ST. CYPRIAN'S IN A CENTURY: WRITTEN BY VEN. R. T. ETIRE

DEDICATION This book is dedicated in the name of God Almighty to all faithful of St. Cyprians’ Church, Port Harcourt. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT All thanks, praise and adoration be ascribed unto His Majesty, the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords, for His enduring grace and faithfulness to the Church of Saint Cyprian[s Port Harcourt for these hundred years. We also appreciate our good God for the enablement to author this book. The Centenary year Parish Church Councilors, led by the Centenary Vicar- Ven. Amavey Christian Abbey-Kalio are worthy

 CHAPTER ONE THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH The idea of planting a church in Port Harcourt was the vision/brain child of Bishop James Johnson a.k.a Holy Johnson. 1 Two years after the cession of Port Harcourt (1913) to the British authorities which did not just prepare the people in Port Harcourt for both western political and economic models but also the opening of the road or setting the stage (as it were) for missionary activities, 2 it was obvious to have the Anglican presence to enable the inhabitants worship God within instead of travelling all the way to Okrika every Sunday for the same spiritual activity. The then Bishop of Niger Delta Pastorate (NDP), Rt. Revd. James Johnson at his episcopal tour to Okrika District in late 1915 challenged and charged the delegates in the District Church Council (DCC) at St. Peters (Ang) Church, Okrika to carry out an outreach to Port Harcourt. 3 The tour to major pastorate stations at that time was to deliver revival lectures or teachings to correct the attendant effect of the heresies being spread by the “prophetic movement” of Garrick Braide. In the words of Obuoforibo, “When he saw that Okrika was not so much affected by the heretical and schismatic movement, he was confident that she (Okrika) stood on better grounds to launch out an evangelistic offensive with the specific objective of installing an Anglican presence in the city of Port Harcourt, which he saw to be highly associated with Okrika as her Paramount Chief Daniel Oju Kalio was a principal signatory of the 1913 Port Harcourt Agreement 4. As a follow up to the Bishop’s positive instigation, the then Okrika District Superintendent Cum Vicar of St. Peter’s Church, Okrika Revd. J. Max A Cole preached a motivational sermon from Matthew 28:18-20 on Sunday, 11th April, 1916, 5 which further spurred the Okrikans to action. Chief Daniel Oju Kalio, the paramount ruler of Okrika who was one of the signatories of the treaty for the occupation of Port Harcourt to the British authorities was present at that service. A few weeks later, the chief was desirous to obey the Great Commission. Chief Daniel Oju Kalio had earlier had a good romance with the gospel and enjoyed the Christian faith as a school boy at Saint Stephen’s Mission School (now Boyle’s Memorial School), Bonny and Ogugumanga High School, Bonny. His contemporary at the erstwhile Ogugumanga College, Bonny was Revd. David Kopra Pepple, the first indigenous Delta Pastor 6. Thus, the stage was fully set. On Wednesday, 5th May, 1916 the chief led a delegation with this burden to the Pastor, Rev’d. J.M.A Cole to intimate him of their leading to carry out the missionary work in Port Harcourt, and to seek his blessing. This, the pastor unreservedly granted with thanksgiving to God and prayers for them 7. On Sunday 9th May, 1916, the Vicar summoned the congregation of St. Peter’s Church, Okrika after mattins and informed them of the development which was well taken with good wishes by all. 8 They then despatched the evangelistic band of the Okrika District under the leadership of the Paramount Chief Daniel Oju Kalio himself. 9 Others in the team were Chief Fred Jamabo, Chief David Abam, Chief Stephen Ogan and Chief Ikiriko Daka 10. This team stormed Port Harcourt on Saturday, 15th May, 1916 for house to house evangelism. The following day, being Sunday, 16th May 1916 the few converts with the chiefs assembled themselves at the present site of St. Mary’s (Catholic) church, Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt and had their inaugural service. Thus, the church was established on Sunday, the sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand, Nine hundred and Sixteen 11 to the glory of God Almighty. A total of 13 persons were at the inaugural service (Preacher’s Book). Close to ten (10) months the new born church was being nursed by these noble men who were described by the District Superintendent Rev. J.M.A Cole as “faithful, zealous and committed evangelists” 12. It is worthy of note that the mother church did not abandon the baby church as she was being encouraged by the Okrika District and spiritually overseen or supervised by the District Superintendent. In the first quarter of the year 1917, the Okrika District Church Council (DCC) engaged Mr. W. W. Peters, a graduate of the CMS College (Later St. Andrew’s College), Oyo, as the pioneer church teacher (Agent) and posted him to the young but fast growing church. Mr. Peters was a classmate of E.T.D. Jumbo (Later Bishop Dimieari) at the C.M.S College, Oyo. The first baptism took place on Sunday 6th May, 1917 13. The followings were baptised. 1. Ruth Ajioyi 2. Joshua Obayomi 3. Emmanuel Oke 4. Elizabeth Tokunbo In February 1918, Mr. Johnbull Ikiriko Daka (Father of Archdeacon Alasomuka) the Agent at St. James’ Church, Ogoloma in Okrika District was eventually transfered as a head teacher to St. Cyprian’s School, Port Harcourt. Johnbull Daka was also a graduate of the erstwhile Ogugumanga College, Bonny 14. In the same year (1918) the church formally received her church and school teachers (i.e; Peters and Daka) with the District Superintendent as chairman of occasion 15. After his reception, Mr. W. W. Peters moved the faithful to erect a wattle church building which was completed the same year. Other achievements of Mr. Peters were the dedication of the building and the Christening of the church. On the eve of the dedication Mr. Peters was heard to have said, “I am the Zerubbabel of my time”, quoting Zechariah saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you” (Zech. 4:9) At the dedication of the church, it was christened SAINT CYPRIAN’S (ANG) CHURCH, PORT HARCOURT, in memory of Bishop Thascius Cyprian of Carthage (200 – 258) by the Venerable Archdeacon D. C. Crowther – the then Archdeacon of Niger Delta Archdeaconry in Niger Delta Pastorate (NDP) 16. WHO IS CYPRIAN, BISHOP OF CARTHAGE Cyprian, a Carthaginian was born about AD 200, in the North Africa Town of Carthage. He was born into an affluent pagan family that might have persecuted the early Christians. Like some of his admired contemporaries, e.g Tertullian and Augustine, he was well educated, and became a lawyer, a successful orator, who swayed in rhetoric and legal semantics. He was famous for his learning and eloquence. He was a man of high position. It was no astonishment that he too like his parents and contemporaries became wealthy. Though he had training in Greek and Roman Classics, he was not a Theologian, and must have spent early part of his wealth and life in persecuting Christians. HIS CONVERSION Un-natural events occurred at the time of Cyprian. As the wealthy men persecuted the Christians, Christianity in North Africa Region existed mainly among the Roman segment of Carthage, involving mostly elites. Cyprian, already an affluent and influential young lawyer got converted into Christianity in the year AD 246, as he came in contact with a Church Elder. After his baptism, Cyprian wrote describing his experiences as follows “A second Birth created me a new man by means of the spirit breathed from heaven” 17. His new found occupation, which he cherished, was pursued with the greatest zeal and enthusiasm that any Christian of that time needed to embrace. He immediately surrendered himself totally to the service of God. He became decentric, gaunt and subsequently gave up his enormous wealth which were sold and the money given to the poor. Touched by that generosity, his friends bought back the wealth and restored them back to him. Having abandoned his previous lucrative occupations, and social position, he gave himself to a life of celibacy, poverty and studying of the Bible. Cyprian refused to read any secular literature, and devoted himself entirely to the Bible. It was very understandable that he had rapid Christian growth through the ranks and within two years of becoming a convert, he was acclaimed a Bishop of Carthage by the Christian Fellowship there and the Assembly of Bishops consequently consecrated and enthroned him. So by the call and grace of God, Cyprian, the Pagan Lawyer became the Bishop of that important Christian Community, CARTHAGE. OBSTACLES TO THE OFFICE Contrary to expectation, the Bishopric of Cyprian did not have courteous and smooth tenure for the period of ten years. The tenure was fraught with stiff oppositions and Church politics. OPPOSITION One Novatus, who also was expecting to be installed a Bishop had presented himself as a self imposed Antagonist to the New Bishop. Novatus developed envy in that he felt he had been superceded by Cyprian’s installation. He opposed Bishop Cyprian on the issues of Church policies that arose in the North African Church. These were “The Lapsed”, that is; those who denied the Christian faith under persecution, and “Confessors” – those who kept the faith inspite of the persecutions. Novatus joined issues with one Novatian who was opposing the Roman Bishop, Cornelius who supported the policies of Cyprian. PERSECUTIONS Bishop Cyprian was born in AD 200 a time when the Christian Community in the Roman Empire and Carthage were being persecuted. A year after attaining his new office, there was an outbreak of persecution against Christians. Emperor Devious had issued an edict requiring all his subjects to obtain a certificate (Libellus) to prove that they had sacrificed to gods. Those who did not do that were arrested and put to death. Bishop Cyprian realizing the threat, heeded the words of Jesus and left the city to go into hiding in the country side. From there, he was writing and issuing pastoral letters and encyclica, directing the affairs of the Church, admonishing, counseling, giving answers to questions or giving out policies on outstanding matters. ANSWER TO CRITICISM Bishop Cyprian gave the defence of his retirement from Carthage in an epistle he wrote to the brethren which said “for the commandment of the Lord who directs, as soon as the first onset of disturbances arose, and the populaces with violent clamour demand me, I, not regarding so much my own safety as the general quest of the brethren, withdrew for a while, lest my obstinnate presence, the sedition which had begun should be further provoked......” 18. In further defence of his temporary withdrawal, he said “that he believed that his matrydom would leave the Church weaker and leaderless” 19. He concluded that “it was more conrageous for him to serve the Church from hiding than to serve it openly in the city” 20. The Church as a whole realized this. CYPRIAN’S POLICIES When the persecution decreased, many (lapsed) repented and applied to be received again into full membership in the Church. Cyprian refused this, giving stringent conditions, which caused storm in the Church. Many Christians had felt that those who sacrificed to gods under torture should have been received or re-admitted. The joint cement policies of NOVATUS and NOVATIAN and the pending persecution forced Cyprian to soften his hard policy 21. BAPTISM Here was another area where Bishop Cyprian had problems. He had insisted that people baptized by the Novatian ministers should be given other baptism, before being admitted into the Church. This time, Rome buttressed what Novatians did as a mere schism and not an outright denial of the Apostolic faith. So its Baptism remained valid. PERSECUTION BY VALERIAN In 254 AD, Emperor Valerian (254 – 259) came to power in Rome and enacted two edicts in an attempt to destroy the Church. One of the edicts ordered all subjects to worship the Roman gods and also forbade Christians from holding meetings or to have access to their cemeteries. The second edict issued a year later condemned all Clergy men to death. On this occassion Bishop Cyprian refused to hide away. He was arrested and put on trial before the proconsul 22. In answer to his charges, Bishop Cyprian replied “I am a Christian and a Bishop. I know no other gods besides the One and True God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all things therein; this God, we Christians serve, to Him we pray day and night for ourselves, for all miankind, for the health of the emperors themselves. He was found guilty and sent on exile to the city of Curubis. On 25th September, 258, the Bishop was brought from the city of Curubis for retrial by Galerious Maximus. He was sent back to detention and on 26th September, 258, failing to comply with the provisions of the edict, was sentenced to death by the sword and he was so executed on that same day, 26th September, 258 with the following words: “you have long lived on irreligious life, and have drawn together a number of men bound by an unlawful association and professed yourself an open enemy to the gods and the religion of Rome, and the Pious, most sacred August emperors Valerian and Gallienus, and the most noble Ceacar Valerian have endeavoured in vain to bring you back to conformity with their religious observances, whereas, therefore you have been apprehended as principal and ring leader in these infamous crimes, you shall be made example to those whom you have wickedly associated with. The authority of law shall be ratified in your blood” After this sentence, the crowd of brethren cried: “Let us also be beheaded with him”. Hence arose an uproar among the brethren, and a great crowd accompanied him, so Cyprian was led forth on to the Land of Sextus, and there he twisted himself of his mantle and kneeled upon the ground, and bowed in prayer to the Lord. And when he had divested himself of his dalmatic and handed it to the deacons, he stood and clad in his linen garment and prepared to await the executor. When the executor arrived, Cyprian charged his friends that they should give the executor twenty-five golden pieces. Napkins and handkerchiefs were stream before him by the brethren. Thereafter, blessed Cyprian bound his eyes with his own hands but as he could not fasten the ends of the handkerchief for himself, the Presbyter Julian the sub-deacon fastened them for him. So the blessed Cyprian suffered at the age of 58 and his body was laid out hard by to contain the curiosity of the heathen. There it was removed by night and accompanied by taphs and torches was conducted with prayers in great triumph to the burial ground of Marcrobius Candidianus, the Procurator, which lies on the Mappalian way near the fish ponds. A few days later, Galerius Maxumus the proconsul died. THE ROLE OF BISHOP CYPRIAN IN THE CHURCH 1. Bishop Cyprian like his contemporaries Tertullian who died in 220 AD and Augustine who died in 430 AD brought prominence not only to the Church of Carthage, but also the Church of Rome. 2. By dispossessing his enormous wealth for the benefit of the poor he gave practical example of the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3. His inspiring method of solving the critical issue of “LAPSED” and “CONFESSORS” showed he was spirit-filled as he said in a letter to the brethren from his hiding “I express sympathy with and grief over the “Lapse”. We must not be hasty, nor do any thing incautiously or hurriedly lest the rash seizure of recommuliation provoke the Divine displeasure the more heavily. THE TEACHINGS OF BISHOP CYPRIAN: THE UNITY OF THE

