CELEBRATION OF LIFE PROGRAMME FOR THE PRE-BURIAL AND BURIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE very rev’d nathaniel dua dodd FRIDAY, 16TH DECEMBER, 2022 EMMANUEL METHODIST CHAPEL, AGONA SWEDRU @7:30AM
very rev’d nathaniel dua dodd
OFFICIATING The Rt. Rev'd Daniel K. Tannor Sunyani CLERGY The Rt. Rev'd Dr Samuel Dua Dodd The Most Rev'd Dr. Paul K. Boafo Tarkwa Presiding Bishop The Rt. Rev'd Lawrence K. Beka The Rt. Rev'd Michael A. Bossman Tamale Administrative Bishop The Rt. Rev'd Isaac K. Boateng The Rt. Rev'd Richardson A. Andam Akim Oda Cape Coast The Rt. Rev'd Kenneth Oteng Dapaah The Rt. Rev'd Emmanuel Borlabi Bortey Efduase Accra The Rt. Rev'd Baffour Asamoah Agyei The Rt. Rev'd Stephen Kwaku Owusu Obuasi Kumasi The Rt. Rev'd Samuel Ofori Akyea The Rt. Rev'd Emmanuel K. Ansah Tema Sekondi The Rt. Rev'd Alfred Appiah Andam The Rt. Rev'd Paa Solomon Grant-Essile Wenchi Winneba The Rt. Rev'd Moses Jackson The Rt. Rev'd Dr. Emmanuel Asare Kusi Somanya Koforidua IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 2
The Rt. Rev'd Robert Felix Bassaw The Very Rev'd Moses Aidoo Sefwi Bekwai Synod Secretary, Tarkwa The Rt. Rev'd Samuel Mensah The Very Rev'd Sarfo Anning Foso Supt. Minister, Agona Swedru The Rt. Rev'd Christopher Dadson William Orleans Oduro Goaso Lay President The Rt. Rev'd Ato Barfi-Himbson Past Lay Presidents Nkawkaw Diocesan Lay Chairmen The Rt. Rev'd Prof. Joseph M. Y, Edusa-Eyison IN ATTENDANCE Northern Accra Emmanuel Methodist Church Choir, Agona Swedru The Rt. Rev'd Matthew Zikpi Ho Emmanuel Methodist Singing Band,Agona Swedru The Rt. Rev'd Prof. Emmanuel Lartey North America Ebenezer Cathedral Singing Band, Madina The Very Rev'd Prince Sackey Synod Secretary, Winneba IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 3
ORDER OF FOR THE LATE SERVICE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD EMMANUEL METHODIST CHAPEL, AGONA SWEDRU A. PRE-BURIAL SERVICE AT 7:30AM 10. SERMON 1. Opening Hymn - MHB 498 11. Apostles' Creed 2. Opening Prayers 12. Offertory / Notices 3. Filing Past- MHB 427, 99, 515 13. Hymn - MHB 832 615, 422 14. Service of Commendation 4. Hymn - MHB 50 15. The Lord's Prayer 5. Closing of casket 16. Closing Hymn - MHB 975 17. Closing Prayer / Benediction B. BURIAL SERVICE AT 9:00AM 18. Dead March in Soul 1. Introit - MHB 611 2. Sentences AT THE GRAVE SIDE 3. Announcement of purpose 1. Hymn - MHB 612 4. Hymn - MHB 878 2. Prayer 5. Prayers 3. Committal 6. Biography/Tribute 4. Prayer 7. Hymn - MHB 602 5. Vote of Thanks 8. Scripture Reading - Job 14:1-15 6. Closing Hymn - MHB 615 John 14:1-6, 27 7. Benediction 9. Hymn - MHB 830 IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 4
Bio graphy IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 5
1. Da yie, dɔfo fonafo, 4. Kwantunyi ber ɛfo d ɔfo, W’edwuma abɔ adze; W’akwantu abɔ adze; Ahomgye pa, siar mbordo Atsew esian nyina mu, Na dɛw mapa nyɛ wodze. Efi awerɛhow wiadze. Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w’ nsie, Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w’nsie Adzesa a ahy ɛ sum, da yie! Dzi fie kan kɔ tweɔn hɛn, da yie! 2. Nyinsu bɔnsam’ kwantunyi CAN 324 Gaddiel R. Acquaah Hom fi yaw na suro nsa, The late Very Rev. Nathaniel Dua Hom mbrɛ su na mbusu nnyi, Dodd was born at Agona W’akwantu ber no asa Abodom to Mr Nathaniel Dua Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w’nsie, Dodd who hailed from Akim Asuom Adzesaa ahyɛ sum, da yie! and Madam Elizabeth Appoh also known as Adjoa Owubaah of Twidan 3. Twer Jesu N’abaw mu komm, No.1 Clan of Agona Abodom both of blessed memory. Nyame dɔ nkata wo do; Sun W’Agyenkwa No bom’ sɔnn, Kwame Akese as he was fondly known Mbrɛ bɔn biara nnkɛ haw wo. by the family was the rst born of his Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w’ nsie, mother and he became the rst male Yebehyiam’ afebɔɔ, da yie ! child of his father after the demised of his senior sister. He was brought up by his stepmother Christina Haizel also 6 IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD
