A New Bishop for Liberia - Episcopal Church of Liberia
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The Episcopal Diocese of Liberia
Profile for
The Next Bishop of Liberia
April, 2021
A New Bishop for
Liberia The Episcopal Diocese of Liberia
The Episcopal Diocese of Liberia
Profile for
The Episcopal Diocese of Liberia
The Episcopal Diocese of Liberia
Profile for
The Episcopal Diocese of Liberia
Profile for
The Next Bishop of Liberia The Next Bishop of Liberia
The Next Bishop of Liberia
RTI International is a registered trademark and a trade name of Research Triangle Institute. April, 2021
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April, 2021April, 2021
Table of Content
Welcome
Prayer for the selection of a bishop
• MISSION & Shared goals
• VISION
• Timeline- A bishop for Liberia
• ABOUT LIBERIA
• HISTORY OF EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF LIBERIA
• DIOCESAN MEMBERSHIP, CONGREGATIONS &
CLERGY
DIOCESAN ORGANIZATIONS
DIOCESAN PROGRAMS
• DIOCESAN SCHOOLS
• THE BISHOP WE SEEK
2
WELCOME
The Bishop’s Nominating Committee commend to you the
stories, information and hopes contained in this Profile. We trust
that, to the extent any document can do so, it conveys to you a
picture that shares our aspirations to become faithful servants of
Our Lord Jesus Christ and followers of his Word. This Profile will
share, on the one hand, glimpses of the rich diversity in this
Diocese, in its ministries, people, and resources, but also the
strong unity we hold in one another through our faith and love
of Christ. It will also share our sense of who we are and the
qualities and character of the person we seek to lead us onward.
3
PRAYER FOR THE SELECTION
OF OUR BISHOP COADJUTOR
Gracious God, from whom all wisdom flows, guide and direct
the Committee entrusted by Your people to Nominate proper
persons who shall be considered for service as Bishop
Coadjutor for this Diocese.
Grant members of the Committee discernment to solemnly
and with integrity impartially identify good servants capable
and prepared to lead Your flock.
Free us from all personal prejudices; cleanse our thoughts
and our hearts that by Your help we will focus only on that
which will uplift this Diocese to vigorously carry forth Your
Word.
We pray this in the precious name of Your Son, our savior,
Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord. Amen
4
VISION STATEMENT
We are the Episcopal Church of Liberia
Our vision is to be a vibrant, loving,
caring, welcoming and inclusive Christian
community, worshipping, living, and
serving according to the teachings of the
Holy Bible.
5
OUR MISSION AND GOALS
The Episcopal Diocese of Liberia’s mission is to win souls for the Kingdom of God
through Jesus Christ by means of preaching, teaching, healing, sharing, advocating,
and transforming.
Supported by our shared goals.
Goal 1: Maintain, Improve and Expand mission areas and educational
institutions(Preaching, spiritual healing, Evangelism and Transforming)
Goal 2: Improve and Expand existing advocacy and development work beyond its
current scope
Goal 3: Develop a Diocesan Health Service Program
Goal 4: Improve and Expand our programs on Ecumenism
Goal 5: Enhance economic activities to support the vision / mission of the Diocese
6
Timeline
October 30th 2021- Creation of the Diocese Profile
November 14th 2021- Profile Goes Live
November 14, 2021 –Announce invitation for application
November 20th – December 20th, 2021- Application Period is Open
January 10th-17th 2022- Screening of Candidates
February 2022 - Discernment Retreat with Potential Nominees
February 2022 - Nominees for Bishop Coadjutor Announced
February 2022- Bishop Coadjutor’s Election at Diocesan Convention
7
LIBERIA
Liberia , officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the West African coast. It is bordered by Sierra
Leone to its northwest, Guinea to its north, Ivory Coast to its east, and the Atlantic Ocean to its south-
southwest. It has a population of around 5 million and covers an area of 111,369 square kilometers
(43,000 sq. mi). English is the official language, but over 20 indigenous languages are spoken. The
country's capital and largest city is Monrovia.
Liberia was the first African republic to proclaim its independence and is Africa's first and oldest modern
African republic. From 1847, Liberia retained its independence even during the scramble for Africa.
Liberia suffered brutal civil wars between 1989 and 2003, which cost the loss of life of an estimated
300,000 persons, massive dislocation of its population, societal breakdown, and destruction of much of
the infrastructure. Since 2003, Liberia has been stable and has gone through three cycles of presidential
elections including the smooth transfer of Executive power from one administration to another. Majority
of the country’s population is made of youth.
8
LIBERIA
Geography
Liberia is situated in West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean to the country's southwest. It lies between latitudes 4° and
9°N, and longitudes 7° and 12°W.
The landscape is characterized by mostly flat to rolling coastal plains that contain mangroves and swamps, which rise to a rolling
plateau and low mountains in the northeast.
Tropical rainforests cover the hills, while elephant grass and semi-deciduous forests make up the dominant vegetation in the
northern sections. The equatorial climate, in the south of the country, is hot year-round with heavy rainfall from May to October
with a short interlude in mid-July to August.
Liberia's watershed tends to move in a southwestern pattern towards the sea as new rains move down the forested plateau off
the inland mountain range of Guinea Forest, in Guinea. Cape Mount near the border with Sierra Leone receives the most
precipitation in the nation.
Liberia's main northwestern boundary is traversed by the Mano River while its southeast limits are bounded by the Cavalla River.
Liberia's three largest rivers are St. Paul exiting near Monrovia, the river St. John at Buchanan, and the Cestos River, all of which
flow into the Atlantic. The Cavalla is the longest river in the nation at 515 kilometers (320 mi).