CHURCH His teachings on the unity of the Church shall be everlasting. He said it was easy to speak to faithful minds because in that case the truth may be quickly stated. He quoted Jesus’ statement to Apostle Peter in Matt. 16:18 and continued – yet in order to manifest unity. He (Jesus) has by his own authority so placed the source of the same unity as to begin from one. He taught that other Apostles were what Peter was, endued with an equal fellowship both of honour and power, but commencement is made from unity that the Church may be set before us as one (see Cant. 6.8). He taught from Songs of Solomon “that he who holds not that unity of the Church, does not hold the faith”. He referred to Paul’s teaching in Eph. 4:3-4. This Unity, Bishop Cyprian said we should hold and maintain in the Church, especially by Bishops presiding in the Church, in order that they may approve the episcopate itself to be one and undivided. He taught that the episcopate is one, it is a whole in which each Bishop enjoys full possession. The Church, like-wise is one, though she be spread abroad and multiplies with the increase of her progeny, even as the sun has rays many. The spouse of Christ, the Church cannot become an adulteress. She is undefiled and chaste, owning but one Home. EPISCOPAL AUTHORITY Bishop Cyprian also made great impact on Episcopal Authority by his teachings. At the 7th Council Meeting of Carthage on 1st September, 256, he addressed the council as follows: “It remains that we’re severally declaring our opinion on this same subject, judging no one, not depriving any one of the right of communion, if he deffers from us. For no one of us sets himself up as a Bishop of Bishops, or by tyrannical terror forces his colleagues to a necessary of obeying; in as much as every Bishop in the free use of his liberty and power, his right of forming his own judgement, and can no more be judged by another than he can himself judge another. But we must all await the judgement of our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone has power both of our acts therein”. In these ways Cyprian greatly strengthened the power of the Bishops and indirectly the power and influence of Rome. THE WORLDLINESS OF CHRISTIANS Bishop Cyprian taught his followers that individual Christians were applying themselves to the increase of wealth; and forgetting both what was the conduct of believers under the Apostles and what ought to be their conduct in every age, they with instable eagerness for gain, devoted themselves to the multiplying of possessions. He accused the Bishops of wanting in religion devotedness, the ministers in entireness of faith. He said there was no mercy in works; no discipline in manners. In his great teachings, Bishop Cyprian attacked the

mode of dressing by Christian men and women. He said the men wore disfigured beards while the beauty of women was counterfeit. He observed that the eyes of women were changed from what God made them and a lying (deceiving) colour was passed upon their hairs. He said that caused the hearts of simple persons to be misled by treacherous artifices and caused brethren to be entangled in seductive snares. He said ties of marriage were formed with unbelievers, members of Christ prostituting with heathen. The Bishop also attacked the unbridled talks of Christians who spoke out rash swearing and poisoned languages. He said that persons in high places were swothen with continuousness, poisoned reproaches fell from their mouths and men were sundered by the unabating quarrel. Bishop Cyprian out spoke against many Bishops, who ought to be an encouragement and example to others, despising their sacred ministry, engaged themselves in secular vocations, relinquished their chair, deserted their people, strayed among foreign provinces, hunted the markets for merchantile profits, tried to amass large sums of money, while they had brethren starving in the Church, and posit that “those who have God as Father must have the Church as mother” 23. Bishop Cyprian also accused his colleagues for taking possession of estates by fraudulent proceedings and multiplied their gains by accumulated usuries. To God be the glory. Now back to the history of the church. When Mr. W. W. Peters decided to ascend his ancestrial stool in 1919 and became Chief Inyenengi Daka, the school head teacher, Mr. Johnbull Daka was formally deployed to take over from Peters as the church Agent. Under Johnbull Daka, the church decided to move from (now Lagos bus stop) to the present site. The reason for this relocation was because of space. They felt that the first site (present St. Mary’s (Catholic) Church Compound) was inadequate to accomodate all the structures the church intended to build 24 and in 1921, the church acquired a very large expanse of land covering the present Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre, the present University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)
         Administrative Block (between Freetown and Accra Streets), including where Dame Naomi B. Whyte’s lock – up shops and hotels are situated. Theses areas not presently occupied by the church were lost to the Rivers State Government. On this new site the church in 1921 erected a temporary structure for worship. It was an improved one from the wattle building at the former site. The St. Cyprian’s School and the Archdeacon D. C. Crowther house were also built on this new site. The Archdeacon Crowther’s house had long given way for the Ven. Obadiah Datubo C. Brown house. It is a storey building. This is where the present St. Cyprian’s Nursery and Primary School occupies. The building also have office spaces for professionals and artisans for rent. ODC BROWN HOUSE PHOTOGRAPH The project which took the church nearly two years to complete was eventually completed in 1922. The church moved in after its dedication. The dedication of this second temporary edifice was performed by Archdeacon D. C. Crowther on Sunday, 13th July, 1922, he was assisted by the Revd. J. M. A Cole, the Okrika District Superintendent 25. This was also an achievement that attended Mr. Johnbull Daka’s administration. The following persons were baptised on 29th May, 1921 by Rev. J. Max A. Cole, in St. Peter’s Church, Okrika 26. 1. Vashti A. Tamunoibuyemiari 2. Bernice I. Yellow 3. Rhoda Aminayanaka Kiri 4. Tariah Anwengiabuo Inyongo 5. Hannah Abarasimulogu Anaka 6. Salomey Nnenna Ogan 7. Felicia Animiyeofori 8. Rebecca Ibina H. 9. Sarah Ada Amboba 10. Lydia Ibifuro Olungwe 11. Tamar Irene Dikibo 12. Florence Iniabere Dibi Mr. Johnbull Daka’s tenure ended in 1927 at the eve of Saint Cyprian’s change of status. He was succeeded by Rev. Sam S. Williams. Revd. Williams served the church from 1928 – February 1936. In March 1936, the Rev’d Sam S. Williams proceeded on transfer to Aba and was suceeded by the Rev’d. H. H. W. Macculay who stayed for seven (7) months (April – October 1936). On 18th October, 1936 the Rev’d M. D. Showers was inducted substantive Vicar of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt by the Rt. Rev’d. A. M Gelsthorpe. The first two Priests were not inducted because the Bishop did not visit the church until 18th October, 1936. The Rev’d Showers left Okrika as District Superintendent on transfer to St. Cyprian’s (Ang) Church, Port Harcourt. The Rev’d Moses D. Showers left St. Cyprian’s Church Port Harcourt for St. Michael’s Church, Aba in 1943 and was succeeded by the Rev’d S. I. Afiesimama. Under Rev. Afiesimama the idea of having a pipe organ for use in the church was hatched. This was a brilliant idea which was achieved shortly before his exit in 1945. When Rev’d S. I. Afiesimama left and the Rev’d A. O. Akandu was to take over from him, parishioners reacted, feeling that no one else at that time could conveniently and suitably step into the toes of Rev. Afiesimama. He, Rev’d Akandu, however served the church for three years and was succeeded by a Venerable Archdeacon, Ven. A. A. D. Spiff from 1949 – 1954. Under Ven. Spiff the church made another feat. They decided to have a second double manual pipe organ. Members of a group called the Busy Bee Committee intensified their efforts and by Monday 29th August, 1954, the new pipe organ was procured at the cost of £3,000. This new pipe organ was dedicated on Sunday 4th September, 1954 by the Diocesan himself Rt. Rev. Ebenezer T. Dimieari. He was assisted by the Rev’d. D. B. Hall, Rev’d. Rogers Nathaniel Bara Hart (Vicar) and other clergymen. The cost of the organ became an issue: that St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt could procure such a costly organ yet could not have a befitting parsonage attracted much criticisms. Thus, the Rev’d Obediah D. C. Brown while seconding a Synod motion in April 1955 at the St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt queried why St. Cyprian’s Church could spend so much to purchase an organ but failed to have a worthy parsonage for her pastors. Rev’d Brown’s remarks posed a lot of challenges to the St. Cyprian’s faithful. Thus, it was not long when under the new and energetic pastor, the Rev’d Haruna A. I. Afonya, the present Vicarage (one storey building, now housing the centenary Vicar) was completed and dedicated by the Diocesan, Bishop Dimieari in 1958. Photo of (Plate 2-front view of the 1958 Vicarage) (Plate 3 – Side view of the 1958 Vicarage) Under Rev’d Haruna Alafuro I. Afonya, the Anglican Youth Fellowship was founded. That was in 1956 27. The founding of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt is the cradle of the body in Niger Delta and Aba Provinces. In January, 1962, the Rev’d Titus T. Green returned from England and was posted to St. Cyprian’s Church to take over from Rt. Rev. H. A. I. Afonya who was just consecrated Assistant Bishop and sent to Aba. In the same 1962 under Rev. T. T. Green, a brass Angelic Lectern was donated by a group called Ways and Means Committee. The project cost them the sum of eight hundred pounds (£800). It was also dedicated by the Rt. Rev. E. T. Dimieari. In 1964 the Rev’d G. A. Ake succeeded Rev. T. T. Green. He served the church from January 1964 up to October, 1966 and the Rev. N. A. Alasomuka took over from him in November, 1966 – May, 1967, thus, became the last Vicar of St. Cyprian’s Church before the Nigerian Civil war. END NOTE ON CHAPTER ONE 1. Obuoforibo B. A. - The Church in Okrika (2005) p. 45 2. Obuoforibo B. A - Ibid 3. Obuoforibo B. A - Ibid 4. Obuoforibo B. A - Ibid 5. St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Okrika - Preacher’s Book (1912 – 1917) 6. Obuoforibo B. A (ed) - Jubilee of the Niger Delta Diocese. The Odyssey of a Diocese (1952 – 2002) P. 65 7. St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Okrika Logbook (1878 – 1943) 8. St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Okrika – Logbook (1878 – 1943) 9. Obuoforibo, B. A - Op.Cit (p. i) 10. Obuoforibo, B.A. - Ibid. (p. v) 11. St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Okrika – Logbook (1878 – 1943) 12. St. Peter’s Ang. Church, Okrika - Ibid 13. St. Peter’s Ang. Church, Okrika - Baptismal Registrar (1878 – 1983) 14. Obuoforibo, B. A. (ed) - Op. Cit. (P.66) 15. Etire R. T. (ed) – The history of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt 2003 (P.23) 16. Etire R. T. (ed) - Ibid (p. 2) 17. Epelle M. T. - The Church in the Niger Delta 1954 (p. 76) CHAPTER TWO THE PARISH STATUS From cradle of the church of St. Cyprian, Port Harcourt the Okrika District did provide her administrative supervision, and spiritual oversight and nurture. Twelve years later the church was viable enough to stand on her own 1. She had the capacity, capability and ability to fend for herself. She was spiritually, financially, numerically and mentally fit to govern/administer, propagate and finance herself. She could then fall into the Henry Venn’s 3-selfs theory “Self Supporting, Self-Propagating and Self-Governing” 2. She could run her affairs. Hence one can boldly say that she earned her autonomy. In 1928, St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt meritoriously attained freedom from the Okrika District which was satisfied with her performance. The latter willingly and joyously relinguished her to the Niger Delta Archdeaconry in the Niger Delta Pastorate to be inaugurated as an autonomous District on Sunday 10th November, 1928 3 with Rev. Williams as inaugural District Supt. Pastor 4. The Rev’d Sam S. Williams took over the administration of the people and property of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt from Mr. Johnbull Daka. By 1929, the people saw the need to have an edifice that would befit their new status because their level has changed. Preparation commenced with block molding and other building materials. The foundation stone was laid on the 4th day of April, 1930 by the Rt. Rev’d. A. W. Howells (Snr) 5. This was the first permanent church building. It was completed in 1933. PHOTOGRAPH OF THE FIRST PERMANENT CHURCH BUILDING WHICH FOUNDATION WAS LAID ON 4TH APRIL, 1930 AND DEDICATED IN 1934 The finishing touches and the interiors were done in 1934 and was dedicated on Saturday 24th day of March, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty Four by the then Diocesan, Rt. Rev’d. Bertram Lasbrey 6. He was assisted by two Assistant Bishops on the Niger – The Rt. Rev’ds A. M. Gelsthorpe and T. C. John 7. The Preacher was Archdeacon D. C. Crowther. He preached from Job 36:26, “Behold, God is highly lifted up beyond what we can comprehend, His years are without end” 8. The hands of Rev’d Sam S. Williams started and completed the building, like Zerubbabel (see Zech. 4:9), Mr. W.W. Peters (The wattle building of 1918); and Mr. Johnbul Daka (the 2nd temporary structure of 1921 / 1922). After the dedication of the church in 1934, she was qualified to host Archdeaconry Board Meeting. At the first meeting of the Niger Delta Archdeaconry on Saturday, 9th June, 1934 the Venerable Archdeacon D. C. Crowther announced the transfer of the Niger Delta Archdeaconry (now Bonny) Headquarters from Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Bonny to St. Cyprian’s (Ang) Church, Port Harcourt for the following reasons. 1. The first was purely for administrative convenience. The Port Harcourt mainland was more central and could serve as a better geographical rallying point for both the Delta and mainland churches which Bonny was not. 2. There was also the fear of crossing the Bonny bar by none riverrine people, especially the Sierra Leoneans, the Yorubas, the Ibos etc who were great financiers of the church and other supportive roles. These felt that the journey to Bonny for board meetings, etc were too burdensome and frightening (water phobia), and thus influenced the transfer. Because of the above reasons, the Board ratified the proposal for the transfer and consequently the Archdeacon moved his residence to Saint Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. The central offices for both church (Diocese) and School were also relocated to Saint Cyprian’s Church Compound, Port Harcourt. This is the first building by the right hand side as you enter St. Cyprian’s Church Compound. PHOTOGRAPH OF THE FIRST CENTRAL OFFICE UP TO 2006 This building is also accomodating the present Parish General Office, Parish Treasurer’s Office, Parish Secretary’s Office, the Committee Room and the Bonny Archdeaconry Office. The Bonny Archdeaconry Office was relocated from the Gelsthorpe Street, Off Ibadan Street, Port Harcourt. At the Gelsthorpe Street, Bonny Archdeaconry shared a common boundary with St. John’s (Ang) Church, Bishop Johnson Street, New Layout, Port Harcourt. The Archdeaconry office was moved to St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt in September, 2005, at the eve of Ven. Oyet’s exit. The Ven. Rufus T. Etire was the last Synod Secretary to use the Synod Office in St. Cyprian’s Church Compound, while Mr. Young A. Sunny Joe was the last Financial Secretary to use the Central Office in St. Cyprian’s Church Compound. The Central and Synod Offices were moved to the Diocesan Secretariate at 4, Harley Street, Port Harcourt on Monday 10th March, 2006. The General Schools Manager was also resident in the church compound. This is where the present Diocesan Financial Secretary Sir Chief Benjamin A. Pepple and some Diocesan clerks are being quartered. PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DIOCESAN FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S RESIDENCE (Former General Schools Manager’s Residence). It is worthy of note that by dint of her new status as an Archdeaconry headquarters, St. Cyprian’s was also the head church of St. Cyprian’s District before the Nigerian civil war. The St. Cyprian’s District was comprised of St. Peter’s Church, 50B hospital Road, Port Harcourt, St. Andrew’s Church, Mile One, Diobu, Port Harcourt and St. John’s (Ang) Church, Bishop Johnson Street, New Layout, Port Harcourt, until their attainment of autonomous Parish Statii as follows; 1. St. Peter’s Church, Port Harcourt – 10th June, 1960. According to Obuoforibo, in 1960, St. Peter’s attained District status” 9. That was the first time she attained the autonomy. “A new era dawned in St. Peter’s, Port Harcourt after the Nigerian civil war. The Igbo brethren were no longer around to control the church. The church also lost her ecclesiastical status and was once more placed under the management of St. Cyprian’s District, Port Harcourt 10. She then regained her autonomy and started to enjoy her freedom in 1971 11. 