Celebrating 100 years of Calvary Methodist Church
The Calvary Methodist Church at Adabraka, Accra, traces its origins to the early 1920s. It began as a Sunday School for ‘Mfantse’ children, organised by the 'Mfantse Korye Kuw' of Accra, focusing on teaching children to read, write and speak ‘Mfantse’.
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Initially conducted on the premises of the Methodist Mixed School on Bannerman Road in James Town, the initiative quickly evolved with the formation of a singing band.
In its first year, the Sunday School participated in the annual District Synod of the Methodist Church held in Accra. One of the highlights of that synod was a ceremonial picnic, during which the spectators were captivated by the unique 'takuwa' (headgear) worn by the Sunday School members, particularly the females.
That striking display not only caught the attention of the crowd, but also attracted many new members, thereby enhancing the church's community, all to the glory of God.
Motivated by the growing interest in it, the group initiated Sunday morning church services, which became known as the ‘Mfantse Asor’.
As the congregation grew, the original Freeman Methodist Church where they worshipped became too cramped, prompting Rev. Noel L. Warmann, who was the Minister at the time, to secure a new site at Adabraka.
A chapel for the ‘Mfantse Asor’ was built on the new site along Barnes Road, Adabraka, and named the Calvary Methodist Church. It was officially dedicated by the Most Rev. F. C. F. Grant, then President of Conference, on July 3, 1965.
Today, the Calvary Methodist Church stands as a vibrant congregation in Ghana, serving as a central place of worship for many Akans in Accra.
Through the unwavering dedication of its founders, ministers, leaders and members, the church has expanded, leading to the establishment of several offshoots across Accra.
These offshoots cater for the spiritual needs of community members, ensuring that the church’s reach and spiritual influence continue to grow and support the faithful in their daily lives.
The offshoots include the Mount Olivet Methodist Church, Dansoman; the Gethsemane Methodist Church, Mamprobi; the St John’s Methodist Church, New Achimota; the Rev. Gaddiel Acquaah Memorial Church, Adjiringanor; the Immanuel Methodist Church, East Airport; the Christ the Conqueror Methodist Church, Pantang; the Adabraka Nursery Society, Adabraka, and the recently established Kwamikrom Nursery Society, Kwamikrom in the Oti Region.
The church also initiated the construction of a chapel for the Kwamikrom Nursery Society on June 13, 2021, evidence of its ongoing commitment to evangelism. The chapel will, hopefully, be completed by the end of this year.
Achievements
In addition to its spiritual endeavours, the Calvary Methodist Church has significantly contributed to the growth of education in its operating areas in particular and the country in general.
On October 20, 2003, it established the Calvary Methodist International School (CMIS) at Adjiringanor, Accra.
This initiative came to fruition after the chief and the elders of Adjiringanor had generously donated a large tract of land to the church.
The CMIS has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, particularly in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), in which it has consistently maintained a 100 per cent pass rate across all subjects.
Most BECE candidates of the school successfully gain admission to their first and second-choice schools, after obtaining aggregate scores between seven and 28.
The school is equipped with a modern ICT Centre, a well-stocked library and a multi-purpose playground.
These facilities have not only fostered academic achievement but also enabled students to excel in co-curricular activities, leading to the school winning medals and trophies at inter-school competitions.
To further demonstrate its commitment to community service, the church has adopted the former Castle Road Methodist School, which is now known as the Calvary Methodist Basic School ‘1’ & ‘2’.
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Situated at Adabraka in Accra, this public school benefits from the church's support. It provides essential resources such as furniture, teaching and learning aids that significantly enhance the educational experience, helping to ensure a robust learning environment for all pupils and students.
The Women’s Fellowship of the church has long recognised the critical role of education in empowering girls.
Over 50 years ago, the fellowship established the Calvary Methodist Vocational Institute (CMVI), which was dedicated to providing quality vocational training.
It also offered scholarships specifically aimed at supporting brilliant, needy girls, many of whom have gone on to become established professionals in the hospitality industry and various other sectors.
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Since 2004, the Women’s Fellowship has been actively involved in community outreach through its project: ‘Rescue the Perishing and Care for the Dying’.
This compassionate initiative includes regular visits to HIV/AIDS patients, during which members share the Word of God and provide essential support for the patients by way of donating cash and various items to help them meet their daily needs.
Additionally, due to its close proximity to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, the Women’s Fellowship has taken on a significant role in supporting the hospital’s needy inmates.
Many years ago, it adopted the Male Admission Ward Two, providing material needs which include serving them hot meals and holding worship services with the inmates on the last Sunday of each month.
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This dedicated service has made the Calvary Women’s Fellowship well-known and given it a respected presence at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.
The Methodist Guild and the Youth Fellowship of the church have been pivotal in nurturing leadership skills within the church and the broader community.
Many members of these groups have advanced to become reverend ministers or taken on various leadership roles within the church, guided and mentored by more experienced members.
For example, the guild played an instrumental role during the establishment of the Mount Olivet Methodist Church, an offshoot of the Calvary Methodist Church.
The members engaged in dawn broadcasts and door-to-door evangelism to support the new church's growth.
The CMC has also been dedicated to the development of its youth groups, including the Youth Fellowship, the Girls' Fellowship and the Boys' and Girls' Brigade.
These groups have been successful in transforming the lives of many young individuals, both within and outside the church, instilling biblically sound morals and values in them.
This commitment has significantly contributed to national efforts aimed at strengthening the moral fibre of society.
Furthermore, through the Education Trust of the Calvary Brigade, the church has provided substantial support for underprivileged members.
A significant number of girls and boys have been assisted to pursue senior high school education, with 19 girls and seven boys receiving further sponsorship to colleges of education, polytechnics and universities.
This is a demonstration of the church's commitment to educational advancement and social upliftment.
Steadfast
Indeed, the CMC remains steadfast in its mission to reach out to all individuals and draw them closer to Christ through discipleship.
Little wonder the CMC played a pivotal role in the institutionalisation of both the Men’s Fellowship and Youth Fellowship in the Methodist Church family in Ghana.
By leveraging diverse groups such as the Men’s Fellowship, the Christ’s Little Band, the Susanna Wesley Society and the Girls’ Fellowship, the church actively evangelises to people, both locally and beyond.
It particularly focuses on supporting the vulnerable and needy in society, aiming to enhance their lives through its dedicated ministries.
The ‘Awerekyekyer Kuw’ plays a crucial role in this mission by providing comfort and peace through regular hospital visits, during which members pray with the sick, the disabled and orphans in children’s homes, spreading hope and solace.
As the CMC approaches its centennial next year, the entire congregation, along with all the superintendent ministers who have served the church, reflect on a century filled with divine blessings and achievements.
The church community expresses profound gratitude for the unwavering support and grace it has received over the decades and looks forward to continuing its spiritual and community-driven endeavours in the years to come. May the Lord’s name be forever praised!
Article by courtesy of the Calvary Methodist Church Centenary Anniversary Planning Committee.