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Details Of The Classy Ceremony
Devouted members and guests defied the heavy down pour on Saturday 20th May, 2023, when Salem Evangelical Church of Christ (Sanctuary of Souls for Salvations) Model Parish celebrated her 60th Founder’s Anniversary amid fanfare. It’s a religion and Spiritual Church located at 211, Ikorodu Road Obanikoro, Ilupeju-Lagos State. The church was founded by the late Snr. Supt Apt. (Dr.) Jacob Ayinla Ijaola JP.
City People TITI AKINBO OSHUNKALU was at the event, brings blow-to-blow account of the event.
SALEM EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF CHRIST CELEBRATES 60 YEARS ANNIVERSARY IN LAGOS
The Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria, Salem Evangelical Church Of Christ ( also Sanctuary Of Souls For Salvation) Model Parish is 60. It is a religious and spiritual church located at 211, Ikorodu Road, Ilupeju, Lagos State.
The church was founded on May 9, 1963, by the late founder , Snr. Supt. Apostle (Dr) Jacob Ayinla Ijaola (JPil).
The initial location of the church was Railway line Ilupeju, before they moved to Obanikoro, Ilupeju in 1983.The founder passed on on the 17th July, 2003 and the present Minister-In-Charge, Special Apostle Abraham Babatunde Odele (J.Pil) who was the former Chairman of Mushin Local Government in the early 90s and also a former Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government took the mantle of leadership, after the demise of the founder, Baba Ijaola in the year 2003 till date.
DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH
- The Bible to be the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God, • That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. •In the deity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to heaven, and His coming again.•Eternal life is a gift of God received by faith in Jesus Christ. •In the Spirit-filled life and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, resulting from the total dedication of the believer to the whole will of God. •In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; those who are saved to eternal life, and those who are lost to eternal punishment. •That there is a spiritual unity of believers in those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. •The church is a place where you and your family will experience love and acceptance by others; spiritual help and healing from God.”
The program started at 12: 15 pm on Saturday, 20th May, 2023 in the church Auditorium, Ilupeju Lagos State. The Theme of the Anniversary is, ‘A thankful people serving a faithful God for 60 years”, Psalm 33: 1 – 2. Members were well seated in their stunning, beautiful white garments. The females were in their Anniversary garments with their anniversary cap. And boldly written on it was,’ C&S Salem Evangelical Church Of Christ 60th Anniversary’.
The men were also in their white garments, sitting separately as this is the custom of the church. Men seat on a different roll, while women seat on different roll.
ENTRANCE OF THE MINISTER IN CHARGE OF THE CHURCH
Special Apostle Abraham Babatunde Odele JP was ushered into the church by his entourage with his Chaplain uniform looking like a a member of the armed forces, identifying himself as a soldier for Christ in his vineyard.He was seen attending to the Media Teams present at the event. He spoke with City People Reporter, Titi Akinbo Oshunlalu about the church.
In his speech,he said he was happy to be alive to be part of the 60th Anniversary of the Church,that the Church is a prayer and loving one where they show love to one another and share each others’ burdens. He also wished the Church more years to celebrate as well as wished all the members and guests present a happy celebration. The Program as expected featured many hymns from C &S hymn book .
SERMON
Baba Aladura Ademola Akinyemi delivered the Sermon. In his word, he was elated. He sang a worship song and he said, it is good to give Thanksgiving to God, in 1863, America declared a day of Thanksgiving. t is 163 years today since America declared the day and they are still thanking God till now. What we are doing here has been long established. Our thanks can never be enough, we have to give kudos to the pioneer members of this church
A minute silence was observed for the Founder of the church as asked by the Preacher , after which he continued by saying,we will be alive to see 70,80,90, 100 years and more of this church, for those of us who are old, our children’s children will be alive to celebrate more years of this church. He appreciated the Minister in charge of the Church, Apostle Abraham Babatunde Odele, he cited the book of Amos 9 ,chapter 14 and 15, Psalms 100 verse 1- 5, there is goodness in doing good ,we should keep praising God. King David asked God why he was blessing him,God replied him by saying, as long as you are praising me, I will keep blessing you. Today is not a talking day but, a day to thank God. He ended his sermon by singing thanksgiving song.
