This post is for Around The World Challenge #9/7. You can join here
I want to believe you've come across the previous posts I shared about my church, St Ambrose Catholic Church Parish, Omoba Road, Ogbor Hill, Aba. The garden, the flowers, the butterflies, the birds, and everything that make it feel alive.
Today, I want to show you the heart of it all: the church building itself. Hopefully, I’ll also share the front view, the back view, the side views and maybe, what it looks inside. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.
But before we tour the building, let me tell you a bit about the church's history.
The church, St Ambrose Parish, (Ugwu Zion) is the first catholic church to be established in Ogbor Hill. Majestically located on a hill, it started off as a station in the year 1959 with a small hall as a place of worship. Twenty years later, 1979, it became a full parish with Rev. Fr. Nkedife as the first Parish Priest.
Years later, St Ambrose became a Holy Ghost Parish under the priesthood of Rev. Fr. Ikegwuonu, CSSp.
As the community began to grow, the need for a bigger place of worship became paramount. So in 1982, the groundbreaking for the new church building happened.
As a child, I was there when the prototype of this edifice was unveiled during the fundraising for the building in the late 90's. In fact, I was amongst the people who did the official unveiling. 😂 I still remember how excited I was when my godmother told me to go represent her in the exercise. It was such an honor to be amongst those who made history that day.
Since then, it has hosted several priests and religious, and has equally produced many other parishes and stations too. Currently, Rev. Fr. Jacob Ezinwa Ugboaja (Onwa) is the parish priest.
The church edifice itself has undergone significant development and was officially dedicated on 20th April, 2024 by the Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Ndubueze Echema.
St Ambrose isn’t just a church, this is my home. This is where I was baptized, made my first communion, and confirmed. This is also where my love for singing began. I joined the Block Rosary Choir at a very young age, then sang in the 10 O'clock choir before I left home. Now that I'm back, I still sing in the same choir.
Honestly, I have many fond memories of this church that has raised me. Unfortunately I can't put them all here now.
Welcome to Ugwu Zion, a church on a hill that watches over the city.
Front wing.
Left wing.
Right wing.
Right wing annex.
Back wing.
The Narthex
The entrance or the church porch where we gather and wait before we enter for mass. Beneath it is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, a quiet place where we commune with God.
Also standing on this narthex, you'll see all the way to New Umuahia Road on the left, Ikot Ekpene Road on the right, and River Layout across. You'll also have a view across the Waterside Bridge.
The old church building, renovated and still standing till date.
From a station in 1959, to the beautiful architectural edifice on the hill. This is what 67 years of faith looks like.
St Ambrose Parish in Aba has a strong community reputation and I'm proud to still be a member and a worshipper there. ❤️
Author's Photos
Posted Using INLEO
