Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) is set next month to commemorate 150 years of ministry and pastoral work since the arrival of Scottish missionaries in 1876 led by Henry Henderson.
Rev Dr Takudza Chitsulo, Moderator of St Michaels and All Angels Church, the seat of Blantyre Synod, grounded from Blantyre Mission founded by the Scottish missionaries, said the three-day celebrations would start on 23 October.
He said the decision was made in honour of Henry Henderson who arrived and camped on 23 October 1876 at Blantyre Synod which is popularly known as Henry Henderson Institute (HHI) after it was named after him.
Rev Chitsulo, who is an academic and scholar, said the event would be marked by a procession from HHI to Kamuzu University of Health Sciences on 23 October, a day later, a tour of HHI premises which has unique historical sites and wrapped by prayers on October 25.
He said HHI, which was also designated as Malawi’s heritage historical site, has played a significant role in the socio-economic development of the country, especially in education, health, agriculture and spreading the Gospel mission in Malawi.
Rev Chitsulo said: “Blantyre Mission, which has now grown to become Blantye Synod, has contributed a lot to the development of the country in the education, health and agriculture sectors in the country. It has schools such as HHI Secondary, Domasi Mission, colleges such as Mulanje Mission College of Nursing, hospitals such as Mulanje Mission, Ndirande Malabada and Chulu Cho Sema.
“It has produced some of great leaders in the public and private sectors. If I am nor wrong, the former Malawi president Bingu wa Mutharika, is a product of HHI secondary school.”
Current Malawi President Professor Arthur Mutharika’s wedding to First Lady Gertrude Mutharika, was officiated at St Michaels All Angels Church.
