By: Tapiwa Dzuda
District Superintendent Rev. Tsitsi Madziyire, the Harare East District Superitendent together with Rev. Maxwell Chambara led the procession at the giant Cranborne Sanctuary marking the celebration of a Silver Jubilee of Cranborne Circuit.
The 25th Anniversary of the Cranborne Circuit in ministry and service was a grand celebration on the 6th of April.
Ululation and dance by both the young and old was the order of the day as Rev. Chambara drove the church in joyous celebration mood for the big day.
The Deputy Administrative Assistant to the Bishop Reverend Allan Gurupira, implored the congregation to aim for the Golden Celebration that comes not by more years to come but by Spiritual fruitfulness.
“Silver requires polishing so that it keeps shining and it is the same with you all to grow in love, faith and holiness apart from advancing in years of existence” said Reverend Gurupira. “Today’s celebration marks the beginning of a new journey to fight for true worship and service as your approach the golden Jubilee celebration” he added.
The pioneering pastor Rev. Remember Masamba who was also present at the occasion said, “This sanctuary must be the place where everyone longs to be, a place where the power of God operates and nurtures life standards, morals and belief to develop spirit filled Christians of integrity, dignity and sound characters”He led the gathering from the time the congregation met under the Msasa tree which still stands today.
“This place is meant for us all to prepare a home that comes from above, therefore, we must do our best to grow and mature into strong children of God so that we inherit an eternal home. We must not remain young like we were in 1989” he said as he encouraged the congregation and invited guest with the words from Acts 3:1-10.
Historical Insights
On the 5th of February 1989 devoted families of about 68 members established a preaching point that has grown to become a hub of witnessing and worship, drawing its membership from Cranborne to the Northern suburbs of Harare.
It was with commitment and dedication that the hand of the Almighty God moved men like baba Mazaiwana, Mvundura, Makuto and Chayerera led by Rev Remember Masamba and many other pioneers who have since departed to eternal Glory. They gathered together and brought more souls to the fold of the Lord making Cranborne UMC a haven of God’s presence where the peace, joy and healing of the Lord outflows to all parishioners.
Cranborne UMC has countless and significant achievements down memory lane and are determined to remain pace setters in worship and spiritual growth whilst attending to physical projects, chief amongst them being the further development of the infrastructure to meet their 1989 master plan of the sanctuary.
History is ongoing. This is what happened in the past, we are part of what is happening now. Below is a quick look at the 25 years, provided and used with permission from the UMC Cranborne communications committee:
•5 February 1989-Cranborne UMC born in Harare District led by Rev. Dr. Marevangepo, the then District Superitendent. The first sermon was preached by Rev. Webster Mutamba
•14 March 1989- official opening overseen by DS Marevangepo
•1989 Annual Conference- Rev R. Masamba appointed pastor in charge for Cranborne-Hatfield circuit.
•1992 Cranborne weaned Hatfield circuit
•1994 Congregation meets under Msasa tree having acquired stand for sanctuary
•2004 Completion and dedication of the giant Sanctuary
•2004 Cranborne celebrates 15th Anniversary
•2008 Cranborne weaned Msasa Park UMC
•2009 23 November, Dedication of the Sanctuary by Bishop E.K. Nhiwatiwa
Being the first circuit to acquire a church vehicle (a yellow Datsun 120y), Cranborne now spreads its wings and claims higher ground in bible study, children’s ministry development, success in choral music and also the vibrant young couples fellowship whose programs have helped in bringing more people to Christ since the time Rev Remember Masamba led the congregation.
With a history record illuminated by plausible achievements, Cranborne not only celebrated its Silver Jubilee of effective ministry, worship and fellowship but they are geared up as a church to join hands on the unity of purpose with rest of the Episcopal Area in the Spirit of the Ebenezer Convention’ which is just by the corner on 15-17 August 2014.
“As we celebrate 25years let us journey forward with life, aiming for holiness because our father in heaven is Holy and full of grace that leads to Salvation” said Rev T Madziyire who graced the occasion and delivered her sermon sharing the pulpit with the junior Sunday school. The District Superintendent challenged the congregation to bear fruit that shows a people who have met the Lord in their Christian journey at Cranborne since 1989 according to Galatians 5:22-23.
The Cranborne congregation was applauded for thorough preparations for the celebration, making it a colourful and memorable day for all. Teamwork and excellence in unity was displayed by the steering committee and congregants to coordinate all the proceedings for the big event. The day ended with laughter and cheerful faces as people enjoyed all sorts of food including the beast slaughtered for the celebrations by the MUMC Cranborne.
“We are aspiring even for much more high ground in all areas of ministry and worship as a body of Christ, as we shall continue taking God’s greatest commission; ‘Go and make disciples of Christ from all nations,’ we work hard to win more souls for the transformation of the world.” Rev. Chambara said.