Considering a church that emerged from a prison setting? That’s exactly the story of Bethel Methodist Church. This church started as a small preaching post. It has grown into a significant place of worship in Maamobi.
Bethel Methodist Church began in the 1970s. It was initiated by some Prisons Wardens. These wardens were of the Methodist faith. Brother ASP F.K. Aggrey led them with their families. Some inmates also joined under the Adabraka Circuit. It started within the Senior Correctional Institute barracks. This institute was formerly known as Borstal Institution.
The nearest Methodist Churches were quite far. They included Abundant Grace Society at Nima. Also Rev. J.E.A Allotey-Pappoe Memorial Society at Accra New Town was a bit far. The officers found it hard to attend regularly. Proximity and transportation were problems.
The new society faced challenges. Frequent transfers of Prison Wardens were common. The barracks was a security zone. This deterred civilians from joining. Growth was slower than expected.
In 1980, a decision was made to relocate. The society moved to Maamobi to attract new members. Mr. J.K Mintah offered their meeting place. He was a member of the Order of Hope Society. The first meeting outside the barracks occurred on April 12, 1981. It was Palm Sunday.
ASP F.K Aggrey was a key figure. He was an accredited Local Preacher and Class Leader. He became the first caretaker steward. Sadly, he left before the end of 1981. Bro. Daniel K. Mills from Rev. J.E.A Allotey-Pappoe Memorial Society was nominated. He became a temporary caretaker.
Bro. Mills arranged leadership training. Cpl K.D Quaye and Sis. Comfort Essiam completed the course. They became Class leaders to support Bro. Mills. He was later made the first steward of Bethel Methodist Church. Sis. Dora Nettey also joined. She helped establish a Women’s Fellowship.
On September 20, 1982, a Singing Band was formed. Cpl K.D Quaye led it. The band practiced at his home. He led until his transfer in 1995.
On April 13, 1983, the society was ejected from their meeting place. Bro. E.K Ennim helped them secure classrooms. He was an Assistant Director of Education. They used two classrooms of Maamobi Primary School for worship.
In 1984, Bethel Methodist Church secured its present site. Madam Janet Ofosua sold it to them for C200,000.00. The society only had C100,000.00. Bro. Samuel Amponsah donated C86,000.00. The Adabraka Circuit gave C100,000.00 as well.
The first resident Minister was Rev. Charles Kwasi Konadu. He started in 1987. He served for ten years. Student ministers also pastored the society. Very Reverends Ampaw Asiedu and Georgina Mensah were among them.
Very Rev. Osei Akoannor became the substantive Minister in 2007. Since 2019, Very Rev. Samuel Lomo Okine has led Bethel Methodist Church.
Many people have been recognized. Brother Samuel Agyapong Nyinah and late Brother Anthony E. Ogoe were Local Preachers. Brother Godfred Francis Agyapong was ordained in June 2015. Brother Eric Twum Boateng became an Evangelist in June 2014. Brother Henry Darko has been the Sunday school Superintendent since the early ’80s. Late Sis. Dora Nettey stored church properties at her home.
Bethel Methodist Church has grown significantly. It continues to serve its community. It is a testament to faith and perseverance. It started from humble beginnings.