BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. MATTHEW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH MGBUOBA

In October 17^th 1901 the CMS was involved in an internal schism which led to the formation of the United African Church (UAC). African members of CMS felt alienated from the decision-making hierarchy, and more importantly the liturgy do not consider African values. This effusion shows how the extent Pan Africanist spark ignited by Eric Williams in the London conference of 1900 swept the whole of black race. (UAC) grew steadily as a religious nationalist movement that championed the use of African musical instrument in church services, respect and promotion of African historical achievement. By 1913 the church had its Niger Delta headquarter at (Monnie) in Kalabari. This church had a branch in Rumuokwuta, the place of worship was chief Ogbaja Worlu Amadi reception hall (Obokoro), adjacent to the Rumuokwuta junction, but the growth of the church was punctuated by an internal crisis which led to its extinction according to Elder J.K.  Akani of blessed memory, the collapsed of UAC was traceable to an unwarranted treatment meted Mgbuoba Elders, the Elders felt slighted by the removal of their sit from the elders section to a common position. Their conclusion was that it was a premediated action which must be rebuffed. This was how UAC that attracted appreciable membership because of its African content witness a mass exodus by Mgbuoba members. This challenge united in resolve and single mindedness to set up their own church. Like the apostles of Yore, they worked with one accord, assembled the young to cut trees (akawai), Bamboos, red mud and other building materials to erect a new church building to demonstrate their independence and uniqueness from UAC.

They decided to be part of CMS. Through Mr. Sampson Chibuo Chiorlu who had had a relation in Kalabari, Mr. Samuel Jack was contacted to head the church. The new church was Christened St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Mgbouba named after one of the apostles and the author of the synoptic Gospels. The decision to identify with Anglicanism was because of the excitement, in-road, and reverberating prominence of the Niger missions in the Niger Delta hinterland.

By the mid-1990s, church membership had witnessed a geometric progression. due to the privatization of land in the community which attracted many people to take up residence within and outside the church. Some of these people emphatically identified with the church. The rising momentum led to the launching of a Two Million Naira church building. In his welcome address the chairman of the launching committee Elder G.A Hardy alerted the public that St Matthew’s Church Mgbuoba will assume it status as a parish in the Port Harcourt North Archdeaconry. It is interesting to know that Mgbuoba Parish in the Port Harcourt North Archdeaconry was approved by the Diocesan Board on November 12th 1997 and took effect on January 1^st 1998. It was later inaugurated by Rt Rev. I.C.O Kattey JP Dean Church of Nigeria, Arch-Bishop Province of Niger Delta and Bishop of Diocese of Niger Delta North on April 21st and 22^nd 2001

 Elder James Akani whose Joy was unbounded took the responsibility of providing the pulpit, pews and other accessories. What was started as a child of circumstance in the early 20^th century by a group of elders has gradually and steadily grown to a big tree whose branches has become an abode for birds of the universe. The sprawling membership necessitated the division of the church service into two sessions. The array of professionals, technocrats, businessmen, etc, that participated in all the church program has placed it on a luminous pedestal.

ARMS/UNITS All the arms like the MCA now CMF, MU, WG, AYF, ACM and units like the Band, Ushers, Wardens, Choir and others are actively functional and they promote the church services.

PAST AND PRESENT MINISTERS

1. Mr. Samuel Jack Pioneer agent
2. Rev. D.E Aso Catechist
3. Rev. I.G Chinda Catechist
4. Rev J.M Budam and assisted by Mr S C Okereafor later priested.
5. Rev R. Ugem now Venerable
6. Rev Robinson Nwako now Venerable
7. Rev Can S. O Agoha now Venerable (Rtd)
8. Rev Canon R. Eben Spiff
9. Rev Canon now [Ven] C.J Nwachukwu
10. Rev Enwereji now Canon
11. Rev. E.E Odunze now Venerable Dr E E Odunze
12. Ven Dr Samuel Chimela
13. Rev. Nelson Solomon now Venerable
14. Rev Canon Christian Sunday
15. Rev Canon John Ebebeinwe
16. Rev Can Prince Charles Ezeanochie (Pioneer Supervisor Galilee Archdeaconry) Secondment to Scotland, UK
17. Ven. Dr. Saturday T.  Nbete (Vicar/Archdeacon Galilee Archdeaconry)
18. Rev. Canon Gideon Genka    (Vicar Galilee Archdeaconry)