The Seven First Apostles Baptized by Pa SBJ Oschoffa in Danko on April 4, 1948 are as follows:
1. HOUNSOU PAUL: He played a crucial role in the establishment of altars at Azowlissè, Vakon central, and Gbéko.
2. KPANOU SAMUEL: He was assigned to oversee the spiritual development of Gbéko, Agongué, and Avagbodji.
3. AMOSU GASPER DOSSOU: A devoted apostle who contributed significantly to the growth of the church.
4. DOSSOU ANTHONY: He was entrusted with the responsibility of founding Itedo Alafia in Parish Owodé in September 1964, which later became the Mother Parish of Owodé Apa in Badagry.
5. ZINSOU ANTHONY HONORE: The youngest among the apostles, the son on Zinsou Antoine the man that Paddled the Canon of SBJ Oshoffa to forest to purchase wood, he was the founding Shepherd of CCC OKI PARISH 1 in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos
6. AHOUDOKPO SIMON: He was the only evangelist from Agonguè who was named and anointed by OSHOFFA himself.
7. KOULIHO GABRIEL: He established a parish between Owodé èlèdè and Majidun, which he diligently oversaw.
These apostles under the guidance of Pa SBJ Oschoffa, played instrumental roles in the early development and expansion of the church. Their unwavering dedication and commitment to spreading the teachings of Celestial Church of Christ have left a lasting impact on the Church.
As a Prophet and drummer, he developed a close relationship with Papa SBJ Oshoffa and worked closely with him in both the Republic of Benin and Nigeria.
The fame of the miracles performed by Pa SBJ Oshoffa spread far and wide, attracting people from Toffin to join the church. From there, the church continued to expand reaching Gbeko, the hometown of Pa Gasper Amosu Dossou, and even further. It was after these events that the seaside Christmas festival was initiated in December 1949. Enclosed with this write-up is a picture of the first group of individuals who were anointed at one of the seaside festivals. You may peruse this photo at your convenience. The first anointing corresponded to the rank of LEADER, known as “Dehoto.” At that time, there were only nine individuals who attended the inaugural seaside Christmas festival.
Although he was not anointed at the first seaside Christmas festival, he was among the first group of individuals to receive anointment in CCC World Wide. In the same year, Mama Bonou Christine joined them and a few years later, she gave birth to Mama Edith Oshoffa in September 1954 at Awome, Gblon, Oueme, Republic of Benin.
It should be on record that the hymn Mama Edit sang was not Hymn 384, “Éje ka f’ope fun baba orun osupa wa ninu imole…”, but rather CCC Hymn 378, “O ye wa ka f’ope fun Oba Oluwa…..”, in the Ogu (Egun) language, which goes, “Kpe whe je mi ni do hlan Okluno…”.
However, there has been confusion among some historians who teach CCC Liturgy/history and related subjects. It is important to note that two other daughters of Pa SBJ Oshoffa also sang hymn. Mama Deborah Oshoffa as a toddler being bathed by her mother, mimed the song CCC Hymn 377, “E je ka f’ope fun baba, Jehovah Olodumare”.. Meanwhile, the late Superior Evangelist Godwill Abiassi was the main person who sang the same song in the spiritual realm at a different location and time. Mama Florence Oshhofa also rendered another song in the spiritual realm, CCC Hymn ……
As the church expanded and gained popularity, other denominations, doctors and government officials conspired against Pa SBJ Oshoffa, accusing him of poaching their members, clients and hospital patients. This led him to temporarily relocate to Toffin in Oueme. Following this, Pa SBJ Oshoffa left the Republic of Benin and moved to Makoko, Lagos, Nigeria, in response to an invitation from the seven Toffin fishermen, led by the late Pa Leon Agossou during the Easter period. Prior to this, Pa Gasper Amosu Dossou also served at CCC St. Samuel Parish Gbeko Central before migrating to Nigeria.
LEADER GASPER RELOCATE TO NIGERIA
Pa Gasper Amosu Dossou, a remarkable individual, embarked on a journey to Nigeria in 1968 with the intention of reuniting with his family members who had already settled in Pota Badagry. Eventually, he established his residence in Badagry in the late 70s. Upon his arrival, he found solace in the warm embrace of his in-laws at Celestial Church of Christ Iyesi Ilogbo Parish 1, under the leadership of the late Most Superior Evangelist Asiwaju Atinpejo.
In order to support his family, Pa Gasper diligently worked as a farmer, skillfully cutting firewood to sell. Additionally, he took on the role of wolida at the parish, showcasing his unwavering commitment and dedication. From 1974 to 1976, he was transferred to Celestial Church of Christ Ijeshatedo Parish, now known as Oluwaseyi Cathedral, where he continued to serve as wolida.
GASPER BECAME WOLIDA
After a brief period at Celestial Church of Christ Gafara Parish Itedo Alafia, collaborating with his relatives, Pa. Gasper Amosu Dossou was transferred to Celestial Church of Christ Agege Parish 1 in 1977. Here, he had the privilege of working alongside the late Most Superior Evangelist Elijah Tinubu and the Late Superior Evangelist Prophet Numeri Olowo Akinbulejo. However, in 1978, Superior Evangelist Akinbulejo along with Most Superior Evangelist Oyegbami and another member, departed from Celestial Church of Christ Agege 1 to establish Celestial Church of Christ Ikeja Parish II, now known as Horeb Cathedral.
GASPER BECAME ASSISTANT SHEPHERD
In 1982, Pa Gasper Amosu Dossou was transferred to CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST IRE AKARI ESTATE PARISH ISOLO, assuming the role of Assistant Shepherd. It was during his tenure there that he had the honor of welcoming V/S/E Ebenezer Oshoffa as the District Head and Administrative Shepherd from 1984 to 1986.
In 1986, Late Superior Evangelist.A.A. Adepegba assumed the role of Administrative Shepherd, succeeding his predecessor. The decision to appoint Pa Gasper Amosu Dossou has Assistant Shepherd was due to his lack of formal education, as Celestial Church of Christ Ire Akari Parish, being a District Secretariat, required an Administrative Head with educational background. Nonetheless, Pa Gasper Amosu Dossou was always contented with any position assigned to him by Pastor Pa SBJ Oshoffa and the church authority.
History to be continued……….
