Brief History of The S. Trowen Nagbe Distant Members Fellowship
The idea of the formation of the Distant Members Fellowship of the Stephen Trowen Nagbe United
Methodist Church was birthed several years ago – with discussions amongst members as they met
occasionally at various events around the United States.
In 2004 these discussions transcended from mere talk to actions that eventually led to a teleconference
called by Bro. Victor B. Smith. After several teleconferences, the organization was incorporated in the
State of Maryland as “The S. Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church Distant Members Fellowship”. The
first convention was held September 2 – 4, 2005 in Maryland, at the St. Matthews UMC and named, “S.
T. Nagbe UMC Gathering 2015”, with Bro. Ezax Smith as Coordinator. 52 persons attended. An interim
leadership was constituted, headed by Bro. Victor B. Smith. The Noon Day Speaker was Rev. Esau Green.
hair, Mother Maryann Melton was co-Chair, and Father Ben Elliott was the Advisor.
The 2nd Gathering was held September 1 – 3, 2006 at the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 110
Buckingham Dr. Willingboro, New Jersey. The Organizing Committee was chaired by Bro. S. Glean
Cooper. A total of 102 persons attended the gathering, including the visiting Associate Pastor Rev. Jerry
Kulah. At that gathering, the constitution was discussed but never adopted. However, Bro. Victor Smith
was elected Chairperson of the Distant Members Fellowship. The Noon Day Speaker was Rev. Colston B.
Morris.
The 3rd Gathering was held in Providence at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 375 Broad Street,
Providence, Rhode Island. August 31 – September 2, 2007. Bro. James B. Kelly was the chairperson of
the Organizing Committee. About 27 people attended. The Rev. Rudolph Monsio Bropleh was the Noon
Day Speaker.
After 2007, the organization became dormant until 2014 when talks of revitalization began. Today, after
several teleconferences and a technical meeting held in New Jersey in December 2015, with Dartor Bolo,
Buster Dweh, Saye Julius Gondon, Emmoline Gondoun, Thelma B Millier, Ann M. MurraY, and Wonley
George the organization was revitalized, members are rejuvenated, excitement is reignited, and the work
has begun…… leading to the first gathering since 2007.
BRIEF HISTORY OF STEPHEN TROWEN NAGBE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The Stephen Trowen Nagbe, UMC is a local church within the Monrovia District Conference, of the
Liberia Annual Conference and so named to memorialize Stephen Trowen Nagbe, the first indigenous
Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference, United Methodist Church, servicing 1965-1973. The church
was founded on March 19, 1967. It began as a Sunday school and Bible Study group at the J.J. Roberts
United Methodist School on 12th Street and Coleman Avenue and later transitioned into worship
services that expanded to include the kru and Bassa parishes which were combined into the Sinkor
Parish.
During the formative years, the church was pastored by several notable clergymen, which included Rev.
Dr. A. Fadley O. Clarke,
Dr. Arthur F. Kulah, Rev. Augustus Monu, and Rev. S.T. Richards. The Rev, Jacob Nimenju Kartwe was the
longest serving pastor and who had the greatest impact on the church and congregation. He served
from 1970 to 1978, and again from 1982 to 1990 (the start of the civil war). Under his pastoral
leadership, the Church’s cornerstone was planted at its present location, on June 6, 1976.
Other serving pastors include: Albert Quano, K. S. Fadley, Isaac N. V. Harmon, James W. Karmbor,
Michael B. Wah, Sr. Stephen Snorton, John S. M. Russell, Jerry P. Kulah, Isaac Chukpu-Padmore, Simon
Doe., and now Rev Blidi Nimely as the senior pastor and Rev Fredrick Simbo as the Associate pastor.
S.T. Nagbe, UMC is one of the newest but fastest growing churches in the Liberia Annual Conference. It
has a total of 2,700 and holds two services 9:00 am and 11:00 am each Sunday. It is the church in
mission to the entire world, ministering to all regardless of race, social background, and ethnicity. In
addition to its nurturing outreach and witness, it is involved in the prison, streets, Physically Challenged,
and hospital ministries. As a testimony to its obedience in the “WORD” to bear fruits, it recently
established a preaching joint in Gborgbor Town, Todee District, Bong County, and has assigned Father
David Garmonyu as its first Evangelist.
The Ministries Tab replace is with the committees:
- Evangelism and Spiritual Growth Committee
- Membership and Welfare Committee
- Ways and Means Committee
- Evangelism and Spiritual Growth Committee
- Communications and Public Affairs Committee
- Program Committee
- Finance Committee
Our Church Leadership
Mission
To Foster Christian discipleship within the community of the world at large; and
Seek the welfare of members in a manner that will make a person feel welcomed and
connected to the Fellowship in any part of the world.
105
Members from 5 region across the US
