OUR HISTORY

Trinity Presbyterian Church of Ghana, London Congregation was one of two Twi-speaking congregations which emerged from the original Presbyterian Church of Ghana, London Congregation (renamed Ghanamma Asore) in 1990.  The name Trinity was adopted for UK Charity registration purposes on 16th August 2002.

In the Autumn of 1989, the leadership of Akropong Kwakwaduam Fekuw started discussions with an ordained Minister of the United Reformed Church the late Rev Kwadwo Ntiamoah Amaning to support the idea of starting a Twi-speaking congregation for Presbyterians in the diaspora. It is useful to mention here that Rev. Amaning’s wife was member of the Kwakwaduam Fekuw.  At the annual Odwira festival dance organised by the Akropong Akwapim Kwakwaduam Fekuw at Battersea Town Hall, the Fekuw allowed Rev Amaning to address the group and guests at the function. In his speech he appealed to the group to support his idea of starting a Twi-speaking congregation for Presbyterians in London. As most of the Ghanaians present were Presbyterians his speech was warmly applauded.  The following members of the Fekuw were also present at the function: Dr John Koramoah, Mrs Koramoah Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Akuffo, Vice-Chairman, Mr Fred Koranteng-Addo, Secretary and Mr Awere Nyanteh, Treasurer, Ms Amma Gyamea, Mrs Cecilia Akuffo, Mrs Stella Boateng, Ms Elizabeth Nyanteh, Dr. Felicia Otuteye, Mr Daniel Addo-Adjei, Mrs Addo-Adjei, Mr Emmanuel Amponsah, Mrs Amponsah, Mr David Ofori, Mrs Elizabth Ofori, Mr Kwadwo Amaning Hotste, Ms Nicholina Addo, Mrs Agatha Koranteng, Mrs Ellen Korantemah Sarkodie and many others whose presence made the occasion.

The Fekuw continued meeting Rev Amaning and in July 1990, Rev Amaning arranged for interested Ghanaians to start worshipping in Twi on the second Sunday of the month between 3pm and 5:30pm at Christ Church and Upton chapel (CCUC) for a fee of £50.  Rev Amaning also encouraged a group of Akims who knew him from Ghana including Nana Joseph Boateng, Mr Alex Ohene, Mr S T Boakye-Yiadom, Mrs Theodocia Owusu and Miss Margaret Dakwah;  a group of Kwahus including Nana Ampadu and his wife Alice; Nana Anim Baree as well as a group of Ashantis including Dr O K Acheampong, Mr Emmanuel Osei and  his wife Lydia and their children to join the foundation congregation which was named as ‘Ghanamma Asore’.

On 12th July 1990 the first and historic service was held at Christ Church and Upton Chapel (CCUC) to inaugurate a Twi-speaking Presbyterian Church in the diaspora. This inaugural service led by Rev Amaning was so emotional and nostagic that some congregants were led to tears.  During this sermon, Rev Amaning refereed to the tortuous journey from his own childhood to the UK where he suffered racial discrimination even within the church. The offertory for that day was £99 out of which £50 was deducted to pay for hiring the church. There was great determination to make the Church truly Presbyterian. At the end of the inaugural service a group of women including Mrs Addo-Adjei, the late Mrs Theodocia Owusu, Mrs Stella Boateng and Awo Borley started to organise a Women’s Fellowship. Dr O K Acheampong and Mr Anim Annor started to organise a choir with the help of Mrs Osei and Mrs Akuamoah-Boateng while Mrs Jane Odoom and Mrs Christina Asiedu-Richards tried to organise a Singing Band. Mrs Charity Gyang, offered to help the children at a Sunday school. Mrs Ako (wife of a former IGP in Ghana) who joined the congregation later, offered to read the Bible in Ewe and Awo Borley offered to read Ga. Notable among those who offered to organise and help from behind the scenes – included Mr Ernest Ako (former IGP of Ghana), Mrs Cecilia Akuffo, Mrs Rebecca Koramoah, Dr(Mrs) Asare-Brown, Mr Emmanuel Osei , Mr Boakye-Yiadom and the late Mr William Sarkodee-Addo. Mr Alex Ohene, an accountant, offered to be the Treasurer while Dr Akuffo and Dr Koramoah helped Rev Amaning to organise the worship

