The parade through the streets of Blantyre City
* The vision of the early missionaries has been enhanced over the years, particularly through the church’s work in education and health
* The first government offices, first Malawi prison, first post office and the first bank in Malawi were at the synod office
By Alice Muhawa & Pempho Nkhoma, Malawi News Agency (MANA)
Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre Synod has successfully celebrated its 150th anniversary, that started with a parade on Saturday in Blantyre City, marking a milestone since its establishment in 1876.
The Sesquicentennial parade featured church members carrying banners and singing hymns, which was part of a weekend of activities that began on Friday and concluded with a Thanksgiving service attended by church leaders, government officials and other invited guests.
Blantyre Synod’s General Secretary, Rev. Anderson Juma said the anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on history, celebrate achievements and strategise for the future.
He noted that the vision of the early missionaries has been enhanced over the years, particularly through the church’s work in education and health.
“We have built several schools and hospitals,” Juma said, adding that the Synod remains committed to working with government and other partners to promote education, healthcare and social welfare.
He also said the celebrations will be used to encourage young people to participate actively in church programmes and community development initiatives.
Moderator for St Columba CCAP, Reverend Victor Saidi Phiri, said reflecting on the church’s journey demonstrates the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord.
“When the church started, it was mainly based in Blantyre, but over the years it has grown throughout the Southern Region,” he said.
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One church member, Thokozire Jere of Mount Moriah CCAP, expressed her happiness at being part of the celebrations.
“It is such a good experience and the celebrations are a testament of how far we have come as a church. We pray that we get to 200 years,” she said.
The anniversary celebrations highlighted the church’s long-standing presence in Malawi and its continued role in education, healthcare and community development.
At the climax anniversary thanksgiving service today, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, George Chaponda commended Blantyre Synod for its contribution to economic development, healthcare, education and spiritual support.
Chaponda and other ministers at the celebrations
He described the church as a reliable partner in national development throughout its 150-year history — taking cognizance that the establishment of Blantyre Mission by Scottish missionaries, led by Henry Henderson on behalf of the Church of Scotland, laid the foundation for the growth of the church into the institution it is today.
“From that small mission station, the church expanded across southern region and beyond, establishing churches whose health facilities have become part of the foundation of our modern nation.
“The first government offices, the first Malawi prison, first post office and the first bank in Malawi were at the synod office,” he said.
Blantyre City
Chaponda said the government expects the church, and other faith-based institutions, to continue praying for the country, particularly for economic recovery, peace, unity and wisdom among leaders.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with Blantyre Synod and other churches in Malawi to advance national development.
“President Mutharika is aware of the many sufferings Malawi is going through and is working around the clock to make sure that lives of innocent Malawians improve,” he said.
Rev. Missie Kananji Spiki
Moderator of CCAP General Assembly, Reverend Missie Kananji Spiki, urged politicians to avoid introducing divisions into the church and instead support cooperation between the church, government and political parties.
“The church should not be an arena where political parties do politics, but a place where many people receive salvation and blessings,” she said.
In his sermon, Blantyre Synod Moderator Emeritus, Rev. Reynold Mmangisa, encouraged Malawians to actively participate in finding solutions to the country’s challenges than relying on prayer alone.
Rev. Reynold Mmangisa
“When missionaries came here, they wanted Malawi to be economically free. The missionaries did not come with the Bible only; they brought agriculture, health and vocational skills, and from that, industries were established,” he said.—Editing by Duncan Mlanjira; Maravi Express
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