2. St. Andrew’s Church, Diobu, Port Harcourt – 1982 12, under Rev. R. N. G. Otuene. 3. St. John’s Church, Bishop Johnson Street, Port Harcourt – 1964 under the vicarship of Rev. C. O. Igwe 13. Other stations were the Elechi, Diobu and Rumueme 14 which attained their autonomy at different times. The church of St. Cyprian after her ecclesiastical freedom had been a common venue for Archdeaconry Board Meetings, Diocesan Boards, Synods, Bishops’ Consecration Services and Ordination Services. This is discussed in details in Chapter Six of this book. END NOTES ON CHAPTER TWO 1. B. A. Obuoforibo (ed) – Jubilee of the Niger Delta Diocese 2002 (p. 66) 2. E. M. T. Epelle – History of the Niger Delta Diocese 1977 (p. 24) 3. B. A Obuoforibo – The Church in Okrika 4. B. A. Obuoforibo - Op. Cit. (p. 66) 5. Etire R. T (ed) – The history of St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt (1st Edition) 2003 (p. 18) 6. Obuoforibo B. A. (ed) - Op. Cit (p. 67) 7. Obuoforibo B. A. (ed) - Ibid (p. 67) 8. R. T.Etire (ed) - Op. Cit (p. 20) 9. B. A. Obuoforibo - Op. Cit (p. 69) 10. B. A. Obuoforibo - Ibid 11. Niger Delta Diocese – Diocesan Board Minutes of 10/03/1971 12. B. A. Obuoforibo - (Op. Cit. p. 71) 13. Ibid (p. 71) 14. B. A. Obuoforibo - Ibid (p. 62) 15. Mark Fackler, et al - Foxes: Voices of the Martyrs 2007 (p. 341) 16. Mark Fackler, et al - Ibid (p. 339) 17. Mark Fackler, et al - Ibid (p. 340) 18. Mark Fackler, et al - Ibid (p. 341) 19. Arthur Dakin - A Fighting Free Churchman 1947 (p. 64) 20. Arthur Dakin - Ibid (p. 87) 21. Mark Fackler, et al - Op. Cit (p. 320) CHAPTER THREE ST. CYPRIAN’S (ANG) CHURCH: DURING AND AFTER THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR (1967 – 1996) Just after the declaration for the restructuring of the country which resulted in the creation of twelve States out of the existing four regions (North, West, East and Mid West) by the then Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon (Later Major General) which gave birth to Rivers State among others on 27th May, 1967, political rangling between the Eastern Region and the Fedaral Government set in. This political rangling culminated into the Nigerian Civil War, otherwise known as the Biafra War 1. How did it happen? Since independence, parts of Nigeria notably the former Western Region, have suffered many internal troubles. Before then,in October, 1954, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leader of the Action Group, became Premier of the Western Region. Wishing to strengthen his party, he stood for election to the Federal Parliament in 1959 and won his seat. He became leader of the opposition against the combined N.P.C and N.C.N.C. government. Awolowo’s right-hand man in the Action Group, Chief Samuel Akintola, then became Premier of the Western Region. In 1962, troubles started in the Action Group Camp. Chief Awolowo and 30 of his leading followers, including Chief Anthony Enahoro, were accused of trying to overthrow the Federal Government by violence. After months of trial in court, these men were imprisoned. In the Western Region, Chief Akintola was suspended as premier. But on the 1st January, 1963, he was reinstated as premier, having broken away from the Action Group and formed a new party called the United People Party (U.P.P). As in Ghana, the success of Nigeria, after gaining independence, depended upon good leadership. The country faced several difficulties. Chief among these was the fact that the country was split up into three (later four) regions, each having its own government. The leaders placed regional interest above the common good of the country as a whole. Also, as happened in Ghana, many unfit persons occupied positions of trust. The Chief concern of several of these men was to amass wealth at the expense of the ordinary people. This was bound to cause dissatisfation and complaints. Matters came to a head when, to retain power, the ruling party of Chief Akintola, supported by the ruling party in Northern Nigeria, was returned to power through an apparently fraudulent election held in Western Nigeria in 1965. Much unrest and violent disturbances followed. In January 1966 a group of young Ibo Army Officers shot down some of their brother officers and seized control of the army. They killed the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the Premiers of the Northern and Western Regions. The Sarduana of Sokoto and Chief Akintola, together with other leading persons, because the rebels felt that these leaders were using their power unfairly and corruptly to the disadvantage of the Ibos in the Eastern Region. Major General Aguiyi Ironsi, himself an Ibo but not a member of the plot, found himself compelled to take over as head of a military government. This action came as a stunning shock to the many million Moslems in the North. In July 1966, in reaction to an announcement that gave the impression that Ibo officials might be sent to hold office in the North, there were a number of outbreak of violence which resulted in the killing of many thousand Ibos living in the North and the death of several Ibo army officers, including Major General Ironsi. A new military government headed by Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon was set up. “Mistrust between the Ibo and other members of the Federation mounted higher and higher. A meeting held at Aburi in Ghana yielded no satisfactory results. On 27th May, 1967, the Federal Military Government setup, by a decree, twelve States in the Federation. Three days afterwards, the former Eastern Region (Comprising three new States) seceded from the Federal Government and declared itself the Republic of Biafra. This action was taken by the then Military Governor of the former Eastern Region, Lieutenant – Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, who now became the head of the ‘new’ Republic. All attempts to resolve misunderstanding between the Ibo and the Federal Government failed and in July, 1967 the civil war broke out, which brought about untold hardship and the loss of well over 2,000,000 lives. After two and a half years of bitter civil war, the “Biafra” side surrendered in January, 1970 and gave up the attempt to secede from the Federation 2. The war actually broke out on the 6th day of June, 1967 and had adverse effect on all the areas then known as Eastern Region of Nigeria which was made up of the three states namely: East Central State, South Eastern State and Rivers State 3. Port Harcourt, the capital and metropolitan city of River State like all other parts of the state was under the command of the Biafran Government under Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu and its army from inception of the civil war (6th June, 1967) up to when the Federal Government under Major General Yakubu Gowon captured and liberated Port Harcourt city on 19th May, 1968. The Federal Government troop also made in roads to the Port Harcourt environs and took control. The period between 6th June, 1967 and 19th May, 1968 in Port Harcourt City could best be described as a period of “Coma” as nothing was happening 4. The city was deserted as inhabitants ran for their dear lives. The church was also deserted unattended to. No worship, no service, no ritual performance for the whole period of thirteen months or thereabout (12th June, 1967 to 28th July, 1968). However, hope soon returned as the shot down of the church was momentary. From the liberation of the city in June, 1968, life gradually returned to Port Harcourt. As people were coming back, business life, work life, socio-economic life, political and religious life were also resuming. In mid July, 1968, members of the church who were all dedicated Christians met at the church premises to discuss ways and means of reopening the church for worship and other church activities 5. The dedicated members include: 1. Late chief Festus Davies Jumbo 2. Late Mr. Ibiokuma Allison (a one time Manager of CSS Bookshop, PH) 3. Late Chief Braithwate Gabriel Whyte (who became a Judge of Rivers State Judiciary) 4. Late Chief Robert P. G. Okara (who became a Diocesan Registrar and a Judge of Rivers State Judiciary) 5. Late Madam Victoria Bob. Manuel 6. Late Madam Hannah John 7. Mr. George Opuene 8. Late Mr. Godwin Alaye Graham – Douglas Esq. (Later Chancellor of the Diocese, Knight of St. Christopher (KSC) and Paramount Chief of Douglas Compound in Abonnema) among Others. The meeting of these faithfuls was successful as they had the following far reaching decisions: 1. To clean and tidy the church premises which was then over grown with weeds. 2. To keep the church clean and ready for worship. 3. To clean the parsonage which had been looted. 4. To make further arrangement and preparation for the opening of the church for effective use. 5. To fix the date (28th July, 1968) for the first worship service. Other issues raised at the meeting of mid July, 1968 were: i. To make contact(s) on who to man the church in the mean time. ii. To secure permission from the G. O. C of the 3rd Marine Commando-Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle to re-open the church and to toll the church bell for mattins; iii. Also to obtain the same permission from Captain Alabi who was then a military police provost. Barrister Godwin Alaye Graham - Douglas (as he then was) to make the contacts for who to man the church for the time being. The young energetic learned Christian lawyer made the contacts by approaching one Mr. D. S. Iruenabere an Headmaster in one of our schools to conduct the service and to take the pulpit. He also contacted an organist – Mr. Howard Benibo Bob-Manuel. The Committee also secured the permission to re-open the church for worship and other religious activities. It is worthy of note that while both military operatives in the area approved the re-opening of the church, the latter – (Captain Alabi) turned down the request to toll the church bell within military zone because as at then normalcy had not been fully restored. Emergency and mopping up operations were still on. However, having obtained clearance from the G.O.C., Barrister Godwin Alaye Graham – Douglas who volunteered to toll the bell decided (for courtesy sake) to inform Captain Alabi who was in charge of Port Harcourt Township. The Captain was not willing to shift but stood his grounds and threatened to shoot anyone who dared him to toll the bell. He was challenged by the young fearless lawyer that if he the Captain would shoot, let him go ahead to do so, and went on to toll the bell in the presence of the Captain, remarking that “fear only exist in the mind of the coward and faithless 6. Thus, the faithful brave lawyer stood and put off the fire from the gun of the strong military police man. And so the St. Cyprian’s Church bell sounded to the hearing of many far and near, on Sunday 28th July, 1968, without any incident. Godwin A. Graham – Douglas thus acted as Sexton. The re-opening service was successfully held with Mr. D. S. Iruenabere as Conductor and Preacher. Mr. H. B. Bob-Manuel played the organ as arranged. A total of 125 persons attended the service and the sum of £3:2s:10d was realised as church offering 7. This sum was handed over to Chief Festus Davies Jumbo for safe keeping. He later became the Church Treasurer from July 1968 to 1987 when he meritoriously retired. During the interregnum period of the Church, the leaders decided to look after the Church and thus appointed an adhoc Committee with Chief Festus Davies Jumbo as Chairman and others included: 1. The Barr. R. P. G. Okara 2. The Barr. B. G. Whyte 3. Mr. Ibiokuma Allison 4. Barr. Godwin A. Graham – Douglas 5. Mrs. Gladys C. Douglas 6. Chief I. L. Bob-Manuel 7. Madam Victoria Bob-Manuel 8. Mr. Sam Allotey and few others after mattins on 28th July, 1968. The above Committee was saddled with the responsibility of administering and managing the people and property of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt till the end of the war and normalcy restored 8. On Tuesday 30th July, 1968, one Mr. R. A. Olunwa presented himself to the adhoc Committee as a Catechist, on hearing that the faithfuls have re-opened the St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt, decided to present himself for the service. He actually indicated his intention to render his services to the Church. He was asked to come back on Sunday the 4th day of August to worship and to meet with the Adhoc Committee. After service on the said Sunday, the Adhoc Committee decided to engage his services to nurture the church until the authorities came to take charge. R. A. Olunwa who later became a Priest and promoted to the rank of a Canon of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Bonny took charge of the church until some times in 1970, when Rev. H. E. Oriaku was appointed Vicar of the church. He was succeeded by Rev. J. E. Oruama in March, 1971. Although before the arrival of Rev’d H. E. Oriaku, the Adhoc Committee also sought and obtained the services of one Army Major Inyang, a Priest and Army Chaplain with the 3rd Marine Commandos based in Port Harcourt for Priestly Services. He assisted the church in no small way in the conduct of the church and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist until the arrival of Rev. Canon Jason E. Oruama who later became an Archdeacon 9. On Sunday the 15th of December, 1968, the church held her first post war Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service 10. Mr. E. A. Big Harry was the Harvest Committee Chairman. The Auctioneer of the Harvest Bazaar/Sales was Barr. Ruskin F. Jamabo. It should be on record that the said Barr. Jamabo was the first Auctioneer after the war. The Harvest recorded a huge success. The Rev. Canon J. E. Oruama conducted the first PCC Election which brought Mr. Festus Davies Jumbo as People’s Warded/Treasurer – a position he held till 1987 and Mr. Ibiokuma Allison as Parish Secretary. At the end of the civil war on Sunday 15th January, 1972, the Rev. Canon J. E. Oruama was transfered to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Bonny as Vicar. He was relieved by Ven. Obadiah D. C. Brown as Vicar of St. Cyprian’s Church cum Archdeacon of Bonny Archdeaconry – positions he held until his retirement from service in 1977. During the tenure of the Archdeacon O. D. C. Brown, the church grew in leaps and bounds with very many innovations. He was a very seasoned and experienced man of God having served in many Parishes and Districts all over Nigeria. He had mentored many Priests and many saw him as their role model to pattern their ministeries. O. D. C. Brown had a lovely, amiable, industrious and hard working wife, Mrs Virgina O.D.C. Brown, who acted as a gardener and always adorning the church compound with beautiful, fine and sweet smelling flowers. She also encouraged the women of the church to serve God dedicatedly, devotedly and diligently. She created sweeping groups and the women were alocated into these groups. They were and are six groups in all. Today the church is still enjoying her services and legacies. It is worthy of note that this arrangement has spread over the Diocese and beyond. Every local congregation today has these sweeping groups existing. These women sweeping groups in each church have now become the pillars of the church, not only in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. She also founded the Prayer Band of the church, which again had spread all over the Diocese and beyond. The Ven. O. D. C. Brown led the church to embark on the expansion of the vestry. He also led the church to build the upper room to the glory of God. During his tenure the old church could not accommodate worshipers and a gallery was constructed. The first Electricity Generating Plant was provided by the women sweeping group five 11. The group also erected an Engine house. The Venerable Archdeacon also advised the church to have a hall for multipurpose use. This was materialised and the Parish Church Council (PCC) of 1990 named it after him (thirteen years after his retirement in 1977) At the retirement of the Venerable Archdeacon Obadiah D. C. Brown, the Ven. Jason E. Oruama took over the people, property and administration of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. It should be recalled that Ven. Oruama did Vicar the Church from 1970 to 1971. This new transfer was a second missionary journey to St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. The Ven. Jason E. Oruama was the father of Late Bishop Orama the second Diocesan Bishop of Uyo Missionary Diocese. Ven. Oruama served again from 1978 – 1984 and was succeeded by the Rev’d S. I. Amadi. Rev. Amadi was a renowned Principal. His stay was short lived as he left for higher service as Archdeacon of Okrika in 1987, January 1st. He was succeeded by the Rev. Canon Ralph Oghenerobo Ogholi. Ogholi was an administrator per excellence. He was an innovator and a man of the people. He was the founder of the Men Christian Association (MCA) in the Diocese of Niger Delta. It all started in St. John’s Church Bishop Johnson Street, New Layout, Port Harcourt during his Vicarship. On arrival in St. Cyprian’s Church, he also introduced the organisation and made it work. This was on Sunday 18th October, 1987 12 (feast of St. Luke the physician). He was the Vicar from 1987 to 1993. END NOTES ON CHAPTER THREE 1. Etire, R. T. (ed) - History of St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt (1st Edition) p. 23 2. F. K. Buah - West Africa and Europe 1975 (p. 241) 3. St. Peter’s Church, Okrika - Log Book (p. 129) 4. PCC, St. Cyprian’s Church Port Harcourt, “Brief History of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt” (1916 – 1991) 5. Niger Delta Diocese - Minutes of Diocesan Board held on 24th and 25th November 1969 in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. 