The fight for recognition:  As there was no parent Presbyterian Church in England, efforts were made to seek affiliation with the United Reformed Church in the UK.  This was turned down by representatives of the Wimbledon URC District, not once but several times.  It seemed at the time that the emergence of a separate vernacular congregation in London would deplete the URC of much-needed Ghanaian members of their dwindling congregations.  Further attempts were made by the leadership to discuss the way forward with the then Moderator of PCG, Rt. Rev. Koranteng to seek recognition as an overseas Presbyterian Church of Ghana. Perhaps in order not to upset the URC due to the strong relationship formed through the Ghanaian Chaplaincy in the UK, the PCG did not agree for “Ghanamma Asore” to be part of them.  The leadership of church now included Ghanaians from Ga, Kwahu, Ewe, Ashante.  They  encouraged members of this newly formed church to evangelise among the Ghanaian community and more people came to join the Church.  It therefore was inevitable that formal recognition could not be stopped.

The congregation grew in strength and by the end of 1993 there were about 250 adults and 14 children.  There was joy and happiness with unity and purpose and the congregation became one large Ghanaian family.

The first (unelected) Elders

In order to help him structure the church along Presbyterian lines, Rev. Amaning decided to appoint a group of elders, without elections, to help him manage the affairs of “Ghanamma Asore”.  The following were appointed: Mr Daniel Addo-Adjei, Nana Anim Baree I, Miss Dakwah, Awo Borley, Mr Emmanuel Osei, Mr Boakye Yiadom, Mr Alex Ohene, the late Mrs Theodocia Owusu, Mr. Anim Annor, Dr. O. K. Acheampong, Dr. John Koramoah, Dr. Emmanuel Akuffo, Mrs. Jo Graham, Mr William Sarkodee Addo, Mr Ofosu-Amaah.

The split of up of the church “Ghanamma Asore” into two in 1994

Early 1994, there were some misunderstanding between Rev Kwadwo Amaning, the Minister of Ghanamma Asore and Rev Graham Powel, the Minister in charge of the URC Christ Church and Rev Amaning asked Mr Addo-Adjei to resign as Secretary to be replaced by Miss Dakwah who also became a signatory to the Church accounts.

And on Sunday 14th August 1994, the differences between Rev Amaning and Rev Powel reached a climax and the congregation were prevented from worshiping at the orders of the Court at the Old Bailey, who had ruled in favour of Rev. Graham Powel.  Rev. Amaning and some elders decided to search for a new venue whilst others preferred a negotiated settlement to remain at the URC Church at Kennington. This further led to a rift between Rev. Amaning and the elders resulting in a bitter split of the church into “Ghanamma Asore” under Rev. Amaning and Presbyterian Church of Ghana, London (now Trinity), without a Minister in charge.  Ghanamma Asore moved to St Mary’s Marylebone near Baker Street station and finally settled at Paddington Green. Only two of the unelected Elders – Dr O K Acheampong and Miss Darkwa – followed Rev Amaning to Marylebone.  Presbyterian Church of Ghana, London, renegotiated terms with Rev Powel and remained at the URC Kennington location. Following the split, an amount of £17,000 which was  in the account of the church, was withdrawn from the church accounts by Ghanamma Asore, leaving only £33. 

The Birth of Trinity at Kennington, London in August 1994: 

Following the split in the church, the “Presbyterian Church of Ghana, London” was determined to succeed. Ignoring the fact that all assets of the parent church had been withdrawn and kept for use by Ghanamma Asore, the congregation quickly re-organised with fundraising to acquire new choir robes, communion cups and ensure the financial viability of the church. The remaining elders added more members including Mr. Siaw Larbi, Mrs. Charity Kyei and Mr. Gabby Aninakwah. Nana Anim Baree I was appointed as chairman by the elders group and Mr. Addo-Adjei was reinstated as the secretary. Mr. Alex Ohene continued as treasurer and Dr. Akuffo was asked to read the announcements during church service. A new organist, Mr. Ishmael Oddai was appointed as Mr J.J. Amoah had left with Rev. Amaning. Frantic efforts were made to find ministers to lead or help the church.  Rev Dzandu-Hedidor who was then the Ghanaian Chaplain and an EP minister agreed to assist and chair the elders meetings jointly with Nana Anim Baree I. Rev. Dr. Hayford Adu Darkwah, a Ghanaian Methodist minister who had arrived in London from Haiti also agreed to help preach the sermon. The late Rev Dr Samuel Ansah-Addo who was studying in a private capacity joined the congregation and preached regularly. Further approaches were made to the then Moderator of the PCG, Rt. Rev. Beeko for recognition. The moderator showed a positive attitude and sent Rev. Kpobi, Inter-Church and Ecumenical Relations Secretary on a fact finding mission to the two congregations.  All the relevant documents were shown to him.

