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• Very Rev Stephen Kwaku Owusu, Supt Minister of the Kaneshie North Circuit presenting items on behalf of the church to the Ghana Society for the Socially Disadvantage at Kaneshie as part of the 50th anniversary celebration.

Good Shepherd Methodist Church is 50 years Old

The Good Shepherd Methodist Church, in the Kaneshie North Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana has indeed come far. From a small society started in a classroom, it today boasts an ultra-modern Chapel, big church auditorium, a school, landed properties and three nursery societies.

It has further grown to become one of the prominent Methodist societies in the Methodist connexion. The spiritual growth through sound biblical teaching has been so effective that more and more people have been attracted to its regular Sunday worship and other special programmes organised for the community.

As a result of this, some members still maintain their membership even if they move away from the immediate environs of the church.

Aside the utmost importance the society places on the spiritual growth of members through thorough Bible teachings, prayers and healing programmes, the society looks out for the economic and social wellbeing of members and the community it is located.

As the Good Shepherd, the society continues to live up to its greeting: Oguan hwefo pa, and the response, onyim ne guan na ne guan so nyim no. These among others have gingered all those who fellowship with the society to also give willingly towards the work of God.
No wonder the society prides itself as being among the top 10 societies in the Methodist Church Ghana.

Indeed, that is how far the Lord has brought us!. In celebrating the 50th Anniversary, a number of activities spanning a year were planned. These include, a colourful anniversary lunching performed by the Rt. Rev. Titus Awotwi-Pratt, the Bishop of the Accra Diocese.

The climax of the anniversary is scheduled for July 17, 2015.

The theme for the celebration is, ‘50 years under the Shepherd’s watch.’

Anniversary activities

In an interview with the Chairman of the 50th anniversary committee, Bro Dr W. Odame Larbi, he mentioned the activities lined up as part of the anniversary to include, among others, inter organisational quiz, reading and spelling competition for the children, essay competition for Junior High School students, symposia on intestacy and preparation of wills, managing family finances, organisational awareness, commendation and memorial service for the departed brethren, candle light vigil, medical screening, donation to charity and clean up exercise.

History of the church

According to records, the society was started by four dedicated Akan elderly sisters and a brother who were attending Mt Ararat Society, a predominantly Ga Society.

These founding brethren as they are affectionately called, were Sisters Georgina Idun; Mercy Hanson; Sarah Asante; Dorcas Lamptey and Bro William W. Dontoh. They were very desirous to hear the gospel preached to them in their own Akan language.

They, therefore, decided to come together to start a new Methodist Society. Initially, the society known as Bubiashie ‘B’ carved out of Mt Ararat Society was meeting at the Bubiashie North ‘1’ Primary School (formerly known as Waagogo School). As membership increased a plot of land was acquired at the present location and a chapel was embarked upon.

With cheerful contributions and donations of members the project was brought to a successful conclusion. The original name for the society, Bubiashie ‘B’ Methodist Church, was later changed to The Good Shepherd Methodist Church during the time of (late) Rev Kojo Haizel who actually gave the name of the church. In May 1985, the old chapel was dedicated to the Glory of God.

No sooner had this been done than it was realised extensions had to be carried out to accommodate the ever-increasing number of worshippers.

In 1987, the Rev Dr E.H. Brew-Riverson, who later became Conference Secretary, while serving as the Auxiliary Minister cut the sod for the extension works to begin. The Men’s Fellowship took the initiative and donated their entire inauguration proceeds as seed money to get the current chapel started.

A new Harvest Committee, under the chairmanship of the late Bro S.K. Antwi (former Director of Administration, Methodist Headquarters and a seasoned banker), took up the challenge. Not forgetting Bro Eugene Owusu Afram, who for his love and dedication to God’s work bought a complete set of musical instruments for the Singing Band and an electronic organ for the church Choir.

Members at subsequent annual harvests gave out of their very substance till the new chapel was completed and dedicated by the late Most. Rev Prof Emeritus Kwesi A. Dickson in September 1995.

In January 1996, a new Circuit, carved out of the Kaneshie Circuit came into being with the Good Shepherd Society as its fulcrum.

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