9
LIBERIA
Administrative divisions
Liberia is divided into fifteen counties, which, in turn, are subdivided into a total of 90 districts and further
subdivided into clans. The oldest counties are Grand Bassa and Montserrado, both established in 1839 prior to
Liberian independence. Gbarpolu is the newest county, created in 2001. Nimba is the largest of the counties in size at
11,551 km2 (4,460 sq mi), while Montserrado is the smallest at 1,909 km2 (737 sq. mi). Montserrado is also the most
populous county with 1,144,806 residents as of the 2008 census.
The fifteen counties are administered by superintendents appointed by the president. The Constitution calls for the
election of various chiefs at the county and local level, but these elections have not taken place since 1985 due to
war and financial constraints.
Parallel to the administrative divisions of the country are the local and municipal divisions. All existing local
governments – cities, townships, and a borough – were created by specific acts of the Liberian Legislature.
10History of the Episcopal Church of Liberia The Episcopal Diocese of Liberia is a diocese in the Anglican Communion founded by missionaries from the Episcopal Church USA in 1836. During the 1851 General Convention of the Episcopal Church USA, the Rev. John Payne, a missionary from Virginia, USA was consecrated as missionary bishop for Cape Palmas and other areas of West Africa. The name of the jurisdiction was changed to the Missionary District of Liberia on October 17, 1913, and to the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia on January 1, 1970, when we ceased to be a missionary district. In 1951, the Archbishop of Canterbury authorized creation of the Anglican Province of West Africa. On March 18, 1982, the Diocese of Liberia joined the Church of the Province of West Africa. Although some Anglican churches in Africa broke away in a dispute concerning the ordination of homosexuals as clergy, the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia remains in full communion. 11
Structure of the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia
Convention
Bishop & Diocesan Council
4 Archdeaconries( South- OFFICERS (Chancellor, Boards (Trustees,
Western, LOBONI, Bassa, Registrar, Treasurer, Education, Planning &
Southeastern) Diocesan Secretary) Development, Pension)
Parishes & churches
12History of the Episcopal Church
of Liberia
1821
DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY (DFMS)
The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS) of the American
church initiated missionary work in Liberia when pioneering Episcopal
clergymen, the Rev. Joseph R. Andrus and the Rev. Ephraim Bacon set
foot on Liberian soil in 1821 with the first black repatriates from the
United States. Thirteen years later, lay leaders, James Madison
Thompson and his wife, Elizabeth Mars Thompson, were appointed as
teachers “under patronage and direction of the Episcopal Missionary
Board.”
13History of the Episcopal Church of Liberia
1836
VIRGINIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (VTS)
The first “official missionaries”, however, did not arrive until
1836 and 1837. Recruited from the Virginia Theological
Seminary (VTS), the Rev. Dr. Thomas Savage, a physician, was
the first to arrive in “Maryland in Africa” or Cape Palmas in 1836
with a mission charter. The Rev. John Payne and the Rev.
Launcelot B. Minor followed a year later. Payne eventually
became the first Missionary Bishop in 1851.
14History of the Episcopal Church of Liberia
1847
EXPANSION INTO LIBERIA
When Liberia became an independent state in 1847, the Missionary District
of the church began expansion to the new nation (from its Cape Palmas
base).
1884
FIRST LIBERIAN MISSIONARY BISHOP
In 1884, the Rev. Samuel David Ferguson, a Liberian, was elected Bishop of
the Missionary District of Liberia. He was the first black member of the
Episcopal Church House of Bishops in USA. Bishop Ferguson served an
outstanding ministry to his death in 1916.
15History of the Episcopal Church of Liberia
1921
SUFFRAGAN BISHOP T. MOMOLU GARDINER
The American church appointed its first Suffragan Bishop in the person of
Bishop T. Momolu Gardiner in 1921, his authority was limited given the
American diocesan bishops under whom he served. Growth of the church
slowed.
1945
BISHOP B.W. HARRIS
Bishop B.W. Harris arrived from the USA in the post-war era in 1945. He
revived the church and set it on a new trajectory. Among clergy trained by
Harris was the Rev. George D. Browne, who succeeded Harris’ immediate
successor, Bishop Dillard Houston Brown.
16History of the Episcopal Church of Liberia
1982
ANGLICAN CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF WEST AFRICA
Bishop George Browne’s ministry was reminiscent of Bishop Ferguson’s in
terms of strides made by the church. Significantly, Liberia severed canonical
ties with the American church in 1982, and joined the Anglican Church of the
Province of West Africa. Bishop Browne died in his 23rd year as Bishop, while
Liberia was in the midst of a brutal civil war.
1984
BISHOP EDWARD W. NEUFVILLE
War circumstances so impacted the church that successor Bishop Neufville
and incumbent Bishop Hart struggled mightily to keep the church alive. The
church has since been in recovery mode.
17History of the Episcopal Church of Liberia
SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS, 1851 TO PRESENT
• John Payne, 1851 - 1871
• Johann Gottlieb Auer, 1873 - 1874
• Charles Clifton Penick, 1877 - 1883
• Samuel David Ferguson, 1884 - 1916
• Arthur Seldon Lloyd (interim), 1918-1919
• Walter Henry Overs, 1919 - 1925
• (Theophilus Momolu Fikah Gardiner-Suffragan) 1921 - 1941
• Robert Erskine Campbell, OHC, 1925 - 1936
• Leopold Kroll 1936 - 1945
• Bravid Washington Harris, 1945 - 1964
• Dillard Houston Brown, Jr. 1964 - 1969
• Charles Alfred Voegeli I (Interim), Dec. 1969 - Aug. 1970
• George Daniel Browne, 1970 - 1993
• (Edward Wea Neufville II – Suffragan) 1984 - 1996
• Joseph K. Dadson (Interim-CPWA) -1993 - 1996
• Edward Wea Neufville II, 1996 - 2007
• Jonathan B.B. Hart, 2008 - PRESENT
18DIOCESAN CONGREGATIONS
• The Episcopal Diocese of Liberia comprises of more than
25, 000 baptized members in its 125 congregations. While
many of the baptized members are located in the urban
centers, there are vibrant Episcopal congregations served
by clergy located in rural communities.
