“Ebenezer” marks a milestone. It echoes through the history of Korle Bu Chaple Trust. Today we celebrate the church’s journey. We stand before a testament to faith and perseverance.
Korle Bu Chaple Trust began as Accra Chapel Trust. This evangelical church is part of the Ghana Evangelical Convention. Its story started humbly in 1967.
Imagine a small group. They met at the Nursing Training College in Korle Bu. For over two decades this was their sanctuary. The mid-1990s brought change.
Prof Felix Konotey Ahulu a physician founded Accra Chapel. His wife and local Christians joined him. A hurtful incident sparked this new beginning. The couple was denied communion at a Baptist church. This led them to create their own fellowship. They wanted to teach the pure word of God.
For years Accra Chapel lacked a full-time pastor. They also lacked a permanent building. Yet their membership grew steadily. The Nursing Training College hall became too small.
In the late 1980s Rev Walter Pimpong stepped in. He requested land from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital authorities. The authorities granted their request. The church was ready to build even before finding a site.
Members mobilized resources in the early 1990s. Contributions came from near and far. Deerfield Chapel of Illinois donated about $48000. This was through their affiliation with Rev Pimpong.
Church members worked tirelessly. They carried sand water granite and cement. The building rose gradually. Before outstaying their welcome at the Nursing Training College they moved. This was in the mid-1990s. They used classrooms in a nearby school.
Korle Bu Chaple Trust persevered. They overcame the challenges of impermanence. They thrived even without a full-time pastor for long stretches. Today they have their own building. They have a full-time pastor. An educational foundation thrives. Another building nears completion. This will serve the youth and children’s ministries. A younger generation knows only this location. They are unaware of the church’s humble origins.
Over the years Korle Bu Chaple Trust has conducted many missions. These missions led to the creation of other churches. These semi-autonomous churches include Ashiyie Community Chapel. Lakeside Community Chapel in Weija also owes its beginnings to the Korle Bu Chaple Trust. A few other churches at Ejura in the Ashanti Region also benefited.
Today as we stand here remember the name Ebenezer. It signifies how far this church has come. It is a testament to faith community and unwavering dedication.
Korle Bu Chaple Trust stands as a beacon. It shows what can be achieved through faith. Its 50th anniversary marked a significant milestone. The church’s journey continues to inspire.