Presbytarian Church Resurection

Could a church rise from tragedy? The Presbyterian Church Resurrection here in Accra stands as a testament to that very idea. Its story is intertwined with the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s broader narrative, a story of resilience and faith against formidable odds. The very foundations of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana were laid in tragedy. In 1828, four Basel missionaries arrived at Christiansborg, full of hope. Tragically, all four succumbed to disease within three years. Another team of three arrived, and again, two perished shortly after. It seemed as though the Gold Coast, then known as the “Whiteman’s grave,” would repel Christianity. The Presbyterian Church Resurrection, like the broader church, rose from these ashes. It echoes the spirit of Andreas Riis, the sole survivor of the second missionary team. He, cured by a local doctor using traditional herbs, moved the mission inland to Akropong, seeking healthier climes and souls untouched by European influence. This resilience mirrored in the Presbyterian Church Resurrection’s own story. While we don’t have specific details about its construction, we know it’s part of a lineage of faith that refused to be extinguished. The arrival of Caribbean Christians in 1843, at the request of King Nana Addo Dankwa I of Akuapem, marked a turning point. They brought not just faith, but also skills in education, agriculture, and architecture, shaping the church’s future and impacting communities like the one around the Presbyterian Church Resurrection. The Presbyterian Church of Ghana weathered further storms, including the expulsion of German missionaries during World War I. The Church of Scotland stepped in, guiding the church towards self-governance and solidifying its Presbyterian identity. This resilience, this capacity to rebuild and adapt, is woven into the very fabric of the Presbyterian Church Resurrection. The church, now a global entity, reflects the enduring legacy of those early missionaries and the Caribbean Christians who helped build a church rooted in faith, education, and service. The Presbyterian Church Resurrection stands as a beacon of this legacy, a testament to the power of resurrection in the face of adversity.