Can you hear the echoes of faith resonating from Christ Family Congregation Presby? It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Presbyterianism in Ghana. This legacy began with the arrival of Basel Missionaries in 1828.
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana stands as the oldest continuing church in the country. It is a product of a quadruple heritage. These are the Basel Mission, African Christians from the Caribbean, the Scottish Mission and indigenous African Christians. The roots can be traced to the arrival of the Basel Mission at Osu Christiansborg. This pivotal event occurred on December 18 1828. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, a revival swept through Protestant Churches in Europe. Many sought a deeper understanding of God’s word. These individuals were known as Puritans in Great Britain. They were called Pietists on the European continent. Pietists and Puritans believed that God speaks directly to humans. They thought God calls them to a higher life. They felt that God intervenes in people’s lives. God helps and corrects them. They experienced God in Bible words. They felt God speaking to them through prayer. This conviction led them to establish fellowships. These fellowships encouraged intensive Bible study. People encouraged each other. They sought to feel God’s love. They wanted to know His forgiveness in their hearts.
Out of this movement, the Basel Mission was founded in 1815. The Basel Mission was an ecumenical mission from the beginning. It trained missionaries to serve existing Protestant missionary societies. Its first recruits served with the Dutch Missionary Society. They also served with the Church Missionary Society in England. By 1821, the founders decided to establish religious outposts. They wanted to bring their Pietist worldview to regions considered heathen. A mission to the Caucasus region of Southern Russia was started. It targeted Jews, Tartars and Armenians. After fifteen years, the Basel Mission was expelled from Russia. Another mission was started in Liberia in 1826. They failed to maintain a foothold.
Paul Jenkins noted the Basel Mission history in Ghana. He called it a history of stubborn determination and tragedy. Three times, entire groups of missionaries were wiped out by illness. Most died of malaria and yellow fever. West Africa was known as the Whiteman’s grave. The initial group of missionaries arrived at Christiansborg on December 18 1828. They came with Frederick Noi Dowuona. He was a young Osu prince. They responded to a request by the pupils of the Christiansborg school. Major Christian von Richelieu a former Governor of Christiansborg had passed it on. Sadly, the first four missionaries died within three years of arrival.
It was in 1843 that the mission started to yield results. Andreas Riis, Johann Georg Widmann and George Thompson arrived. They came with Caribbean families and bachelors. They numbered 25 in all. The recruitment of Caribbean Christians was at the request of King of Akuapem, Nana Addo Dankwa I. He wanted African Christians. The Caribbean Christians settled in Akropong. They established a mission station. The Lord blessed the renewed mission. Schools were started in Akropong and Osu. This marked the beginning of success. The impact of the Caribbean Christians spanned several areas. These included evangelism and spirituality. They also contributed to social action and vernacular development. They helped develop church leadership.
During World War I, Swiss and German missionaries were expelled from the Gold Coast in 1918. Britain was at war with Germany. The Basel Missionaries were deported. Their area of operation was a British colony. The Basel Mission was Swiss. It was theoretically neutral. However, many missionaries were German. The organization was perceived as German. The missionaries returned after the war. Their influence had waned.
Following their return, they partnered with the independent indigenous Church. This church had inherited their work. Scottish missionaries led by Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Wilkie took over supervision. The new Scottish caretakers were fewer. Rev. Dr. Wilkie organized the church to become self-governing.
Today the Christ Family Congregation Presby continues this story. It stands as a beacon. It reflects the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before. It embodies the spirit of resilience, faith, and community. This is a place where the past and present converge. It inspires future generations. They will carry the light of Christ. They will impact the world through the Gospel.