Celestial Church of Christ will on Sunday, 16th August 2026 honour the life, ministry and enduring legacy of late Rev Pastor P.H. Ajose, one of the prominent pioneers whose contributions helped shape the development and international expansion of Celestial Church of Christ.
The memorial service, organised by Celestial Church of Christ, Harton Street National Headquarters, London SE8 4DQ, is being held under the theme “25th Years of Love & Legacy”, in loving memory of the late Reverend Pastor.
Born on 10 August 1932, Reverend Pastor P.H. Ajose passed away on 2 March 2001, at the age of 68. Twenty-five years after his passing, his name continues to occupy an important place in the history of the Celestial Church of Christ, particularly in relation to the establishment and development of the Church in the Western world. Rev. Pastor P.H. Ajose was not only a minister of the Gospel but also a notable church planter and administrator. His contribution to the spread of Celestial Church of Christ demonstrated a combination of spiritual commitment, organisational ability and a vision for taking the message of the Church beyond its original geographical environment.
His administrative experience and dedication to the work of God positioned him as one of the key figures entrusted with the responsibility of strengthening the Church’s presence outside Nigeria. Following the development of the Church’s international mission, he was appointed by the Founder and Pastor of Celestial Church of Christ, Rev Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, to take responsibility for the Overseas Diocese, with London serving as its base.
This appointment placed him at the centre of an important phase in the history of the Celestial Church of Christ, as the Church continued to establish itself across different parts of Europe, North America and other parts of the Western world. Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Pastor P.H. Ajose was recognised for his administrative abilities. His contribution to church administration was particularly significant at a time when Celestial Church of Christ was transitioning from a predominantly West African movement into an increasingly international Christian organisation.
His ministry reflected the importance of combining spiritual leadership with sound administration. The expansion of a church across different nations requires more than preaching; it requires organisation, discipline, leadership, coordination and the ability to build structures capable of serving generations yet unborn. In this regard, the legacy of Rev. Pastor P.H. Ajose remains relevant to the contemporary Celestial Church of Christ.
The impact of Rev. Pastor P.H. Ajose was not limited to one parish or one country. His name is associated with a period of significant development in the international mission of Celestial Church of Christ. He was a man who understood that planting a church was only the beginning. The structures established must be nurtured, organised and preserved so that future generations can inherit a functioning spiritual institution.
That legacy can still be seen today in the continued presence of Celestial Church of Christ across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and other parts of the world. For many Celestians, therefore, remembering Rev. Pastor P.H. Ajose is more than commemorating the passing of an individual. It is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of those who laid the foundations upon which the present generation continues to build.
Rev. Pastor P.H. Ajose’s contribution to the international development of the Church eventually became part of a larger leadership journey. In the year 2000, he became the third Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, succeeding Reverend A.A.A. Bada. His tenure as Pastor and Spiritual Head, however, was tragically brief. He passed away on 2 March 2001, leaving behind a legacy that continues to attract remembrance within the Celestial family. Twenty-five years later, the memory of his service remains particularly significant to Celestial Church community in the United Kingdom.
The 25th Anniversary Memorial Service will take place on:
Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
Venue: Celestial Church of Christ National Headquarters
Address: 8 Harton Street, London SE8 4DQ
Theme: 25th Years of Love & Legacy
In Loving Memory: Reverend Pastor P.H. Ajose
The gathering is expected to bring together church leaders, shepherds, members, family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the life of a man whose contribution extended beyond his immediate generation. As Celestial Church of Christ continues to grow internationally, the story of its pioneers remains an important part of its institutional memory. Their sacrifices, commitment and vision provide lessons for today’s generation of church leaders and workers.
Rev. Pastor P.H. Ajose’s life reminds the Celestial family that the growth of the Church is built on the shoulders of men and women who were willing to serve, sacrifice and establish structures for the future. As the Church gathers at Harton Street National Headquarters on 16 August 2026, the occasion will therefore be more than a memorial. It will be a celebration of service, sacrifice, church planting, administration, leadership and enduring spiritual legacy. Twenty-five years after his transition, the question is not simply how long Rev. Pastor P.H. Ajose lived, but what he left behind for the generations that followed.
