Here stands St. John Fisher Catholic Church a beacon of faith in Accra. This church has a rich history intertwined with the development of Catholicism in Ghana. Let’s dive into its story.
St. John Fisher Catholic Church history is closely linked to St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Both share a common history. The story begins with the arrival of Catholic priests at Achimota College and Secondary School.
In the early 1900s evangelization efforts faced challenges. The resident priests had to return to Elmina after the deaths of fellow missionaries. A committee cared for the church. Joseph Andoh, George Yankah, Ruhle, Henry Kwakume and Brown were members.
Catholicism experienced a revival in 1924. Achimota School records show that staff arrived in October 1924. Sir Gordon Guggisberg, a founding father of Achimota School wanted Christian education to be part of the school.
In January 1934 Father Andrew van der Bronk was posted to Achimota School. He taught Scripture and Doctrine. He celebrated Mass for students, staff and residents. The Music School of Achimota School served as the venue.
Father Bronk served from 1934 to 1938. Another Dutchman Father J. de Bronk replaced him. In 1938 the Society of African Missions handed over management of the Accra Area to the Society of the Divine Word. Father J. de Bronk left and Father Alphonse Elsbernd took over.
Father Harold Rigney an American succeeded Father Elsbernd. About 100 students and staff were Roman Catholics. Father Rigney lived at Derby Avenue. He commuted to work. In 1940 he received an official bungalow on campus. Father Rigney joined the US Armed Forces in 1941. He returned to the Gold Coast in 1942 as a chaplain.
Father Andrew van der Bronk returned to Achimota School. He continued as tutor and chaplain. Father Alphonse Elsbernd replaced him for six months. Sister Bertille S. Sp.S. took over religious instructions.
During World War II Achimota School became a strategic location for the Allied Forces. The Secondary School students moved to Aburi. The Allied Forces occupied the Western Compound. Father Hartfield ensured the Catholic Church benefited from these structures. The Girls Gymnasium became the new church premises. The sacristy was the guardhouse. The gymnasium was the church.
Father Hartfield initiated discussions to use a disused armory as a church for workers and residents. This new premises was named St. Thomas More Church. The first Mass dedicating the church was celebrated on June 22 1947. Father Maurice Lesage continued using the armory.
Father Maurice Lesage was a Biology teacher. People called him snake Father. In 1950 Father Dr. Koster joined Father Lesage. They served the church community in Achimota School and St. Thomas More Church. Father Huber replaced Father Lesage in 1955.
Father John O’Sullivan was the last SVD chaplain. In 1970 Father Joseph Addy a Diocesan Priest of the Accra Diocese arrived. He introduced French Masses.
Today St. John Fisher Catholic Church continues to serve its community. It stands as a testament to faith. It honors St. John Fisher. It embodies the spirit of Catholicism in Accra. The church has gone through care of St. Francis Xavier and pastoral care from Fr. Benjamin Ohene and Fr. George Obeng-Appah.