History of PCEA Makupa Parish
In the 1970s, PCEA St Margaret’s Church was the only PCEA church along the coast, operating under the Nairobi Presbytery. The church's youth choir, led by Mr. Eliud Mahihu, was frequently invited to perform at the State House for the 1st president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Pleased by their performance, Kenyatta rewarded the choir with a piece of land to build a new church—this marked the beginning of the Makupa plot.
Early Developments and Fundraising
In 1977, a committee was appointed by St Margaret’s to oversee the Makupa plot project. Notable members included Elder Eliud Mahihu as Patron and Mr. G Mugo as Secretary. The first fundraiser, held on December 4, 1977, raised KES 342,000, funding the construction of a hall, caretaker’s house, and classrooms.
Committee Members:
Elder Eliud Mahihu - Patron
Parish Minister - Chairman
Mr. G Mugo - Secretary
Mr. G.N Njuguna - Treasurer
Mombasa District Commissioner - Trustee
Church Establishment and Leadership
On May 10, 1981, PCEA Makupa officially opened under Rev. George Cooper, using the hall as the worship center. In July 1981, Rt. Rev Dr George Wanjau dedicated the church, and Rev. Anderson became its first minister, joined by three appointed elders: James G Njaramba, Roderick N Wamarua, and Joseph K Heho.
Founding Elders:
Elder James G Njaramba
Elder Roderick N Wamarua
Elder Joseph K Heho
Growth and New Parishes
Over the years, Makupa Parish grew and expanded, establishing churches in Jomvu, Mikindani, Miritini, and Mazeras. Each new congregation marked significant milestones for the parish. In 2023, Makupa Parish was subdivided into two—Makupa and Jomvu.
Current Officials:
Rev Hiram Ngundo Githaiga - Moderator
Elders:
Joseph Kamau Gichuhi - Kirk Session Clerk
Eunice Njeri Gitonga - Finance Chairperson
Peter Wambugu Mwangi - Treasurer
Peter Muthigani Muraya - Pairing Elder
Leadership and Expansion
As the congregation grew, a caretaker committee was formed with the following officials:
- Chairman: Elder J.G Njaramba
- Secretary: Mr. Samuel Karumba Muruanjogo
- Treasurer: Mr. Samuel Kariuki Wanderi
On 5th May 1983, three more elders were ordained as the Makupa congregation expanded:
- Elder Dishon M Kahome
- Elder Samuel K Wanderi
- Elder Samuel Mukuna
Makupa became a deacon court on 27th January 1985. Later that year, it was declared a parish with the following officials:
- Moderator: Rev. G.P Ngumi
- Session Clerk: Dr. D.M Kahome
- Treasurer: S.K Wanderi
Subsequent years saw the ordination of more elders:
- Elder Andrew Kinyua Kahethu
- Elder Joshua Gikuhi Njama
- Elder Hezron Wambutu
As Makupa Parish continued to grow, new churches were established:
- Jomvu (2007)
- Mikindani (2010)
- Miritini (2012)
- Mazeras (2019)
In 2023, Makupa Parish was subdivided into two: Makupa and Jomvu. The event was presided over by Rt. Rev Thegu Mutahi, Moderator of the 23rd General Assembly.