ORDINATION
There was also ordination during the programme to the wife of the Minister-In-Charge. Snr. Revd Apt. Mother Helen Ayodele Odele JP. She was ordained as the Capt. Mother of the Church having stood with her husband in the trying time.
SPIRITUAL MOTHER OF THE DAY WARMTH MESSAGE TO THE CONGREGATION
Her Grace, Dr. O. Yomi-Sholoye J.Pil, Iya Aladura General, founder, The New Seraph was the Spiritual Mother of the day. She addressed the congregation as well as our reporter .
She appreciated the church, the minister in charge, men of God present, particularly Bishop Stephen T.V. Adegbite, the Christian Association Of Nigeria (Lagos State Chairman) .She thanked him for the love spread among Christians and bring them close together, despite being a Methodist member. She said the Bishop has really encouraged her more to be steadfast in the work of God and she prays for strength,more anointing and power for him in this race, she said ,this is a church where love is shown every where ,the reception was overwhelming and the love of God will never depart from the church in Jesus name.
Hear her: “I want to celebrate C&S Salem Evangelical Church for their 60th anniversary and I pray for everybody in the church, I wish the church well. And I wish our country well, as we are going into a new dispensation in this country, come May 29th, I pray, it shall be peaceful. We have only one country, one nation, we don’t have any other than Nigeria.We are going to gear up and support the new government, for peace to reign in the country, we do not want war, we do not want crisis, we want peace in Nigeria.
BISHOP STEPHEN T.V. ADEGBITE ( CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA) LAGOS STATE CHAIRMAN’S SPEECH.
The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State, a Methodist Minister, the bishop of the Metropolitan Diocese of Ikeja, Methodist Church of Nigeria Ikeja was also in attendance. In his speech, he congratulated the C&S Salem Evangelical Church on their 60th Anniversary, he prayed for the founder, Minister in charge and every member of the church, including the invited guests. He encourage everyone to be prayerful and to remember Nigeria in their prayers as this is the era of our time and every enemy of Nigeria will be put to shame. Come May 29, 2023 we will experience peace and things will turn around for good. Congratulations once again to Salem Church and more years of fruitfulness, blessing, breakthrough and everything will work out well for the church and the body of Christ. Amen.
OTHER PIONEER MEMBERS ALSO SPEAKS
One of the elders and pioneer member, Special Apostle Ogunbono Ebenezer JP also appreciated God for the 60th Anniversary, adding. He said: ”As a Pioneer Member,I am happy to be alive today and I am happy for the growth of the Church. Spiritually and physically, God has never failed us,I pray for more years of the church in Jesus name’.
The Chairman of the Anniversary, M/S/A Moses A. Salami also thanked God for keeping them till today, he appreciated all the Committee Members, the Minister In-Charge and the members, he also thanked the guests for coming through to rejoice with them today.
SPECIAL GUEST
OF HONOUR CONGRATULATE THE CHURCH
Senator Ganiyu Olarenwaju Solomon, The Director-General of APC , Campaign Council in the recently concluded elections in Lagos State also spoke with City People. I had a joyous time in God’s presence today at the 60th anniversary of C&S Salem Church.
I have been coming here several times , several years, so it’s not my first time, and I’m happy to be here. It’s just 60th anniversary, I wish C&S Salem Church long celebrations, they will celebrate their 70th , 80th, century, whoever that is around then, it will be joyous for them, because they are wonderful people and. friendly to all” he said.
APT. MOTHER OYINDAMOLA BALOGUN COMMENT
The Vice Chairman Committee of the Anniversary, The Vice Chairman Committee of the Anniversary, Apostolic Mother Oyindamola Balogun (Iya Rere Salem) who is also the President of Martha band, also gave thanks to God for a glamorous and memorable anniversary. He also wished the church of God well. May the almighty God continue to strengthen his church and keep us all alive to celebrate many more anniversaries in a good health and wealth. Amen.
