St. James (Ang.) Church Obi-Orodo marks 30th anniversary

Pioneer members of St. James (Ang) Church, Odunmara, Obi-Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State have been showered with praises for their perseverance and faith amid persecution they faced while founding the church.

In his address at the 30th anniversary of the church, recently, the secretary of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr. Morgan Ohiri, paid glowing tribute to these founding fathers who planted the seed 30 years ago, which is yielding dividend upon which the gospel has become deep-rooted in Odunmara.

He particularly noted the contributions of the late Chief Festus Ohiri father of Eze Samuel Ohiri, in the building of the church.

Others were Mr Emeka Eze, Dr (Mrs) Victoria Metu, Dr. I.C. Ohiri, Barr. J.C. Uwandu, group leaders, as well as the present priest, Rev. Joseph Igbo, who, he said, had helped the church go grow.

In his remarks at the occasion, the traditional ruler, Eze Sam Ohiri, disclosed that his late father who designed the new church building and died after the foundation was laid, charged the family to carry on with his legacies, especially as it concerned the church.

He noted, with glee, the spirit of ecumenism which prevails in the community and advised people who shy away from God's work to rethink as there is blessing in giving to God part of what He gave to us.

The royal father was happy with the success of the occasion and urged youths to sustain the tempo of church activities in the community.

In his sermon at the service conducted by Rev. Can Mick Ndukwe to mark the anniversary, the Archdeacon of Orodo, Ven. S.U. N. Duruji, commended the designers of the new church building for their vision in using an oval architectural design that would stand the taste of time.

While urging Christians to trust in God, he called for constant prayers and encouraged youths to show gratitude to God by financing the church, describing the occasion as a celebration of God's goodness and the beginning of a new generation.

Certificates of recognition were issued to families of forebears and those who identified with the church among those honoured were Sir Enoch Chukwure, Sir Engr. Adol Oparaure and Rev. Nneji Anukam, in addition to the late Elder Patrick Uwandu Nwanyanwu, late Chief Festus Ohiri, late Barr. I.A. Onyeama, and others.

The first lesson, taken from Exodus 36:1-7, was read by Eze Ohiri, while Mrs. Oluchi Uwandu took the second lesson from Phil. 1:3-11 as the St. James Odunmara Choir sang at the occasion which also featured fund-raising.