6. Obuoforibo, BG.A. Graham-Douglas - JVerbal Testimony (2003) 7. Ibid - p. 67 8. R. T. Etire (ed) - Op. Cit (p. 28) 9. PCC, St. Cyprian’s Church, PH - Op. Cit 10. R. T. Etire, (ed) - Op. Cit (p. 36) CHAPTER FOUR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCH “This is my last report as the Vicar of St. Cyprian’s Church Port Harcourt. Indeed, it is with satisfaction I look back at the steady spiritual and material growth of the church I pastored for 6 years (1987 – 1993). This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes 1. In his hand over note he said, as I take my leave, I commend the church to the able hands of our God who alone shall cause His church to grow from strength to strength in all ramifications2 (emphasis is mine). That was a powerful prayer of a church father, the Ven. R. O. Ogholi, (JP) as he was leaving to head the Bonny Archdeaconry. This prayer of the man of God was answered as the church later experience an overflow of membership that challenged the capacity of the 1933 church building. The Ven. R. O. Ogholi handed over to the Rev. Canon Dagogo A. T. Hart in 1994. It is note worthy that the Canon Dagogo Hart was Ogholi’s Curate (1989 – 1993). At the completion of the Church Hall (ODC Brown Hall) in 1997, the Parish Church Council decided to embark on an extention of the 1933 church building to accommodate the teaming population. From the report by the then Vicar, Canon Dagogo Hart, it is the same committee that handled the ODC Brown House that was suppose to be incharge of the church extention project. The building committee has tackled the completion of the Parish Hall. The offices space we recone will be ready to let at about March, 1995. As soon as that is done we hope to take off with the extention of the Church as a capital project for 19953. But the committee in reference was not forthcoming until in June 1996. When the committee was reconstituted and new persons were added either on merit or to replace the tired ones. The new Building Committee was thus constituted with the followings as members: 1. Sir (Engr) Ishmael A. Banigo - Chairman 2. Sir (Engr) Godfrey Wariboko Tom-Jaja - Vice Chairman 3. Sir Utchay Okirie - Secretary 4. Mr. Eugene Ibanichuka - Ass. Secretary 5. Sir G. T. G. Toby - Treasurer 6. Mr. Amiso Iniowuari - Member 7. Chief (Barr.) Godwin A. Graham Douglas (Later KSC) - Member 8. Mr. Ali Oruitemeka - Member 9. Mrs. Esther Blu-Jack (Later Dame) - Member 10. Mr. Dan Harrison - Member 11. Engr. Gabriel Asein - Member 12. Mrs Joan Ogu - Member 13. Engr. Francis M. Nemieboka - Member 14. Mrs Helen Okirie - Member 15. Engr. Goddy S. Peterside - Member 16. Dr. E. G. Kiri - Member 17. Pa Samuel Shoo Peterside - Supervisor 18. Mrs Agbaniba A. Briggs - Member 19. Mr. Sabastine Ogbonna - Purchasing Manager 20. Mr. Festus S. Pepple - Member 21. Engr. Patrick Onyeso - Member 22. Mr. F. G. Harrison - Member 23. Engr. Joe Dokubo (a.k.a Uncle Joe) - Member 24. Chief Walter Ihenson - Member 25. Victor Inko-Taria - Member 26. Arc. Barth Oguzor - Member 27. Erefaa Tom-Jack - Member The Committee was inducted on Sunday 4th July, 1996 by the Canon D. A. T. Hart. Preliminary work on the building i.e gathering of building materials commenced in August, 1996. The work was still at this level when the Rev. Canon D. A. T. Hart proceeded on transfer to Amadi Ama District as Superintendent Pastor and Vicar of Bethel (Ang) Church, Amadi Ama. The Rev. Canon E. T. Sackey-Fiberesima who was until his new appointment was the Diocesan Ag. Financial Secretary, was redeployed and sent to St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt to take over from the Rev. Canon Dagogo A. T. Hart. The Rev. Canon Sackey – Fiberesima arrived St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt on Friday, 15th January, 1997 and was well received. A considerable level of preparation was made for the take off of the project before the exit of Canon Hart. Thus on Tuesday, 22nd April, 1997 the project started in full force. According to the Vicar. By God’s grace, at last, the church extention project started in earnest after a short service of prayers, followed by turning of the sod on Tuesday, the 22nd April, 1997. The pleasing progress of the work testifies the dedication, devotion of the chairman, structural engineers, civil engineers, Architects and others. Also, the financial response and prayers of parishioners especially, when the tower was being demolished is highly commendable 4. It was true that the initial plan was for an extention of the building but as the work progressed it turned out to be both extention and expansion – trasnslating to a new church building to the glory of God. The extention and expansion of the project saw the 1933 building inside the new one. By the end of Canon Sackey – Fiberesima’s one year tenure (1997), the building project was a little above window level. The Rev. Canon Sackey – Fiberesima left St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt for Buguma District in January, 1998 and was succeeded by the Venerable Julius Isotuk Oyet. The Venerable J. I. Oyet was a seasoned bible expositor, church administrator, a liturgist, a developer, a builder, a good mixer, a great mentor and father. He left no stone unturned as he brought all his wealth of experience to bear on his vocation and ministry. He tried his best to bring in many innovations on the life of the church. Church programs were attractive, satisfying, inspiring, souls lifting and fulfilling. These endeared him to many parishioners. He was loved and respected. The church also grew in number and otherwise. Under him, the church building project was taken to roofing level. Hospital and prisons ministry group was formed. “The church carried out wholistic evangelism” 5. Members were willing to serve and obey God. The prayer Band of the church was alive to her responsibility. In fact, all arms were up and doing. Under him “the defunct 2nd Port Harcourt company of the Boys Brigade Nigeria was resuscitated” 6 to God’s glory. The Men Christian Association Welfare grouping was the brainchild of Ven. Oyet. Today we have the Welfare groups 1 – 6. The Choir under Engr. Tonye Luke the then Choirmaster did so well. He left to take over the administration of the people and property of Bonny Archdeaconry in AD 2001. His succeesor Ven. Rufus Tamunotonye Etire arrived with his family on Tuesday, 14th January, 2001. The Curate, Rev. Canon S. K. D. Otobo JP with his family also arrived the same day to join the Rev’ds Aderemi Baboshola Oni and Denis Aberenge Korubo Horsfall and their families. They (Vicar and Curate) were warmly received. The Ven Rufus Tamunotonye Etire was a man of many parts. That was why he was able to maintain the tempo his predecessor left behind. Again, he had a good team where everyone worked in concert. The regular staff meetings enhanced a smooth sail. Experiences, ideas and opinions were shared and respected and everyone in the team was carried along. The Ven. Etire’s led team introduced the Wednesday Fasting and Prayer Program. This is not the Prayer Band which was a group designed to stand in the gap to intercede for the church etc. This group was doing well but it was not all – embracing as others who were not in the Prayer Band (group) were going either to St. Peter’s Church, Hospital Road Port Harcourt or St. John’s Church, Bishop Johnson Street, New Layout, Port Harcourt to share fellowship, fast and pray every Wednesday, including the Vicar’s wife (Mrs. Angeline T. Etire). The team had to agree on having one such that parishioners could stay in their church to observe this religious exercise. Thus, on Wednesday 4th July, 2001 the following persons started the weekly Wednesday Fasting and Prayer Meeting. 1. Ven. Rufus T. Etire - Vicar 2. Rev. Canon S. K. D. Otobo - Curate 3. Rev. Denis A. K. Horsfal - Priest 4. Mrs. Angeline T. Etire - Vicar’s Wife 5. Mrs. Sylverline S. Otobo - Curate’s Wife 6. Mrs. Kalada D. Horsfal - Priest’s Wife Others were 7. Mrs. Mercy Jibueze - Parishioner 8. Mrs. Kate Long – John - Parishioner 9. Mrs. Edith Ate - Parishioner 10. Mrs. Grace Seri - Parishioner 11. Mrs. Selin Lloyd - Parishioner Eleven persons in all were the foundation members of Wednesday weekly Fasting and Prayer in St. Cyprian’s, Port Harcourt. The Ven. Etire’s Administration simply keyed into the church building ‘expansion’ project. He continued from where his predecessor stopped. He completed the roofing and commenced on the ceiling work. By the end of AD 2001, the ceiling and plastering work were completed. In 2002, the old structure that the new church building engulfed was demolished. By the end of 2002, Electrification of the church was 90% completed, felting and glazing works were completed. The floor finishing with terrazzo beginning with the gallery commenced in 2002 and was completed in 2003. Sir and Lady Samuel I. Tamuno (Later Venerable) sponsored the flooring of the gallery and stair case. In 2003, the floor finishing was completed. The landscaping of the church premises with concrete slabs and interlocking were also done in AD 2003. Thus, the church was ready for commissioning and dedication. The St. Cyprian’s Church will eternally remain grateful to the building committee. As at the time of completion of the project, Sir Chief G. A. Graham – Douglas (SAN) was the Chairman of the Building Committee. He took over from Late Sir Engr. Ishmael A. Banigo who died in 2001. The church was dedicated on Tuesday 14th September, 2004 (on the feast of Patron Saint Cyprian of Carthage) by the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta, the Most Rev’d Emmanuel Ebenezer Nglass, on the mandate of the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev’d Gabriel Herbert Pepple JP who was also present 7. He the Archbishop was assisted by the Rt. Rev. Ignatius Crossby Ogboru Kattey, Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Tubokosimie Robert Abere, Bishop of Okrika Diocese and Rt. Rev. Clement N. Ekpeye, the Bishop of Ahoada Diocese 8. The occasion was also graced by many Archdeacons and other clergy men to the glory of God. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt will also remain eternally grateful to the Technical Crew of the Building Committee for always being on ground. They were: 1. Engr Gabriel Asein 2. Engr Goddy S. Peterside (of blessed memory) 3. Engr Victor B. Inko – Tariah 4. Engr Patrick Onyeso 5. Mr. Tonye Luke 6. Mr. Goddy Seri 7. Mr. Tonye Ekong 8. Engr Joe Dokubo These young men devoted their time and talents to ensure that common error were avoided. God also used this team to provide technical touch during the demolition of the old structure, especially the Eastern Window. The followings were members of the Dedication Committee: 1. Mr. Amiso Iniowuari - Chairman 2. Mr. Eugene Ibanichuka - Secretary 3. Sir (Chief) G. A. Graham-Douglas - Member 4. Sir F. G. Harrison - Member 5. Mr. Goddy C. Okirie - Member 6. Mrs Roseline Data Opene - Member 7. Engr. Erefaa Tom – Jack 8. Mrs Ibiere Chisom – Jaja 9. Mrs Miriam Dilli 10. Rev. Canon C. C. John – Jaja 11. Ven. Rufus T. Etire Under the Venerable Rufus Tamunotonye Etire’s tenure the followings were some highlights of developments and growth. a) In 2001 the Men Christian Association (MCA) donated a computer set and a standard copier to the church. b) St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt had the privilege of hosting the Archbishop of Cantebury. His Grace, The Most Rev’d and Rt. Hon. George Carey with his wife, Eilen Carey on 9th February, 2001. c) St. Cyprian’s Church Port Harcourt was also privileged to be the choiced venue for the hosting of Church of Nigeria Standing Committee from Tuesday 13th – Saturday 17th March, 2001. d) She also hosted the Mother’s Union 125th Anniversary Celebration of the Diocese of Niger Delta from Tuesday 2nd – Sunday 7th October, 2001. At the end of 2001, the Rev’d Canon Wisdom Theophilus Edighotu and Rev’d Jenbo Ellias Dickson Pono joined on the staff as Curate and Priest to take over from the Rev. Canon S. K. D. Otobo JP, Rev’d Aderemi B. Oni and Denis A. K. Horsfal. The Rev. Canon S. K. D. Otobo was transfered to St. Andrew’s Church, Bakana, the Rev. A. B. Oni to Obuama District and Rev. Denis Horsfal to All Saints Church, Abalama. The Wordwide Mothers’ Union President – Mrs Trish Heywood visited the Diocese of Niger Delta and St. Cyprian’s Church hosted her with her entourage on Friday 16th August, 2002. The Diocese of Niger Delta clocked Fifty (50) years in 2002 and celebrated her Golden Jubilee. St. Cyprian’s Church being the second premier church of the Diocese was used as venue for most of the Jubilee activities. The Archbishop of the then Province 2, The Most Rev. Maxwell S. C. Anikwenwa was also a Guest in one of the programs in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. To mark the Diocesan Golden Jubilee, St. Cyprian’s Church planted St. Philip’s (Ang) Church, Marine Base on Sunday 14th April, 2002. On Sunday 7th July, 2002 the Diocesan Bishop Christened the golden church as we have it today. The pioner Church Worker was Mr. Sunday Akurosokika (Later Catechist and now Rev. Canon). The Church also procured an 100KVA Generating set, three (3) sets of Choir Robes and a new set of musical instruments. A public convenience was also erected in 2002. Other items that were donated were: i) A 14 Seater Hiace Bus and a Deep Freezer by MU/WG. ii) Women Group 3 donated an 18 Seater Air Conditioned Hiace Bus for Missionary Work. iii) MCA donated an official Car for the use of the Vicarage. iv) The Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) donated fifteen (15) plastic chairs to the church. The Men Christian Association in 2003 rugged the entire church as their project for the year. The women donated ten pews to the church as their project for the year 2003 to mark their Mothering Sunday. Women Group One (1) donated Nine (9) Chandeliers; Women Group Three (3) donated two Marble Reading / Prayer Desks. Women Group Four (4) donated four (4) pews, Altar kneelers and four table covers. Group six (6) Women sponsored the construction and furnishing of the choir stall as year 2003 project. The St. Cyprian’s Anglican Youth Fellowship constructed and mounted an Electrical Sign Post as her 2003 project. The church also did the followings in AD 2003. i) Purchase of another three (3) sets of Choir Robes, including outing / ceremonial wears. ii) Purchase of a Five (5) Manual Viscount Pipe Organ iii) Purcahse of an Industrial Copier Printer iv) Furnished a new and modern Upper Room for Council Meetings etc. v) Furnished three (3) offices for the Priests vi) Sunk a new bore – hole St. Cyprian’s Church celebrated her 87th Anniversary in 2003 in a grand style. This was the third time the church had celebrated her anniversary. The earlier ones were in 1941 and 1991 9. The write up in quote was a manuscript that was not published. The church did not celebrate her Golden Jubilee in 1966 may be because of the social disturbance caused by the revolution of Biafra against the Federal Government. The first two anniversaries (25th and 75th) were done with low key. At 87, the church decided to celebrate this great Patron Saint Day in a big way. It was a week – long programme with Mr. Amiso Iniowuari (Now Sir) as Chairman. The programme commenced on Sunday, 7th and ended on Sunday, 14th September, 2003, featuring Seminars, Symposium, Drama, Singing Competition etc. The Committee came up with a book on the history of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. It was edited by the Vicar, Ven. R. T. Etire. This was the first published book of the history of the church. The 1991 Mercy Jibueze’s Committee did not publish her document. The Rev’d Canon Christian John – Jaja arrived in January 2004 to take over the Curateship from the Rev. Canon W. T. Edighotu while the Rev’d J. E. D Pono as Priest was transfered to Sy. Mark’s Church, Borikiri. Meanwhile the Rev’d S. I. Tamuno who was made Deacon in July 2003 joined on the staff the same July. AD 2004 the Men Christian Association (MCA) erected a new Belfry for the church as the year’s project. The Women Group Four (4) sponsored the tiling of the walls of the Western, Northern and Southern porches of the church. The five manual electronic pipe organ that was procured in 2003 was dedicated on Sunday, 22nd February, 2004 by His Grace, Most Rev. Emmanuel Ebenezer Nglas – the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta. It was also on record that Mr. T. E. I. Briggs sponsored the altar marble reiling. Alabo Wisdom Nemi and Alabota Fyne Adoki (Now Sir Alabo) and Lady (Alabota) financed the chancel P. O. P Ceiling. The Bishop Gabriel Pepple’s 8th Consecration / Enthronement Anniversary was hosted by St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt from Monday 6th – Sunday 12th December, 2004. And that was the last programme Ven. Rufus T. Etire hosted before his transfer to Kalabari North Archdeaconry. He was succeeded by a very senior and experienced Archdeacon, the Venerable