K1 DE-ULTIMATE WIFE PRESENT
Mrs Titi Ayinde Marshal, K1 de Ultimate wife present also thanked God on behalf of C&S Salem Evangelical Church on their 60th Anniversary and she wish them long life and prosperity. Mrs Titi Ayinde Marshal, also thanked God on behalf of C&S Salem Evangelical Church on their 60th Anniversary and she wished them long life and prosperity.
She distributed her delicious Anjola breads to all the guests.
THE FOLLOWING BANDS CONGRATULATED THE CHURCH AND REJOICED WITH THE MINISTER IN CHARGE
King David band, Anniversary Committee members, Mary Band, Zasco Ola Ogun Electrical Ltd, Dorcas Band, Hospitality Band, Esther Band, Brigade Band, Choir Band,the family of M/S/A J.O Awoyungbo, Special Apostle Ebenezer Ogunbona Family, Martha Band, Apostolic Mother Oyindamola Balogun (Iya Rere Salem) Daniel Band, Afurugbin band, Ifelodun Band, Adekanmi Family, Salem Welfare team,Ifetedo Model Parish Sagamu, Lydia band, and all the church members.
MEET THE ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
M/S/A Moses .A. Salami, Chairman, Apostolic Mother Oyindamola Balogun Vice Chairman, M/S/A Gabriel Olushegun Shodipe Co – ordinator, Rev. Apostolic Mother Theresa O. Eyisanmi, Apostolic Mother Atinuke Olaosegba, M/S/A Aduragbemi Oguntunde, M/S/A MA Adekanmi, Snr . Ap. Timothy Omoniyi Fowomola, Snr . Ap. Jaiyesimi Adeyinka Thomas, Snr. Ap. Peter Olushola Ajayi, Snr. Mother in Israel Alabi Oluremi Omowunmi, Snr. Mother in Israel Oluwafunmilayo Salami, Apostolic Mother Arinola Ogbara, Snr. Mother in Israel Lydia Yetunde Odele, Snr. Lady Leader Tosin Ijaola, Pastor Toyosi Alabi, Tosin Modefa, Rabbi Abiodun Awoyungbo.
DIGNITARIES PRESENT
Baba Aladura Ademola Akinyemi (J.pil) Her Grace Dr. O. Yomi Sholoye, Bishop Stephen T.V. Adegbite, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS) Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye – Chairman Mushin Local Government, Mrs Titi Marshal, Alhaja Akinsanya, Actor Damola Olatunji, Alhaji Agbaje, Apostle Oluwayemi, Mrs Yusuf Ajike, Olori Jaiyesimi, Kanyisola Omotayo, Cardinal Dr. J.O. Odunmbaku, Mr Dim Balogun.
Mr & Mrs. Bolaji Pitan, Mrs. Oluyemi Modupe Adedipe, Bashorun Reuben Olorunfunmi, Bashorun T.A.A. Jaiyesinmi.
The service also saw most of the distinguished guests as well as those not physically present donate generously towards laudable projects in the Church.
The whole program ended with entertaining of distinguished, guests, members and well wishers. One could say it was a resounding success going by the general cheerful feedback by most people that attended.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
AWARDS GALORE
Long and outstanding members who has been with church since her inception were honoured they have been loyal, dedicated and steadfast in the vineyard. Amongst those that were honoured were, Snr. Supt. Ajirire, Mr. Adebakin, Sp. Apt Ogunbona, M/S/A Salams, M/S/A Oguntoye, Mama Ghanni, Mama Fowoshola and others.
MENTOR KAY ON THE BANDSTAND
This versatile musician took charge of the reception. The reception was held in the church premises.
He dished out melodious songs to the administration of the guests.
OSMAK SHOWS LOVE
The member representing Mushin Constituency in Lagos House of Assembly, Alhaji Nureni Akinsanya was also dignitaries that graced the occasion. He came in briefly and had a swell time. He’s been a friend to the church.
MUSILIU AKINSANYA (MC) ABLY REPRESENTED
The Chairman of the day Alhaji Musiliu Akinsnya, Chairman Parks and Garages in Lagos who was unavoidably absent was well represented by her wife Alhaja Auriah Akinsanya, she came in company of her friend and a top actor Damola Olatunji.
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