“The Presbyterian spirit is a spirit that never gives up.” Moderator Opare Kwakye
Spirit-Filled Sermon Marks the Bicentennial Anniversary Launch of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
Castle Osu, Accra — December 24, 2024: The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) set an inspirational tone for its bicentennial celebrations as the Moderator delivered a rousing speech during the grand launch at the iconic Castle Osu. The event, graced by H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, and the First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, as the guest of honour, other dignitaries, Past Principal Officers of PCG, clergy, and members of the church, was a momentous occasion that paid tribute to 200 years of faith, service, and impact.
The Moderator, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, whose leadership has been pivotal in steering the PCG into a new era of growth and community engagement, began his sermon by acknowledging the church’s rich legacy. Reflecting on Hebrews 11 passage as the role of the heroes of faith, he mentioned an inscription he once saw at the stadium, “Observing is good, participating better, participating to win is the best,” he exhorted that Christians must not just be observers or participants but remain steadfast to the salvation to win God’s Kingdom. “Our race is not a sprint, it is like a marathon. Starting is good, but finishing is more important.” He indicated that the gathering is to celebrate two centuries of our existence and honour the visionaries and missionaries who sowed the seeds of faith on this land.
Drawing on the church’s history, the Moderator recounted the journey that began in 1828 with the arrival of the Basel Missionaries in the then Gold Coast. We have a great cloud of witnesses represented by the Basel Mission, the Caribbean Christians, the Scottish Mission, and African Christians. From humble beginnings, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has grown into a cornerstone of spiritual life, education, and social transformation in our nation. “This Church is a blessing to Ghana. As the oldest continuously existing church in Ghana, the church arrived at a time when the Christian faith was virtually non-existent except some isolated communities who have been influence by earlier missionaries who had failed to effectively plant churches. If today, we have here in Ghana, a majority Christian population, it is because the Presbyterian Church of Ghana laid the foundations for Christianity in this country.”
In the sermon, Moderator Kwakye highlighted the church’s contributions to education, healthcare, agriculture, and social justice, describing them as pillars of its mission to serve humanity.
The message took a reflective tone as the Moderator addressed the challenges faced by the church over the decades, including colonialism, economic hardships, and societal changes. He emphasized the resilience of the PCG, stating, “In every challenge, we have found strength in God’s unwavering grace and the unity of our congregations.”
The Moderator mentioned to the President of the Republic to make the joy of the Presbyterians and the entire people of Ghana complete by signing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Value Bill after the Supreme Court clearance.
Looking ahead, the Moderator laid out a bold vision for the future, urging the congregation to embrace innovation while staying true to the church’s core values of never giving up. “The Presbyterian spirit is a spirit that never gives up.” Reiterating the words of the two young maidens, Maria and Wilhemina at Mamfe, he called on all to face challenges without giving up. As we step into the next century, let us commit to being agents of transformation, guided by faith, love, and service. Our mission is not yet complete.
In closing, the Moderator offered a heartfelt prayer, invoking God’s blessings for the church, the nation, and future generations. “The global economy may look difficult, the national problems may seem overwhelming, the problems in our personal homes may seem difficult, however, we must remember that we have been called by a God who never abandon His people.” May our bicentennial be a testament to God’s faithfulness and a beacon of hope for all prayed.
As the celebration continues, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana looks forward to a 4-year-long of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to its mission. The launch at Castle Osu not only marked the beginning of a historic milestone but also reaffirmed the church’s enduring legacy as a force for good in Ghana and beyond.
The audience responded with thunderous applause, reflecting their collective pride and commitment to the church’s mission. Among the attendees were government officials, traditional leaders, ambassadors, and representatives from ecumenical partners, all of whom honoured the PCG for its enduring impact on Ghanaian society.