• The congregations of the Diocese vary in size and are
diverse in character. Just as Liberia has both urban and rural
cities and towns, so the churches of the Diocese often
reflect their geographical location.
19CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE OF LIBERIA
No. Name Assignment No. Name Assignment
1. Jonathan B.B. Hart Archbishop & Diocesan Bishop 11. A-Too Williams St. Stephen, 10th Street, Sinkor
2. Momo B. Kpartor Diocesan Office 12. D. Mark Togba St. Timothy, New Georgia
3. Herman Browne Former President, Cuttington University 13. John Fallah Tomah St. Theresa, Voinjama County
4. Prince T. Wreh 14. Peter Inuwa Church of the Good Shepherd
5. James B. Sellee Dean, Trinity Cathedral 15. Sie Sunday Freeman Archdeacon, South Western
6. Andy Davies Grace Church, Clay Ashland 16. G. Nyema Harmon Trinity Cathedral
7. James M. Tamba Epiphany Chapel, Cuttington University 17. Ernesty T. Johnson St. James, Hoffman Station &
Annunciation
8. Elijah G. Harris St. Mary’s Upper Buchanan 18. Matthew Nyenkan St. Thomas, Barclayville, Grand Kru Co
9. Edward K. Gbe St. Peter, Caldwell 19. Terry Quoi St. Barnabas, Harbel
10. Augustus Z. Quoi St. John, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County 20. Gbutu Kla Sebo St. Bartholomew, Maryland Co.
20CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE OF LIBERIA
No. Name Assignment No. Name Assignment
21. Thomas H. Williams Archdeacon LOBONI 31. Slewion P. Lewis St. Michael & All Angels, SKT
22. Philip Saa Bendoe St.Peter’s, Lofa County 32. Tamba Songor Mason Cuttington University, Suacoco,
Bong Co
23. Emmanuel Singbe St. Peter’s, Caldwell 33. William S. Momo Good Samaritan, Ganta
24. Albert B. Floe St. Martin On- The Mount, Yekepa 34. J. Simbo Neh St. Thomas Church, New Kru Town
25. Joseph F. Foday Lofa 35. Theresa H. Saah St. James Chocolate City
26. David S. Hina St.Thomas Church, New Kru Town 36. David M. Seimavula Inactive
27. Elizabeth K.W. Hina Church of the Good Shepherd . 37. St. Stephen, Pleebo, Maryand
D. Boniface Sonpon County
28. Rachel Davies Jerbo St. Augustine, Barnersville Road 38. Joseph W. Targbeh St. Annunciation Spring Hill,
Maryland County
29. J. Titus Karmorh St. Stephen, 10th street 39. T. Alphonso Weah Inactive
30. Naime Kpoto Garley Bromley Mission, Clay Ashland 40. Wilmont Talmon St. Valentine, Sanniquellie
21CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE OF LIBERIA
No. Name Assignment No. Name Assignment
41. Isaac Kahn Cape Mount and Interior Missions 51. Andrew Kpalue Lofa
42. Harris Woart St. Luke, Balia, Bong 52. John Sackie St. Peter’s, Gbarnga, Bong Co.
43. Frank Nemah Christ Church, Crozierville 53. Worzeyan Bazzie St. Stephen, 10th Street, Sinkor
44. Richard Kpehe St. John Irving Memorial, Grand Cape 54. Siedi Williams Archdeacon, South Eastern
Mount
45. Olaf Bonner St. Paul’s, Bomi Co. 55. Jonathan Karr St. Peter’s, Little Liberia, Rivercess
46. Michael T. Sie St. Thomas, Camp Johnson Road 56. Stanley Roberts St. Stephen, 10th Street
47. MacDonald Freeman St. Augustine, Barnersville Road 57. Richard Howard
St. John, Buchanan
48. Christian Hammond Emmanuel Church, Marshall 58. Richard Crabbe St. Augustine Kakata
49. Macarthy Hne St. Wade, Stephen Tolbert Estate 59. Paul S. Anthony St. Phillip, Zwedru
50. William Korpu St. Thomas, Wohoma, Lofa Co 60. Allen V. Gaye St. Thomas, Camp Johnson Road
22CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE OF LIBERIA
No. Name Assignment
61. Duke Fahnbulleh St. Thomas, Johnsonville
62. Norman Barclay
63. Moses Essiah LOBONI
64. John Sulloe LOBONI
65. St. John Irving Memorial, Robertspot
George V. Ware
66. Jackson Brownell St. Stephen, Pleebo
67. Jerry Smith St. Stephen, Pleebo
68. Roosevelt Freeman St. Stephen, 10th Street
69. Harrison Gborkie St. Mark Harper, Maryland
70. Isaac Kollie Lofa
71. William Kanneh Lofa
23RETIRED CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE OF LIBERIA No. Name 1. J. Jelico Bright 2. Christian C. Harding 3. Roberta Philips 4. Thomas Smith 5. Josephine Davies 6. John Griffiths 7. Lawrence Bainda 8. Benedict Vanni 9. Lawrence P. Fakolli, II 10. Anne Fredericks Cooper 11. J. Hne-Nyema Merriam 12. Kofa T. Nyemoh 24
DIOCESAN ORGANIZATIONS
EPISCOPAL CHURCH MEN OF LIBERIA(ECML)
The Episcopal Church Men of Liberia (ECML) is one of the strong pillars of the Episcopal
Church of Liberia. It was founded in the year 1976 under the leadership of Bishop George
Daniel Browne.
