Any history of the Calvary Methodist Women’s Fellowship must begin with the birth of the Calvary Society itself and for that matter the North Accra Circuit.

Several efforts were made in the 1950’s to establish a branch of the Methodist Women’s Fellowship to be one of the partners of the young Fante Society but all to no avail.  Women in the society were often summoned to meet after church by various women leaders including late Sister Victory Grant, wife of the Rev. C. F. O. Grant, then President of Conference.  All these efforts were in vain.

The arrival of Mrs. Faustina Rockson then an energetic young woman who had acquired expertise in women’s projects and other activities concerning the training of young girls and women changed this state of affairs.  Her leadership qualities, her activities in imparting knowledge to others was recognized by Mrs. Quarshie Idun who introduced her to Nana Essilfie Bondzie versed in Women’s Fellowship activities.

Undeterred by the numerous teething problems, she was successful in rallying round some sisters to set the formation of a branch of the Methodist Women’s Fellowship in motion.  In 1961, Rev. Noel L. Warmann inaugurated the Fellowship.  

Sis Faustina Rockson was its first President, Sister Quarshie-Sam was Secretary and Sister Mercy Orleans-Lindsay was Treasurer.  Later Sister Agnes Ackah became the substantive Treasurer.

Programmes

At the initial stages, there was nothing like the Women’s Fellowship Handbook, which we have now.  To develop and maximize the members’ abilities and talents in areas such as cookery, sewing and home baking; and to sharpen and sustain members’ interest in the newly inaugurated Organisation, professionals such as doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants and various experts from all walks of life were invited to give talks.

Several fund raising schemes were introduced which were very rewarding and yielded good results to the benefit of both the Organisation and the Church as a whole.

Most of these fund raising activities still prevail after several years in Calvary Methodist Women’s Fellowship.  It is worth revealing a few:

1. The Harvest Supper
2. Bring and Buy
3. Bazaars
4. Husbands’ nights
5. Members Birthdays Tea Party

Achievements

The Organisation was fertile ground for creativity.  The members consumed with the determination to make the organization grow from strength to strength and instill stability decided to embark on other activities within and without the society.

1. Christmas Eve Activities Women’s Fellowship introduced and performed candle light processions on Christmas Eve coupled with distribution of Christmas gifts and boxes. We can all testify that it is now tagged “Love Feast” or X’mas Eve get-together: It is the main end of year affair of Calvary Society

 

2. Calvary Methodist Vocational Institute The Institute was the brainchild of Calvary Methodist Women’s Fellowship. Recognizing the apprehension of many parents as they sought to secure for their wards some sort of permanent jobs in their adulthood. Sister Barbara Opoku conceived the idea for the Church to assist parents in some way to ease their anxiety by offering quality vocational training.  Her aspiration did not remain with her alone, but was discussed with the Superintendent Minister and other Church leaders.  The idea was finally accepted and the seed was planted in early 1974, which germinated into a giant tree, Calvary Methodist Vocational Institute and eventually inaugurated in September 1974 with Sister Barbara Opoku as the first Headmistress.  Like any great enterprise there were pioneers who were the Cornerstone on which the vision was built. These persons need to be commended for their sacrifice to the cause: Mr. David Ackah, the then Society Steward and Mr. E Atta Peters who masterfully supported the Circuit Executive namely Sister Sophia Duker - President, Sister Barbara Opoku - Secretary, Sister Flora Prah - Treasurer the Superintendent Minister Rev. T. W. Koomson and Rev. Joseph Ebe-Arthur.
   
   The story did not end here; the Women’s Fellowship has a great challenge ahead i.e. to secure funds to nurture and nourish the baby.  Through the untiring efforts of the Fellowship, Jumble Sale and other fund raising activities were organized with the sole aim of equipping the Institute. Members were all out to elicit support from Organisations in the church and outside the Society to purchase saucepans, sewing machines and other equipment.
   
   The vision of establishing a qualitative Vocational Training Institute has been realized.  It has been beneficial to both boys and girls, and contributing meaningfully towards the Government’s Educational Policy.
   
   To the glory of Almighty God, the Institute celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1999 with the theme ‘Be
   equipped for the 21^st Century with Entrepreneurial Skills through Vocational Training”.    

 

3. Christ Little Band The establishment of the Calvary Christ Little Band was masterminded by Calvary Methodist Women’s Fellowship. The pioneers being very forward-looking and very much interested in evangelism planned the establishment of this organization.  Sister Faustina Rockson worked hard to organize a small band of Women’s Fellowship members to form the Christ’s Little Band nucleus. At this juncture, she had to accompany her husband Rev. Ofori Rockson to England.  The mantle was taken over by Sister Irene Kofi, who then a member of the District Christ’s Little Band
   
    
4. Girls’ Fellowship It is incumbent upon every branch of the Methodist Women’s Fellowship to establish a branch of the Methodist Girls’ Fellowship as part of evangelism. With the encouragement of the then District and the active involvement of Sister Dora Boateng, the Girls’ Fellowship of the Calvary Society was formed in 1971. The sisters were able to nurture the girls and sustain their interest so much that the membership swelled to about eighty girls at one particular point.  Girls of both school going and non-school going age join the Girls’ Fellowship. From this point, some join the Mother Fellowship and others go on to the Youth Fellowship.  The Girls’ Fellowship continues to be of great help to girls. Girls as young as five years are taught the scriptures, crafts, cookery, hygiene and family life education.