The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has urged Christians and indeed Nigerians to dedicate their lives to God, trust and turn to Him. He made this assertion at the dedication of St. Paul’s Anglican Church River Park Estate, Airport Road Abuja on Saturday 27th May, 2023 during his sermon.

Archbishop Ndukuba who took the text of his homily from John 2:18-22 and titled it “The Temple Not Built With Hands” reminded Christians that physical structures will surely be destroyed one day but Jesus Christ is the eternal temple and those who are in Christ are the temple of the Most High God which cannot be destroyed by anybody.

He emphasised on the importance of the temple as a place of encounter, a place of laying down burdens, a place of breaking yokes and receiving from the God of mercy which must be sacred and not turned into a marketplace.

He urged the congregation not to turn their trust in buildings or altars, but unto God who is sovereign and beyond mere physical building. “Do not trust in temples than the owner of the temple.”

Primate Ndukuba calls on all to dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ, get rid of self, and turn to Him.

The Primate also reminded the Church members that the Church is now dedicated to God and is not owned by anybody or any group due to the contributions they have made toward the building of the Church. It’s now handed over to God and for the worship of God only.

He encouraged the priests to stand up to their responsibilities by being in charge of the spiritual atmosphere of the members of their congregation. He noted that when priests do their job well, the Church members will follow them.

He appreciated the vision of the former Primate Nicholas Okoh for setting up the Church which is jointly owned by Abuja and Kubwa Diocese.

St Paul’s Anglican Church building foundation was laid on 19th March 2018 by former Primate, His Grace, The Most Rev Nicholas D. Okoh and assisted by The Rt. Rev’d Duke Akamisoko of Kubwa Diocese.

The Rev’d Canon Benjamin Agbejumeye and Canon Daniel Ozovehe were the first priest posted to the Church as pioneer vicar and assistant vicar respectively from July 27th, 2018 until 17th July 2021. Their time of ministry was foundational with only members of their family and few persons. With painstaking evangelistic effort, they began to build fellowship and membership which brought growth and strong-minded members who held services under scorching sun and drenching rains. Canon Future Jonathan and Rev’d Isaac Ani served the Church from July 2021 till January 2023 before Can. Future was replaced by the current Vicar, Rev. Can. James Etor while Rev. Ani remained the assisting vicar till date.

Of note, is the huge contribution of the owner of the River Park Estate, Mr Paul Odili among several others.

In attendance at the dedication was the former Primate Nicholas Okoh who expressed his utmost joy over the successful completion and dedication of the Church building. He noted the contribution of a member of the Church (Lady Ifeoma Onubogu) who brought the information about the availability of the land space to Him and pushed through to ensure something was done by the authorities. He encouraged all Anglicans to emulate such character in promoting things of God wherever they found themselves.

Bishop Duke Akamisoko of Kubwa Diocese while reacting to the dedication of the Church building said its a joyful, glorious event and very exciting to Him, especially seeing the former Primate being present. He noted that the joint ownership was necessary as the congregation who attends the Church are mainly from Abuja Diocese while the land on which the Church is built is in Kubwa Diocese.

Also present at the dedication was the Bishop of Gwagwalada Diocese, The Rt. Rev’d Moses Tabwaye and the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Ven. Dr. Paul Dajur, Clergymen, Laity, and Legal luminaries from both dioceses among others.

Korede Akintunde
CoN Communication Officer
Email: [email protected]

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