, four brothers, George, Granville, Walter and Joseph, Five sisters-in-law, Mrs. Patricia Johnson, Mrs. Miriam Thompson, Mrs. Betty Walton, Mrs. Patricia Collins, Mrs. Evie Collins, Four brothers-in-law, Bishop Ernest Ambush Jr., Mr. Henry Higgs, Elder Walter Thompson Sr., Pastor Carroll Johnson Sr., three aunts, Mother Catherine Smith, Mrs. Cleota Dunn, Mrs. Florence Alexander, one godson, Eric Collins, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Tributes

Andrew Bond Collins

April 28, 1934 - July 10, 2002