Involvement of the first PCG Minister:

  In March 1997, a bright young Presbyterian minister from Northern Ghana, Rev. John Azumah, was approached to help the new church. He inspired the congregation and instilled hope in them to persevere and make Jesus Christ the centre of their mission.

Rapid Growth of the Church:  Within a year of Rev. Azumah assuming pastoral care of Trinity, the congregation grew to about 350 adults and over 20 children. In March 1998, he successfully organised elders’ elections and 9 men and 7 women were elected to form the first elected Session. Rev Azumah was also instrumental in forming YPG at Trinity.  In May 1998 Rev Dr Prempeh, then an Honorary Chaplain at Edinburgh University held a whole day retreat for the newly elected elders and inducted them at a grand church service into office. The following people formed the first elected Session:

Dr Emmanuel Akuffo (Senior Presbyter); Dr John Koramoah;  Mr Gabby Owusu Aninakwah (Clerk of Session); Mr Erasmus Siaw Larbi (Treasurer); Mr Daniel Addo-Adjei; Mr Felix Ankrah; Mr Alex Ohene (Assistant Treasurer); Awo Borley Annan Mr Ernest Ako; Miss Salome Mensah-Bonsu; Ms Nicholina Addo; Mrs Theodocia Owusu; Mrs Charity Serbeh-Kyei; Mr Kwasi Ofosu-Danso; Ms Elizabeth Nyanteh. This marked the beginning of the new era for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, London which grew in strength and confidence.

Rev. Dr Azumah returns to Ghana and Rev Peter Barker takes over from 1998-2002:  On completion of his PhD, Rev Azumah bid farewell in an emotional service as he was recalled to join the Northern Outreach project in Ghana. The church was blessed with the appointment of Rev Peter Barker who was already on retirement from the URC.  Rev. Peter Barker had lived and worked in Ghana for many years and was instrumental in spreading the Scripture Union, Christian Messenger newspaper and Asempa hymns across Ghana.  Rev Barker introduced the Kennington Messenger, a monthly publication for the church worshipping at Kennington. He brought in structures and effective management in the church, helping to streamline the accounts, committees and a database for the congregation. He preached in both Twi and English and the congregation stayed together as it had done under Rev Adu Darkwah, Rev. Hedidor and Rev. Azumah, growing in strength, spiritually and in membership.

The new Session agreed with Dr Akuffo’s request to start informal discussions with Ghanamma to try and resolve the differences surrounding the £17,000.  After years of confidential negotiations Rev Dr Gyang-Duah, Clerk of PCG arranged a meeting with the two Ministers – Rev Kwadwo Amaning and Rev Peter Barker – and the two Senior Presbyters – Dr O K Acheampong and  Dr Emmanuel Akuffo – of Ghanamma and Trinity respectively, to try and resolve the issue surrounding the £17,000 and pave the way for the two congregations to be inaugurated. The meeting took place at Rev Amaning’s house where agreement was reached and a document signed to donate the £17,000 to PCG towards a project which would honur the contribution made by the two congregations in London.   

During the time of Rev Peter Barker’s ministry, he established the Junior-Y to cater for the older children and took them on their first camping trip out to Kerswick.  Rev Barker introduced two Methodist Ministers – Rev Obuo-Dadzie and Rev Anochie Ababio who were studying in London. They both became committed regular worshippers and preachers at Trinity.  Rev John Mireku, a Pentecostal Minister, joined the congregation as a loyal and regular member, helping with preaching and the Holy Communion.

