By Ms. Simone T. Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President
The story of Dr. Newton King is one of divine calling, lifelong dedication, and passion for ministry. Born in Valencia, Trinidad, to Barbadian parents, Dr. King’s journey to the pulpit began at the age of 17 when he began an elder at his local church. His interest in CUC began with a simple visit from Caribbean Union College (CUC) students to his home church. Today, he serves as pastor of the University SDA Church in Orlando, Florida.
A Pathway to Ministry
Dr. King’s initial ambition was to become a teacher. Encouraged by theology students during a revival 1966, he was introduced to the rich academic and spiritual environment of CUC. After receiving a scholarship to the Government’s Teacher Training College, he taught for a year at Bates Memorial High School in Sangre Grande before being awarded another scholarship to CUC’s Teacher Training Program.
However, destiny had other plans. A pivotal moment came when Dr. Kembleton Wiggins, a revivalist and guest speaker at CUC, made an appeal to students considering ministry.
Dr. King felt an undeniable call, responding immediately and transitioning from teacher training to theology. “I never regretted it,” he recalls. “Now I have the chance to teach the word of God, which is my passion.”
The CUC Experience
Dr. King fondly remembers his years at CUC as a time of growth, camaraderie, and spiritual enrichment. One of the most cherished friendships of his life was formed during this period with his Guyanese roommate, Colin Parkinson. Their shared commitment to faith and service strengthened their bond, and both ultimately pursued ministry.
Choosing to reside in Cedar Hall, despite his family home being in Trinidad, allowed Dr. King to fully immerse himself in campus life. “I reveled in the blend of diverse cultures. CUC was really a unique experience,” he reflects. Weekends and holidays found him enjoying home-cooked meals with his family—always with Colin in tow.
A Ministry of Impact
Dr. King’s ministerial career officially began in 1974 in Trinidad, where he pastored in communities like Rio Claro and Diego Martin until 1982. He collaborated with renowned evangelists such as Dr. Maitland and Dr. Wiggins, leading hundreds to baptism. Pastor King also served as pastor of the Santa Cruz, El Socorro, Point Fortin and Cleveland Temple districts.
He joined the Florida conference in 1996 and served as pastor of the Pine Hills SDA church in Orlando, and the Maranatha SDA church in Miami, Florida.
One particularly striking moment occurred three years ago in Orlando when a young man approached him. “He looked familiar,” Dr. King recalls. “Turns out, I had baptized him in La Brea in 1979 during a crusade near the pitch lake where 53 souls were baptized.” That man is now a member of his Orlando congregation. Another young man who was also baptized in the same area has become a lay evangelist baptizing thousands, throughout the Caribbean. His sons are also involved in soul winning. He still had the handbill from that crusade—a tangible reminder of the seeds Dr. King has sown throughout his ministry.
“You know, I don’t have ‘milestones’ in the traditional sense. I just loved the work of ministry—pastoring, baptizing, building and preaching. Making the word of God plain and relevant to the listener. That thrills my heart.” He cherishes the lives he has influenced, including many who have followed his footsteps into ministry.
Academic Background
Dr. King’s educational journey has been instrumental in shaping his ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Caribbean Union College (CUC) in 1974, which laid the foundation for his pastoral work. He later pursued a Master’s degree in Old Testament Studies at Andrews University and further expanded his expertise with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Psychology from Western Michigan University. In recognition of his contributions to ministry, he was also awarded an honorary doctorate from St. John’s College.
Life’s Greatest Blessings
Dr. King attributes much of his success to the steady support of his wife of 47 years, the former Syllette Billingy. She is a medical doctor and they have effectively combined the medical and gospel ministries. “She is an awesome team player, partner, supporter, and confidante.” Together, they have raised two children and built a life dedicated to faith and service.
Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation
For today’s students and young professionals, Dr. King offers these words of wisdom: “Make God the center of your life. Talk to Him like a friend; He listens.”
He emphasizes the importance of prayer and divine guidance in every decision, from education to marriage. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. The knowledge you truly need will not come from a classroom, but from time spent alone with God in the early hours of the morning.”
As he continues to minister in Orlando, Dr. King remains a pillar of faith, wisdom, and encouragement—an exemplary figure in the rich legacy of CUC, now the University of the Southern Caribbean.
