Sefwi bodi: Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Kanda has been rededicated following refurbishment works aimed at improving its infrastructure and enhancing conditions for worship.
According to Ghana News Agency, the church, which was constructed in the early 1990s, had seen deterioration over the years. Issues such as leaking roofs, broken chairs, and poor ventilation were affecting congregational activities. The renovation, supported by Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawoso I, the Traditional Chief Linguist (Omanhene Kyeame) of the Asante Juaben Traditional Area, included the installation of air-conditioning and new seating arrangements for both clergy and congregants.
Average Sunday attendance at the church ranges between 150 and 200 worshippers, with additional membership from the diaspora. Mr. Isaac Owusu-Hemeng, Acting Chairman of the congregation, shared that the church has a 'long and checkered history.' It originated from a merger between the former Bethel Lutheran Congregation and Emmanuel Lutheran Congregation to form Saint Paul's. He noted that the merger was intended to ensure that neither congregation felt subjugated, leading to the renaming of the congregation as St. Paul's.
Mr. Owusu-Hemeng explained that the early congregation primarily consisted of students and Nigerians residing in Ghana during the 1970s. Following the departure of many members, the church underwent restructuring. Initially, the congregation worshipped in a school in Kanda but faced restrictions, prompting the need to secure a permanent site. Land was later acquired from a private developer to establish the church's current location.
The building, originally conceived as a 'baby chapel,' was expanded in the early 1990s to accommodate growth. However, the wear and tear over time, including worn-out furniture and a leaking roof, highlighted the need for refurbishment. Mr. Owusu-Hemeng stated that the renovation began late last year and was completed in time for the rededication service. He emphasized the goal of attracting more people to worship at the church.
At the rededication ceremony, Nana Dankawoso I praised the church leadership for its dedication to community service. He highlighted charitable initiatives, such as support for widows, which had grown from six beneficiaries to about 700. Nana Dankawoso I encouraged continued efforts to use their resources to serve the community and the Lord.