The Presbyterian Church's two Ghanaian congregations dedicated their new buildings in May, marking the years of hard work and determination it took to realize their dreams. “This came at the right time,” said Rev. Samuel Kofi Danquah of the Ghanaian Church in Montreal. “We thank God especially for the helping hand the head office has given us, and for giving us this opportunity.”
The Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, Montreal, held its service on May 7th, celebrating its five-year history. The congregation bought the new building thanks to a grant from Canada Ministries for $345,000. They took possession in July 2004, moved in by October, and then began some renovations and repairs. The building houses a sanctuary for 300 people, two halls where 200 people can gather, and several smaller rooms for Bible studies and other activities. The large space leaves room for growth, with about 150 adults, 30 young adults and 70 children already part of the church.
The Toronto church dedicated its new, modern facility on May 21st. The congregation began in 1994, and after moving to various buildings throughout those years, members decided it was time to find a place they could call home. They began building in Oct. 2004, and construction was completed a year later. The $4.2-million structure dominates the skyline in the city's north end, and attracts about 500 Ghanaians from miles away.
Rev. Enoch Pobee is in the third year of a five-year appointment at the Toronto church. “We have moved through rain, we moved through shine, we've been through drought, and now we have joy because we have a place of our own,” he said.
The relationship is a unique one with the Presbyterian Church. The two congregations are members of The Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and the ministers are appointed by that body. Still, they enjoy full membership status and privileges within the Canadian church, and adhere to its rules and regulations. Gordon Haynes, associate secretary for Canada Ministries, has watched the relationship since its inception, and attended both building dedications. For Montreal, that meant a lively service on Saturday and two on Sunday, and in Toronto, the four-and-a-half-hour long service had “joyous music, and was loud and raucous. It was really something,” said Haynes. “These congregations are so generous and open. I felt totally at home.”
He said congregations that cater to a particular race or culture will continue to grow in the Presbyterian Church. He mentioned Korean, Chinese and Arabic churches that already exist, and said much of his department's church extension work is being done with visible minorities.
Noting that the church is much more ingrained in Ghanaian society, he added: “It's not just a church; it's a community and cultural centre. It brings the people together. They bring an enthusiasm for their faith, and I think that's an infection all of us should get. And they remind us that this is a growing church, and there are other ways of doing things.”
“We pray that at the end of the day,” said Danquah, “we can help our people come to the realization that no matter what, Christ matters most.”
