According to one of the Church hymns, Celestial Church is believed to be truly sent from heaven. The Pastor Founder, Rev SBJ OSHOFFA always emphasized the importance of God in establishing the last boat of salvation. Celestial Church of Christ was conceived on strict instructions from the Holy Spirit and every activity within the Church is believed to be blessed from heaven.
As Celestial members eagerly prepare to organize Juvenile Harvest in their respective parishes, it is important to delve into the historical background of this tradition. Section 99 (f) of the Church Constitution states that “The Juvenile Harvest will be celebrated by all parishes on the first Sunday in June each year.”
The first Celestial Church of Christ Parish established in the United Kingdom (UK) traces its roots back to CCC Yemetu Parish in Ibadan, Nigeria. The origin of Juvenile Harvest in Celestial Church of Christ began in the Western world, specifically in the United Kingdom in the year 1969 at No 2 Berriman Road, London N4. This was where the first altar was laid in preparation for the first Annual Adult Harvest Thanksgiving service, a year after the establishment of the parish.
The Parish officially began on the 26th of April, 1968, at Berriman Road before relocating to No. 7 Enthrone Road, Archway, London N19 in 1971. Seeking a more conducive environment of worship, the Parish moved to St. John Hall, Lewisham Road, London later in 1971 before finally settling at CCC London 1 Parish (now Harton Street Parnow), London in 1973.
The incredible story of Sister Ogunkola, a Prophetess in Celestial Church of Christ is truly inspiring. As the wife of the First Chairman of the Adults Harvest committee and later the first Leader in Charge of CCC Elephants & Castle Parish in London, her dream was a powerful message from the Holy Spirit.
In her dream, Sister Ogunkola was instructed to remind the congregation to celebrate the children of the parish before focusing on the Adult Harvest. The Holy Spirit revealed that the Church had overlooked the importance of honoring the children, and it was essential to recognize and celebrate them.
This divine message was shared with the Elders led by Sister E.A Durojaiye, the first secretary of both the Juvenile and Adults Harvest Thanksgiving. Her husband was also a prominent figure in the church, serving as the first General Secretary of CCC Harton Street Parish in London. Now Mother Celestial Durojaiye, presently she attend CCC Elephants & Castle Parish in London, UK.
Additionally, the Matron and Main establisher of CCC Harton Parish in London, who was guided by the Holy Spirit received a divine revelation from late Prophetess M/C Bola Adenejolu. She was told that Celestial Church of Christ needed to be established another Parish in London. This revelation was then shared with the late Pastor Founder, Rev Prophet SBJ Oshoffa, after Sister Ogunkola delivered a spiritual message about the Juvenile Harvest.
After carefully considering the message, Pastor Founder Papa SBJ Oshoffa joyfully instructed that Celestial Church of Christ should begin celebrating the JUVENILE HARVEST on the first Sunday in June of each year, before any Adult harvest. This marked the official start of the JUVENILE HARVEST in Celestial Church of Christ in 1972 in Porto Novo, Republic of Benin.
The pioneering children of CCC Harton Street Parish in London were fortunate enough to witness the very first Juvenile Harvest in Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide in July 1969. This historic event took place before Pastor Founder Papa SBJ Oshoffa officially approved the harvest for the entire congregation. The first Juvenile Harvest at CCC Harton Street Parish was- 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.
THE ORGANIZERS OF THE FIRST EVER JUVENILE HARVEST IN CCC
Harvest Chairman Brother Ogunkola
Harvest Secretary Sister E Durojaiye
Harvest Treasurer Brother Delana.
The Elders in charge of CCC Harton Street Parish, London were the Late Senior Evangelist Shorinoulu of (blessed memory), while the general secretary was late Brother A A Durojaiye while Late Baba Oluwo was the patron of the parish.
We wish every child in the Church “ HAPPY JUVENILE HARVEST”.
