C.C.C AT 79: CELESTIAL CITY ERUPTS IN WORSHIP, REMEMBRANCE
Kayode AjalaThree-day crusade, anniversary service draw members, elders, leaders to Imeko as departed pioneers are honoured
IMEKO, OGUN STATE — It was a powerful convergence of faith, history and heritage as Celestians from different parts of the world gathered at Celestial City, Imeko, Ogun State, to mark the 79th anniversary of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide.
For three days, the historic city was transformed into a centre of intense spiritual activity as members, elders and leaders of the church assembled for a grand anniversary crusade, culminating in a special thanksgiving service at Celestial Church of Christ, Parish 1, Archdiocese, Imeko.
The celebration marked another major milestone in the remarkable journey of a church founded on 29 September 1947 through its Founder, Reverend Pastor Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, in Porto-Novo, now in the Republic of Benin.
Seventy-nine years after that historic beginning, the anniversary gathering offered the Celestial family an opportunity not only to celebrate its growth but also to confront its history, honour its pioneers and reaffirm the spiritual heritage handed down through generations.
Three Days of Spiritual Fire
The three-day anniversary crusade was one of the major attractions of the celebration, drawing worshippers into an atmosphere charged with prayer, praise, worship and spiritual exhortation.
From the opening of the programme, Celestial City became a hive of religious activity as worshippers sought divine intervention, spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with the foundations of the church.
The crusade also provided a rare intergenerational gathering, bringing together elderly members who witnessed earlier chapters of the church’s history and younger Celestians inheriting its traditions and responsibilities.
For many participants, the event was more than an anniversary programme. It was a spiritual homecoming.
Imeko Becomes Centre of CCC Heritage
The choice of Celestial City, Imeko, as the focal point of the anniversary celebrations added considerable historical significance to the event.
As one of the important spiritual centres of the Celestial Church of Christ, Imeko provided a fitting setting for members to pause and reflect on the journey that has taken the church from its beginnings in Porto-Novo to communities across Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world.
The atmosphere was one of celebration, but also reflection.
The gathering offered members an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of previous generations and consider the responsibility of the present generation to preserve the spiritual identity and traditions of the church.
Departed Leaders Receive Special Honour
But perhaps one of the most poignant moments of the anniversary was the veneration and remembrance of departed leaders and pioneers whose contributions helped shape the Celestial Church of Christ.
Among those remembered were Saint Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, Reverend Alexander Abiodun Bada, Pa Ajanlekoko and Reverend P.H. Ajose, as well as other departed leaders of the fold.
Their names, recalled during the anniversary programme, represented different chapters in the history of the church and the service of generations that helped build the Celestial movement.
The remembrance gave the celebration an emotional dimension, with the living paying tribute to those whose labour, leadership and devotion helped lay the foundation upon which the present generation stands.
For older members, it was a moment of remembrance and nostalgia. For younger Celestians, it was a lesson in history and an opportunity to appreciate the personalities behind the development of the church.
The message was unmistakable: a church that forgets those who built its foundation risks losing an important part of its identity.
Anniversary Service Caps Celebration
The three-day spiritual gathering climaxed with a special anniversary service at CCC Parish 1, Archdiocese, Imeko, where worshippers gathered to give thanks for the preservation and growth of the church over seven decades.
The service brought together the elements that have remained central to Celestial worship — prayers, hymns, praise, thanksgiving and spiritual exhortation — against the backdrop of the church’s 79-year journey.
The anniversary service also provided an opportunity to look beyond the celebrations and reflect on the future.
At a time when the church is increasingly international in character, the gathering reinforced the importance of unity, continuity and the preservation of the spiritual heritage associated with its founding.
From One Vision to a Worldwide Fold
The story of the Celestial Church of Christ is one of remarkable expansion.
What began in 1947 through the ministry of Reverend Pastor Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa has, over the decades, developed into a worldwide Christian movement with parishes and members in different countries.
The 79th anniversary therefore represented far more than a numerical milestone.
It was a celebration of a journey spanning generations — from the early pioneers who carried the message in its formative years to the present generation charged with taking the church into the future.
At Celestial City, the past and present appeared to meet: the memories of departed leaders standing alongside the prayers and aspirations of today’s members.
A Church Looks Ahead at 79
As the celebration drew attention to the church’s history, it also raised the curtain on the road ahead.
The 79th anniversary provided the Celestial fold with an opportunity to celebrate its achievements while renewing its commitment to the values, faith and spiritual heritage associated with its founding.
The gathering in Imeko demonstrated the enduring emotional and spiritual bond between Celestians and the history of their church.
It was a celebration of faith, sacrifice, memory and continuity.
And as the Celestial Church of Christ looks towards its eighth decade, the message from Celestial City was clear: the story of the church is not only about where it came from, but also about what the present generation will preserve, build and hand over to those coming after it.
Amongst prominent leaders of the church present were AMSE J.O Ayodele, AMSE J.O Olabode, AMSE J.S Kuti, AMSE Fesojaiye, AMSE T.A Oridota, AMSE Akossou Severin, AMSE Abayomi Ilori, amongst others.
At 79, the Celestial Church of Christ celebrated not merely another anniversary, but a living heritage — remembering its departed heroes, honouring its pioneers and gathering its worldwide family in thanksgiving at Celestial City, Imeko.
See more pictures below:
PHOTO CREDIT: Evangelist Samuel Olajide Adetimehin
