Who was J.C Quaye? He was a prophet. We stand here before a place of worship named in his honor. It is a testament to his enduring legacy.
J.C Quaye’s story starts far from here. He was born Josiah Cofie Quaye in Winneba in 1915. His parents were Opanin Kwaku Okutan and Maame Akua Bortwiwa. Tragedy struck early. He lost his mother at seven. His father died when J.C Quaye was just twenty.
His uncle, Papa H. C. Sanneize, stepped in. He adopted young J.C Quaye. In 1924, he sent him to Lagos, Nigeria. There, J.C Quaye began his education.
In 1928, the family moved to Enugu in Eastern Nigeria. He continued his schooling there. By 1932, his uncle retired. Sanneize returned with J.C Quaye to the Gold Coast. J.C Quaye completed his education at the Methodist Senior School in Winneba in 1936.
For a time, J.C Quaye worked with Mr. J. K. Arkaah. Arkaah was an uncle of Ekow Nkensen Arkaah. Ekow Nkensen Arkaah would later become a vice president of Ghana.
A spiritual awakening transformed J.C Quaye’s life. On April 7, 1938, he converted to the Apostolic Faith. This happened at the First Century Gospel Church. That same day he received the baptism in the Holy Ghost.
In 1941, he became a deacon. Just a year later, he was ordained an elder. This was at the Winneba assembly. His path was set.
1943 was a pivotal year for J.C Quaye. He joined Pastor James McKeown’s evangelistic team. He worked alongside Pastor Sercombe. Sercombe was an Apostolic Church missionary. Their mission took them through Wassa Simpa, Tarkwa, and Dunkwa-On-Offin. It was during this journey that he was called into the full-time ministry at Wassa Simpa in September 1943.
Overseer Quaye’s first assignment began on September 23, 1943. He reported to Azane-Ahanta in the Western Region. From there, he established assemblies in Sekondi-Takoradi, Axim, and surrounding areas.
At a Pastors’ Council meeting in Agona Swedru in October 1948, a significant event occurred. Pastor Quaye was ordained the first Prophet of the Apostolic Church in the Gold Coast. In 1956, he was called to the office of apostle. He was then posted to Cape Coast as Regional Head.
J.C Quaye’s influence grew. In 1950, he became the leader of the Young People’s Movement. This movement covered the Central and Western Provinces. It became the evangelistic arm of the Church.
By 1951, he was a member of the first Executive Council. Other members included S. M. Hammond and Pastor James McKeown.
His ministry took him across the country. He served in Ahanta-Asane, Obuasi, Saltpond, and many other locations.
In October 1948, J.C Quaye married Miss Clara Anim. The wedding took place in Koforidua. Pastors James McKeown and J. A. C. Anaman officiated. Their marriage was blessed with six children.
Like any journey, J.C Quaye faced challenges. His daughter, Esther Quaye, noted inadequate finances and transportation. These made it difficult to reach remote areas.
Apostle J.C Quaye left an indelible mark. He established churches in un-evangelized areas. As the first full-time minister in the Western Region, he planted churches there. He helped develop the prophetic ministry of the Church. His leadership described him as patient and firm. He was an evangelist, counselor, and teacher.
After forty-one years of service, Prophet J. C. Quaye retired in August 1984. He settled in A-Lang, Accra. He passed away on January 5, 1986. He was seventy-one. This place of worship stands as a reminder of his devotion. It honors a life dedicated to faith.