Welcoming the Millennium with a Harvest

Towards the end of 1999, Session chaired by Rev Peter Barker nominated Mr. Ernest Ako as the convener of the annual harvest which was aptly named the Millennium Harvest.   This major harvest  was to boost the fund raising activities of Trinity and establish a solid financial base for future development of the church and to seek funds towards acquiring a place of worship for the congregation. The successful Millennium Harvest was chaired by Mr. Fraser Ofori-Attah of Akim Abuakwa Royal Family, then resident in London.                                                

7th May 2000 – Inauguration of Trinity and Ghanamma as two PCG congregations in London: Having resolved the outstanding issue of the £17,000 which had been in the account of Ghanamma Asore, Rt. Rev. Dr. Prempeh, the then Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Rev. Dr. Djang Duah, the then Clerk of General Assembly, officially inaugurated Ghanamma and Trinity as two overseas congregations of the PCG in a colourful service held at the City Temple, Holborn Viaduct. The two ministers, Rev. Kwadwo Amaning of Ghanamma and Rev. Peter Barker of Trinity were inducted into office. Dr. Emmanuel Akuffo, Senior presbyter of Trinity and Dr. O. K. Acheampong, Senior presbyter of Ghanamma were also inducted into office and each given a large Twi Bible as permanent PCG documents for the two congregations.

Inauguration of the London PCG District – 26th May 2002:  Following the successful inauguration of Trinity and Ghanamma the two congregations started to meet 3 monthly under the joint chairmanship of Rev Kwadwo Amaning and Rev Peter Barker as an interim district of the PCG. Approaches were made to PCG headquarters in Accra to formalise the District. At a grand joint service with the Holy Communion at Kensington URC on 26th May 2002 Rt. Rev Dr Sam Prempeh, the then Moderator and Rev Dr Charles Gyang-Duah, the then Clerk of General Assembly inaugurated the two congregations to form the London District. Rev Francis Amenu, the Ghanaian Chaplain, led the service. Rev. Barker retired in July 2002 but stayed on as a member of the congregation and helped organise the elders’ elections which had been postponed from March 2002.

The period between 25th August 2002 and 27th March 2005: St Peter’s Anglican Church, Brockley – Rev. Beatrice Yamoah and Rev. Professor Reynolds: 

This was a very challenging period for the Church. The twice-postponed second Elders’ election was finally held on 6th October 2002 supervised by Rev Hedidor and Elders from Ghanamma and EP Church. The following were elected:-   Dr Emmanuel Akuffo (Senior Presbyter), Dr John Koramoah (Treasurer), Ms Rose Akrofie (Clerk of Session) Mr Felix Ankrah (Financial Secretary), the late Mrs Lucy Addae, Ms Nicholina Addo, Mrs Florence Appiah, Mrs Grace Asiedu Otchere, Mrs Genevieve Awere, Mrs Comfort Bonti, Nana Ampem Darko-Larbi I, Mrs Charity Serbeh-Kyei, Mrs Salome Mensah-Bonsu , Mr Alex Ohene and Mr Erasmus Siaw Larbi who was ill in hospital. Unfortunately, Mr Larbi died on 18th December 2002. In December 2002, a new Baptist minister in charge of Christ Church and Upton Chapel delivered to the leadership on 4th December 2002, asking the congregation to move out by 19th December 2002. Rev. Yamoah tried to re-negotiate a contract with the new minister but was unsuccessful. Extensive search for new premises proved futile initially but Rev. Barker, Dr. Akuffo, Dr. Koramoah, Mr Gabby Aninakwah and Mrs. Cecilia Akuffo approached the Vicar of St Peter’s Anglican Church in Brockley, Rev. Corrinne Tourneau, a Belgian, who received them with courtesy and warmth. Without hesitation, she agreed that Trinity could start using St Peter’s Church from 26th December 2002 subject to a final approval by her committee. Within 24 hours she gave the green light for Trinity to use her church as previously agreed on the 1st, 2nd 3rd Sundays of the month. Letters with maps and public transport details signed by Rev Beatrice Yamoah were sent to all members to attend the Sunday service on 26th December 2002 without any break in the worship programme. This continuity was crucial in safeguarding the future of Trinity. The congregation greatly appreciated the willingness of Mr C O Amoako in offering to become the caretaker during our time at St Peter’s.

Unknown to most members of Trinity a small group led by Mr. Addo-Adjei and Mrs Agnes Ephraim, president of the church choir had decided to negotiate different terms with the Baptist minister and continue to worship at Kennington as a new congregation called “Ebenezer Presbyterian Church”. This off-shoot of Trinity was also asked to leave Kennington after only a few months and finally settled near Elephant and Castle at URC Crossways. Following the death of Mr Larbi and resignation of Mr Addo-Adjei, Mr Kwame Adu and Mr Ofosu-Danso were recommended by Session to become Elders.

