BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
25 ETONKO STREET,
CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE
ORIGIN:
The origin of the Church of Christ, 25 Etonko Street, Calabar, is traceable to the Church that initially met at Emmanuel Church school building along White House Street in the late 1954. This congregation later moved to her permanent meeting hall at No.3A Hawkins Road in 1972.
Some brethren who could not join others to worship God at Hawkins Road Church, because of distance, decided to hire a cooperative hall at No.34 Atu Street for worship. They were Late Asuquo E. N. Escor, Late Marshall T. Ekaette, Late Anietie J. Akpakpan, Brother Eno-abasi M. Ukpong, and many others. A total of 23 members met and had their first worship session on 11th June 1972, with Late M. T. Ekaette as their Minister.
On 13th July, 1980, a parcel of land was bought along Etonko Street for the building of a permanent worship hall. In December 1982, the Church moved from 34 Atu Street to 25 Etonko Street and had her first worship in the new facility on 12th December, 1982.
ROLL CALL OF MINISTERS:
The following are the Ministers who served the Church at various times:
| Names | Years Served |
|---|---|
| M. T. Ekaette | 1972-1982 |
| Barret Udom | 1983 |
| P. U. Eno | 1983 |
| Ememobong Essien | 1983-1988 |
| F. U. Akwaowo | 1990-1995 |
| Usua Mfono | 1996-1997 |
| Uyouko Akpan Okwot | 1998-2004 |
| Okpan Cleopas | 2005 till date |
Others who served on acting capacities were:
| Names | Years Served |
|---|---|
| Ita E. Johnson and E. M. Ukpong | 1988-1990 |
| Ita E. Johnson and A. B. Edet | 1995-1996 |
| E. M. Ukpong and Late S. D. Ekpenyong | 1997-1998 |
| Bishop B. E. Akpan | 2004-31st August 2005 |
THE CHURCH AT MATURITY
The Church of Christ, 25 Etonko Street, Calabar, was 27 years old when the first batch of 4 Elders and 5 Deacons were ordained on 8th May, 1999. At 32 years old, the second batch of Elders and Deacons were ordained to the glory of God. At 37 years old, the third batch of Deacons was ordained to complement the effort of the existing Elders and Deacons in leadership and service.
ADMINISTRATION
The Elders of the Church are saddled with the responsibility of administering the affairs of the church. They are now four in number: Elders B. E. Akpan, E. T. Ekaidem, and D. U. Akpan. Their services are complemented by the three able Deacons, whose passions for service have continued to increase. They are: Deacons S. A. Ikpat, Aniekan Essien and Aniefiok Jacob.
Again, for easy administration of the fast growing congregation, the Church is divided into 5 Zones, each headed by a Chairman and Supervised by Deacons and senior members of the church.
There are also 14 Committees saddled with specific areas of responsibilities. The leadership of all the Zones and Committees report directly to the Council of Elders on regular basis.
EDIFICATION
The Church of Christ at Etonko Street has a well-structured Bible-based curriculum of studies for all classes. These are periodically reviewed to allow for progressive study of scriptures with faithful men and women as bible teachers. Also, other programmes such as prayer and fasting, singing sessions, counseling and regular visitations are carried out for effective spiritual developments. Seminars and indoor lectures are also organized to tackle some burning issues.
Furthermore, the Church has sponsored many serious-minded brothers for training in the Bible Colleges. Upon completion of training, they are sent to new congregations as Ministers with considerable supports for their upkeep.