             Christian Ken Erekosima. The Ven. Erekosima was also an eloquent preacher, ardent theologian, a good mixer and a very blunt and fearless Pastor. Unfortunately “there was a raging storm in the church, but prayers of the faithful prevailed against the storm and installed peace, serenity and unity” 10. This was a true confession from the Vicar – the Ven. Christian Ken Erekosima. This ugly turn of event started in 2002. The Diocese was embarking on a Secretariate Building Project and Churches were levied including organisations at the Diocesan level. Later the Diocese imposed compulsory levies on St. Cyprian’s women sweeping groups 1 – 6 directly. This arrangement didn’t go down well with the church. The administration at the time was able to manage the situation. But by 2005, the church was bedeviled, the tempest heightened and the population of the church started dwindling. A mass exodus to neighbouring churches was recorded. Thank God the people prayed then peace gradually returned in 2006 but most of the parishioners who left because of the storm could not return. However, under the leadership of Ven. C. K. Erekosima, every arm of the church performed their roles creditably. The minstry to motor park and okada park which started in 2002 was continued. This arrangement was the brain child of the then Bishop, Rt. Rev. Gabriel H. Pepple (Now Retired). His tenure as Vicar of St. Cyprian’s Church was more of maintenance and sustenance. The Ven. C. K. Erekosima proceeded on retirement and was succeeded by the Ven. Dabotubo L. Young – Harry. The Venerable Dabotubo Young – Harry was a conservative as far as the Anglican Faith is concerned. He resisted any form of rascality and radicalism through out his tenure from September 2007 to October, 2010. Young-Harry left St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt for Bonny South East Archdeaconry and to Vicar St. Bartholomew’s (Ang) Church, Burukiri. The Venerable Amavey Christian Abbey – Kalio who was supposed to relieve him by the 2010 clergy disposition was not done yet with Christ Church, Interdenominational, Port Harcourt. Thus the Curate, Rev. Canon John Ubulom had to Vicar the church from October – December, 2010, on acting capacity. The Venerable A. C. Abbey – Kalio haven completed his tenure in Christ Church, interdenominational, 1 Forces Avenue, Old G.R.A Port Harcourt assumed duty on 31st December, 2010 as Vicar. The Venerable Amavey C. Abbey-Kalio, a man of many parts, a man of the people, a mover, a bull dozer and a unifier was able to bull doze his way and moved the people to restore peace and tranquility in the church. Little wonder therefore, he was made an Ambassador of the peace (AP). As a socialist, eloquent preacher, bible expositor and theologian he with his team was able to apply every methodology within him to ensure serenity amidst challenges. The followings were recorded developments of the church from January, 2011 to date (i.e 2016), the centenary year. As a matter of fact, the Ven Abbey – Kalio was the centenary Vicar of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. Under his administrative watch and influence, the men donated a projector to enhance worship in the Church 12. This was their 2010 project on fathers’ day. The church’s arms were able to organise their meetings and conferences. The church set out to build a junior staff quarters. The Building Committee was inaugurated in 2012. They were: 1. Engr. Gabriel Asein - Chairman 2. Engr. Emmanuel B. Idoniboye 3. Sir (Engr.) Erefaa Tom-Jack (Later Withdrew) 4. Mr. Victor Wariso 5. Mr. Victor Inko – Tariah 6. Sir (Surv) Ferdinand O. Banigo 7. Sir (Hon) Godson Dienye 8. Sir (Chief) Dickson Esuku 9. Arc Nicolas Ikiriko 10. Engr (Mrs) Kingba Blu – Jack 11. Engr Joe Dokubo 12. Barr. Innocent Wakama In January, 2013 the Building Committee received first advance for take off. On February 10, 2013, ceremonial foundation laying was performed. Excavation work was started on 20th February, 2013. By June, 2014 the project was completed. The Bishop, Rt. Rev. Ralph C. Ebirien dedicated the project on 28th June, 2014 to the glory of God. The above project was to address the issue of accomodation of the church’s staff. Hitherto, Junior Staff Quarters used to be a long I – shaped house to house very few staff. But with the completion of this edifice, all junior staff are fully accomodated. It is a two – storey building. It is worthy of note that the demolished Junior Staff Quarters used to be a Teachers’ Quarters. The Junior Staff Quarters That Was Dedicated on 28th June, 2014. Three months after the dedication of the Junior Staff Quarters, the church started to construct another building to accommodate her priests. It is a storey building. As at 2016, the Vicar was resident in the age long storey building of 1958 13. The Curate was relocated to the junior quarters, since the Curate’s house was demolished to give way for the new Priests’ house. Another Priest is also occupying the junior staff quarters. One of the Priest is occupying where the second curate’s apartment, beside the Vicarage. That was the residence of St. Cyprian’s School Headmaster. This building project that was started in October 2014, was 80% completed as at when this festal publication was being penned. See Photohraph of the on going Priests’ House(plate 9) Another milestone was the planting of the Good Shepherd (Ang) Church, Ibeto in 2014. In March 2013 the church launched “Operation lets go a fishing”. The Evangelism and Mission Committee carried out house to house evangelism. The Good Shepherd (Ang) Church, Ibeto, Port Harcourt was planted after a 2 day crusade from Friday 21st – Saturday 22nd March, 2014 by the Bonny Archdeaconry Anglican Youth Fellowship. The Church was thus planted on Sunday 23rd March, 2014 and was Christened “THE GOOD SHEPHERD (ANG) CHURCH, Ibeto Port Harcourt on 14th November, 2015 by the Diocesan Rt. Rev. Ralph C. Ebirien JP 14. From inception, the church had been under the nurture of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. She has been responsible for the day – to – day running of the church. The welfare of the Church Worker etc are St. Cyprian’s responsibility. The Diocese, however, secured the place of worship and the land for development of the baby church. END NOTES ON CHAPTER FOUR 1. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1993 (p. 157) 2. Ogholi, Raphael O. - Hand-Over Note (January 1994) 3. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1994 (p. 152) 4. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1997 (p. 116) 5. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1999 / 2000 (p. 85) 6. Niger Delta Diocese - Ibid (p. 86) 7. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 2014 (p. 184) 8. Niger Delta Diocese - Ibid 9. PCC, St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. Brief History of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt (1916 – 1991). 10. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 2004 11. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 2010 (p. 268) 12. Niger Delta Diocese - Ibid (p. 270) 13. Etire R. T (ed) - History of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt 2003 (p. 22) 14. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 2015 (p. 301) CHAPTER FIVE CHURCH ORANISATIONS AND FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES The whole idea, arrangement and pratice of having different organisations in the church is being criticised by both some members and non-members alike as being unscriptural and thus created to promote factions and to weaken the unity of the church through unnecessary rivalries and unhealthy competition among existing groups. The above comments, strong as the points may be are a show of ignorance and empty knowledge in display. The Apostle Paul has a list of what could be called the gifts of grace (Greek Charismata). These gifts are God-given desires or inclinations as well as special enablements or abilities (Phil. 2:13). The Holy Spirit equips individuals with these gifts so that he/she can use them to build up God’s people in the church and to express God’s love to others. Every Christian has at least one of such gifts 1. “For as the body is one, and hath many members and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ” 2. “For as we have many members in one body and all members have not the same office, so we, being many are one body in Christ and every one members one of another” 3. “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. .......if any man ministers, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, ........” 4. Contrary to the above criticisms the presence of organisations with their respective objectives has strengthened the unity of the church, promoted physical and spiritual developments of the church and deepened faith in God and strengthened love among members. Every group works and strives to better and profit the church. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man (group or organisation) to profit withal” 5. Secondly the critics need to be informed that any church that has no activity groups (organisations) that keep the church busy during week days is a dead church. Thirdly, any individual member of a church that chooses to attend church services only on Sunday is classified under inactive or passive member. Worse still, he/she is regarded as an “idle passenger”. We therefore urge all nominal members of every church to identify with an organisation and so promote the growth and development of the church. Fourthly, the 21st Century Church does not encourage lukewarmness. Infact, if the church in Laodecia was in danger of being spued out because of its lukewarmness, then the 21st Century Church has no right to be lukewarm. (cf Rev. 3:15-16). Fiftly, the critics also decry of multiple contributions which makes people (them) to run from taking membership with any church organisation. Which means they have no faith in God. If God is the source of their being, if God has provided and is providing for them what is wrong in returning to Him the giver of all. Church Organisations must exist to contribute their quota or bit to enchance effective development of the church. Organisations exist to complement the effort of the main church. Finally, critics need to know that God’s finger is upon each organisation. God is behind the formation of any Church Organisation. Thus, God has through His Holy Spirit inspired people to initiate a course depending on the level of enablements or abilities He has deposited in them or endowed them in His Church – the body of Christ for instance, the wife of Rev. Afonya was moved to organise the women of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt in 1955 to form the Women Christian Association (WCA) which later became the Women Guild through out the Diocese and beyond. The Rev. Canon R. O. Ogholi (Later Archdeacon) branded the men of St. John’s Church, Bishop Johnson Street, New Layout, Port Harcourt into the Men Christian Association which by God’s grace has received the blessing of the Church of Nigeria with the re-named Christian Men Fellowship. Mary Sumner was inspired to establish the Mother’s Union – an organisation for all properly married women, etc. Honestly, the Church of St. Cyprian, Port Harcourt waxes strong by the day because of the presence and effectiveness of the church organisations. Prominent among them are the Women Guild, the Mother’s Union; The Men Christian Association (now Christian Men Fellowship (CMF); The Boys Brigade, Nigeria (BB); or Anglican Communion Brigade (ACB).The Girls Guild (GG); The Young Adult Society; The Daughters of Hope (DOH); The Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF); The Anglican Children Ministry (ACM) etc. Let us see how they have supported the St. Cyprian’s Church’s life. i. THE MOTHERS’ UNION AND WOMEN GUILD (MU / WG) There was this notion that women are weak creatures and the women education ends in the kitchen. This notion was to be reviewed. After the Aba Riot in 1929, Leith Ross was quoted to have said; “But it is a pointer to the potentialities of women, an assertion of their womenhood and a demonstration of their ability to organise effectively”6. Further more, writing from her personal experience, Miss Leith Ross recommends the Igbo women for future planning when she says; “I should entrust them with the greatest possible amount of municipal organisation..... a modified equivalent of a borough council consisting of only women, responsible to the local authority.... This suggestion is not made in any feminine spirit....., but simply because I believe they would do the work more sensibly, more painstakingly and with more vision than the men....7. Talking about women leadership qualities in the local church it was considered that in the early Church Women were not to be heard but to be seen only, “Let the women learn in silence with all subjections” (I Timothy 2:11). But today, one can no longer underestimate or under rate the potentialities of women. Women had contributed a lot to the development and growth of the church – both local and national. Their education is no longer ending in the kitchen. They are strong and sometimes take leadership positions. The idea of bringing the women of St. Cyprian into an association was hatched by Mrs Afonya in 1955. Mrs Afonya was then the Vicar’s wife. Prior to 1955 the women used to gather as women folk to hold informal meetings. But it was not identified as an arm of the church. From 1955 to 1972 there was no serious commitment until the arrival of Mrs Virginia O. D. C. Brown in 1972. Mrs Brown studied situation for a period of one year. In 1973 Mrs Virginia Brown strengthened the organisation, creating and forming small units within the unit for effective performance. Hence the church has six groups working in concert with the main organisation. The zeal of the women since then has been a source of inspiration. In 1975, Mrs Virginia Brown with the blessing of the husband, Venerable O. D. C. Brown founded the Mothers’ Union for all women who are properly wedded in the church. Both Mothers’ Union and Women Guild work jointly to add value to the church. All the units (Groups 1 – 6) work side by side with