known as Maame Amoakoa under later transferred to Moree, Cape Coast whose tutelage Kwame spent a District where he worked under The signicant amount of his childhood. Rev. Charles Awotwe-Pratt, the Kwame Akese spoke very adoringly of Superintendent of Cape Coast Circuit Maame Amoakoa with a strong sense of and the Chairman of the District. N. D. indebtedness to her and always Dodd was a Catechist from 1955-1964. mentioned that Maame's lifestyle and philosophy inuenced his life. By dint of hard work and Great Grace, Osofo Dodd was recommended for the Osofo Kwame Dodd had his basic Ordained Ministry. He began his education at Agona Abodom and Ministerial Training at the Trinity Awutu Bawjiase and completed with College, Legon in 1964 after successfully distinction. At school, right from the going through a selection process. He onset his academic brilliance and was commissioned in June 1968 and was discipline dazzled all his teachers and ordained in August 1970. His rst peers. He continued to Commercial station was Wesley Society, Sekondi, as Service Institute (CSI) a Commercial a Second Minister. The Ministerial School in Cape Coast and came out as an Itinerary of the late Very Rev’d Accounts Clerk, winning awards for Nathaniel Dua Dodd took him to the academic excellence. He gained following places. employment at UTC in Winneba and 1. 1968-1970 Circuit Minister, Wesley was later transferred to Agona Swedru where he worked for a couple of years. Society- Sekondi District 2. 1970-1973 Bibiani, Sefwi Bekwai Very Rev. Nathaniel Dua Dodd loved doing the work of God, and thus Circuit- Sekondi District devoted and committed his whole life to 3. 1973-1981 Gwira Mission, Bamiakor- worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ. Sekondi District Osofo Dodd was recommended by the 4. 1978 One Year Rural Development Rev’d Benjamin A. Marking, the Minister at Agona Swedru to undergo Course in Japan training at Freeman College which was 5. 1981-1984 Superintendent, Senya then at Akim Swedru to become a Catechist. After completion, he was Beraku Circuit- Winneba District stationed at Ngyanoa, which was then 6. 1 9 8 4 - 1 9 8 6 S u p e r i n t e n d e n t , part of the Winneba Circuit and was Asamankese Circuit- Winneba District 7. 1 9 8 6 - 1 9 8 8 S u p e r i n t e n d e n t , Asamankese Circuit- Oda District 8. 1988-1992 Superintendent, Goaso Circuit- Sunyani District IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 7
catch a canoe to visit societies that were along the Ankobra River. He waded miles through streams with his wife and children to mount open air crusades. He many a time held church services and retreats at community centres and the premises of chapels in all the villages he trekked, to attract many people to listen to the word of God. Music was his passion, and he taught the choir and the singing band hymns and songs and always sang alto to the admiration of all, and performed so well at the piano. His generosity and hospitality were superb. He was always ready to help someone in need and welcomed all 9. 1992-1998 Superintendent, Assin manner of people to the Manse, a virtue Foso- Cape Coast District his children have emulated. He not once or twice but numerous times vacated his 10. 1998-2000 Superintendent, Breman own room, just for visitors to be Asikuma- Winneba District comfortable. His untiring services, working in challenging situations in all 11. 2 0 0 0 - 2 0 0 1 S u p e r i n t e n d e n t , weather, labouring without counting Mumford- Winneba Diocese the cost and asking for no reward must be placed on record. 12. 2001-2002 Superintendent, Gomoa Brofo- Winneba Diocese 13. 2002-2003 Akim Takyiman- Oda Diocese Instances of his praises to God were The late Very Rev’d Nathaniel Dua after tragedies at the point of death Dodd was a man of faith, and that was during his life. All these mishaps demonstrated in his quest of witnessing strengthened his work to God. to fetish priests and juju men to give Very Rev’d Nathaniel Dua Dodd had their lives to Christ. He did this at the shortcomings and met many challenges peril of his life and by great grace many in the ministry. Notwithstanding, he burnt their gods and turned to Jesus. had outstanding qualities as stated. The Evangelism was his heartbeat as he Lord was gracious to his servant and travelled miles on foot fortnightly to IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 8
showed him mercy in all exigent soldier. They cocked their guns and situations. Four of such occurrences attempted to re three times, but the where the Lord delivered his servant gun did not go off, they asked Osofo need to be mentioned. Dodd who he was and he disclosed his identity. He was driven to Takoradi In 1978, the Methodist Church sent Bethel Manse, and the late Rt Rev. Haul Osofo Dodd to Japan for a church Rural Entuah Mensah upon seeing him cried Development Programme. The ight out “Osofo Kwame Dua Dodd”, the had to transit through Amsterdam and soldiers left without a word. The Lord while airborne, the crew announced that saved him again. two of the three engines that y the aircraft had malfunctioned and they When Osofo Kwame Dodd was at Assin were ying on a solo engine. An Fosu, he survived a fatal accident, one of announcement made asked passengers about four in the