The body brings together the various local men organizations. The ECML meets annually
during the Diocesan conventions. The organizations also hosts two annual retreats where
it reviews programs and plans for the future. The ECML supports the Diocese and local
congregations. The structure is: President, Administrative Vice President, 1ST Vice President
/SW Archdeaconry, 2nd Vice President/LOBONI; 3rd Vice President /South East/ 4th Vice
President/ Bassa Archdeaconry.
The organization raises funds through quotas and assessments from local church
organizations, King Contests, rallies, annual sports and walk, among others.
The following brothers have served as presidents of the Episcopal Church Men of Liberia.
They include:
Bro. Tommy Dennis -1977-1983; Bro. Brown Pyne -1983-1991; Bro. Jeremiah Tulay-1994-
1997; Bro. Roosevelt G. Jayjay-1997-2003; Bro. Sandei A. Cooper, Sr -2003-2007
Bro. Harry S. Johnson-2007-2010; Bro. Wilson S. Garpeh-2010-2014; Bro. H.Suku Toe
Hodge-2014-2018; Bro. Christopher Fayia-2018-present
25DIOCESAN ORGANIZATIONS
Episcopal Church Women of Liberia
The Episcopal Church Women of Liberia is one of the founding organizations of the
Episcopal Church of Liberia.
The Episcopal Church Women of Liberia was established by Bishop Ferguson and was
referred to as the Women Auxiliary of the Episcopal Church of Liberia. During the tenure of
Bishop George Daniel Browne, the name was changed to the Episcopal Church Women of
Liberia.
With the establishment of the Episcopal Church Women, Sis. Georgia Jones was elected as
its first President with her code of officers to run the affairs of the organization.
The ECWL is composed of all women of the Church which includes female Priests and
Clergy spouses.
The ECWL aim is to provide Unity,, Fellowship and Contribute to the overall development
of the Episcopal Church of Liberia.
The ECWL meets once a year during what was referred to as the Annual Session, however,
the name was change to the Women Convention during the administration of Bishop
Jonathan B. B. Hart. Bishop, Episcopal Church of Liberia..
26DIOCESAN ORGANIZATIONS
Episcopal Church Women of Liberia
The Episcopal Church Women established the Advisory Council to steer the affairs of
the organization. The Advisory Council meets every last Friday of every month. This
body consists of all present and former Officers of the ECWL, all present and former
Regional Officers,, Advisors, and all present and former Officers of our Local
Churches Organizations.
Activities of the Episcopal Church Women include amongst other things fundraising,
prayer time, retreats workshops and visitations. The organization also identifies with
our sisters who are in need, aged, ailing and bereaved. Sisters also receive
benefits and we cater to helping our smaller churches.
The Episcopal Church Women organization has been established for so many years
and was governed by the following sisters who served as president:
*Sis. Georgia Jones
*Sis. Angeline P. Toles
*Sis. Licshen W. Shannon
*Sis. Sylvia Harmon
*Sis. Thelma E. Nelson
*Sis. Sara P. B. Wiles
Sis. Patricia H. Wesley
Sis. Joanna P. Hill
Sis. Joycelyn D. Brown, Current President
27DIOCESAN ORGANIZATIONS
EPISCOPAL YOUTH COUNCIL (EYC)
The Diocesan Episcopal Youth Council ( DEYC) is the youth organ of the Episcopal Church of
Liberia. The DEYC is a group of baptized communicants between the ages of 12-35 years,
established in 1971 and with its office at the Episcopal Church Plaza in Monrovia.
The DEYC is ever conscious of an effective disciples making and leadership building for the
purpose of good youth ministry, determined to encourage and sustain the interest of young
Episcopalians in Christian worship, service, and recreation, thereby furthering the
undertakings and accomplishments of Christian activities in the diocese.
The motto of the DEYC is " REMEMBER THY CREATOR IN THE DAYS OF THY YOUTH". The
Council is headed by our Lord Bishop, who appoints a Youth Director. The council has 9
elected Diocesan officers who appoint Regional coordinators to help steer the affairs while
local fellowship leaderships are elected.
28DIOCESAN ORGANIZATIONS
DIOCESAN ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild is the Bishop’s Guild. The Altar Guild supports the Bishop’s ministry to all parishes,
missions and conventions. The Diocesan Altar Guild acts as a clearing house/ advisory for all the altar
guilds in our diocese. It also supports altar guilds of local churches.
The Diocesan President is appointed by the Bishop and serves at his will and pleasure. All other
officers are elected.
The Diocesan Altar Guild brings together altar guilds from all local churches. The altar guild is
responsible for ensuring that church elements are prepared for each service. The guilds are the
guardians of the Sacred Spaces and Sacred Elements.
The current President of the Diocesan Altar Guild is Sis. Louise Elliott Bedell of St. Augustine Episcopal
Church, Gardnersville.
29DIOCESAN ORGANIZATIONS
GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY(GFS)
The Girls’ Friendly Society was born to provide friendship and recreation that allow girls to
bond in a fellowship of Christian love and service. It was the first girls/women organization
in the Church of England.
The first duty is given as Daily Prayer for their Members and for each other.
The Girls’ Friendly Society (G.F.S.) in Liberia was established at the house of Bethany, in
Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County by Ms. Catherine C. Barnaby an Episcopal
Missionary from the United States in 1953. The Rev. Abeoseh M. Flemister was a former
G.F.Ser and also a leader and the first youth GFSer of Liberia to attend the World Assembly
that was held in Dublin, Ireland in 1962.
