One of the hymns of the church proclaims that the Church is completely from Heaven. The Pastor Founder, Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa consistently reminded members of the divine significance behind God’s establishment of Celestial Church of Christ as the last boat of salvation. According to the teachings of the Church, Celestial Church was conceived strictly through the instruction of the Holy Spirit, while every spiritual activity and ordinance within the fold carries heavenly approval and divine identity.
As members worldwide joyfully prepare for the annual Juvenile Harvest celebration in their various parishes, it becomes imperative to revisit the historical background and spiritual origin of Juvenile Harvest in the Celestial Church of Christ.
Section 99 (f) of the Church Constitution clearly states: “The Juvenile Harvest will be celebrated by all parishes on the first Sunday in June each year.”
THE HISTORICAL ROOT OF JUVENILE HARVEST
The first parish established in the United Kingdom traced its origin to CCC Yemetu Parish, Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria. However, the origin of Juvenile Harvest itself began in the first CCC parish established in the Western world the United Kingdom.
In the year 1969, at No. 2 Berriman Road, London N4, the first altar of the Church in London was laid while preparations were ongoing for the first Annual Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service after one year of establishment. The parish officially commenced worship activities on 26th April 1968 at Berriman Road before later relocating to No. 7 Enthrone Road, Archway, London N19 in 1971. Subsequently, in search of a more conducive worship environment, the congregation temporarily moved to St. John Hall, Lewisham Road, London, later in 1971, before finally relocating permanently in 1973 to what became known as CCC London Parish 1, Harton Street, London.
THE DIVINE REVELATION
The wife of the first Chairman of the Adult Harvest Committee, Sister Ogunkola who later became a Prophetess received a divine revelation through a dream. In the revelation, she was instructed by the Holy Spirit to inform the congregation that the children of the Church must first be celebrated before any Adult Harvest Thanksgiving.
According to the spiritual message delivered to her, the Holy Spirit declared that the Church seemed to have neglected the children within the fold and therefore mandated the elders and congregation to organize a special celebration dedicated to the children.
This revelation was officially documented and acknowledged through the first Secretary of both the Juvenile and Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Committee, Sister E.A. Durojaiye, whose husband, Late Brother A.A. Durojaiye, later became the first General Secretary of CCC Harton Street Parish, London. Today, Mother Celestial Durojaiye worships at CCC Elephants & Castle Parish, London, United Kingdom.
APPROVAL BY THE PASTOR FOUNDER
Furthermore, the Matron and principal establisher of CCC Harton Street Parish, London who herself had earlier received divine instruction concerning the establishment of the Church in London communicated the revelation concerning Juvenile Harvest to the Pastor Founder through Late Prophetess Mother Celestial Bola Adenejolu.
After carefully reviewing the spiritual significance of the revelation, the Pastor Founder, Rev. Prophet S.B.J. Oshoffa, gladly approved and instructed that the Celestial Church of Christ should officially commence the celebration of JUVENILE HARVEST before any Adult Harvest celebration.
Consequently, the first Sunday in June of every calendar year was approved as the official date for Juvenile Harvest throughout the Celestial Church of Christ worldwide. Historical records further indicate that the Juvenile Harvest was formally institutionalized within the Church in 1972 at Porto Novo, Republic of Benin.
THE FIRST CHILDREN WHO WITNESSED THE HISTORIC JUVENILE HARVEST
The pioneering children of CCC Harton Street Parish, London, who witnessed the first-ever Juvenile Harvest celebration held in July 1969 before the general approval by the Church included: Benjamin Ade Aina QC, Jumoke Aina, Elizabeth Tope Olaiya (now Mrs. Fasanya), Paul Shola Olaiya, Ayo Adenejolu, James Segun Durojaiye, Oludeji Durojaiye, Late Titi Ogunkola, The first Bakare children (the two boys), Bunmi Odewole Fajebe, Sheyi Odewole, Ade Sanusi, Olu Sanusi, Kayode Omisore
ORGANIZERS OF THE FIRST JUVENILE HARVEST
The principal organizers of the first-ever Juvenile Harvest in the Celestial Church of Christ were:
Harvest Chairman — Brother Ogunkola
Harvest Secretary — Sister E.A. Durojaiye
Harvest Treasurer — Brother Delana
The elders supervising CCC Harton Street Parish at the time included:
Late Senior Evangelist Shorinoulu (of blessed memory)
Late Brother A.A. Durojaiye — General Secretary
Late Baba Oluwo — Patron of the Parish
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JUVENILE HARVEST
Juvenile Harvest remains one of the most spiritually symbolic celebrations in our church. It reflects the Church’s recognition of children as future spiritual vessels, future leaders, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and custodians of the Celestial heritage.
The annual celebration also demonstrates the Church’s commitment to raising children in holiness, discipline, worship, and service unto God. During the celebration, children are given the opportunity to coordinate Church activities including choir ministrations, ushering, sermon delivery, prayer sessions, and other liturgical responsibilities thereby preparing them spiritually for future service in God’s vineyard. As another Juvenile Harvest season approaches, may the grace of God continue to preserve every child in the Celestial Church of Christ worldwide.
Happy Juvenile Harvest to all Celestial children across the world.
Celestial Prerogative News
