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FIRST IGBO SEVENTH-DAY

ADVENTIST CHURCH,

MOUNT VERNON NEW YORK

Written by Elder Chigozirim Ebere

he Seventh Day Adventist members of Igbo ancestry have resided in the New York City area since the second
Thalf of the 20th Century. Most of them had to travel long distances to attend church services, while others
gave up entirely on this important fellowship with God and man. Many more looked forward to a day they could
worship with the kindred aura they knew before migrating to the United States. However, many years had passed
without the realization of this dream.

hen God’s time came, the writer took up the challenge of reminding our people that the delay had been
Wtoo long. Following in the footsteps of Christ, he began seeking for people to work with. He proposed
the idea to Chief Raymond Etufugh and Jemimah his wife, who embraced the idea and even offered their home
for meetings. However, with their help, a temporary place of worship was secured at 3906 Seton Avenue in the
Bronx—Church of God Mission. The initial believers met on October 14, 2000 for their maiden worship. There
was a record of 50 worshippers including children on that day. This was a clear indication that God was in control
of this new movement.

or the next 2 years, the affairs of this new church were piloted by the coordination of Elder Emmanuel Alozie,
FBrother Chigozirim Ebere, Brother Ishmael Nwogbe, Brother Alozie Ogbonna, and Elder Nnamdi Oriaku by
using the services of guest Pastors and speakers for special events while we deliberated on church organization.
Top on the list of guest speakers during this period were Pastor Roy Gordon, Pastor Young Onwukwe, Pastor
Roland Nwosu, Pastor Hermann Kuma, Pastor Steve Cassimy, Pastor Uzoma Erondu, Pastor Jacob Emezua, Elder
Gabriel Nwogu and Dr. Chinedu Nwakanma to mention just a few.

n March 8, 2003, we were organized as a church by the Greater New York Conference of the Seventh Day
OAdventist Church to its multi-ethnic ministries department. In April of 2006, Pastor Okezie Erondu took over
the leadership of the First Igbo Seventh Day Adventist Church and we have not looked back since then.

ur journey to this church building dedication today started not too long
Oafter our maiden worship in 2000. Although we did not have enough
money, we trusted that the Lord is faithful and will provide the needed resources
if we found a place of worship. At the time, our searches centered mainly in the
Bronx because that is where most of our members lived. But, as we fasted and
prayed, our hopes were continually dashed. Fourteen years of renting church
spaces, school auditorium and even members’ homes were trying times for our
church organization but, we held on to the hope that God knew all about our
situation and that He will make a way at the right time. What we did not know is
the Lord’s plan for us in Mount Vernon.

o, at the right time, the Lord provided a finished Sanctuary at the right
Slocation. May His purposes be put in effect as we work here in Mount
Vernon to His glory! Amen