30DIOCESAN ORGANIZATIONS
GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY(GFS)
Sister Wede S. Jones Mitchell was elected as the first Diocesan President in 1967 at the First Diocesan National Assembly in Monrovia.
Sister Lottie C. Harmon succeeded Sister Wede S. Jones Mitchell as the second Diocesan president.
The Girls’ Friendly society (GFS) became dormant during the Liberian Civil War that started in December 1989. It was revived by the
Clergy Wives Association under the leadership of Mother Louise Morais Neufville after attending the Episcopal Church Triennial
Convention in Denver, Colorado, USA in 2000.
Mother Neufville saw the need to revive this spirit-filled, character formation and Christian oriented program in the diocese following the
years of war in order to give the girls a purposeful direction to live their lives.
Mother Georgiana R. Mitchell a former GFSer from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Greenville, Sinoe County, Mother Henrietta K. Smith along
with the leadership of the Episcopal Church women of the various Churches, Advisors to the Girls’ Friendly Society in the congregations
and Sunday Superintendents played vital role in encouraging young girls to join the organization.
On December 2, 2003 after several branches of the G.F.S were organized in parishes and other congregations, the Bishop, the late Rt. Rev.
Edward W. Neufville, II met with the Clergy Wives, the ECW, Sunday Superintendents and Acting GFS leadership on the congregational
level at his Office, at Trinity Cathedral, Monrovia. It was at this time he appointed Mother Georgiana T. Williams of St. Stephen Parish,
Monrovia, as the 3rd Diocesan President. Having faithfully served the organization for seven years, in 2011, the late Sister Esther H. Page
was became the 4th Diocesan President; Sister Christine Sonpon Freeman the 5th Diocesan President. The current Diocesan President is
Sister Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer.
31DIOCESAN ORGANIZATIONS
The Liberian Alpha of the Order of the Sons and Daughters of the King
The original objectives of the Order amongst others were to propagate the following:
The Liberian Alpha of the Order of the Sons and Daughters of the King Incorporated, 1. Foster unity amongst its members
which is a distinct Fraternal Order of its kind, within the Episcopal Church of Liberia.
The word “Alpha” means “first”, thus, the Episcopal Church of Liberia was the first in 2. Assist in spreading the Gospel through community services; medical assistance
the religious history of Liberia to establish a religious Order. to the natives; teaching the natives to read and write; and giving out alms to
the needy.
The Order was founded by Liberian Bishop Samuel David Ferguson, born in
Charleston, South Carolina, USA, on January 1, 1842, and who was consecrated on 3. Each member gives his or her talents as mason, carpenter, seamstress, to build
June 24, 1885 as the Fourth Missionary Bishop of Liberia. He died on August 2, 1916 the worship structure of the church in the missionary areas.
as the sitting Bishop.
The Order thrived well until after the death of Bishop Ferguson in 1916 when it
In 1885, while he was at sea on his way home aboard the Steamship “Adriatic” from began to die down. Some of the reasons for this we may never know, but one
his consecration in New York, Bishop Ferguson wrote a ten point plan for the cardinal reason is that the Missionary District of Cape Palmas was joined to the
Diocese, giving high priority to theological education, female education, expansion of Missionary District of Monrovia as one Diocese and the seat of the Bishop was
the work of evangelism and the establishment of a religious order to help unify the transferred to Monrovia. Most of the OSDK members remained in Cape Palmas
various ethnic and political groups in Liberia. and the Episcopalians in Monrovia were not knowledgeable of the
Order; hence it died down for a while.
During the Season of Lent in 1890, Bishop Ferguson organized the OSDK in the
Missionary District of Cape Palmas and Parts Adjacent. In 1953, the late Rev. Fr. James D. Kwia Baker and the Very Rev. Emmanuel W.
Johnson reorganized the Order, when Members from Trinity Cathedral, St. Thomas
The original members were the first Deacons he ordained: The Reverends Joseph T. CJR and Grace Church, Clay-Ashland, were initiated into the Order.
Gibson, A. H. Foda Vinton, Thomas Church and Brownell Gabla.
On June 4, 1953 the Order was incorporated by the National Legislature of Liberia.
That same year, the necessary Charter was sent to the Order from the United
States of America. This Charter got missing since the Liberian civil war in 1990.
32DIOCESAN ORGANIZATIONS
The Liberian Alpha of the Order of the Sons and Daughters of the King
The Following Members constituted those who reorganized the Order: Sir Goda Baker –
King; Lady S. Annie Martin - Secretary; Lady Grace Baker - Chancellor of the Exchequer;
Lady Louise Young - Assistant Secretary; Sir Clarence L. Simpson – Patron; Lady Cerue The Order is governed by a King representing the Pi Alpha Fraternity and a Queen for the
Carr-Henderson, Sir E. M. Shannon, Sir Netie Sie Brownell, Sir E.C.B .Jones and Sir Jacob Tau Delta Sorority. They are a Knight and Lady elected by members of the Order and are
Brown – Counsellors; Lady Comfort Jones, Lady Mara Henderson, Sir Nyema Baker and assisted by a Cabinet. The activities of the Courts are overseen by the Round Table whose
Lady Clara Browne – Sheep of the Fold. Members are Actual Past Kings and Queens and Honorary Kings and Queens.
