HISTORY
ST.MATHEWS CATHOLIC CHURCH, TELEVISION
New Jerusalem
Before the year 1965, most Catholics resident in Television village attended either the neighbouring Catholic Parishes at Kakuri and Sabon Tasha to meet their pastoral spiritual needs. However through the untiring efforts of Late Mr. Joseph Sheyin, Mr. Pius Laah, Late Mr. Augustine Achuba and Late Mr. Dominic Yari a move was made to bring the church closer to the people, consequently the young catholic community met for church service a Mr. Pius Lahs house; the efforts of these enthusiastic pioneers to establish the catholic faith in Television met with various hurdles, paramount among them were the different disputes that arose as regards the acquisition of land for the erection of a church building.
These disputes and other difficulties did not deter them, they took solace in the words of Christ, I am with you always, to the end of time (Mt. 28:20) on 24th April 1965 Rev. Fr. Murphy Officially opened the hut built by the community for worship. Mr. Joseph Sheyin piloted the affairs of this young church for nine years (10/3/65-30/6/74). At different stages various priests and church laity council members have been instrumental in the development and sustenance of the parish.
The foundation stone for a permanent church building was laid by Rev. Fr. John Lee, but with the tremendous growth in the number of parishioners an expansion and renovation project was initiated under the visionary leadership of Rev. Fr. Anthony Bai in the year 2000. after barely five months of commencement of the project Rev. Fr. Anthony bai was transferred, with his namesake Rev. Fr. Anthony Ikhenoba taking over the mantle of leadership. Rev. Fr. Anthony Ikhenoba did not only continue with what his predecessor started but also brought in dynamic initiatives and with the support of people of goodwill has made the church building a befitting place of worship, thus winning the parish the enviable name of the New Jerusalem among her admirers.
To God be the Glory, that mustard seed that was sown four decades ago is today a mighty tree with various branches sheltering and nourishing the faith of an estimated population of 4,500 thousand Catholic (with St. MichaelLusawa as its outstation). In fact, this tree also meets the moral and intellectual needs of Catholics and non Catholics alike (our leaders of tomorrow) through two of her branches, namely, the St. Matthews Nursery/Primary School and the St. Mathews secondary school IKON ALLAH