Verified database as at 5th January 2003 showed that there were 471 women and 238 men – 709 members in all – excluding children. Church attendance recorded on each Sunday varied between 250 and 370 at a time plus about 20 children.

When Rev Beatrice Yamoah left in March 2003 to take up a position with PCG in Accra, Trinity  approached Rev Professor Reynolds who was on one-year sabbatical leave from the University of California to minister the congregation.  Without a permanent minister, it became necessary for Trinity to seek a long-term solution to have a Minister from Ghana.

Purchase of South Lee Christian Centre: Baring Road, London SE12 OPW

South Lee Christian Centre, a Gothic –style building was owned by the London Baptist Church who had purchased the property in 1916. The property came to the market for bidding in 2003 when the Baptist Church decided to merge the dwindling congregation at Lee with a sister Baptist Church in Catford, SE6.

Efforts to purchase a church building started in 2002 when Rev Barker was the Minister in charge of Trinity and intensified after the congregation was asked to leave Christ Church and Upton Chapel. Session appealed to all members to contribute £200 each, if possible, towards a deposit. One hundred and sixty one people responded, donating between £100 and £2,500 each. Three people gave short-term loans of £1,000; £7,500 and £10,000 which were re-paid within 12 months. Two properties fell through due to the intense bidding process but the congregation persevered to search for a permanent place of worship.  The South Lee Christian Centre which was owned by The London Baptist Church Group came on the market for bidding through agents Biscoe Craig Hall in the Autumn of 2003. Trinity joined fifteen other groups to bid for the property which could seat 400 in the auditorium and had eleven other rooms in all.                                                                 

The first round of bidding produced no winner. The second round of bidding produced a winner who offered substantially more than the £800,000 that Trinity had put forward. In the end the winner could not meet the deadline set for the agents’ exchange of contracts and Trinity was given the chance to purchase the building at our bidding price. Once the dream of owning a church building became a reality, anxieties and fears also set in.  Some members of the congregation did not believe that Trinity could afford to pay for the building and strongly opposed the acquisition. A secret ballot was therefore held to decide whether the church should go ahead to purchase the building. To the shock of the doubters nearly 70% of the congregation voted in favour of the purchase. The Senior presbyter at that time, Dr Akuffo approached the Barclays Bank manager at Croydon who agreed to give Trinity a mortgage of £600,000.  The accumulated funds of the church amounted to about £280,000 making it possible to complete the on 6th September 2004. The deeds were signed by the following Trustees: Dr Emmanuel Akuffo, Dr John Koramoah, Mrs Charity Serbeh Kyei and Miss Nicholina Addo. On the third Sunday in November2004, the church hired two coaches which transported the church members from Brockley to Lee for viewing and a short service was held.  Mrs Rose Akrofi lead the service and Prof Reynolds preached a short sermon on that day. Those who did not agree the purchase started organising themselves with the backing of five members of Session to form a split church. On Easter Sunday 27th March 2005, Rev Professor Reynolds who had already notified PCG headquarters of his imminent departure due to the end of his sabbatical leave bid farewell to the congregation and Rev Gordon Odonkor who was the Minister at the Ghanaian Chaplaincy was asked to oversee Trinity before the arrival of a new Minister from Ghana. The move to Lee was delayed until August 2005 but before this happened those who had organised themselves into a spilt church moved to a Methodist building in Tooting Bec to be called Calvary Presbyterian Church.

Although the purchase of the South Lee Christian Centre was completed in September 2004, worshipping on the premises was not commenced till the first Sunday in September 2005.  Meanwhile, Mr. Felix Ankrah Anobah, volunteered to be a caretaker/Administrative Assistant for the church.

Arrival of the first Presbyterian Church of Ghana District Minister:  On 20th August 2005, the Very Rev Dr Sam Prempeh, former Moderator of PCG arrived in London as the first PCG Minister. His arrival was good for the morale of the PCG congregations in London. After a tour around Trinity church he made some very useful suggestions, the first of which was the purchase of a pulpit. This was done together with a lectern and a baptismal stand. He advised the setting up of a planning committee under his chairmanship to prepare the re-dedication of the south Lee Christian Centre as the place of worship for Trinity.

Re-dedication of South Lee Christian Centre – the home of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Ghana, London Congregation on 2nd October 2005

This day was perhaps the most remarkable and memorable day for Trinity.  At a colourful ceremony witnessed by the Mayor of the London Borough of Lewisham and Rev Nigel Uden, Moderator of the URC (Southern Province), the then PCG Moderator Rt. Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, assisted by Rev Dr Charles Gyang-Duah, Clerk of the General Assembly of PCG, Very Rev Dr Sam Prempeh, District Minister and Rev Dr Ayete-Nyampong PCG Director of Ecumenical and Social Relations re-dedicated the church building as the permanent home for Trinity. The ceremony started outside the church where the Elders, the church choir and the officiating team had gathered. The key to the church was laid on a plate held by a 5-year old girl of the children’s service called Danielle Ankrah Anobah. After the call to worship, a hymn and a prayer said by Rev Dr Ayete-Nyampong, Dr Emmanuel Akuffo, the Senior Presbyter took the key and handed it over to the Very Rev Dr Prempeh who in turn handed it over to the PCG Moderator, Rt. Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso. By this time the congregation was waiting patiently inside the church. With the traditional Holy verses and a knock at the door with the key, the Moderator officially opened the door to a rapturous reception by the congregation. By this re-dedication, Trinity became the first overseas congregation of the PCG to acquire their own freehold church building for worship.

Developments after moving to Lee:  Trinity continued to focus on being a Christ-centred church where prayer and praises became the centre of our worship. Under the leadership of Very Rev Dr Sam Prempeh, committees and church groups were re-structured and their executives inducted into office. Mr and Mrs Offei Agyeman Newton donated a minibus to the church to help transport the elderly, those with children and other members from Lewisham station to Lee.  The following members volunteered to drive the church bus Mr Eric Nkansah, Mr Frank Adomako and Mr Quist Arcton for volunteering to drive the first mini bus.

After successful elections in November, 2006, the following were elected to form a new Session: Mr Kwame Adu (Senior Presbyter), Mr Steve Offei (Secretary), Miss Beatrice Nunoo (Treasurer), Mrs Cecilia Akuffo, Nana Kwadwo Osei-Twum, Dr Israel Nartey, Mr Asiedu Sasu, Mr Isaac Quist Arcton, Mrs Victoria Kotei, Mrs Grace Otchere Asiedu, the late Mrs Lucy Addai Nkansah, Ms Adwoa Konadu, Mr Alex Anim Annor, Mr Nicholas Cobbinah, Mrs Janet Mireku, Mrs Georgina Oduro and Nana Darko Larbi I. The new Session quickly settled and started making progressive plans to ensure a stable future for Trinity

Partnership with Grace Evangelical, Team Akropong Akwapim Ghana

In June 2007 the church had the benefit of a visit by the Grace Evangelical Team led by Mr Abboa-Offei and including Mr Charles Fosu Ayarkwa and Mrs Faustina Abboa-Offei. The team carried out Bible studies and teachings, divine healing, individual consultations and encouraged all the PCG congregations to use prayer as a centre-piece of following Christ.   This was a very big success.  Since 2007 until very recently, Trinity has had the benefit of the Team’s spiritual upliftment.

Children Service and Junior Y: The church sponsored a group of ten children from the Junior-Y in July 2007 for a one-month visit to Ghana led by Mr Quist Arcton, Mr Kofi Angba and Ms Kinful Abbey. The Children were Michelle Butcher, Roy Weise, Akua Anim, Kevin Asare Ofei, Michelle Mireku, Josephine Abbey Mensah, Kwaku Addo , Nicholas Kotei and Nana Yaw Osei Twum. The following individuals have played very active roles in teaching the youth: Rev. Peter Barker, Mr. Kofi Marfo, Mrs. Evelyn Otu and Ms Christiana Odartey.

Mention should also be made of dedicated church members who have since the year 2000 made the Children’s Service what it is today. They are: Mrs. Juliana Akyeampong, Mrs. Grace Nartey, Mrs. Dinah Adjei Djan, Mrs. Pearl Ankrah-Anobah, Mrs. Dinah Asare, Mrs. Eleanor Abrokwah, Mrs. Bernice Obeng,  Mrs. Baaba Nuama Arthur, Ms Salome Gyamfua, Mrs Phyllis Asiama Bekoe, Mrs. Stella Kyeremanteng Adarkwah, Mrs. Cherylene Owusu-Osei, and Mr. Sam Sarfo.

Arrival of the first Presbyterian Church of Ghana Resident Minister for Trinity and the purchase of a Manse:  Realising that the District Minister alone could not look after four congregations effectively, Session started negotiations with PCG to have a Resident Minister for Trinity.  This meant securing an accommodation for the minister.  So in July 2008, with the help of a mortgage from Barclays Bank a freehold property, 47 Rayford Avenue, SE12 0NF was acquired and the deeds were signed by the following Trustees: Mr Kwame Adu, Mrs Cecilia Akuffo, Mr Asiedu Sasu and Ms Beatrice Nunoo. 

In October 2008, Rev Thomas Kwaku Boakye a former Presbytery Chairman of Sekyere in Ashanti was posted to Trinity as the first Resident Minister and a second Minister to the London PCG District.  He was accompanied by his wife Mrs Comfort Boakye. One of Rev Boakye’s greatest and earliest achievements was successfully establishment of the First Service to encourage the non-vernacular speaking youth to involve themselves in the church.  During his term in office, Mr. Samuel Asiedu Sasu was appointed Caretaker of the Trinity Congregation.

Purchase of a new Bus: Trinity purchased a new 16-seater bus to replace the one donated by Mr and Mrs Agyeman Newton in October 2008 and Nana Osei-Twum, a member of the property committee, volunteered to drive the bus with responsibility of the safe keeping and maintenance of the vehicle.

August 2010 – July 2011

In August 2010, Rev, Thomas Boakye departed for Ghana. The PCG head office appointed Rev. Dr. Azumah who had returned to the UK serving as Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at the London School of Theology to act as Acting District Minister.   Rev. Dr, John Azumah supervised the election of 17 new members of Session to replace the incumbent members who had completed their four-year term.  The elections were carried out in December and the elected elders were:

Mrs. Cecilia Akuffo (Senior Presbyter), Frank Akoto (Clerk of Session), David Ofori (Treasurer), Mrs. Doris Owusu (Financial Secretary), David Ansah (Internal Auditor), Adwoa Konadu (Assistant Secretary), George Commodore, Akwasi Adu Larbi, Dr Israel Nartey, Isaac Quist-Arcton, Steve Ofei, Ebenezer Odame-Bekoe, Mrs Georgina Abrafi Oduro, Beatrice Mettle-Nunoo, Mrs. Victoria Kotei , Mrs. Felicia Owusu-Amoakwah, Mrs. Abena Marfoah-Hemans.

In March 2011, Nana Kwame Ampadu Badu was appointed by Session to replace Mr. Felix Ankrah Anobah as Administrative Assistant. Rev. Dr. Azumah’s role as the Acting District Minister in July 2011 ended when he was appointed as Professor of World Christianity and Islam at the Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, USA .

In May 2012, Dr. Israel Nartey replaced Mrs. Cecilia Akuffo as the Senior Presbyter and Mr. Akwasi Adu Larbi replaced Mr. David Ofori as Treasurer.

A send-off service was held in Rev. Dr. Azumah’s honour on 24th July 2011. This was attended by members of all PCG congregations in London and Milton Keynes.  Many a tear was shed on that day because most people believed Rev. Dr. Azumah had managed to foster inter-congregational unity during his short tenure of office.

The Session had decided to build a gallery in the church to accommodate future increase in numbers and to seat people comfortably whenever Trinity hosted a District joint service. This goal encountered vehement resistance from a few church members although a majority had agreed at a forum to go ahead with the construction of the gallery. Negotiations on the issue are still on-going

New District Minister

In June 2012, PCG London welcomed their new District Minister, Rev. Ben Larsey who was housed in the Trinity Manse. He had a vision to spiritually revive PCG London after a period without a Presbyterian Minister to guide the church. During that period, PCG London benefitted from pastoral care and preaching from the following Ministers in particular: Rev Henry Addo Darko, Rev. Obuo Dadzie, Rev Derrick Dzandu-Hedidor, Rev Georgina Mensah Brown, Rev John Mireku, Rev Dr. Lawrence Tetteh and Rev Dr Shadrack Ofosu-Ware among others to assist the churches whenever they could.

Rev. Larsey, since his arrival, has trained and groomed caretakers for various congregations in London and has organised seminars and mid-week teaching services to spiritually develop the members of PCG in the District. Session also decided to appoint a second Catechist for the church because the size of the congregation was growing. In spite of looking after 14 congregations, Rev Larsey has found extra time to be devoted to Trinity, the largest and most diverse and complex congregation within the London District.

