Whispers of faith echo through the ages. This is St Theresa Roman Catholic Church. Right here in Accra Ghana. We stand before a testament to enduring devotion.
St Theresa’s wasn’t always the majestic structure it is today. It began humbly in 1962. Father Al Turbek and Sister Francetta started a preparatory school. Two small classrooms formed the nucleus of what would become a thriving parish.
The story of St Theresa’s is one of grassroots growth. It started as an outstation of the Holy Family Parish in Mataheko. It was initially just occasional Sunday evening masses in open-ended classrooms. This was until a determined Mr Willie Laast rallied the community. He inspired them to build a “Mini Cathedral” surpassing even the Holy Family Chapel. He played a vital role. He convinced others to donate materials and labor.
Early parishioners such as Mr and Mrs A B Dadson donated the altar and kneelers. Mrs Frances Sallah contributed fifty chairs and a table. Mr Laast himself donated statues. He also gave vestments chalices and an organ from his home. These acts of generosity shaped the church’s early history. They reveal the dedication of its founders.
Father John Harpel became the first full-time priest in 1972. He resided at Sacred Heart Parish until the church built its own rectory in 1974. This shows how the community’s faith grew. Their dedication led to significant investment in the church’s infrastructure.
In 1974 St Theresa’s officially became an autonomous parish. A special Mass declared its independence. A statue of St Theresa was erected to commemorate this milestone. The church’s growing congregation needed more space. Construction on a new chapel began in 1979. This new larger building finally opened in 1994. It was dedicated as a “Mini-Basilica”.
The “Mini-Basilica” title came from an interesting encounter. Archbishop Guiseppe Ferraioli the first Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Ghana visited. The welcoming parishioners referred to it as a “Mini Cathedral”. The name stuck.
Through the years the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit played a major role. They taught at the school helped decorate the church and taught catechism. Their dedication was instrumental in the community’s spiritual growth. They nurtured generations of believers.
St Theresa Roman Catholic Church stands as a beacon of faith. Its journey reflects the strength of the community. Its history echoes with the prayers and sacrifices of its founders. It stands as a vibrant center of worship in the heart of Accra.