the church and these individual units play significant roles as annual Synod reports do attest. Kudos to Women Ministry. ii. THE CHRISTIAN MEN’S FELLOWSHIP (CMF) The Men Christian Association (MCA) as it was known until 2016 when it was renamed “Christian Men Fellowship” (CMF) by the Primate and Metropolitan of all Nigeria – the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh Started as a mustard seed in St. John’s (Ang) Church, Bishop Johnson Street, New Layout, Port Harcourt in 1984. It was founded by the then Vicar, Rev. Canon Ralphael Oghenerobo Ogholi (JP). On assumption of office as Vicar of St. Cyprian’s Church Port Harcourt in 1987, he was desirous to have one. So he introduced it to the men’s folk and it was embraced. “His dream was materialised when on 18th day of October (feast of St. Luke the physician) 1987 the men branded themselves and formed the Men Christian Association” 8. In his Synod Report of 1987 the Rev’d Canon R. O. Ogholi said: “I am well pleased to report that the men of St. Cyprian’s Church now have a forum in which they can have fellowship apart from Sunday services. This followed the introduction of Men Christian Association agreed to by the PCC and accepted by the men of the church. Inaugural meeting was held on 18th October, 1987 with a total foundation membership of 97. The officers elected were so dedicated that there is hope for the success of the Association 9. “This prophetic utterance of Canon Ogholi is made manifest” 10. The inaugural President was Architect Boma Braide. He was president from inception (1987) to (1999) when the group gained Diocesan recognition. As Arch. Boma Braide was elevated to Diocesan Council as inaugural Vice President, he was succeeded by Sir Samuel I. Tamuno as 1st Vice while Chief – elect Dabotubo Eferebo as 2nd Vice President (1998 – 2001). They were succeeded by Sir Utchay Chijioke Okirie and Sir Ferdinand O. Banigo as 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents respectively. They led the men from 2004 – 2005. The Presidents and Vice Presidents of St. Cyprian’s MCA (now CMF) Port Harcourt 11 from inception are: S/N Presidents Year of Service Vice Presidents Year of Service 1 Arc. Boma Braide 1987-1998 - - 2 Ven. J. I Oyet 1999-2000 Sir S. I. Tamuno 1998-2000 3 Ven. R. T. Etire 2001-2004 Mr. Dabotubo Eferebo 2001-2002 4 - Sir U. C. Okirie 2003-2005 5 Ven. C. K. Erekosima 2005-2006 Sir F. O. Banigo 2006-2007 6 Ven. D. Young Harry 2007-2010 Barr. T. T. Mininyo 2008-2009 7 Ven A. C. Abbey Kalio 2011-date Mr. Cliford Michael 2010-2011 8 - - Sir Dan Harrison 2012-2013 9 - - Engr Dawari Selema 2014-2015 10 - - Sir (Engr) Erefaa Tom Jack 2016 – date This group (the CMF) in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt has contributed so much and still contributes immensely to the material development and spiritual growth of the church. People have asked this question as to how was this organisation did spread to churches outside Port Harcourt. The answer is simple. Some Worshippers in urban churches came from the rural areas (towns and villages) and joined this group in the township churches. These were and still are the people (the lay) who introduced the Men Christian Association to their home churches. However, the ‘rural pastors’ were also open and they embraced the Association. That was how it spread. The intention was to ensure that the men folk does not lag behind in the churches’ scheme of things so as to further assert their leadership positions as “fathers of the Church”. It is worthy of mention that the men of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt had been the pace – setters in the Niger Delta Diocesan Christian Men’s Fellowship. St. Cyprian’s Christian Men Fellowship shall continue to wax stronger and stronger to the glory of God. iii. THE ANGLICAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP (AYF) “Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth” (AYF Sloggan). Coined from Ecclesiastes Chapter twelve verse one. The Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) that was established in 1956 in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt had spread to all churches, Dioceses in the Provinces of Niger Delta and Aba. This body was believed to have travelled all the way from England to St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt with Mr. Geofrey Allen Hill as the vehicle. Mr. Hill was the pioneer/inaugural Diocesan Financial Secretary of the Diocese of Niger Delta in 1952. He was sent to study abroad by the Diocese in 1954 12. While in England he had a fair romance with the activities of the Anglican Youths in England. He returned to St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt in 1956. That same year he approached the then Vicar Rev’d Hubert A. I. Afonya (later Assistant Bishop) for permission to gather the Youths of the Church to form the fellowship. This was granted easily by the Vicar (Incidentally the Vicar also studied in London 13 and had a perfect romance with the Anglican Youth fellowship and the body was inaugurated 14. Unfortunately, Mr. Geofrey Hill was neither active nor committed to the course of the Anglican Youth Fellowship. He was as it were, the bell that will ring to invite people to Church but will be outside when the program is on. Or a sign post to direct people (enquirers) to an office but will never enter in. I actually saw this happened in my Village - Emago – Kugbo where Mr. Abraham Okpokpo went to Abua Central and attended a crusade organised by the Seventh Day Adventist. He admired the church program and invited the organisers to Emago – Kugbo. He even sponsored the crusade program but never registered with the church. He died a pagan. This was the case of Mr. Hill. In fairness to him, he initiated the formation of the Anglican Youth Fellowship as reported by the then Vicar – Rev. H. A. I Afonya. “I Sincerely thank God for the effort of the Diocesan Financial Secretary Mr. G. A. Hill who on his return from England moved for the formation of the Anglican Youth Fellowship in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt” 15. Since after inauguration, the Anglican Youth Fellowship in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt had lived up to expectation. The body has raised so many elites in the Church Community and Society at large. She is actually the Vanguard of the Church. We thank God for the leadership since inception. 1. Bro. Ephraim A. Opara (Pioneer President) 1956 – 1962 2. Bro. Cleverly A. Brown (Pioneer Secretary) 1956 – 1961 3. Bro. Emeka Ani (Leader) Oct. 1962 – July 30, 1963 4. Bro. E. E. Nwachukwu (Leader) July 30, 1963 – Feb. 18, 1964 5. Bro. David Graham Abbey (Leader) Feb. 18, 1964 – Sept. 12, 1964 6. Bro. Sinclair A. Solomon Kala-Dappa (Leader) Sept. 12, 1964 – July 6, 1968 7. Bro. Samuel Semeni Iwari (Leader) July 6, 1968 – Feb. 13, 1969 8. Bro. William Oforibo (Leader) Feb. 20, 1969 – Aug. 18, 1969 9. Bro. Atiburu Abagwo (Leader) Sept. 18, 1969 – April 11, 1972 10. Bro. Emmanuel Dikibo (Leader) April 11, 1972 – March, 1976 11. Bro. Hector C. C. O’Mailey (Leader) March, 1976 – Aug. 1981 12. Bro. Cornelius Dikibo (Leader) Aug. 1981 – March 13, 1984 13. Bro. George I. Opuene March 13, 1984 – March 12, 1985 14. Bro. Benjamin Datubo Brown March 12, 1985 – 1987 15. Bro. Vincent S. Jack 1988 – 1989 16. Bro. Dawari Selema Sept. 1989 – June 1990 17. Bro. Boma F. Jumbo July 1990 – Oct. 1990 18. Bro. Sam J. D. W. Epelle Nov. 1990 – Feb. 1991 19. Bro. Vincent S. Jack Feb. 1991 – Oct. 1992 20. Bro. Henry Allison Oct. 1992 – Dec. 1996 21. Bro. Joseph Beredugo Dec. 1996 – Dec. 2000 22. Bro. Broun J. Ikurayeke Dec. 2000 – Dec. 2004 23. Bro. Isaac Iwuoha Dec. 2004 – Dec. 2009 24. Bro. Philip Ibanichuka Dec. 2009 – Dec. 2012 25. Sis. Charity George (1st Female President) Dec. 2012 – date For details of profile and stewardship of each leader read Bro. Ikurayeke Broun’s “Memoirs of Anglican Youth Fellowship, St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt (1956 – 2016) (Pages 21 – 71). The Youth activities will continue to strengthen the church. We thank God for the enablement, abilities and capabilities of the AYF leaders from inception till date. We also thank God for the co-operation of all Vicars and chaplains so far. The best is yet to come. iv. THE YOUNG ADULT SOCIETY (1976 – 2016) In the year 1976, St. Cyprian’s Church Choir, Port Harcourt was weak and was suspected that she would not be able to feature well in that year’s Adult Harvest Thanksgiving. With that fear the then Choirmaster Chief E. B. Kalango of blessed memory approached the women who were practising songs in preparation for the harvest of that year to join the church choir, through their leader Mrs. Gertuide Pepple of blessed memory. Mrs Pepple who was also a member of the Parish Church Council obliged and made a list of some women to join the Church Choir. Those who were enlisted were: 1. Mrs C. S. Peterside 2. Mrs G. S. Belgam 3. Mrs Stella F. Higgwe (later Dame) 4. Mdm. Rebecca Bunting 5. Mdm. Edith Ate 6. Mdm E. Wakama 7. Mrs Hetty Nimenibo and 8. Mrs Apoloma Hart Some of these women hocked in their husbands and spontanously formed the body they jokingly called “Young Adults”. Thus, on 7th November, 1976 the Young Adults Society of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt was given birth to. It was inaugurated by the then Vicar, Ven. Obadiah Datubo Cockeye Brown. The Composition of this group is made up of men and women who are young at heart and were desirous to serve God. Thus the young men and women matched as a group with their offerings (cash and kind) to the altar to the glory of God. The pioneer president was Mr. Samuel Shoo Peterside 16 (later Sir). Twelve years later the group came up with a constitution with aims and objectives as follows 17. i) To foster Christian love and unity among members of the Society and the Church. ii) To create a forum to render services to the Church to the best of our ability. iii) To create greater awareness of Christian Services among members and others in need. This group also aims at adding value to the church. The society’s activities over the years had been so inspiring and encouraging that visitors to St. Cyprian’s Church were desirous to belong or take up membership if they were parishioners. However, this has led to the introduction and formation of the group in some Churches such as St. Andrew’s Church, Diobu, St. Andrew’s Church, Bakana, St. Michael’s (Ang) Church, Buguma, St. Paul’s Church (now Cathedral), Diobu, St. Augustine’s (Ang) Church, Abonnema and some other Churches in the Diocese of Niger Delta North. The Society is waxing very strong. We pray and hope that in the nearest future Young Adult Society that ranked the Men Christian Association (now Christian Men Fellowship) will receive recognition by the Diocese. Presidents of the Young Adult Society from inception are: 1. Mr Samuel Shoo Peterside - President 1976 – 2003 2. Barr. Gbogboade Akitoye - President 2004 – Date. v. THE BOYS BRIGADE (BB) (THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION BRIGADE (ACB)AND GIRLS GUILD (GG) These two organisations are training grounds for future Christian Men and Women. The Boys are future fathers of the church while the girls are future mothers. The two groups help to prepare members who are expected to hold responsible positions in the Church, Communities and even Government. The two platforms provide for enabling environment to develop boys/girls physically, mentally, spiritually, socially and economically. These will help them to be self reliantor independent and confident of themselves. They are expected to take responsibility when they come of age. The Church continues to appreciate the effort of the Mothers’ Union/Women Guild and the Christian Men Fellowship for living up to their responsibilities in preparing for the future of our children. The church also saluteS the untiring effort of the Patrons and Patronesses of the Boys/Girls. The Co-ordinators and leaders of these future hope of the church and society is highly commended. vi. THE DAUGHTERS OF HOPE (DOH) This body is new. It was inaugurated in 2012 18. Though it is new in the Diocese yet the group are waxing strong by the day in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. We commend the coordinator – Sis. Ilamina Okara. vii. EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP IN ANGLICAN COMMUNION (EFAC) This group is very new in the church. It was just introduced 2 years ago in the Diocese but inaugurated only this year, 2016. The Parish was yet to inaugurate the body but she has leaders on acting capacity: 1. Bro. Rowland W. Ikuru - Bible Study Leader 2. Sis. Boma Dikibo - Organiser 3. Sis. Faa Kien - Secretary 4. Sis. Priscilla Okere - Treasurer Although the group has not been inaugurated yet members attend all Diocesan, Provincial and National programmes to the glory of God. FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES The Parish Church Council and the team of clergy in the church of St. Cyprian Port Harcourt resolved to give themselves achieveable target(s) at the inception of tenure each year 19. Actionable plans and workable machineries must be put in place to actualise the dream. This is because the PCC and clergy alone cannot do everything (cf. Exod. 18:13-26). They needed more hands from the congregation to propel this drive, hence the formation of functional committees to work in concert with and be responsible to the Vicar/PCC. By the year 2003, more functional Committees were created 20 to add to the existing Welfare, Evangelism/Missions, and Schools Management Committees. So the church then adopted the existing Committees and created more. The followings were the functional committees as at AD 2003 and up to AD 2004. 1. Welfare Committee 2. Evangelism Committee 3. Property Committee 4. Schools Management Committee 5. Works and Maintenance Committee 6. Marriage Counselling Committee 7. Choir/Gospel Band Committee 8. Investiment Committee 9. Sunday School Board The terms of reference for each committee were as follows: 1. Welfare Committee: “For those who have God as their father should have the church as their mother” (Bishop Cyprian of Carthage) 21. In order for this church to be part of the caring ministry of the global church, the duty of the Welfare Committee shall be: i) To implement the Parish Welfare Policy ii) To identify members of the church who are socially and / or economically challenged and inform the church through the Vicar. iii) To extend the goodwill or right-hand fellowship of the church to such persons. iv) To organise Annual Welfare Week and report to PCC. v) To keep an updated record of all welfare beneficiaries vi) To visit house bound parishioners or senior citizens of the church or the sick with the Priests for prayers and administration of Holy Communion vii) To carry out any other activity that may be assigned to her by the PCC as need may arise. viii) To occasionally bring the aged for fellowship. These were part of the recommendations of Mrs Gladys C. Douglas Committee in 1985. (see the report as published in 2003 and edited by Ven. R. T. Etire. Pg 39 – 41). The Welfare Committee has been able to be the feet and hands of the church. The Welfare Committee of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt has been so wonderful. The church keeps appreciating the Chairmen and members of this Committee for their undying effort. History will not vindicate us should Mr. D. O. P. Hart be not mentioned specifically. He is Welfare personified, a dedicated, Committed and functional member of the Welfare Committee. 