The Wesley Methodist Church, Awukugua- Akuapim has celebrated 140 years of Methodism. It commenced with a Food Bazzar on Saturday 26th February and was climaxed with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday November 13, 2022.
The occasion was graced the Lay President of Conference, Mr William Oduro, the Administrative Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Bossman, the Diocesan Lay Chairman Mr 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.
Other dignitories included Nana Opese Konadu, the Chief of Awukugua and other sub-chiefs. The MP for Okere Constituency, Mr Dan Botwe, the DCE, Mr Daniel Kenneth and MCE for Akropong North, Nana Berimah Asiedu.
Justice Mrs Irene Larbi a leader of the Society, recalled the establishment of the Awukugua Wesley Methodist Church founded in 1882 by three men, Opanyin Kwame Yirebia, Opanyin Oduku and Opanyin Robert.
Recounting the history, she said that three sons from Awukugua attended a funeral at Aburi Methodist formerly called “Kemp”, and were moved by the lyrics (“Abibidwom”) which were sung at the funeral.
They then decided to surrender to the Christian faith. The lyrics had something in common with their group band called “Kununku”.
Preaching the sermon, the Rt. Rev. Dr John Buabeng-Odoom who was the first Resident Minister in 1985-1988, stated that there had been a transformation both in the Church and the township.
Taking the sermon from Philippians 2:20, he advised the entire congregation about working together to the nature of God’s work and their 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 and doubts and fears, but prevailed eventually” he said
A citation of honour was given to various families whose relatives played significant roles in the establishment of the Church and those who also continued the work of God. Awards were also presented to the various Organizations who participated in the 140th Anniversary Quiz.
The winner was the Singing Band, followed by the Christ’s Little Band and the third place was won by Susanna Wesley Mission Auxiliary.
