Isaac Newton Duhaney Gordon was born in Pondside, Hanover, on February 26, 1867.  He was the seventh child of George and Frances Gordon; his father, who was an ardent worker for the Presbyterian church, died when Isaac was only a year old.  His mother, Frances, was a typically strong and determined Jamaican woman, who ensured that her son got a good education, hoping that he would later enter the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. He and his siblings received their schooling from Mr Joseph Shaw, who had been a student at the ‘famous Montego Bay Academy’.  When his early schooling was finished, Isaac decided to apprentice himself to a joiner in Falmouth, but by 1877, to his mother’s delight, he had decided to resume his academic studies, and was accepted at the Mico College, where he excelled.

While studying at Mico, Isaac used his holidays and Saturdays to learn Greek from a Presbyterian minister in Kingston. He also assisted with the work of the St Andrew’s Kirk and of a ‘ragged school’ in the south-east of the city. After completing his course at Mico, he taught for four years, first at Academy Hall in Montego Bay and then at ‘Ewing’s Caymanas’, where he taught many students who later went on to hold good positions in various professions.

He next entered the Theological Hall at 82 Duke Street to continue his studies for the ministry, under the guidance of the eminent clergyman, Dr Robb. While studying he continued his work for the church, being especially involved in the mission efforts in Denham Town. In 1889 he completed his studies and received his licence to preach. He received a ‘call’ from the congregation at Cedar Valley in St Catherine, where he was ordained on November 20, 1899.  He served there for many years, later serving in Hampstead in St Mary.  He was Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Jamaica in 1910.

He participated in an Evangelical Campaign in New York, where he preached to thousands in a tent on the east side. Most people in the audiences were White, and it was reported that at least 100 professed conversion.

He was a great supporter of the temperance movement, helping to establish Good Templar Lodges across the island. He was also involved in the Christian Endeavour movement and attended their great Convention in Baltimore.

He was a member of the St Catherine Parochial Board, and took a special interest in the development of agriculture in the parish.