The significance of the number 40 especially as it relates to the age of an individual or organisation cannot be over-emphasised.
As a matter of fact, many individuals who never celebrated their birthdays often times look forward to clocking 40 when they are expected to transform to full adulthood.
Little wonder then that Walter B. Pitkin, the late American author and university professor titled his 1932 best selling book ” Life Begins at Forty”
Forty is a number where lives are assembled and meanings given to it. It can also be regarded as a middle point where young life turns into a mature one and the phase of life starts, a reason why it is often said that ” a fool at forty is a full forever”.
And so when the Emmanuel Anglican Chapel, Alapere Ketu, Lagos State clocks forty last Sunday, both the Priests, parishioners of the church and well wishers thronged the church to celebrate amidst pomp and pageantry.
Speaking at the full capacity of the chapel auditorium on the theme: “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord” The Bishop of Egba West Anglican Diocese (Anglican Communion) The Rt Revd Dr Samuel Oludele Ogundeji, on behalf of the The RT Revd Dr James Olusola Odedeji, Bishop of Lagos West emphasised the significance of that day saying that every member has a reason to be happy to celebrate the goodness of God as the seed planted exactly forty years ago has germinated and grown even beyond the dream of the founders.
In his comments, the Curate of the Church, The Reverend Oluseye Olagoke appreciated the faithfulness of God in the lives of every member since the foundation stone of the Church was laid precisely on 23rd of April, 1983. He gave kudos to the children of the founders for carrying on the vision of their parents. While praising the past and present Priests of the chapel, The Rev’d Olagoke charged members to remain steadfast as God always reward those who does His works.
The Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Otunba Alex Banjo, also said one significant factor that has kept the Chapel growing is the fact that it is a family church as members have strong affinity to each other which has greatly helped to actualise the vision of the founders.
He commended members for the cooperation given his committe which he said accounts for the huge success of the anniversary.
The Ven Victor Sunday & Mama Amelia Olufunmilola Adenugba , while establishing the chapel in 1983 within the premises of Mate Nursery & Primary School had hoped to have worship that will assist in raising pupils that will serve and fear God and also cater for the growing number of Christian population within Alapere, Orisigun and Ayedere area of Ketu.
The Vicar of the Chapel, The Ven. Olugbenga Olajide, commended the dedication of the parishioners for defying the heavy rain of the day to dance, merry and praise God while looking forward to many years of celebrations.
