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Questions and Answers
What mission is the Presbyterian Church of Ghana traced back to?
Basel Mission
When did the first successful mission work in Akropong occur?
1835
Who led the group of Jamaican missionaries that arrived in the Gold Coast in 1843?
Alexander Worthy Clerk
Which of the following institutions was established by the early missionaries?
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World War I had a positive impact on the Basel Mission.
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What significant change occurred in 1960 regarding the Presbyterian Church of the Gold Coast?
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What role did local Ghanaians begin to take in the Presbyterian Church by the 1950s?
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The Presbyterian Church emphasized education and social change, leading to the establishment of various __________.
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Which group was expelled from the Gold Coast during World War I?
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Study Notes
Origins and Early Missionary Work (1828 - 1848)
- The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) traces its roots to the Basel Mission, a Swiss Protestant missionary society founded in 1815.
- The Basel Mission aimed to spread Christianity globally, focusing on West Africa, including the Gold Coast.
- In 1828, four missionaries, including Johannes Gottlieb Christaller and Andreas Riis, were sent to the Gold Coast, but their efforts were initially hindered by climate, disease, and missionary deaths.
- Andreas Riis persevered despite setbacks and deaths, working with Danish colonial authorities at Christiansborg.
First Success in Akropong (1835)
- Riis achieved a breakthrough in 1835, working in Akropong in the Akuapem Hills.
- He collaborated with local leaders and drew upon his knowledge of local customs, leading to success.
- Riis appealed for help from Jamaica, leading to additional missionaries, particularly those of African descent, arriving in Ghana.
Jamaican Missionaries and Expansion (1843 - 1880)
- In 1843, 24 West Indian (Jamaican) missionaries, led by Alexander Worthy Clerk and Mary Clerk, arrived in the Gold Coast.
- They were invited by Riis to assist in building the Presbyterian mission and played a crucial role due to their shared African heritage, enabling effective engagement with communities.
- The missionaries emphasized education and social change. They established important institutions, including the Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC) and the Presbyterian Training College (PTC), along with basic schools across the Gold Coast.
- These institutions provided literacy, Bible education, and practical skills such as carpentry, agriculture, and printing.
- The Basel Mission promoted the study and translation of local languages, particularly Twi, a key Akan dialect.
- Christaller, who arrived later, translated the Bible into Twi, becoming a critical tool for evangelism.
Establishment and Growth (1870 - 1918)
- By the late 19th century, the Presbyterian Church had established itself in southern and eastern parts of the Gold Coast.
- The Basel missionaries trained local people as teachers, catechists, and evangelists, laying the foundation for local leadership within the church.
- They expanded their presence in Akropong, Aburi, and other areas in the Eastern Region, becoming centers for the Presbyterian faith.
World War I and German Expulsion (1918)
- World War I profoundly impacted the Basel Mission.
- As Switzerland was neutral, they were heavily involved in missionary activities in Africa, but many members of the Basel Mission were German.
- The British colonial authorities expelled the German missionaries from the Gold Coast during the war, a turning point leading to the Presbyterian Church in the Gold Coast coming under the control of Scottish Presbyterian missionaries and the British colonial administration.
Transition to Scottish Mission and Independence (1918 - 1960)
- Following World War I, the Scottish Mission took over the Basel Mission's work in the Gold Coast.
- This transition led to further expansion of the church and its educational institutions.
- Scottish missionaries played a crucial role in establishing theological colleges and strengthening the church's infrastructure.
Rise of Local Leadership
- As the church grew, Ghanaians began taking on more leadership roles.
- By the 1950s, many indigenous pastors and church leaders held positions of authority within the church.
- This coincided with Ghana's movement towards political independence from British rule, achieved in 1957.
Independence and Autonomy (1960 - 21st Century)
- In 1960, the Presbyterian Church of the Gold Coast became the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG).
- This marked their official break from foreign mission control, with the church becoming fully autonomous under local leadership.
- The PCG continued to grow rapidly after gaining autonomy, expanding its influence beyond the Eastern and Ashanti regions into northern Ghana and beyond.
- The church remained committed to education, healthcare, and social services, establishing hospitals, clinics, and teacher training colleges nationwide.
Ecumenical Movements and Social Engagement
- The PCG participated actively in ecumenical movements, fostering unity among different denominations.
- The church addressed social issues like poverty, illiteracy, and environmental concerns, becoming influential in advocacy and social change.
- The PCG's commitment to social justice and development contributed to its growing influence in shaping Ghana's social and cultural landscape.
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Description
Explore the early history of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, tracing its roots back to the Basel Mission and the challenges faced by missionaries in West Africa. Learn about significant figures like Andreas Riis and their contributions to spreading Christianity, particularly in Akropong during 1835.