2. Evangelism Committee Prior to the formation of Evangelism/Mission Committee in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt, the AYF, the Prayer Band and Sunday School were responsible for revival activities such as Night Vigils, Fasting and Prayer Meetings, Seminars/Symposia, Annual Revival Weeks (Sunday School Week of Emphasis) 22. In August 1997, a twenty two (22) man Evangelism Committee was inaugurated with the following terms of reference by the then Vicar, Rev. Canon E. T. S. Fiberesima 23. i) To be reponsible for evangelism, mission and outreach ii) To organise various activities such as crusade, retreats, outreaches, church planting, training etc for the purposes of evangelism and mission. iii) The Chairman who must be a priest shall take responsibilities for the activities of the Committee iv) The Chairman shall be responsible to the Vicar. The above terms of reference were reviewed and modified in 2002. “In order that the church carries out her kingdom mandate, the Mission and Evangelism Committee shall: a) Organise Indoor / Outdoor Revival Programmes so as to strengthen Parishioners Spiritually, deepen faith and sweeten care of members in consultation with the Vicar. b) Identify new mission fields to plant churches within and beyond Port Harcourt. c) Organise periodic Workshops, Retreats and Seminar programmes for all church Workers/Leaders. d) Pay regular visitation to lapsing parishioners. e) Be engaged in soul winning programmes (see Prov. 11:30), leading people to have personl faith in Jesus Christ. f) Organise training programmes for potential Kingdom Workers: Intercessors, Counsellors, Missioners and Evangelists in consultation with the PCC through the Vicar, and g) Follow up first timers (those worshipping for the first time) and new converts to the church. This Committee on Mission/Evangelism has tried to carry out her mission mandate. She has Organised the following programmes: i. Outreach to Marine Base, Sekinama, Port Harcourt in April 1998. ii. Outreach to Okordia – Zarama in July, 1998. iii. Crusade at Degema Town. It was a 4 day programme from Thursday 16th – 19th August, 2000. iv. An outreach and planting of St. Philip’s Church, Marine Base, Sekina-Ama, Port Harcourt from Friday 12th – Sunday 14th April, 2002. v. Outreach to All Saints Church, Abalama in 2003. The Rev’ds Bakebiokroma Dappa and Joshua Amah were the products of that outreach. vi. Carried out operation lets go a fishing at Ibeto and had a crusade with Bonny Archdeaconry AYF to plant the Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd, Ibeto – Port Harcourt in 2015. Apart from the outreaches and church planting ventures the committee had been organising so many programmes to keep the body of Christ busy and moving. 3. Property Committee: It is the responsibility of the Church Property Committee to: i) Keep an inventory record of the church. ii) Update the inventory of the church at the end of each year. iii) Ensure that Landed Property of the church is/are duly registered with Government where and when necessary and documents handed to the Parish Treasurer and legal member of the Committee. However, the original copy should be in the office of the Vicar. iv) Work closely with the Diocesan Property Committee v) Send one copy each of the updated inventory of the church to the Diocesan Registrar’s Office, Synod Secretary’s Office and Archdeacon’s Office Annually. vi) To authenticate/confirm inventory list of any Church Worker on transfer out of the station and hand same over to newly transfered in. This committee was to be headed by the Parish Treasurer following the provision of the constitution of Niger Delta Diocese. 4. School Management Committee This Committee was saddled with the responsibility of: a. Ensuring the enforcement of the Parish Education Policy. b. Overseeing the proper running/functioning of the School(s) owned by this Parish. c. Recruiting, disciplining and dismissing teachers when and where the need arises and report to council through the Chairman. d. Caring for the Welfare of both staff and pupils. e. Being the link between the School PTA and the church. f. Regularly inspecting lesson notes of teachers. g. Ensuring regular supervision of the school(s) at least twice per term. h. Ensuring the availability of school curriculum and teaching/instructional materials. i. Organising periodic workshops/seminars for teachers. j. Giving termly/sessional reports on the school(s) to council. k. Organising end of year/session programmes/parties for the school in conjunction with the PTA and PCC through the Vicar. l. Carrying out any other duty incidental to the committee. 5. Works and Maintenance Committee: It is the responsibility of this Committee to: a) Regularly inspect all church facilities to know their state. b) Receive information or report on state of church facilities and confirm damages or otherwise. c) Cost or estimate needed repairs or replacements and advise PCC accordingly. d) Execute maintenance works or otherwise duly appoved by Parish Church Council (PCC), and e) Report back to Council the extent of work done. 6. Marriage Counseling Committee: It was noted then that marriage is ordained by God and should not be taken lightly, or carelessly. Therefore this Committee is saddled with the responsibility of: i. Conducting interview on intending couple(s) and advise them to go for all relevant tests to ascertain their genotype, HIV/Aids and Pregnancy Statii. ii. Organising pre-marital counseling sessions for a minimum period of three (3) months. The committee was expected to fix dates for the sessions covering the period. iii. Recommending couple(s) who have completed their counseling sessions to the Vicar in writing, to enable the Vicar fix wedding date with the couple(s) and commence publishing Banns of Marriage for three Sundays before the wedding. iv. Organising Marriage Seminars for singles, married couples, i.e, couples’ fellowship, etc in consultation with the Vicar, and v. Presenting quarterly report to Council. 7. Choir and Gospel Band Committee: The Choir and Gospel Band Committee was charged to: a) Supervise the activities of both Choir and Gospel Band. b) Monitor the general conduct of Choristers and Gospel Band Members for the purposes of instilling discipline in both Choir and Gospel Band. c) Listen to complaints of both Choir and Gospel Band, advise where necessary and recommend to council what she deems fit to be done to improve the welfare, conduct and performance of both groups. d) Hold periodic meetings with the groups so as to harmonize and address sentiments of both groups. 8. Investment Committee: This Committee shall be responsible for: i. Exploring genuine actionable and sustainable avenues of enhancing the financial base of the church other than the sustentation fund and recommend to, or advise Parish Church Council (PCC). ii. Encouraging the church in embarking on rewardable or profitable ventures by way of investment for future development. iii. Following up and monitoring any investment of the church. 9. Sunday School Board: It is the duty of the Sunday School Board to: a) Plan for proper teaching and learning of the Word of God. b) Raise potential teachers and recommend to PCC for their training. c) Arouse Parishioners’ interest to embrace Sunday School and to interact with the Word of God through periodic sensitization of the congregation with the permission of the Vicar. d) Hold periodic meetings with all Sunday School Teachers and Co-ordinate their activities. e) Ensure that every Sunday School Teacher attends preparatory class meetings. f) Ensure that Sunday School Teachers are encouraged and sponsored by the church to attend higher meetings and conferences. g) Cause the provision of a Register to each class wherein all pupils in a class are registered and also appoint a Secretary in each class to call/mark the class register every Sunday. END NOTES ON CHAPTER FIVE 1. Donald C. Stamps, et al - Fire Bible Commentary on the unity of the body of Christ (p. 250). 2. I Corinthians 12:11-12. 3. Romans 12:4-5 4. I Peter 4:10-11 5. I Corinthians 12:7 6. Vincent N. Uzoho - Women in African Independent Churches 2000 (p. 7) quoted Leith Ross. 7. Vincent N.Uziho - Ibid (p. 8) 8. Etire R. T. (ed) - History of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt 2003 (p. 36) 9. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1987 (p. 93) 10. Etire R. T. (ed) - Op. Cit 11. Sir Festus S. Pepple - Oral Interview/phone sms. 12. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1954 (p. 26) 13. Broun Ikurayeke - Memoirs of Anglican Youth Fellowship St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt (1956 – 2016) p. 14 14. Etire R. T. (ed) - Op. Cit (p. 33) 15. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1956 (p. 31) 16. Etire R. T. (ed) - Op. Cit (p. 34) 17. Etire R. T. (ed) - Ibid (p. 34) 18. Ubulom, John - Oral Interview/phone sms. 19. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt - PCC minutes of 8th Oct. 2002 20. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt - List of Functional Committees (2003/2004) 21. Mark Fackler, et al - Foxe: Voices of the Martyrs 2007 (p. 322) 22. Etire R. T. (ed) - History of St. Cyprian’s Church, 2003 (p. 42) 23. Etire R. T. (ed) - Ibid (p. 43) CHAPTER SIX THE PLACE AND ROLE OF SAINT CYPRIAN’S CHURCH, PORT HARCOURT IN NIGER DELTA DIOCESE “To whom much is given, much is expected”. The place of St. Cyprian’s (Ang) Church, Port Harcourt in the Diocese of Niger Delta is such that she is endowed with much priviledges, opportunities and responsibilities. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt may not be and is not the oldest Church in the Diocese but her cosmopolitan disposition has placed her as BIG BROTHER to shoulder responsibilities, to rescue or bail out the Diocese or any part of the Diocese whenever and wherever the need arises. A lot had been done, and shall still be done by this great church. Since after her attainment of autonomous Parish Status, and the dedication of the new church building, St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt became “a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden”.... and a light lit that cannot be kept under a bushel. “Ye are the light of the wolrd. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:14-15). In 2002, the then Archdeacon of Bonny Archdeaconry, Ven J. I. Oyet remarked and said “Because of its strategic position in the Diocese, St. Cyprian’s Church has always been priviledged to receive visitors coming to the Diocese” 1. The church was granted autonomy in 1928 2, and since then she assumed the prestigeous position of prominence. For instance, at the very first meeting of the Niger Delta Archdeaconry (now Bonny) which she hosted in June, 1934, the then Archdeacon Ven. D. C. Crowther announced the transfer of the Archdeaconry headquarters from St. Stephen’s Cathedral Church, Bonny to St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt 3. What this arrangement translates to mean is that St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt is the second premier church in the Niger Delta Pastorate (now Niger Delta Diocese), after St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Bonny. She is also reffered to as the “Cathedral on land” in some quarters. St. Cyprian’s Church, therefore, occupies a unique position in the life and heart of the Niger Delta Diocese, her age not withstanding. This is a position she did not vie for. She simply earned it. God divinely ordained it. “This was the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our eyes” (Mark 12:11). If it were to be by struggle or fighting, or by human device or left with humans to decide St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt wouldn’t have been the choice. Whatever reasons that were put forward in favour of Archdeacon D. C. Crowther’s proposal in 1934 (see chapter 2) were divinely inspired. If it were to be the choice of men, David wouldn’t have been anointed King of Israel. Jesse did make all six sons of his to pass before Samuel, but God did not approve of any of them, rather the almost forgotten David, the Shepherd boy was prefered. Samuel said unto Jesse, send and fetch him; for we will not sit down till he come hither” (I Samuel 16:11b). God said to Saint Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt: “Before I formed thee in the belly (Okrika District) I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb (Okrika District) I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Niger Delta Diocese)” (see Jeremiah 1:5). “And no man taketh this honour unto himself” (Heb. 5:4). We can see that it was not by chance that Saint Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt should and is occupying position of prominence in the Diocese of Niger Delta. As it was posited at the beginning of this chapter, “To whom much is given, much is expected”. This divinely priviledged position goes with corresponding responsibilities. We now turn to see the role this BIG BROTHER has been playing since her assumption of her God-given position. From available records St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt has done so much for this Diocese of Niger Delta. 1. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt hosted the Archbishop of West Africa – His Grace, the Most Rev’d C. J. Patterson, CMG, CBE,MA,DD from 9th – 10th March, 1963 4. 2. There was this Students’ Holiday Club founded by St. Cyprian’s Youth Fellowship, Port Harcourt. It was opened to all students irrespective of religion or denomination. In 1964, the club camped a large number of students who spent their holidays in Port Harcourt 5. This holiday camp was to engage the students in meaningful and useful activities that would mould the character of future leaders. 3. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt hosted Archbishop Joseph A. Adetiloye who visited Port Harcourt to commission the CSS Press, adjacent to St. Peter’s Church, 50B Hospital Road, Port Harcourt, on Thursday, 28th June, 1990. A short service was held in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt at 9.00am which preceded the commissioning 6. 4. From Friday 14th – Monday 17th September the Province of Nigeria held her Provincial Standing Committee Meeting in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. It was during this Standing Committee that Emmanuel Ebenezer Nglas and Winfred G. Ekpirikpo were consecrated Bishops on Sunday 16th September, 1990 7. 5. Clergy men of the SOMA Team from England visited the Diocese and were hosted in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt in August, 1993 8. 6. The Primate of All Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev’d Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye visited his Diocese when Bishop S. O Elenwo was translated to Niger Delta North Diocese and was hosted in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt on Thursday 8th August, 1996 9. That was when the See of Niger Delta Diocese was vacant and the Very Rev’d Gabriel Herbert Pepple was Vicar General. It was after this visit that the Primate made up his mind to recommend Gabriel Pepple as Bishop Elenwo’s successor. 7. On Sunday 21st December, 1997, St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt hosted the National Council of Women Thanksgiving 10. 8. The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Dr. Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye was travelling to Nembe to inaugurate Niger Delta West Diocese, he stopped over in Niger Delta Diocese and was hosted in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt on Saturday 27th November, 1999. He left Port Harcourt in the morning of Sunday 28th November, that was the folloowing day 11. 9. St. Cyprian’s Church was privileged to host the Archbishop of Canterbury - His Grace, The Most Rev’d and Rt. Hon. George Carey and his wife, Eilen Carey on 9th February, 2001 12. This was an epoc making occasion for the church and the Diocese of Niger Delta. The Archbishop’s visit was a farewell tour to some Dioceses before his retirement the same year. He also visited the Cathedral Church of St. Stephen, Bonny to pay homage to the ancient throne of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther. 10. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt was again privileged to be the venue for the hosting of the Church of Nigeria Standing Committee from Tuesday 13th – Saturday 17th March, 2001 13. This meeting was hosted by the Diocese of Niger Delta. 11. The maiden conference of the Bonny Archdeaconry MCA (BAMCA) was hosted by St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt from Friday 13th – Sunday 15th August, 2001 14. 12. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt hosted the Mothers’ Union 125th Anniversary as the Diocese joined other churches over the world to celebrate same from Tuesday 2nd – Sunday 7th October, 2001 15. 