Emmanuel Gibbons Celebrates Rector's Ordination Anniversary

The parish of Emmanuel, Gibbons, and special guests, celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of the Rev. Anthony Kwaw on the beautiful Sunday of July 16, 2023.

When Kwaw, who is rector of Emmanuel, Gibbons, told the congregation about his upcoming anniversary, he said, “I was called very young.”

On this special day, our little church was filled with family, friends and parishioners, both past and present. At the service, Anthony celebrated Holy Communion, and the Rev. Fr. John Baptist Okai, his friend from seminary who now lives in Regina, preached the sermon. The Rev. Adenike Yesufu, deacon, gave a few words before the blessing.

Lunch was offered following the service. Our hall was too small to hold everyone, so several people filled their plates and enjoyed lunch outside while visiting with friends. Anthony served a cake decorated with a picture of Emmanuel Anglican Church.

Anthony was born in Half-Assini, Ghana. He attended St. Teresa’s Minor Seminary in Amisano, Elmina, Ghana; St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Pedu, Cape Coast, Ghana; St. Paul University in Ottawa; Université de Moncton (NB); and University of New Brunswick (UNB). He was ordained on July 17, 1983, in Half-Assini Ghana. He has served in churches in Ghana, Ivory Coast (RCI), Ottawa, New Brunswick, and now the Diocese of Edmonton.

Many Blessings to Rev. Anthony as he continues in his service to the Lord.

“To God be the Glory.” Submitted by Willa Gorman, Emmanuel, Gibbons

Captions: Members of Anthony’s family, pictured left to right, are Jedidiah Kwaw, John Eduku (cousin), Denise LeBlanc-Kwaw, Anthony Kwaw, Emanuel Kwaw.

Anthony Kwaw with clergy colleagues, from left: Keith Marsh, former rector and currently a parishioner of Emmanuel, Gibbons; Miranda Sutherland; Anthony Kwaw; John Baptist Okai, Adenike Yesufu.