By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Accra, Sept. 29, GNA – The St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Osu has marked its 100th anniversary with a call on Christians to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and remain committed to the work of God.
The anniversary, celebrated under the theme: “100 Years of Over-Diligence: Evangelism in Osu, Still Pursuing the Agenda,” brought together clergy, congregants, former members and well-wishers to celebrate a century of worship, evangelism and service to the community.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel S.M Torto, Bishop of Accra shared a sermon, drawn from Isaiah 12:4-6 and Matthew 16:13-18, encouraged the faithful to reflect on Christ’s question to His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”
He urged members not to rely on inherited or “second-hand” faith but to seek a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
He said the centenary celebration was an opportunity for members to examine their relationship with Christ and allow the Word of God to dwell richly in them.
“Do you know Jesus Christ? Ask yourself, how do you know Jesus Christ? What is your testimony?” he asked, urging members to demonstrate their faith through patience, commitment love and unity.
He said said if members committed themselves fully to Christ, St Barnabas Anglican Church would be transformed and positively impact the Osu community and beyond.
He urged Christians to see Jesus Christ as their Lord and Master and to use the centenary as an opportunity to renew their commitment to God.
He said, “If you do not know Christ, this is an opportunity for you to know Him,” while thanking God for sustaining the church and answering the prayers of its members.
Church’s impact
The Venerable John Antonio Teilo Nelson, Parish Priest and Archdeacon of Accra East, said the 100-year journey of St Barnabas Anglican Church was “by the grace of God,” noting that the church had significantly contributed to the growth of Christianity and the development of communities.
He said the church had helped establish and nurture other Anglican congregations, including St Paul Anglican Church at La, St Bartholomew Anglican Church at Teshie, Holy Gabriel Anglican Church at Kotobabi, St Timothy Anglican Church at Nima among others.
“St Barnabas has done a lot to the glory of God. The church has impacted so many lives.”
The Venerable Nelson said the church previously operated a school where pastors, leaders and teachers were trained, contributing to the development of human resources within the Anglican Church.
He said the church had also played an important role in the Osu community and its environs by helping people who were struggling to find direction to discover the Christian faith.
He commended the youth of the church for their active participation in evangelism and other church activities.
According to him, the church organised evangelism programmes every month, during which the youth went into communities to share the Gospel.
He expressed gratitude to God for the church’s centenary and said many priests trained through the church were serving successfully within the Anglican Church.
History
Mr. Daniel Taylor, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, said the church was founded in 1926 by four members: Lucas Rondof, Joseph Taylor, Annane Boye Apostle and Neswood Coage.
He said the founders conceived the idea of establishing a church in Osu because, at the time, residents had to travel to Accra to worship at Holy Cathedral.
Mr. Taylor said the growing congregation subsequently acquired land in 1931 for the construction of the church building.
He said the church had since grown and continued to contribute to the spiritual development of its members and the wider Osu community.
Mr. Taylor expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the church through its first 100 years and called on members to remain committed to its mission of evangelism and service.
The centenary celebration featured thanksgiving, worship and reflections on the history and contribution of St. Barnabas Anglican Church to the Anglican community and the people of Osu.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade