The history of Emmanuel Presbyterian Reformed Church (EPRC) traces back to a small group of believers from the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, West Africa. Over the years, EPRC has evolved into a dynamic force for evangelism and community outreach in the New York Metropolitan area, with a strong presence in the Bronx and Westchester County where many of its members live. The Congregation now worships in a renovated Sanctuary located in the Woodlawn
section of the Bronx, thanks to the Presbyterian Church, USA – PC (USA).

INTRODUCTION AND EARLY BEGINNING

Led by the spirit of the Great Commission of our LORD Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-20), the pioneers of EPRC, formerly known as the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Mission (PCGM), defied all odds to establish this church in the heart of the Bronx, New York. The founding members, including Rev. Andrew Akwasi Aboagye, Mr. S.K. Atakora, Edward Ansong, Ms. Mercy Asieduah, Mr. Asante Asiama, and others, originally gathered at Ms. Mercy Asieduah’s home for prayer and support. What began as a humble prayer group soon blossomed into a thriving congregation. On May 3rd, 1998, The Emmanuel Presbyterian Reformed Church was officially born, with the initial worshippers coming from the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Harlem. As membership steadily grew, the church relocated to accommodate the influx of new believers. Just three weeks after its establishment, on May 24th, 1998, EPRC moved to a larger worship space to accommodate its expanding community. Twenty-five (25) members were present that day. Among the new members were Ms. Joyce Boakye, Emma Boakye, Derek Boakye, Alberta Boakye, Boafo Boakye, Boakyewaa Boakye,
Otema Boakye, David Martey, Andrew Martey, Ruth Aboagye and others. Also, Mr. Alfred Bediako,

ABRUPT SEPARATION, HEARTBREAK, HEALING, AND PROGRESS

In 2003, the PCGM faced a sudden split over the decision of whether to remain affiliated with the PCUSA – Presbytery of New York City and the Classis of New York, RCA, or maintain its original connection with the Mother Church, PCG, in
Ghana. This caused a deep rift within the congregation, leading to approximately 80% of the 120 members breaking away to establish the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Bronx, New York. Despite the turmoil and challenges
that followed, Rev. Andrew Aboagye continued to lead the remaining members who worshiped at the Ogden Sanctuary. The aftermath of the separation brought about feelings of disappointment, financial strain, and discontent among the remaining members.

ANOTHER CHALLENGE: THE PCGM CONGREGATION STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE

As the Church was still recovering from a sudden split and loss of members, it faced another major challenge when its leader, Rev. Andrew A. Aboagye, accepted a new role as an Organizing Pastor at Ramseyer Presbyterian Church in
Columbus, Ohio. At the same time, the Classis of New York (RCA) decided to phase out an aging congregation and close the Sanctuary shared with United Highbridge Reformed Church, where PCGM also used as a space of worship.
PCGM had to negotiate with the Interim Administrative Committee of the Classis of New York (RCA) to continue using the Sanctuary, as the fate of the property was being decided – whether it would be sold or repurposed as a City
Landmarked facility for the community. During this particular chapter in its journey, the PCGM congregation found itself without a pastor to guide them spiritually. The church also struggled with limited financial resources essential for growth and lacked a dedicated place for worship. In response to these difficulties, a Team of Prayer Warriors and the entire congregation united in action, fervently seeking God’s assistance to overcome the church’s obstacles. Elder Dr. David Ofori, Jr., a recent addition to the Church, stepped forward to serve as Chairman of the Administrative Committee/Interim Session with the support of the interim Session and the members of the Congregation, the Church successfully regained control of its bank accounts, official documents, and equipment. The church also pursued the process of affiliating with the Presbytery of New York (PCUSA) and joining the Classis of New York (RCA) during this
pivotal time. A Task Force was constituted, intended to guide the church through a Chartering process. This included the Acting Session, congregational participants, and the PCUSA/RCA and PCG. An extensive search for a pastor was undertaken, acknowledging the varied cultural and language needs of the congregation. The work of this alliance ultimately paved the way for the selection of an ordained, full-time minister for the church in the person of Rev. Dr.
Kwame Amoah-Kuma in 2006, and the eventual chartering of the church. Before the approval by the PCUSA/RCA Task Force and the arrival of Rev. Dr. Kwame Amoah-Kuma, as the Organizing Pastor and the Spiritual leader of the Church,
Rev. Joseph Kusi-Achampong (an ordained Pentecostal pastor) and wife Rev. Georgina Achampong, provided an interim, pastoral care and leadership to the orphaned and struggling Congregation.
This endeavor is acknowledged as an important milestone for the Church, leading to the establishment of the EPRC.

THE ROLE OF THE PCG AND PCUSA/RCA PARTNERSHIP

EPRC, being the initial beneficiary of the partnership between PCUSA/RCA and PCG, enjoyed numerous benefits from its association with the Presbytery of New York City and the Presbyterian Church of the United States.
The church received valuable support in the form of pulpit assistance, grants, and professional advice, as well as ecumenical backing from the various committees and ministries within the Presbytery of New York and the Classis of New York. These organizations played a crucial role in providing both operational and financial support, which was essential for the development and growth of EPRC. The collaboration between the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), the Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA), and the Reformed Church in America (RCA) led to the release of Rev. Dr.Kwame Amoah-Kuma in 2006 as Pastor/Organizing Minister, during the tenure of Rt. Rev. Dr.Yaw Frimpong-Manso as Moderator of the PCG General Assembly. Key contributors to this initiative included Rev. Pauline Haynes, who
chaired the Task Force, along with Ruth Bowling, Rev. Peggy Thomas, Rev. Dr. Glen Missick, Rev. Dr. Jon Norton, Rev. Samuel Atiemo, Rev. Agnes Blackmon, Elder Dr. David Ofori, Elder Tony de La Rosa, and Elder Nana Osei-Nyarko. Additionally, the efforts were supported by the Stated Clerks, Rev. Cornell Edmonds of the Presbytery of New York City, and Rev. Michael Edwards of the Classis of New York (RCA). This fruitful partnership culminated in the establishment of the “Emmanuel Presbyterian Reformed Church.”
On May 22, 2011, EPRC proudly achieved full ministry recognition from the Presbytery of New York City (PCUSA) and the Reformed Church of America (RCA). Rev. Dr. Kwame Amoah-Kuma, in May 2011, however, responded to a call to serve as Chairman of the West Akyem District Presbytery in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. A transitional phase began, during which the Committee on Ministry appointed Rev. Samuel Atiemo as the interim Moderator of the Session. This arrangement continued until the official arrival of the Very Rev. Dr. Yaw Frimpong-Manso, who was installed on May 19th, 2013 as Pastor of the church. Led by Rev. Dr. Yaw Frimpong-Manso, the Church experienced continuous growth, praising the LORD as their numbers swelled. Yet, they faced another division due to differing opinions on the process of appointing new Elders, as mandated by the Book of Order of the PC(USA) and the church’s By-Laws. This eventually resulted in a splinter group forming a new congregation affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in 2015. The disruption of activities, along with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly hindered the development of EPRC. Despite these obstacles, the dedicated members of the EPRC were able to overcome adversity by promoting open communication, fostering a culture of forgiveness, and emphasizing the importance of strong leadership. As a result of their hard work, the EPRC successfully rebuilt their facilities and finances. It also enhanced spiritual growth within the church community and strengthened its relationships with the Woodlawn community, the Presbytery of New York City, and the RCA. Above all, we give all the glory, praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.