Kunle Adelabu
The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, has immortalized members that have died since the inception of the Church in 1904, in a book titled, ‘Memoirs of the Saints”.
The eight-chapter book, where names, pictures and contributions of the late members were compiled, was launched during a special service tagged, ‘Requiem for the Saints’, on Sunday, December 13, 2020.
The Rt. Revd. Hezekial A. Adetoro, the Bishop of the Lagos West Missionary Diocese, delivered the sermon for the service traditionally known as ‘All Souls Day’ in African Church.
In his message, Bishop Adetoro said that:
“The book is directed at celebrating the memory and contributions to the development and spiritual progress of the Church by the departed brethren in transformation of the Parish Church to a Cathedral.”
“This effort is aimed at immortalization of these Saints and illustrious Christians.”
“The memoirs, therefore, represent the tangible appreciation of these souls who transited to eternity.”
“To the readers of the book, ‘Memoirs of the Saints’, The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, I offer a timely word of advice. We want to remember those we’ve loved and lost, not only for them, but also as importantly for ourselves, to mend, to heal, to live, and never to forget.”
“Also, to you the readers: will you be remembered at all after a year of your demise? If you are remembered, what will you be remembered for?”
The Chairman of the year 2020/21 Harvest Committee and one of the editors of the book, Olola Olusegun O.B. Iluyombo, (JP), FCIA, speaking on the book initiated by the Harvest Committee that he chaired, said that the book is to recognize efforts of dead members towards the culmination of the church from a Parish to a Cathedral.
“The mission and ministry of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, pioneering efforts, dedication as well as the sacrifices of the members in the past decades laid a foundation of faith among generations across the expansive Ikorodu Division and its environs. The African Bethel Church, Ikorodu, was founded on December 11, 1904, in the context of a challenging atmosphere.”
“The foundation members of the Church and their families represent our own role models and examples of the Christian in real life. In all, and to the glory of the Lord God who sanctified Bethel in the Holy Scriptures, the memory of the members lives on in our present-day Bethel Cathedral Ikorodu.”
“This compilation titled, ‘Memoir of the Saints: The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu’, celebrates their memory and contributions to the development and spiritual progress of the brethren in the Church and its translation from annex church in 1904 through Parish status, to an archdeaconry seat and now into a cathedral”.
He added that the book was initiated to immortalize those that had contributed to the development of the Cathedral Church and Christianity in general in Ikorodu.
“It is to the immortalisation of these saints of God and illustrious Christians that the Cathedral Council, through the Harvest Committee for the year 2020 and 2021 and all people of Goodwill, agreed to the publishing of this book. Books, we all know, live forever.”
“The memoirs represent the tangible appreciation of these souls who transited to eternity in the Church over time. This will remain an evergreen testimony to the rewards and recognition that commitment to Christ brings to those who believe”, Olola Iluyombo said.
In his review of the “Memoirs of the Saints”, Elder Timothy A.G. Okeowo, a Principal lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Extension, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, and a trustee of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, said:
“MEMOIRS OF THE SAINTS is a 120-page artifact, x-raying the life and roles of the departed forerunners of our Church.”
“There are eight chapters in all and ends with a list of Council members” .
He charged members of the Church to live worthy life that can be remembered positively.
“Every member of the church is encouraged to ensure that we play our role well while on this planet earth. What shall you be remembered for?”
“Encourage our children to be part of us. It is an irony that our children don’t know much about us both within and outside the church.
“Esin ti a ko ba foju omo wa si, piparun loma parun (we must ensure that our children take to the practice of our religion for its sustenance)”, Elder Okeowo said.
He suggested that the Church should also commission another book for those living, especially builders of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, from a parish to Cathedral.
“Let us write about ourselves while alive no matter how little.”
“In fact, the church should consider another publication that will celebrate the living: ‘’Autobiographies of the Church Builders- ACBC, Ikorodu Lagos’’, the book reviewer suggested.
“In doing this new project, a template of what is required should be prepared. This will allow for uniformity and consistency. Let us celebrate ourselves while alive”, he re-emphasised.
“Societies can also do the same for their association”.
Okeowo commended the compilers of the book, while also pointing out errors which he said are pardonable.
“The compilers of this book have made a good job of the task.
“Excellent layout, visible print that is readable, even without aids, and well packaged for handling and marketing.”
“However, nothing is ever perfect. Errors or omissions herein are pardonable.”
“Publication of this nature should avoid distortion of history and information that are unchristian. They do not glorify our Lord Jesus Christ”, the Cathedral Trustee noted in his review.
“The shortcomings noted should be removed in subsequent editions”, he suggested.
Conclusively, the book reviewer recommended the book to members of the Church and the general public for reading and enjoined the Church to review it every five years.
“I, therefore, recommend this artifact: MEMOIRS OF THE SAINTS: AFRICAN CHURCH BETHEL CATHEDRAL, IKORODU to all and sundry.
“Every home must have a copy and should be updated every 5 years”, he said.
Meanwhile, members of the Church, both regular and distant and family members that graced the special service, have commended the compilation on the deceased members of the church, which captured their contributions to the development of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu.
The book was edited by Olola Olusegun Iluyombo and Elder Timothy A. G. Okeowo with contributions from notable church members.
Comrade Julius O. Aladepupo and Mr Babalola Ojomo are consultants to the Church on the book.
