Okrika North Archdeaconry — Diocese of Okrika

St. Luke's Anglican Church
Ozuboko-Ama, Port Harcourt

Missionary Parish — First Service: 11th March, 2001

The History of St. Luke's Anglican Church, Ozuboko-Ama

A Church planted in obedience to the Great Commission

"Go ye into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15

The Okrika North Archdeaconry (ONA), with its headquarters at Bethel Anglican Church, Amadi-Ama, under the leadership of Late Ven. E. A. Iyaye, rose to the challenge of planting an Anglican Church in Ozuboko-Ama. A class in the community Primary School building was made available for programmes and services.

The ONA Evangelical team conducted evangelical campaigns in Ozuboko-Ama on weekends, climaxing in a victory rally on Sunday, 11th March, 2001 — the first Church Service — led by Ven. E. A. Iyaye. The church was christened St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Ozuboko-Ama, Port Harcourt. A Lay Reader was sent each Sunday by Bethel Anglican Church to preach and direct services. Subsequently, on 1st November, 2002, Mr. Benjamin Inimgba was sent as the first Church Teacher.

In a PCC meeting of Bethel Anglican Church on 12th February, 2003, it was resolved that the name be changed from "St. Andrew's" to St. Luke's Anglican Church, Ozuboko-Ama, due to the potential confusion with the St. Andrew's First African Church nearby. The christening was performed by Ven. Sackay Fiberesima.

In December 2011, the first Baptism of the church took place — five children were baptised. At the Bishop's instance, Bethel Anglican Church and St. Luke's collaborated to purchase a permanent site from Mr. Samuel Iringe-Koko in October 2011. The present temporary building on the permanent site was built within 20 days in January 2012, with the first service held on 22nd January, 2012.

St. Luke's had her first Deacon, Rev'd T. W. Anyanakaye, in 2010 — priested in 2011 — giving the Church a proper place in the affairs of the Diocese.


From School Hall to Permanent Site

2001

Community Primary School Building

First services held in a class room of the community primary school. Challenges arose due to restricted access controlled by community youth leadership and confusion with the nearby St. Andrew's First African Church.

2003

Mr. Gardiner Koko's House Parlour

The Church relocated to the parlour of Mr. Gardiner Koko, a member of the congregation. He later renovated a building to create a dedicated hall for the Church.

2003–2004

Idango Close — A Land Withdrawn

A land at No.1 Idango Close, Off Diffri Road was acquired from the Idango Family for ₦10m, with ₦3m paid. Later discovered the land had been previously sold to a Muslim, who requested a refund rather than litigation. The Church returned the land and moved back.

2011

Back to Koko's Hall; Bishop's Visit

Lord Bishop Rt. Rev'd T. R. Abere JP visited St. Luke's at this venue. His visit spurred Bethel Anglican Church to collaborate in purchasing a permanent site from Mr. Samuel Iringe-Koko in October 2011. A harvest was held there under a canopy.

Jan 2012

Permanent Site Building — 20 Days

The present temporary church building on the permanent site was constructed in just 20 days. First service was held on 22nd January, 2012. The building has since been expanded.


Served Ministers, 2001 – Present

#NamePeriod
1Cate. Francis Benson (now Rev'd Can.) — Supervised from Bethel Church2001 – 2002
2Mr. Benjamin Inimgba (now Rev'd Can., rtd.) — First Church Teacher2002 – 2004
3Cate. Eleanor Owo2004 – 2009
4Rev'd T. W. Anyanakaye (now Venerable Elect) — First Ordained Minister15 Apr 2009 – 1 Sept 2013
5Rev'd Mark R. Abere (now Rev'd Can., rtd.)1 Oct 2013 – 2019
6Rev'd Paul Oba (now Canon Elect)2019 – 2021
7Rev'd Emmanuel C. Onyenakazi2021
8Evang. Philip Aduko (now Rev'd Philip Aduko)2021
9Rev'd Ezekiel Stanford2021 – 2023
10Rev'd (Can.) James B. Atubo (now Venerable Elect)2023 – 2024
11Rev'd Hezekiah A. Christian — Priest-in-Charge12 Aug 2024 – Present

Pioneer & Current Members

Pioneer Members
  • Madam Ernestine Amadi
  • Madam Edna Iringe-Koko
  • Mrs. Dimabo Dumo-Enoch
  • Mrs. Blessing T. Eremie
  • Mr. Tuboalabo Joshua
  • Mr. Gardiner Koko
  • Ms. Belema Ajubo
  • Ms. Florence T. Joshua
  • Mrs. Emilia Jekiri
  • Mrs. Bertha Owupele
Current CWC Members
  1. Mrs. Blessing T. Eremie — Treasurer
  2. Mrs. Ethel Genesis — Secretary
  3. Barr. Jonah M. Wariboko
  4. Barr. (Mrs.) Loria J. Wariboko
  5. Mr. Jonathan Williams
  6. Mr. Ibifaka Josiah
  7. Lady Joy E. Nicholas
  8. Mrs. Bertha Owupele
  9. Mr. Stephen George
  10. Mrs. Stella Ubulum
  11. Mrs. Mabel Sosepiriala
  12. Sis. Esther B. Genesis

Rev'd Hezekiah A. Christian & Mrs. Blessing T. Eremie Priest-in-Charge & Treasurer / People's Warden
St. Luke's Anglican Church, Ozuboko-Ama
Okrika North Archdeaconry, Diocese of Okrika