LECSA Concludes 50th Anniversary Events

The April 2015 weekend of the 25-26th marked the concluding event in the year-long celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Thuthuho (or Independence) of the Lesotho Evangelical Church in Southern Africa (LECSA). The church, which began as a mission church of the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society back in 1833, became autonomous in April 1964. Beginning in April 2014 the church marked their anniversary year with a number of events throughout its presbyteries and parishes.

During this final event of the celebrations, a number of special guests were in attendance. A delegation of 50 members of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) journeyed south to Lesotho. They were from the Lusaka Presbytery of the UCZ and were led by UCZ Synod Bishop Rev. Mutale Mulumbwa. Other guests were Dr. Isabel Phiri (Associate General Secretary for the World Council of Churches), Dr. Kobus Gerber (representing the World Communion of Reformed Churches and the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa), Rev. Marco Cable (Africa Executive for Global Ministries) and Dr. Douglas Tilton (Regional Liaison for Southern Africa for the Presbyterian Church USA).

The weekend events began with a service of worship on Saturday morning. LECSA Deputy Moderator Rev. Jane Timothy Makakane gave the sermon. After the service there were speeches by the special guests as well as by The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Mothetjoa Metsing. The LECSA Moderator, Rev. Tseliso Simeone Masemene, also spoke and presented the vision of the church for the coming years.  These messages were interspersed with music by various groups as well as cultural perfomances.

After a mid-afternoon lunch there was a procession of the church presbyteries and associations, followed by additional performances by various youth groups of the church and its schools. The evening worship service concluded with Holy Communion and then an hour of singing, all capped off with a midnight display of fireworks. Singing and prayer sessions continued throughout the night followed by the closing Sunday morning service of worship with Rev. Masemene preaching the sermon.

VIP Platform for the celebrations

LECSA Moderator Rev. Masemene

United Church of Zambia choir

Morija Theological Seminary choir

United Church of Zambia members

LECSA leaders and LECSA partner representatives

LECSA members

Leribe High School dance group

LECSA Thuthuho memorabilia items for sale

The Deputy Prime Minister of Lesotho Mr. Mothetjoa Metsing

Rev. Marco Cable of Global Ministries

Dr. Isabel Phiri of the World Council of Churches

Dr. Kobus Gerber of the World Communion of Reformed Churches

Catering setup for VIP tent

Morija Theological Seminary choir members

LECSA Thuthuho badge & dress

Dr. & Mrs. Pakalitha Mosisili

Dr. Pakalitha Mosisili

Saturday evening communion service

Saturday evening communion service

LECSA Communion service

Midnight fireworks

Midnight fireworks

Midnight fireworks

United Church of Zambia members in uniform

LECSA Clergy & Evangelists

The Chief of Morija Mr. Ranthomeng Matete and his wife ‘M’e Manthomeng

Theological students robed in Basotho blankets

Mr. Thabo Ntai, Chair of the Organizing Committee

Mokhibo performers

Dr. Phiri presents a gift to Rev. Masemene

Gift presentation of the United Church of Zambia

Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing, Rev. Masemene & Rev. Posholi

One of many cultural dance groups

Plaque received from the United Church of Zambia

Youth Choir members

Young cultural group performers