Perhaps it’s time we talked about a church born from a community’s dream. That’s the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Sakumono. It began with Catholics wanting a place to worship closer to their new homes.
Back in 1989, new houses were built by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust. Many Catholics moved in. They still went to their old churches. But they knew a church was needed in Sakumono.
So, these pioneers spoke to Bishop Dominic Kwodwo Andoh. He agreed. A new Catholic community started. It was looked after by the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. This was in Tema Community Two.
On February 10, 1991, history was made. Father Patrick Twi led the first Holy Mass. It was in the open at the SNNIT Estate Manager’s office. People remember Father Twi fondly.
Later, Father James Duncan, an Irish priest, took over Sunday Masses. He had served in the Irish Army. The church grew quickly. The open yard was soon too small.
A couple stepped in to help. Mr. and Mrs. Comla-Otabil offered their home for Sunday Mass. But soon, their house was also too crowded.
Next, the church used the Bethel Nursery School. It had a large pavilion. The congregation decided to build their own church.
Finding land was tough. The Tema Development Corporation offered land. But there was a catch. The Corpus Christi Catholic Church had to share with three other churches. These were Presbyterian, Anglican, and Methodist.
The pastoral council thought the land was too small. The TDC suggested a draw. Two churches would share the land. The Catholic and Presbyterian churches won the draw. That is why they stand side by side today.
Lawrence Ayagiba, a young architect from the church, designed the building. The Corpus Christi Catholic Church became an architectural marvel. It was dedicated on October 8, 2005. Archbishop Charles Palmer Buckle officiated.
The Corpus Christi Church became a parish in 2005. Very Rev Fr Frederick Agyemang was the first Parish Priest. Rev Fr Richard Aziati assisted him. Later, Rev Fr Francis Destiny Amenuvor took over from Aziati.
Father Agyemang went to the USA for studies in 2010. Rev Fr Joseph Henry Mensah replaced him on November 1, 2010.
From just 14 worshipers, the church grew to over 3,000. Besides the main church, there is a three-story building. It houses a hall, conference room, and rectory. There is also an adoration chapel and offices.
The Corpus Christi Church is unique. Its members include ministers, MPs, and diplomats. There are also business people and regular citizens.
The church has an outstation. It is the Saint Bakhita Catholic Church. It is located in Community 18 and is growing fast.
The Corpus Christi Church has done much. It started the Holy Child Basic School. It also founded the Corpus Christi Catholic Crèche, Junior, and Senior High Schools. These schools are highly rated in Tema.
A three-story complex was built. It includes a Rectory, meeting rooms, and offices.
Church records honor the 14 who started it all. These individuals formed the parish’s core. It began on a warm morning 20 years ago.
Significant projects mark its history. The Holy Child Basic School stands as a beacon. The Corpus Christi Catholic Crèche is thriving. Junior and Senior High Schools excel.
From humble beginnings, the Corpus Christi Church has blossomed. It remains a vital part of the Sakumono community. It is a testament to faith, community, and architectural beauty.