Today, the objectives of the Order have been expanded to assist the Clergy in explaining Since the establishment of the OSDK in Liberia, there have been three Courts established:
the doctrines and ceremonies of the church to its members and assisting in the
construction or renovation of church edifices, building Altars all over the Diocese and The Court of St. Mark’s in Harper. Maryland County; the Court of the Blessed Trinity in
providing Eucharistic elements to make worship meaningful. Monrovia, and the Court of St. John’s in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. At present, the
Court of St. Mark’s is dormant and waiting reactivation whilst Trinity and St. John’s are
The Membership of the Order is opened to all baptized and confirmed Episcopalians who functional.
have reached the age of eighteen. Members of the Clergy are expected to be part of the
Order to assist in its teaching ministries. Many Clergy of the Diocese, past, present and The thrust of the present leadership of the Order under Sir Knight Emmanuel D. Howe as
deceased, have joined the OSDK. No person can be admitted to membership if his/her King and Esteemed Lady Ina Williams Christensen as Queen, with the guidance of Grand
Priest does not endorse the membership form and one MUST be a part of one Noble Lady D. Sheba Brown as President of the Round Table and Grand Noble Knight
organization of the church. Jonathan A. Mason as Lord Overseer, is to establish a Cadet Corps where children from
The Order continues to render assistance to needy members and contribute in time of age eight will be drafted and trained in the things of the Bible, the Church and the Order
death as well as fostering unity and common purpose amongst members and and eventually own the Order and appreciate the church and our denomination by age
encouraging them to participate in the life of the church’s work, especially members over eighteen.
the age of eighteen. The OSDK carries out charity donations to much needed institutions
and individuals, both Episcopalians and non-Episcopalians.
33DIOCESAN PROGRAMS
Episcopal Church of Liberia Relief and Development
Partnership:
Overview
The Episcopal Church of Liberia has been a development partner of the
The Episcopal Relief and Development was incorporated and notarized on Episcopal Relief and Development, New York for more than 10 years. Through this
September 18, 2001, by the Planning and Development Board, through Sis. partnership, the ERD has provided both technical and financial support to the
Amelia Ward, Chairperson and the Chairperson and in witnessed by Sis Juanita Episcopal Church of Liberia (ECL) to enable it address some of its challenges. One
Neal for the Episcopal Church of Liberia. According to the Articles of of such collaborative efforts is support to the Episcopal Church of Liberia Relief
Incorporation, the following consist of ERD’s mandate: and Development. The institution is being solely funded by ERD, New York. As
To establish community development and services; part of its partnership with the ECL, ERD mobilizes funding from other
To engage in water and sanitation services; philanthropic organizations to support the programs of ECLRD and also provides
To engage in food and nutrition; regular technical assistance to the staff. Currently, the programs are being
To engage in Nets for life and malaria drive;
To engage in health care services, such as cholera, hospitals, clinics, schools supported by the United Nations Trust Fund, Islamic Relief, USA and ERD, USA
and other humanitarian works;
To establish educational, academic and vocational schools for training, Operations/Programs
teaching, counseling and guidance to youth without discrimination; ECLRD operates within the Office of the Bishop and has a Board: The Health
To engage in social welfare programs which will sustain and uphold the life and Development Board;
of the member of the Association and surrounding communities; such
activities that include, but not limited to education, health, trade, etc.;
To carry out any other activity which a non-for-profit organization engages ECLRD’s activities are spread out in the four Archdeaconries; Laboni, North-
in, subject to the provisions of the Business Association Law of Liberia; Western, South-Eastern and Bassa Region and are currently in four counties:
Grand Cape Mount, Rivercess, Bong, and Grand Gedeh.
34DIOCESAN PROGRAMS
Episcopal Church of Liberia Relief and Development
Programs are: Agriculture and Savings with Education (solely funded by ERD, ECLRD, with support from the Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with
USA); and Preventing and Responding to Violence against Women and Children: the Episcopal Church of Liberia and 8 local churches in the Archdeaconries to
Increasing Survivors’ Access to Services (funded by Episcopal Relief and establish oil palm farms in the areas where the churches are located. The oil palm
Development-USA (ERD), United Nations Trust Fund (UNTF) and Islamic Relief- farms are being operated by the Churches and members of their various
USA (IRUSA). The programs are integrated and are being implemented through congregations.
community structures and groups.
The overall focus of the programs is to engage in developmental activities that
The GBV program is being implemented through Christian and Muslim faith
are intended to empower local Communities for their social economic
leaders and Savings with Education GBV/Networks in Grand Cape Mount: 5
improvement, respecting Christian and Muslim values, as part of the building up
districts and 21 communities; Rivercess: 5 Districts and 21 communities; Bong: 2
and or strengthening of Community cohesion and unity for Sustainable
development. This also supports the evangelism outreach of the ECL Districts and 6 communities and Grand Gedeh:2 Districts and 6 communities .
The Program works with local faith Leaders, congregants and communities as
well as provide the needed technical support to those churches engaged in
farming as a means of supporting the sustainability efforts of these churches.
35DIOCESAN PROGRAMS
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
Seth C. Edwards Memorial Theological Seminary
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF INSTITUTE He headed the institute well until his election and subsequent consecration and
enthronement on March 2, 2008. On March 18, 2008, Bishop Hart appointed Fr. James
As former President of Cuttington College and Divinity School, now Cuttington University , and B. Sellee as Coordinator of the Institute. On January 20, 2009, The Rt. Rev. Jonathan
while serving as Parish Priest of Trinity cathedral, the late Rev. Dr. Seth C. Edwards established a B.B. Hart appointed The Rev. Fr. A-Too Williams to serve as the new Coordinator of the
theological school in Monrovia in 1964 to meet the needs of Episcopalians who desired to enter Institute after the Rev. Fr. James B. Sellee was appointed by Cuttington University to
the Priesthood or a vocation in the Church. The Diocese of Liberia today has benefited from this serve as Acting Dean for the Theology Department of the University Graduate School.
program with trained Clergy. Among the products are, The Revds Roberta A. Phillips, Maggie B.
