Ellinwood Malate Church turns 101
Manila Bulletin October 14, 2008 issue
The UCCP-Ellinwood Malate Church (EMC), one of the oldest Protestant churches in Manila, marks its 101st founding anniversary on October 19 with simple but meaningful activities to celebrate God’s greatness and faithfulness.
Guest preacher for the 9:30 a.m. worship service is Bishop Fred Magbanua, former president of the Far East Broadcasting Corporation, who will speak on the theme “Keeping the Covenant Alive.”
Celebrations start at 8:30 a.m. with the dedication of the Labyrinth Prayer Garden and the lowering of the 101st anniversary time capsule.
The EMC Festival Choir, composed of the six choirs of the Church, will render hymns of faith which includes “Hallelujah!” from Handel’s “Messiah” under the direction of Elder Vera Pepito-Acosta.
In the afternoon, there will be a fellowship luncheon program with presentations from the different sectoral organizations.
There will also be a post-anniversary church retreat on October 25 led by Rev. Antonio Pacudan, professor at the Union Theological Seminary in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
The church started in 1907 as a student congregation, and was named in honor of the Rev. Dr. Francis Ellinwood who was instrumental in the sending of American Presbyterian missionaries to the Philippines.
EMC traces its roots to 1900 when house churches were established in Manila by pioneer Presbyterian missionary Rev. Dr. James Rodgers.
The Anniversary Committee is headed by Winston Uy, vice chairman of the Church’s Board of Trustees.
With an aggregate membership of 2,000, Ellinwood has six worship services—three English, one Bicol, Tagalog and Visayan. It has programs on education and spiritual nurture, Christian witness and service, shepherding, and membership growth and development, among others.
It also operates the 61-year old Ellinwood Christian School, one of the pioneer preschools which offer a balanced curriculum on academics and Christian values.
Ellinwood Malate Church is at 1660 Dr. A. Vasquez St., Malate, Manila. For details, call 523-2884 or 523-6564, or visit www.uccpemc.com. (Written by Trustee Bernard Supetran)
Other Anniversary Details
A. Theme: EMC @ 101: Keeping the Covenant Alive!
B. Fellowship Lunch
1. "Binaot" style at P60.00 / balot
2. "Share a Food" is encouraged. Donors may contact Mrs. Bethel Garcia, Mrs. Princess Cabrera or Mrs. Leah Vila.
3. Food tickets are now available. See the following contact persons:
Ms. Vel Innocencio - 7:00 AM English Service
Ms. Nena Bejar - 8:30 AM Bicol Service
Ms. Jean Romero or Ms. Leah VIla - 9:30 AM English Service
Ms. Amy Manapat - 3:00 PM Tagalog Service
Ms. Emmie Azcune - 3:00 PM Visayan Service
Ms. Princess Cabrera - 5:00 PM Vesper Service
Rev. Fred Magbanua will be the speaker for our 101st Anniversary Celebration.
