April 5, 2017 By Victoria Saffa & Elizabeth Kaine
Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu at the Centre addressing the press
One of the oldest churches in the World, Church of the Lord ‘Aladura’, yesterday celebrated its 70th anniversary in Freetown.
The Church of the Lord ‘Aladura’ was founded by first Primate, the Late Dr. Josiah Olunowo Ositelu after receiving the noble calling on the 17th of May, 1925 through dreams, voices and visions.
It was ceremoniously consecrated on the 27th day of July, 1930.
Speaking yesterday at a press conference held at the Church of the Lord ‘Aladura’ headquarters,Oniel Street in Freetown, Pope of Aladura Communion Worldwide and Primate of the Church of the Lord ‘Aladura’, Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, stated that the Church has been in existence for long, and that it has been growing and spreading the word of God.
He said the Church was the Miracle power in Africa and that they believe in the efficacy of Prayer and fasting, noting that they were neither Catholic, Methodist nor Anglican, but fell under the Africa Instituted Churches (AIC).
Rev. Dr. Ositelu said the celebration would include a three- day revival service that would start on Friday 5:00PM to Sunday 5:00PM at the Church Cathedral, Oniel Street back of Albert Academy.
He said the Church in Sierra Leone was pioneered on the 17th March, 1947 by Emmanuel owoade Adeleke from Nigeria, and that it has got branches nationwide, coupled with the establishment of both Primary and Secondary schools.
He said as they celebrate this 70th anniversary, they would thank the Lord for giving them devoted, dedicated and spiritually inclined members that were serving the church.
He cited among others, Archbishop, His Grace Tamba Emmanuel Kongoh, three Bishops designate for the first time, forty ministers and two Reverend Canons, Canon Michael B. Thompson and Rev. Canon Syl Decker, as some of the dedicated members of the church in Sierra Leone.