Dennis, Joseph L. Greene, Josephine H. Davies, Edwin F. Neufville and the Very Revd. Emmanuel
PURPOSE
W. Johnson, former Dean of Trinity Cathedral and former President Cuttington University
College. Others include the late The Rt. Rev. Edward W. Neufville,II, Bishop and former Dean of
the Province of West Africa, The Very Rev. Edward G.W. King, former Dean of Trinity Cathedral, The Seth C. Edwards Memorial Theological Institute is mandated by the Episcopal
the late Rev. Fr. Philip K. Sherman, former Vicar of St. Paul’s, Greenville, Sinoe County, the late Church of Liberia to provide sound, systematic and competent instruction in theological
Revds. Francis Juery and John M.D. Hina studies for Episcopalians and other Christians who desire such theological education in
the ordained and lay ministries of the Church. Some of these members may not be able
At a Clergy conference held at Cuttington University College in February, 1984, the late Rt. Rev. to attend Cuttington University considering their late age as well as financial and family
George D. Browne, Bishop of Liberia, requested the clergy in the Monrovia area to reorganize reasons. The Institute offers courses in Systematic Theology, Christian Education, Biblical
and conduct the Theological Institute for interested persons in the Diocese. On February 24, Studies, Pastoral Counseling, Church History, Liturgy and Christian Ethics. All would-be
1984, the late Bishop appointed the late Rev. Canon J. Dwalu Kimber Rector of St. Thomas lay readers of the Diocese and existing lay readers who would desire to refresh their
Episcopal Church, Camp Johnson Road, to serve as Coordinator of the Seth C. Edwards Memorial
memories and acquire new skills in lay reading must do at least a year’s study at Seth C.
Theological Institute. Since the reopening of the Institute, the school has graduated many
Edwards. The institute further aims to be a place for continuing education in theology
students. Fr. Kimber died in 1989 and was succeeded by the Rev. Rev. Emmanuel W. Johnson.
The program experienced a serious setback during the period of the civil war in Liberia. In and a place for anyone who desires to deepen his/her knowledge of various aspects of
October, 1997, the Rt. Rev. Edward W. Neurville, II, appointed a committee to organize the the Christian religion.
reopening of the institute. On May 4, 1989, the Very Rev. Jonathan B.B. Hart, (Dean) then
Priest-in-Charge of Trinity cathedral was appointed as Coordinator.
36DIOCESAN PROGRAMS
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
Seth C. Edwards Memorial Theological Seminary
PROGRAMS OFFERED AND THEIR DURATION
The Institute offers Associate Degree in Theology, and certificates of recognition to all would-be ordained
ministers, layreaders, catechists, evangelists, Sunday school teachers, and full-time Church administrators of
the Church and existing ordained ministers, layreaders, catechists, evangelists, Sunday school teachers, and
full-time Church administrators; and, all those who would desire to refresh their memories and or acquire
new knowledge/skills in Church history, of the Bible, Christian education, evangelism, Church administration
and any branches of the Christian faith.
Courses are taught Monday through Saturday at the B.W. Harris School building. Each course offered is worth
three credits and requires three hours of instruction per week in one form or the other. The duration of an
academic Sixteen (16) weeks and minimum credits require for graduation is ninety (90).DIOCESAN PROGRAMS
Episcopal Church of Liberia Development Society
As mandated by the Special Diocesan Convention held in February 2019, at which time the Diocesan
Strategic Plan was adopted, the Diocesan Board of Trustees established the Episcopal Church of Liberia
Development Society, a "not for profit" corporation to operate exclusively for the benefit of the
Episcopal Church of Liberia for the development and support of its religious, economic, pension,
healthcare, charitable, and educational ventures.
The Corporation shall:
(a) Make and enter into contracts;. (b) Receive property by Gift, devise or bequest, and otherwise
acquire and hold all types of property, real or personal, including shares of stock, bonds, and securities
of other corporations;
. (c) Act as trustee under any trust incidental to the principal object of the corporation, and receive,
hold, administer, manage, and expend funds and property subject to such trust;
. (d) Manage, lease, and develop, real or personal property solely or in joint venture arrangements;
. (e) Borrow money, contract debts, and issue bonds, notes and debentures, and secure the payment
or performance of its obligations;
38DIOCESAN PROGRAMS
Episcopal Church of Liberia Development Society
. (f) Do all other acts necessary or expedient for the administration of the affairs and attainment of
the purposes of the corporation.
. (g) To sue and be sued in all courts of competent jurisdiction in the Republic of Liberia.
. (h) To have a corporate seal, and to alter such seal at pleasure, and to use it by causing it or a
facsimile to be affixed or impressed or reproduced in any other manner.
. (i) To elect or appoint officers, employees and other agents of the corporation, define their
duties; fix their compensation, and the compensation of directors, and to indemnify corporate
personnel.
. (g) To adopt, amend or repeal bylaws relating to the conduct of its affairs, its rights or powers or
the rights or powers of its members, directors or officers.
. (i) To make or receive donations for charitable, religious, educational, healthcare, scientific, civic
or similar purposes consistent with its purposes.
Directors of the Society are appointed (with approval from the Diocesan) by the Board of Trustees
to serve staggering 4 and 3 years terms.
39DIOCESAN SCHOOLS
CUTTINGTON UNIVERSITY
The Cuttington University is run by the Episcopal Church of Liberia. It is located in Suacoco, Bong County Liberia. Cuttington was founded in
1889 as Cuttington College by the Episcopal Church of the United States(ECUSA). It is the oldest private, coeducational, four-year, degree
granting institution in sub-Saharan Africa.
