Accra Diocese of Methodist Church launches 180th anniversary

The Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, last Saturday launched its 180th anniversary celebrations with a call on its members to step up efforts in evangelism to win more souls for Christendom.

“In order for the diocese to handle its mission effectively and efficiently, each member has a responsibility to fulfil and as such all hands must be on deck. We must recognise the good work done and play our part in promoting the work in order to leave a rich heritage for future generations,” the Bishop of the Accra Diocese of the church, Rt Rev. Samuel K. Osabutey, said.

The occasion also marked the launch of the church’s Mission Policy.

The policy is aimed at promoting and maintaining a spirit of evangelism among ministers of the church, church leaders and the entire membership.

The theme for the celebration is: “180 years of Methodism in Accra—sustaining our gains through effective stewardship.”

The Methodist Church. Ghana would use the occasion to take stock of its achievements, failures, challenges and prospects for the future, as well as give recognition to forbears whose commitment and dedication had strengthened the church to date.

Clarion call

Rev. Osabutey told Methodists that they had work to do and urged them to offer to do the work of God and “He will strengthen us for whatever task He assigns us in His vineyard to His glory and praise.”

He said the mission policy was directed at empowering the church to remain focused on growing itself systematically through evangelism “as commanded in what has become known in Christian circles as the ‘Great Commission.’”

He made reference to proclamations on evangelism by Rev. John Wesley, the father of Methodism, to buttress his point: “The whole world is my parish and you have no other business but to save souls, and that makes it incumbent on us all to be missionaries in word and deed. This should not be lost on us,” Rev. Osabutey charged.

History

While the Methodist Church arrived in the country, then Gold Coast, more than 180 years ago, Rev. Thomas Birch Freeman is credited with establishing and growing the Accra Diocese.

Delving into the history, Rt Rev. Osabutey said Rev. Freeman arrived in Cape Coast on January 3, 1838, on his mission to the Gold Coast.

He said the Methodist preacher set foot at James Town in Accra on October 24, 1838 at the invitation of what was then known as a Private Devotion Fellowship.

On November 1, 1838, he held a formal meeting with the fellowship and it was this meeting that began the Methodist presence in Accra.

From that point, evangelism teams, including Tooku (Sinners Saved by Grace) and Seventy Band, were established to take the good news to other distant places such as Pokuase, Kojo Ashong, Mayera and Akuapem Mampong.

“It is worthy to note that rapid growth took place in Accra at the same time, making the spread of the faith extensive. The church blossomed such that when the Accra District was created it encompassed Accra, Koforidua, Aburi, Ho and areas in the Afram Plains. As it is, the Koforidua and Tema Diocese will be created out of Accra in 2018 and a Northern Accra Diocese will also be created to the glory of God,” Rt Rev. Osabutey said.

Programme line-up

A sketch on Methodism in Accra, written by Mr Abeiku Sagoe, a playwright, was staged at the anniversary launch. The play provided insights into the beginnings of the church, during which period indigenous missionaries were labelled as mad but were successful in converting chiefs and even priestesses to the Christian faith.

Programmes scheduled for the anniversary celebration include diocesan zonal crusades, evangelism Sunday, anniversary lecture, a quiz, fun fair for children, festival of classical and Ghanaian art music, essay competition, fun games and a singing festival.

Before the launch, members went on a procession through some principal streets of Accra.

The year-long celebration would end with a thanksgiving service on November 11, 2018.