The Wesley Methodist Church, Awukugua-Akuapim has celebrated its 140 years of Methodism. The anniversary was commenced with a Food Bazaar on Saturday, 26th February and officially launched on Sunday 27th February, 2022. The anniversary Thanksgiving Service was held on Sunday, November 13, 2022.
The occasion was graced by some dignitaries from the Methodist Church, including the Lay President of Conference, Lawyer William Oduro; the Administrative Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Bossman; the Diocesan Lay Chairman, Bro. Samuel Amo Duodu; the Secretary of Synod for Koforidua Diocese, the Very Rev. Dr. Dennis Boadu; the Superintendent Minister of Adukrom Circuit, the Very Rev. George Darkoh-Ampem; and the Minister in Charge, the Rev. Isaac Yao Boamah.
In attendance was Bro. Andy Lamptey, Bro. Kingsley Opare and Bro. Christian Attram-Gyeketey. Other dignitories from the Traditional Council included Nana Opese Konadu – the Chief of Awukugua and other sub-chiefs within the town and beyond. The MP for Okere Constituency, Hon. Dan Botwe; the DCE, Hon. Daniel Kenneth; and MCE for Akropong North, Hon. Nana Berimah Asiedu attended the Anniversary Service.
The history of the church was narrated by Justice Mrs. Irene Larbi, a leader of the Society. She stated that Awukugua Wesley Methodist Church was founded in 1882 by three men – Opanyin Kwame Yirebi a.k.a Kwame Asare, Opanyin Oduku a.k.a Atiemo, and Opanyin Robert a.k.a Kwaku Larbi.
She narrated that three sons from Awukugua attended a funeral at Aburi Methodist, formerly called ‘Kemp’. They were moved by the lyrics (‘Abibidwom’) which were sung at the funeral. They decided to surrender to the Christian faith. The lyrics had something in common with their group band called ‘Kununku’.
After worshipping with them for some time, the minister, Rev. Stan Hope, advised them to go to Larteh where there was a branch of the church (now a Society). Larteh is nearer to Awukugua than Aburi. They worshiped with Larteh Methodist Church and when their number increased, they decided to establish a branch of the church at Awukugua in 1882. The only son of Opanyin Kwame Yirebi, by name Teacher Addo, became the first caretaker of the church. He donated the big bell to the church. According to him, the bells were two in number but when crossing the River Volta at Akuse, one fell into the river and could not be retrieved.
The preacher for the day was the Rt. Rev. Dr. John Buabeng-Odoom, who was the first Resident Minister in 1985-1988. In his sermon, he stated that there has been a transformation both in the church and the township. His sermon was taken from Phillipians 2:20. He advised the entire congregation about working together to the nature of God’s work and trust in God alone. The congregation must love God and humanity also. The people who started the church were, once upon a time, mourners. They wrestled hard, as we do now, with sins, doubts and fears.
A citation of honour was given to various families whose relatives played maximum role in establishing the church, and those who also continued the work of God. Awards were also presented to the various organisations which participated in the 140th Anniversary Quiz. The winner was the Singing Band, second was the Christ’s Little Band, and the third place was won by Susanna Wesley Mission Auxiliary.
Churches within Awukugua and churches outside Awukugua came to grant their support for the anniversary.