13. The Worldwide Mothers’ Union President – Mrs. Trish Heywood visited the Diocese of Niger Delta and was hosted in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt on Friday 16th August, 2002 16. It was indeed a memorable day. 14. The maiden Provincial meeting of the Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta was single handedly hosted by St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt from 6th – 8th March, 2003 17 to the glory of God. 15. The Diocesan Thanksgiving Service for the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Odili and Cabinet was hosted in St. Cyprian’s Church Port Harcourt on Sunday 29th June, 2003 18, ie- on the Feast of St. Peter the Apostle. What a co-incidence that Peter’s thanksgiving was held on St. Peter’s day. 16. The Diocesan Trinity Ordination was hosted by St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt on Sunday 13th July, 2003. This was preceded by the Ordination Retreat from Wednesday 9th – Saturday 12th July. The Rev. Samuel I. Tamuno was among those made Deacons 19. 17. The National Day Service for the year 2003 was hosted by St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt on Sunday 28th September, 2003 20. The sermon was delivered by the Diocesan – Rt. Rev. G. H. Pepple. 18. The Rt. Rev’d Tubokosimie Robert Abere, Rt. Rev’d T. Fasipe, Rt. Rev’d M. O. Fape, Rt. Rev. J. Imasuen, Rt. Rev. D. K. Bello and Rt. Rev. S. S. Olayanju were consecrated Bishops on Sunday 16th November, 2003 in St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt 21. The consecration service was preceded by a six – day Retreat from Monday 10th – Saturday 15th November, 2003. The retreatant was the Most Rev’d. Ephraim Ademowo of Lagos Diocese. 19. The Valedictory Service for 2003 Christian Pilgrims was held in St. Cyprian’s Church on 28th November, 2003 22. 20. St. Cyprian’s Church Port Harcourt accommodated the Niger Delta Diocesan Central Office and Synod Secretary’s Office from inception of the Diocese in 1952 – 2006. This also included the General School Manager’s Office in the same church compound. 21. St. Cyprian’s Church, from 1952 had been a training ground for Priests. Every Deacon was always posted to the church for at least one year probation/training till after the emergence of other Archdeaconry headquarters. 22. It is also a training ground for the lay. If one worships in St. Cyprian’s Church for four years and is unable to ascend to leadership position he/she should review his/her churchmanship. Could you believe that all Diocesan Chancellors and Treasurers from inception till date had been from St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. Major appointments from the Bishop’s Desks – Advisers, Engineers, Architects, Administrative Assistants to the Bishops etc had always been from members of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt. 23. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt has always been magnanimous to distressed Parishes. The church is always ready to assist any Parish or church within the Diocese that needs help. When St. Andrew’s (Ang) Church, Mile One Diobu, Port Harcourt was closed down, St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt accommodated the former from 1999 – 2009 (Ten Years). That is to say, St. Andrew’s Church had their worship service/fellowship in St. Cyprian’s Church Compound for consecutive ten years. 24. In 2003, St. John’s (Ang) Church, Ke needed to organise a fund raising launching for the completion of her church building project, the dedication of the edifice and the inauguration of her parish. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt was approached and were granted use of the church compound. 25. In 2004, St. Martin’s Church, Bukuma also had the same desire and St. Cyprian’s Church granted her. 26. From 2000 – 2002, St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt was paying the salary of the Clergyman in Odual Parish. She did the same thing to the Pastor’s salary in St. James’ Church, Degema Consulate. 27. The church also embarks on training of Priests in theological institutions, especially the Women Sweeping Six (6). 28. It is on record that St. Cyprian’s Church is the highest contributing church in the Diocese of Niger Delta in terms of quota payment. Besides, the Church has always been approached when the goings gets tough with the Diocese. In September 2003, the church had to pay for the return tickets for the Bishop, Bishop’s wife, Chancellor, Synod Secretary, Women Worker to Ibadan for Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria. The sponsorship also included sundry expenses. 29. Her educational contribution to the Church and Society had been so enormous. St.Cyprian’s State School which was opened almost the same time with the church., precisely in 1917 had produced many elites in the society and the church. The school is begging for the Old Boys and Girls to remember their almamater. This school was taken over by the State Government among other Missionary Schools in the State. As it stands now the school should be thinking of celebrating her centenary in 2017. 4 SCHOOL PIX However, the St. Cyprian’s administration in 1986 deemed it fit to establish a Nursery School which will empty to the already existing Primary School in the Compound. Thus, on 22nd September, 1986 after a short church service which had fourty-one parishioners in attendance, the school was established 23. Those who graced the opening ceremony included the Vicar of the church, Rev. Canon S. I. Amadi, the Curate – Rev. S. P. O. Mama; the Priest – Rev. C. N. Apia, the Deacon, Rev. Gaius Hart. Others were: The Parish Secretary – Barr. G. A. Graham – Douglas; Chief Ben. Abali – Shidi, the Pastor’s Warden – Mr. Olu Potts Johnson; the Secretary, Building Committee – Mr. I. Allison, the Chairperson, Nursery School Committee – Mrs. Christy Adata G. Toby; members of the Nursery School Committee, one academic staff Mrs. G. Ibanibere and a Minder. The service was conducted by the Vicar – Rev. Canon S. I. Amadi while the brief address was delivered by the Parish Secretary, Barr. Godwin Alaye Graham – Douglas. In his prayers, the Vicar thanked God for his mercies towards the actualisation of the dream. He also thanked God for the Parishioners, particularly the various groups for their laudable contributions in ensuring the commencement of the school possible. He thereafter challenged the management of the school to take up the responsibility of growing the school and to inculcate proper morals in the pupils so as to raise God-fearing, intelligent and purposeful future leaders. He concluded by thanking God for the Parish Church Council for their foresight. The pioneer children (pupils) numbered twenty-three (23) in all. The Supervisor, Mrs. Sarah T. Jack, her staff and children were specially committed to God with goodwill wishes. The school was not making the desired progress because of the absence of Primary section. Thus, the 2004 PCC decided to introduce it so that the Nursery pupils will graduate into the Primary School Section. On 20th September, 2004 the Primary Section was opened. A total of six (6) pupils pioneered this section. The Chairperson of the Nursery/Primary School was Mrs Esther S. Blu-Jack (later Dame). From then the school started experiencing numerical growth 24. PHOTOGRAPH OF THE PUPILS WITH MU/WG OF ST. CYPRIAN’S CHURCH ON THEIR VISIT TO THE SCHOOL. The first set of graduands were passed out on 22nd July, 2009. The whole six (6) pupils from the primary section graduated 25. From then till date the school has turned out eight (8) sets of graduands. PHOTOGRAPH OF 2012 GRADUANDS The first three sets are presently in Universities while the others are doing well in their post primary schools. Some however had long graduated into various professionals such as Engineering, Computer Engineering etc. The current teachers / staff in the school to celebrate the centenary with the church include. 1. Miss Alali A. Jamaica - Head Teacher 2. Miss Owubo Cordilia N. - Teacher 3. Bertha Zachariah - Teacher 4. Otuoke Lucy Hebron - Teacher 5. Ededo Mercy Daniel - Teacher 6. Dorathy Oguara B. - Teacher 7. Roseline Kpedee B. - Teacher 8. Mrs Opunne Hart - Teacher 9. Tawari Preye - Teacher 10. Ahamba Favour B. - Teacher 11. Florence A. Ogbonna - Teacher 12. Confidence Young-Arney - Minder 13. Mbagwu Francisca - Minder 14. Miss Mary Henry - Minder 15. Mrs Esther Muene - Cleaner The School Management Board Chairmen from inception are as follows: 1. Mrs Christy A. Toby (later Dame) - 1986 – 1992 2. Mr Franklin F. Higgwe (later Chief) - 1993 – 1994 3. Mrs Esther S. Blu – Jack - 1994 – 1996 4. Mrs Stella Okuiyiga (later Dame) - 1996 – 2001 5. Dame Esther S. Blu – Jack - 2001 – 2009 6. Mrs Nene Adoki - 2009 – 2010 7. Dame Adaba Charles – Granville - 2010 – 2012 8. Sir (Chief) Dr. William Ubulom - 2012 – 2014 9. Mr. Clifford Michael - 2014 – Date 26. Head Teachers (headmistresses) from inception to date. 1. Mrs Sarah T. Jack - 1986 – 1991 2. Miss Keziah Jaja - 1991 – 1995 3. Mrs Numesubo J. - 1995 – 2002 4. Mrs A. C. Njoku - 2002 – 2003 5. Miss Ogariba Lawson - Jan – June, 2003. 6. Miss Alali Jamaica - Sept 2003 – Date 27. 30. Hosting of Archdeaconry Board and Diocesan Boards. Saint Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt was the only Church that hosted the above meetings just after the Nigeria civil war – 1969 – 1971. See appendix I for details, and Confirmation. End Notes On Chapter Six 1. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 2002 (p. 150) 2. Etire, R. T. (ed) - History of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt 2003 (p. 18) 3. Etire, R. T. (ed) - Ibid (p. 19) 4. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1963 (p. 98) 5. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 2002 (p. 98) 6. St. Cyprian’s Church, PH - Preacher’s Book 1990 7. St. Cyprian’s Church, PH - Ibid 8. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1993 (p. 157) 9. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1996 (p. 64) 10. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1997 (p. 117) 11. Niger Delta Diocese - Synod Report 1999 (p. 86) 12. Niger Delta Dioce - Synod Report 2001 (p. 116) 13. Niger Delta Dioce - Ibid 14. Niger Delta Dioce - Ibid (p. 117) 15. Niger Delta Dioce - Ibid 16. Niger Delta Dioce - Synod Report 2002 (p. 184) 17. Niger Delta Dioce - Synod Report 2003 (p. 179) 18. Niger Delta Dioce - Ibid 19. Niger Delta Dioce - Ibid 20. Niger Delta Dioce - Ibid 21. Church of Nigeria - Desk Diary 2014. 22. Niger Delta Dioce - Op. Cit (p.179) 23. St. Cyprian’s Nur. Sch., PH - Log Book 24. Alali Jamaica - Unpublished Manuscript 25. Alali Jamaica - Ibid 26. Alali Jamaica - Ibid 27. Alali Jamaica - Ibid PIX OF PCC MEMBERS 1980 ETC APPENDIX I Minutes of Diocesan/Bonny Archdeaconry Board Meetings from 1969 -1971 APPENDIX II THE PLACE AND ROLE OF SAINT CYPRIAN’S CHURCH, PORT HARCOURT IN NIGER DELTA DIOCESE S/NO NAMES POSITION YEAR(S) OF SERVICE 01 Chief Daniel Oju Kalio &Co Evangelists May 1916 – Feb 1917 02 Mr. W.W. Peters Church Teacher March 1917 – 1919 03 Mr. Johnbull Daka Church Teacher 1920 – 1927 04 Rev. SamS. Williams Vicar 1928 –April, 1936 05 Rev. H.H.W. Macauley Vicar April -Oct, 1936 06 Rev. Moses D.Showers Vicar Nov 1936 -1944 07 Rev. S.I. Afiesimama Vicar 1944 -1945 08 Rev.A.O. Akandu Vicar 1946 -1948 09 Rev.A.A.D. Spiff Vicar 1949 -1953 10 Rev. S.D.J. Manilla Curate 1950 -1954 11 Rev.A.L. Abe Priest 1951 -1952 12 Rev. R.N. Bara – Hart Vicar 1954 13 Rev.H.A.I. Afonya Vicar 1955 – 1961(Later Bishop) 14 Rev. J.M. Borne Curate 1955 -1959 15 Rev.A.L. Abe Priest 1956 -1961 16 Rev. Titus T. Green Vicar 1962 – 1963 17 Rev. G.A. Ake Vicar 1964 – Oct. 1965 18 Rev’d N.A. Alasomuka Vicar Nov.1965 – May, 1967 19 Rev. Sunday I.A. Brown Curate 1960 – May, 1967 20 Vacant -- May 1967 – July, 1968(Civil War) 21 MR. R.A. Olunwa Catechist 1968 – 1969 22 Rev. (Major)Inyang Visiting Priest 1969 23 Rev. H.E. Oriaku Vicar 1970 – Feb. 1971 24 Rev. E.C. Ogwo Curate 1970 -1974 25 Rev. Bromilo T. Jack Priest 1971 -1974 26 Rev. Jason E. Oruama Vicar March 1971 – 1972 27 Ven. O.D.C. Brown Vicar 1973 -1977 28 Rev. S.O. Igbegiri Curate 1975 -1978 29 Rev. Adulphus A. Amabebe Priest 1975 -1979 30 Ven. Jason E. Oruama Vicar 1978 -1984 31 Rev. Christian Ken Erekosima Priest 1978-1979(Bishop Chaplain) 32 Rev. Canon S. O. Elenwo Curate 1979 – 1981 (Later Bishop) 33 Rev. Winfred G. Ekpirikpo Priest 1979 (Later Bishop) 34 Rev. R.N.G. Otuene Priest / Curate 1979 -1980 / 1981 -1983 35 Rev. Raphael O.Ogholi Priest 1979 – 1982 36 Rev. E.S.O. Amadi Deacon 1980 37 Rev. R.A. Olunwa Deacon/Priest 1980 – 1981 38 Rev. I.O. Samuel Deacon/Priest 1981 – 1982 39 Rev. Canon S.I. Amadi Priest / Vicar 1982-1986(Later Archdeacon) 40 Rev. Gaius Hart Deacon 1986 41 Rev. S.P.O. Mamah Curate 1982 -1984 42 Rev. C.N. Apia Priest 1982 43 Rev. D.A.T. Hart Priest / Curate 1982 -1984 / 1985-1988 44 Rev. S.K.D.Otobo Priest 1983-1986 45 Rev. G.H. Pepple Deacon 1983-1984 46 Rev. S.A. Fefagha Deacon 1984 47 Rev. M.O. Ogoniba Priest 1984-1985 48 Rev. A.B.Nyingifa Deacon 1985 49 Rev. F. Banibere Priest 1986-1987 50 Rev. Canon R.O. Ogholi Vicar 1987-1993 51 Rev. E.O. Minima Curate 1988-1989 52 Rev. E.T.S. Fiberesima Priest 1988-1993 53 Rev. Ralph C. Ebirien Curate 1989-1992 54 Rev. N.P.F. Orluogwo Priest 1991- Jan. 1993 55 Rev. Canon Dagogo A.T. Hart Vicar 1994-1996 56 Rev. Abiye Sunny Bobmanuel Curate 1993- 1995 57 Rev. Canon Hope T. Allison Priest 1994- 1995 58 Rev. B.O.D. Idoniboye Deacon / Priest 1994-1996 59 Rev.Jacob E. Davies Priest/Curate 1994-1995, 1996-1997 60 Rev.Richard Ibituru Hart Deacon 1995 61 Rev. Amavey C. Abbey-Kalio Priest 1996-1998(Bishop’s Chaplain) 62 Rev. Canon E. T. S Fiberesima Vicar 1997 63 Rev’d Aderemi B. Oni Priest 1997 – 2001 64 Ven. Julius I. Oyet Vicar 1998 – 2000 65 Rev. Canon T. R. Abere Curate 1998 – 2000 (Later Bishop) 66 Rev. Peter K. Blu – Attoni Priest 1999; 2005-2007 67 Rev. Godioin Iringe - Koko Deacon 2000 68 Ven. Rufus T. Etire Vicar 2001 – 2004 69 Rev. Canon S. K. D. Otobo Curate 2001 70 Rev. Dennis A. K. Horsfall Priest 2000 – 2001 71 Rev. Canon W. T. Edighotu Curate 2002 – 2003 72 Rev. J. E. D. Pono Priest 2002-2003 (Bishop’s Chaplain) 73 Rev. Canon C. C. John- Jaja Curate 2004 – 2007 74 Rev. Samuel I. Tamuno Deacon / Priest 2003 – 2005 75 Rev. Bright N. King Priest 2004 76 Ven. C. K. Erekosima Vicar 2005 -2007 77 Ven. Dabotubo Young- Harry Vicar 2007 – 2010 78 Rev. Canon Isobeye Amabibi Curate 2008 -2010 79 Rev. Umorami S. Azeri Priest 2008 – 2009 80 Rev. David J. Awajiowa Deacon 2008 81 Rev. Sila Ukotije Ikwut Deacon 2008 82 Rev. Rogers N. Jumbo Priest 2009 – Date 83 Rev. Canon John Ubulom AG. Vicar OCT – Dec. 2010 84 Ven. Amavey C. Abbey – Kalio Vicar 2011 – Date 85 Rev. Canon John Ubulom Curate 2011 – Sept. 2016 86 Rev. Chimezie Offoma Priest Dec 2010–Date (St. Philips Marine Base) 87 Rev. Mieadonye Kunu Priest 2012 – Date 88 Rev. Wisdom E. D. Bobmanuel Deacon / Priest 2014 – Date 89 Ven. Boma P. Briggs Curate Sept. 2016-Date APPENDIX III JUNIOR STAFF OF THE CHURCH IN 2016 1. Miss Mary Kaladappa - Clerk 2. Mrs Gold O. Wisdom - Clerk 3. Miss Iyeneomi Aminadoki - Clerk (Marine Base) 4. Miss Roseline Mbaba - Office Assistant 5. Mr. Tuboalabo Howells - Sexton I 6. Mr. Ineme Cleopas - Sexton II 7. Mr. John Osuchuhku - Sexton/Yardman (The Good Shepherd Church) 8. Mr. Loveday Muenee - Yardman 1 9. Mr. Ezekiel Harrison - Yardman 11 10. Mr. Inyang Bassey - Driver 11. Mr. Kiadum Ledee Kokonee - Driver 12. Miss Awongo Howell - Cleaner 13. Miss Boma Horsfall - Cleaner 14. Mr. Sopiriye Ibanibo - Choirmaster 15. Elder Marty Mac-Pepple - Asst. Choirmaster 16. Mr. Tomitonwa H. Allison - Organist APPENDIX IV PASTOR’S WARDENS FROM 1973 – DATE 1. 1973 – 1974 - Mr. Ibiokuma Allison 2. 1975 – 1976 - Chief Abali Sidi 3. 1977 – 1987 - Mr. B. O. D. Idoniboye (later Archdeacon) 4. 1988 – 1994 - Sir Samuel I. Tamuno 5. 1995 – 1999 - Sir H. S. Wilson 6. 2000 – 2005 - Sir Festus S. Pepple 7. 2006 – 2007 - Barr. Ishmael Blu – Jack 8. 2008 – (Interim) - Sir. Festus S. Pepple 9. 2009 – 2010 - Vacant 10. 2011 – 2013 - Sir Dan Harrison 11. 2014 - Sir F. O. Banigo 12. 2015 – Date - Sir S. N. George APPENDIX V PEOPLE’S WARDEN/TREASURERS FROM 1968 – DATE 1. 1968 – 1987 - Chief Festus Davies Jumbo 2. 1988 – 1998 - Sir G. T. G. Toby 3. 1999 - Mr. S. T. Long – John 4. 2000 - Mr. Dabotubo F. Eferebo 5. 2001 – 2005 - Sir Fortunatus Gogo Harrison 6. 2006 – 2007 - Sir Utchay C. Okirie 7. 2008 – (Interim) - Sir Mina Jumbo 8. 2009 – 2010 - Vacant 9. 2011 – 2013 - Sir Mina Jumbo 10. 2013 – 2014 - Sir (Dr) William Ubulom 11. 2015 – Date - Sir Ferdinard O. Banigo APPENDIX VI PARISH SECRETARIES FROM 1968 1. 1968 – 1972 - Mr. Ibiokuma Allison 2. 1973 – 1998 - Sir Chief Godwin A. Graham-Douglas (SAN) JP 3. 1998 – 1999 - Mr. Utchay C. Okirie (later Knight) 4. 2000 – 2005 - Mr. Amiso Iniowuari JP (later Knight) BIBLIOGRAPHY A – Published Sources 1. Arthur, Dakin -A Fighting Free Churchman