An Act establishing the University College as Cuttington University was signed into law on July 20, 2015. Dr. Henrique F. Togba who
succeeded Dr. Mason was inducted into office on November 13, 2005, and resigned in September 2015. The following programs were
successfully added to the University in an effort to meet the growing demands and challenges of the nation’s development process.
1. Increase in the number of degree offerings at the undergraduate campus in Suakoko
2. Establishment of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, located in Monrovia
3. Establishment of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution
4. Introduction of Service Learning to all students
5. Establishment of the Junior College which offers Associate degrees, located in Kakata
The University’s undergraduate studies program is located on the University’s main Campus in Suakoko, 120 miles northwest of Monrovia.
The campus covers 1,500 acres, seven miles from Gbarnga, the Capital of Bong County, The University’s post graduate studies program is
situated at the School of Graduate and Professional Studies is located in Monrovia along the Tubman Boulevard and houses the
administrative and academic offices of the Graduate School. The Junior College is located in Kakata, about 60 miles north of Monrovia along
the Monrovia-Gbarnga Highway. The campus covers 20 acres and houses the administrative offices of the associate studies program.
40DIOCESAN SCHOOLS
Elementary Schools and their locations:
1. St. Stephen Episcopal elementary School, Mambo, Grand Cape Mount County
2. St. Philip Episcopal Elementary School, Bendaja, Grand Cape Mount County
3. St. Andrew Episcopal Church, Mbolama, Grand Cape Mount County
4. St. John Episcopal Elementary School (EES) Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County
5. St. Thomas Elementary School, New Kru Town, Monrovia, Liberia
6. St. Peter Elementary School, Caldwell, Montserrado County
7. St. Valentine Nursery and Elementary/Shool, Sanniquelle, Nimba County.
8. St. Philip Episcopal Nursery and Elementary School, Doe Street, Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County
9. St. Joseph Elementary School, Mbalotahun, Lofa County.
10. Agnes Episcopal Elementary School, Bolahun, Lofa County
11. Agnes Episcopal Elementary School, Foya City, Lofa County
12. St. Monica Elementary, Sanjolo, Foya District, Lofa County
13. Cuttington Community Garden School, Cuttington Farm, Suakoko, Bong County.
14. Mother Neufville Episcopal Elementary School, Sugar Hill, Gbarnga City, Bong
15. Elizabeth Frank Episcopal Elementary School, Kablaka, Maryland County.
16. St. James and Ascension Episcopal Elementary School, Harper, Maryland County.
17. Rev. Joseph G. Parselle Memorial Elementary School, Wohoba, Foya High Way, Kolabhun District, Lofa County
41DIOCESAN SCHOOLS
Junior High Schools :
1. J. Dwulu Kimber Memorial Episcopal Elementary & Junior High School, Plumkor, Montserrado County.
2. St. Andrew Elementary & Junior High School, Mbaloma, Gola Konneh, Grand Cape Mount County
3. St. Barnabas-on-the-Field Elementary and Junior High School, Unification Town, Robertsfield, Margibi
County
4. St. John Episcopal Elementary and Junior High School, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County
5. Epiphany Elementary and Junior High School, Cavalla, Maryland County
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
1. St. Augustine Canterbury High School, Bardnersville Rd., Gardnersville
2. B.W. Harris Episcopal High School, Monrovia, Liberia
3. Bromley High School, Virginia, Montserrado County
4. St. Stephen Episcopal Church High School, Pleebo, Maryland Coundy
5. St. Augustine High School, Kakata
6. St. Peter Episcopal High School, Gbarnga, Bong County
7. Cuttington Campus School, Gbarnga, Bong County
8. St. Augustine High School, Holy Cross Episcopal Mission
9. St. John Episcopal High School, Robertsport (EHS)
10. St. Paul Episcopal High School, Greenville, Sinoe County
42THE BISHOP WE SEEK
• The Episcopal Diocese of Liberia seeks from within the Anglican
Church of the Province of West Africa, or any other Diocese in
communion with this Province, a suitably experienced clergy person
who is not younger than thirty years old and who has been a clergy
person for at least six years to be considered for nomination as Bishop
Coadjutor.
• We seek a bishop who is spiritually filled and has strong leadership
skills with academic qualifications preferably a doctorate degree but a
degree not less than a master’s degree.
43THE BISHOP WE SEEK
• We seek a bishop who is effective in equipping and
empowering people for ministry, sensitive to peoples’ needs, open
and tolerant of diverse views, committed to transparency and
accountability, and effective in soliciting support for Church works
and ministries.
• We seek a bishop who is married and has had experience as a
curate or rector of a parish. It would be a plus if the person has had
rural ministry experience and has a demonstrably active prayer life,
with competent Biblical knowledge.
44THE BISHOP WE SEEK
• We seek an excellent preacher and teacher committed to actively
spreading throughout the Diocese the teachings of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.
• We seek a bishop who is a visionary and can lead in effectively
addressing the financial plight of the Diocese given our
challenges, and who will lead the reopening and strengthening of our
Diocesan schools.
45THE BISHOP WE SEEK
• We seek an ideal bishop who must be able to clearly present a vision
of where he/she wants to take the Diocese.
Our election is for a Bishop Coadjutor who will become Bishop
Diocesan for the Diocese of Liberia upon the retirement of The Rt. Rev.
Jonathan B. B. Hart in February 2023.
The Diocese of Liberia is primed for and hungry to be the Episcopal
Branch of the Jesus Movement and we are seeking a leader who will
empower us with the vision and resources to accomplish this great
work.
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