Grace Society
Grace! That is why we Live!
Grace Methodist Society, formerly Ablekuma Newtown Methodist Society under the Accra South Circuit, like most organizations started from humble beginnings. Having relocated with his family from Accra to the Agape neighbourhood of Ablekuma in March 1999, Bro. Erasmus T. Quaye began to fellowship with the nearest Methodist Church which was in the Ablekuma township. At the time, the service was conducted in Akan and Ga languages.
However in 2001, the Akan language became the preferred medium of expression in the Ablekuma Society. Members of the church who did not understand the Akan language were unable to follow proceedings during church service. This was a cause of concern for the brethren including Bro. E. T. Quaye who was compelled to stop attending church at Ablekuma.
This predicament and the urging of the Great Commission “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), nurtured the idea of starting a church in which language would not be a barrier to anyone. His friends in the neighbourhood namely Brothers Charles Bannerman and Alfred Armah, with whom he used to worship at Freeman Society, Accra welcomed the idea wholeheartedly.
The past Chairman and General Superintendent of the Accra District, Rt. Rev. Charles R. A. Pappoe, then Superintendent Minister in charge of the Accra South Circuit as well as Bro. Nii Tackie Lomoko, then Society Steward at the Freeman Society also welcomed the proposal. Rt. Rev. C. R. A. Pappoe recommended that the initial focus should be on house-to-house evangelism
With the support from the Freeman Society and the Accra South Circuit Quarterly Meeting, the stage was set for Bros. E. T. Quaye, Charles Bannerman and Alfred Armah and their families to start with prayer fellowship.
Accordingly, on Sunday 4th August 2002 at 6:00pm, the three families gathered at the residence of Bro. Charles Bannerman for the first prayer fellowship. This was subsequently followed with visits and house-to-house evangelism. Thus began the Ablekuma New Town Methodist Church with an initial membership of fourteen (14) represented by the following: Bros. E.T Quaye, Charles Bannerman, Alfred Armah, Joseph A. Quaye, David Nii Ayikushie Armah, Joel Aryeetey, Conrad Bannerman, Stanley Quaye, Sisters Monica Quaye, Rebecca Bannerman, Mary Armah, Belinda Bannerman and Betty Bannerman. Unrelenting in their effort to grow the fellowship, there was continuous intensive prayers and witnessing in the neighbourhood. The energetic and exuberant youth namely Joseph A. Quaye, David Nii Ayikushie Armah, Joel Aryeetey, Samuel O. Mills and Sisters Elizabeth Dofah, Doreen Asiedu, Ruth Sarfo, Ruby Sarfo, and Juliana Ahorvie organized to help bring new members, both young and old into the fellowship.
As membership increased, a decision was taken to start full Sunday Morning Divine Service on 5th January 2003. The service came off at the residence of Bro. Alfred Armah. On Sunday 19th January 2003, the morning service resumed at Bro. Charles Bannerman’s residence, thus heralding the Ablekuma Newtown Methodist Church with the blessing and support of Rt. Rev. C. R.A. Pappoe and the Freeman Leaders’ Meeting. The medium of expression was Ga and Akan languages. Following the founding of the church, some interim appointments were made in the persons of Bro. Charles Bannerman who was appointed Caretaker assisted by Bro. E.T Quaye.