By Bright Philip Donkor
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has commenced celebrations marking its bicentennial anniversary – celebrating 200years (1828 -2028) of unwavering commitment to faith, service, and community development.
It is under the theme “PCG @200: Celebrating God’s Faithfulness and Impacting Generations Through the Gospel”. The celebration highlighted the Presbyterian Church’s profound contributions to the spiritual growth, education, health, agriculture and social transformation in Ghana and beyond since 1828. The launch featured a divine service and unveiling of the the bicentennial anniversary logo.
Preaching the sermon to dignitaries, clergy, and congregants during the launch at the Osu Castle on Sunday, December 22, 2024, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, Moderator of the General Assembly, described the celebration as an opportunity to honor the forebears who pioneered the church’s mission in Ghana. He emphasised the contributions of the Basel and Scottish missionaries who laid the foundation for the PCG.
“We have come a long way since those early days of mission work along the coasts of Gold. This anniversary serves not only as a time of gratitude to God for His faithfulness but also as a moment to reflect on how we can build a brighter future for the next generation,” he stated.
Integral
He stated that over the past two centuries, the PCG had played an integral role in shaping Ghana’s religious, social, and educational landscape. He touted the church’s instrumental commitment in establishing educational institutions such as the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, and other healthcare facilities, including the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital.
The Moderator of the General Assembly also mentioned how PCG had consistently championed initiatives addressing poverty alleviation, education for all, health, and the promotion of ethical leadership in the country. He reaffirmed the Church’s deep historical connection to the castle, describing it as the spiritual birthplace of the Presbyterian mission in Ghana.
“For us Presbyterians, this is our hope. This is where we were born. We agree that the castle belongs to the government, but for us, this is home,” he stated. “We have come home to kickstart the bicentennial, confident that the Lord will give us victory in the years ahead.”
The Moderator emphasised that the bicentennial celebration was an opportunity to reflect on nearly two centuries of God’s faithfulness to the PCG. “We are using this bicentennial to celebrate God’s faithfulness, to acknowledge what He has done in these 196 years, and to commit ourselves to His mission as we impact generations through the gospel.”
Gratitude
Moderator expressed gratitude to the President for his presence and leadership. “We thank God for your life and your service to this nation, especially for the last eight years of your leadership. As you bow out of office in a few weeks, we consider this a send-off moment for you,” he said.
The Moderator also praised the President for ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election and congratulated Ghana for maintaining its status as a beacon of democracy on the continent. While acknowledging some incidents of post-election violence and vandalism, he expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to address these challenges.
Sermon focus
In his sermon, the Moderator took inspiration from Hebrews 12:1-6, drawing on themes of endurance, faith, and Christian devotion. He delved into the metaphor of a race, emphasising the need for believers to shed obstacles and remain focused on Christ, the “author and perfecter of our faith.”
“These heroes of faith, as described in Hebrews, cheer us on as we run the race of life,” he preached. “Christ Himself has run the race and become our ultimate example. He endured the cross, despised its shame, and now sits at the right hand of God.”
The Moderator urged the congregation to cast aside “weights and sins” that hinder spiritual growth, comparing such encumbrances to excess baggage that prevents athletes from performing effectively. “Victory and joy are assured if we run with endurance,” he added.
The Moderator highlighted the Castle Christiansborg Castle’s historical importance, noting, “This is where the original seed of the mission was planted. Today, as we gather here, we honor our past while looking forward to the future.”
Legacy of leadership
The Moderator took a moment to acknowledge the collaborative relationship between the Church and the outgoing administration. “We are thankful for your open-door policy, which allowed us access to your office whenever we sought your audience,” he noted, addressing the President.
He further congratulated the President for overseeing a peaceful election, which saw the return of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to power. “Ghana continues to shine as a star of democracy in Africa,” he added.
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