A Review Of The Family Church On Opebi Hill @ 30

Introduction

The Family Church on Opebi Hill at 30 is a compilation of reminiscences on Angican Church of the Ascension Opebi over the past 30 years. The 161 page publication was edited by Aroloye Andrew, Arojo Gbenga, Adejumo Ifeoma and Ogunlesi Kunle . It was printed by Vic-Oba Nigeria Enterprises in 2013.

The Review

The Diocesan, Rt. Revd. James Odedeji, in his goodwill message, acknowledged the leading contribution of the Ascension family to the covenant seed programme of the diocese. He enthused “It is therefore good to note that the covenant seed took its root from your parish and for a long time you were the largest contributors to this fund”. The vicar Venerable Dr Adeyemi Agbelusi, in his contribution enjoined members to remain unflinching at ensuring the church remains a “charismatic and vibrant church “.

The 'Mama Yard' Mrs Bolaji Agbelusi reported that the church has in recent times witnessed remarkable improvements in the attendance of the various children and women activities. The editors validated her position when they wrote the following about all the 'Mama Yard' and the Sunday school teachers: “They have been wonderful all the time, and especially in the past year under the leadership of Mrs. Bolaji Agbelusi – The Mama Yard General of Ascension! Our children now have a mother they love!”

There are many aspects of the reminiscences that will tickle lovers of prose in the sharing of what we all face in the journey of life. For instance, Mrs Funmi Ajose-Adeogun in her beautiful contribution concluded “You know, sometimes when we are beset by problems, we tend to forget that all we need to do is to talk to God, leave your worries with him and be rest assured. He will definitely do it.” Professor Gbenga Ashiru corroborated this power of mixing faith with works with the testimony that followed the rogation visit to his medical practice.

There is a common thread in the narrations of Mrs Bukky Adeniran and Mrs Keji Oyebade on Rev Onanaiye and how he cared , Mr &Mrs Tunde Bajela and Mrs Bose Coker on Ven L.L. Eso and how he exuded love, Mr Biodun Shobanjo and Mr Vincent Amadi on Mr Ayo Lawson and how he exhibited warm friendship, Mrs Ifeoma Adejumo and how the Ascension family showed compassion, Mrs Roli Craig and how faith cometh by hearing the word of God. The different accounts narrated the unique peculiarities of the family Church on The Opebi Hill that is bound together by the love of Jesus Christ.

The past and present members of the clergy in their contributions, attested to the uniqueness of the church, especially in the show of love to all and sundry.

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The section on photo sessions is an interesting part that gives the reader an insight into the stages of the physical developments of family members and the church building. There are also admirable conjugal postures in the publication. Young couples contemplating new couple portraits to adorn their homes now have 'samples' to choose from!

The extract from tributes in honour of the memory of Major General Henry Adefope, Mrs. Victoria Onafowakan and Mrs Funmi Olayinka reflected the quietness with which members have blessed the church with their talents, treasures and time.

Just before the reader concludes that the compendium is all about “a trouble-free “ family account of the Ascensionists, Mr Aroloye hinted at the fact that the family church had in 30 years, had its own share of stormy seasons.

The remembrance section is a sober tribute to members who have fought their race and entered their rest. While it evokes the emotion of the inevitability of man's end, the testimony of their contributions to the growth of the church refreshed the words of William James that “The greatest use of life is to spend it for something". This author would however be quick to add that the "something" MUST be "something good" as many of the contributors wrote about the departed members.

There are also extracts from the archives to treasure. The minutes of the meeting of May 20, 1984 from Mr. Akin Fafowora archives made an interesting read. In addition to giving an insight into the administration of the church at inception, the piece would be helpful in evaluating how far the Naira had travelled southward in terms of value. For instance, one of the decisions taken at the meeting was to employ a very good sexton on a salary of N70! The organist honorarium was also reviewed upwards to “N50 per month instead of N25 as earlier suggested”.

The reminiscences described in glowing terms the joy with which members shared fellowship in the small tent that served as the first accommodation for the church. Chief E.O. Adeosun noted that “The enthusiasm of the motley congregation was like fire resulting in members pledging and donating”. Just like the apostles of old in Acts 2:4.

In addition to the goodwill messages, the book contained useful information such as the mission and vision of the church. The inspiring Ascension Anthem and the Ascension welcoming song are also contained therein.

Mr Andrew Aroloye stated in the prologue that the history of institutions like the church should be “a perennial work –in – progress”. This author is also of the opinion that contributions from the heads of the various ministries in the church and presidents of the various church societies would go a long way at enriching future publications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this author considers the book as authentic. The writers were by themselves the history makers, thus making their authority unassailable. The quality of the editorial work is high and commendable. The 30th Anniversary is a significant milestone in the history of The Family Church on Opebi Hill. Institutions are best managed when measured at intervals and the publication under review is a befitting tribute to the good measure of love shared amongst the Ascension family members over the past 30 years.

This author would like to thank the Church authority, the editors and the Harvest Committee for the opportunity given to review The Family Church on Opebi Hill at 30.

Femi Dosumu
December 8, 2013