Liberia: Howell Macedonia Baptist Church Celebrates 98th Anniversary

Howell Macedonia Baptist Church (HMBC) recently celebrated an impressive milestone — its 98th anniversary. Under the guidance of Reverend Dr. Momolu A. Massaquoi, the church has been unwavering in its commitment to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Republic of Liberia.

The joyous celebration took place recently at the church’s edifice in Kpaan’s Town Community, Barnesville Township. 

With a vision to bring people closer to Jesus Christ and foster membership in His family, HMBC has developed several young pastors and renowned teachers of the Gospel within Liberia, through tutelage and spiritual guidance over its 98 years of existence. 

Rev. Massaquoi, who assumed the leadership of the church in 2017 during a period of low attendance, disclosed that the church aims to develop individuals into Christ-like maturity and equip them for ministry in both the church and the world.

P. Oxford Brown, a Deacon of the church, praised Massaquoi for demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities by collaborating with existing leaders and instilling a mindset of transformation among the congregation upon taking over. “His messages emphasized faithfulness to God, resonating strongly with the members and earning him high esteem within the congregation,” Brown said.

One of Dr. Massaquoi’s notable contributions to the church, Brown said, has been the complete renovation of its structure. He dismantled the old building, replacing it with a new edifice featuring modern offices and a conference room.

“He dismantled the old framework and erected a new edifice with modern offices and a conference room. This restructuring has facilitated better organization and coordination within the Church,” Brown said.

He also praised Dr. Massaquoi’s passion for missions and has been instrumental in Howell’s evolution into a missionary church. 

Under Massaquoi’s leadership, two new churches have been established — one located at 15 Gate, Margibi County, and another at Cotton Tree, Buchanan highway. To support their growth, pastors and deacons were appointed to provide spiritual guidance.

These churches have made remarkable progress and achieved significant milestones in their respective communities, Brown reported, adding that Dr. Massaquoi’s transformative leadership extends beyond the spiritual essence.

Dr. Massaquoi has also made a significant impact through his introduction of the beloved monthly program, “Wings of Coverage”, a transformative initiative that stands as a testament to his visionary leadership. The program has become the cornerstone of spiritual unity and divine protection within the congregation.

“On the first day of every month,” Brown said, “a sense of anticipation fills the air as Howell members and visitors eagerly gather to participate in the Wings of Coverage program. This sacred occasion serves as a time of prayer and worship, where individuals come together, setting aside worldly concerns, and immersing themselves in the presence of the Divine.” 

Dr. Massaquoi has also been lauded for spearheading the groundbreaking of the new Howell Macedonia School System, a state-of-the-art high school that will cater to the educational needs of the community. The educational facility reflects his commitment to holistic ministry and the importance of nurturing the minds and hearts of the younger generation.

“The church celebrates its 98-year journey under the unwavering coverage of God's divine providence. The congregation fervently prays for continued guidance, blessings, and strength for Reverend Dr. Massaquoi and his entire leadership team,” Brown said. “We recognize the vital role they play in shepherding the church in God's Vineyard and are filled with gratitude and anticipation for the future.”

As the church reflects on the remarkable journey of Howell Church under Reverend Dr. Massaquoi's stewardship, the congregation is dedicated to ministering to the community and extending God’s love beyond the church walls.

The congregants have resolved to embrace the vision of the new Howell Macedonia School System as a testament to their commitment to holistic ministry and the transformative power of education. “With God’s continued guidance, blessings, and strength, we have embarked on the next chapter of HMBC history, trusting in His divine coverage to guide their footsteps, bless their endeavors, and fulfill their mission,” one member said.

The anniversary celebration brought together the church community, dignitaries, and well-wishers in a jubilant atmosphere. It served as a testament to the church’s enduring legacy and its profound impact on the lives of its members and the surrounding community. In his sermon, titled “We’ve Come This Far By Faith.”

At the celebratory service, Rev. Massaquoi emphasized the church’s journey and the importance of faith in their success. He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all the pastors who have served since the church's founding in 1925, expressing gratitude for the faith and support of the congregation.

He highlighted the trust and support the church has placed in him as God’s servant and credited their success to their reliance on the Lord. He expressed appreciation to the church for their unwavering support and their pride in Howell’s transformation, recognizing that leaning on their own understanding would cause them to falter.

“I have never seen a church that has so much faith like Howell Macedonia Baptist Church,” Dr. Massaquoi said. “We, as a church, have gotten to a place where our members trust me as God's servant and there is nothing that I tell them that will elevate the church that they do not support. No one can please God if they do not have faith and church work is about faith.

“Today, Howell has become a church that all of us are proud of,” he said. “We do not lean on our own understanding because our own understanding will fail us; we are leaning on the Lord.”