In July 2013, as part of the training of the Catechist/Caretakers in the District, Rev. Ben Larsey, the District re-assigned them to various congregations. Mr. Samuel Asiedu-Sasu, Caretaker at Trinity was transferred to Ebenezer Congregation and Mr. Amo-Agyei of Grace preaching post who had just completed a ministerial training course in Ghana was assigned to Trinity. In early 2014, due to the work load at Trinity, Session decided to assign Nana Mintah-Buabeng, a trained Catechist, as a second Catechist at Trinity

May 15 2014

On this memorable day, Rev Ben Larsey successfully elevated and inducted the Grace congregation in Barking from being a preaching post of Trinity to a full PCG Congregation within the London District.  The setting up of a number of PCG congregations and preaching posts all over London has seen the membership drop a little. The current membership of 660 comprises of 543 adults and 117 children, Trinity has come a long way and God has truly blessed us as we celebrate our elevation to a District Head of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, South London District

In November, 2014 Rev Peter Kofi Nyarko arrived from Ghana to take charge of Trinity, the South London District and a new Europe Presbytery which was in the offing. He was assisted by Rev Amo-Agyie and worked very hard to improve the administrative structures at Trinity.  Rev. Kofi Nyarko  later relinquished his role at Trinity to assume full responsibility as the Presbytery Chair and Rev Amo-Agyei was posted to Emmanuel and Ebenezer Congregations as the Minister in Charge.

Rev Henry Addo-Darko took over and became the local and District Minister and with his Session, helped steer the affairs at Trinity during the Covid period and kept the church going.  Without their hard-work and resourcefulness it is reasonable to suggest that the church would not have survived those turbulent times.

Rev. Dr Okoe-Abbey was appointed in 2023 to replace Rev Addo-Darko who was posted to North London as the District Minister.  As our local and District Minister, Rev Okoe-Abbey assisted by Rev David Akuffo have initiated interesting and creative programmes to help the youth, the house-bound and aged and encouraging congregants  to be our brother’s keeper.  For the first time, under Rev Abbey’s leadership, the Church was able to raise over £70,000 in 2024 during the annual Harvest. 

God works in mysterious ways.  His ways are not our ways so we must always give Him thanks for everything.  The split of the Presbyterian church in 1994 led to several other PCG Congregations mainly originating from Trinity. The following congregations and Preaching Points originated from Trinity:  PCG, Calvary; PCG, Emmanuel; PCG, Ebenezer; PCG, Grace Congregation and GWPC, Kent.   

Finally, let us remember that building a  place of worship is an ongoing process.  It requires a dedicated and open-hearted approach, it’s about creating an environment where people can unite, grow spiritually, find meaningful connections, and make a positive impact on their lives and the world around them. We are on that journey, so help us God.

THANK YOU

Notable Achievements/Plans, etc:

  •  
  • 12th July 1990 Officially inaugurated
  • 1994 the split of Ghanamma Asore into two
  • 7th May 2000 – Inauguration of Trinity and Ghanamma as two PCG congregations in London
  • 6th August 2002 the Name Trinity Presbyterian church of Ghana, London congregation was adopted for UK Charity Registration
  • 6th September 2004 Purchase of church building – building fund and mortgage
  • Moved from Brockley St Peters to Lee Christian Centre
  • 22nd June 2008 Very Rev Dr Sam Prempeh dedicated a new organ donated by Dr and Mrs Akuffo to the Church
  • July 2008 – purchase of a Manse
  • October 2008 – purchase of Church bus
  • Elders Retreat in December 2024 to foster teamwork and spiritual re-awakening
  • Donations to Charity of food and cash
  • Sponsoring Youth on Outreach programmes
  • Leverage technology to enhance worship experiences, such as live-streaming services, podcasts, and online resources.  Use social media to connect with members and share inspirational content.
  • Plan to ensure church programmes do not over-run even during special occasions – we recommend stipulated times for all programmes.
  • Christmas Award/Gifts to deserving members
  • Church building is over 100 years and major maintenance and repairs works budgeted for and some completed
  • Promoting the education of Gift Aid
  • Relying on Day born groups to mobilise the entire church for prayer
  • Encouraging congregants to lead and preach
  • Visiting the elderly/homebound and giving them communion
  • Free use of church bus to transport children to and from nature reserves in Orpington
  • Finance Committee providing Monthly management & financial report at Session