line of duty. While on to pray according to their respective admission at the Cape Coast Regional beliefs. Osofo stood to pray and shortly Hospital, he was not getting the best after the prayer, the crew announced care because the staff had declared him that the two engines had started dead. It took the intervention of the then working –the faithful God was with his Cape Coast Bishop, Rt. Rev. Justice servant. Dadson, for him to receive better care. A medical ofcer, Dr. Sakyi Appiah, a Also, while stationed at Bamiankor and church leader took him to Foso and gave travelling with some people on the River him personal care. The Lord was on his Ankobra to visit church members along side. the river, the canoe capsized and not being a swimmer, by grace his travelling The family is grateful to God, who by companions rescued him at the verge of His constant care and guidance, helped drowning. The Lord was faithful to him. him to end all the blizzard of troubles throughout his earthly pilgrimage as a Rev’d Dodd while on an assignment, soldier of Christ. had to go to a suburb of Takoradi for a connecting bus to his destination. In 1959, Nathaniel Dua Dodd met and Unknown to him a soldier had been married Mercy Amankrah, now Mrs murdered in the area and so the soldiers Mercy Dodd, an industrious, were on rampage. They arrested and indomitable, and a real gem who stood blindfolded him, threatened to kill him by her husband throughout the years of for being part of the gang that killed the their journey as a couple. Their marriage IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 9
was blessed with eight children Nat, keeping, he reasoned with them to go Maame, Dan, Dorcas, Mikey, Betty, and sleep with the explanation that he Emma (Olu), and Yaw. Unfortunately, would be disobeying a rule enacted by the rst child, Nathaniel Dua Dodd, a the church and could not watch them renowned organist and musician who disobey authority which would cast a also composed catchy songs preceded slur on his image as an Osofo. them. Osofo Dodd would be remembered for Very Rev’d Nathaniel Dua Dodd was his powerful sermons and teachings God-fearing and lived a full life of which were so inspiring and edifying, in service to God and humanity and fact he was a great preacher to the glory therefore made signicant impact of God. The themes and texts he chose positively on many people. His respect for weddings, funerals and other for everybody high and low whom he occasions were thought-provoking that had an encounter with was spectacular left an everlasting touch on his and highly commendable. His forgiving audience. nature showed a true mark of a believer. He was outspoken and loud on issues, In July 2022, Very Rev’d Nathaniel Dua but he never bore anyone a grudge. Dodd was taken ill and was rushed to the hospital. He was discharged the He was very hospitable and generous. following day, and a doctor from the Many people, became part of Osofo hospital volunteered to check on him Dodd's household. He was seless in all every other day, a duty the doctor his dealings. When it was his turn to performed with a high level of become the Omankrado of his precision. All hands were on deck to hometown, he relinquished that make Osofo feel happy and position to his younger brother with the comfortable, and he responded in so explanation that he was a Reverend many ways to tell the family that he was Minister and could not take it up, and He grateful for the care he was receiving. supported his brother, who ruled for He shook hands with his children and over forty years, and he also helped his grandchildren always beaming with siblings at school. smiles. Very Rev’d Nathaniel Dua Dodd The latter years of Very Rev. Nathaniel followed the church's rules to the letter. Dua Dodd were so touching as he During his own mother's funeral when preached to his children and other the family and visitors had met for wake people that visited him to forsake every IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 10
sin to follow Jesus for them to make it to heaven while he was in his wheelchair. He left the family with Psalm 1 which he threw light on daily at home. Osofo Dodd dreamt of heaven, and about a song he heard in another dream the same night, a song which he continued to sing to the hearing of all those who visited him: Me Nyame boa me ma mondɔ Wo, yi We bid you goodbye, have a GOOD me fi wiadze bɔn nyinara mu REST that you truly deserve after years Biribiara botwam' akɔ, Ɔwo na itsim hɔ of toil in the Lord's Vineyard. daa, Wo na itsim hɔ daa Boa me ma mondɔ Wo Agyenkwa, boa Very Rev’d Nathaniel Dua Dodd me ma monsom Wo Ewuradze Osofo Kwame Dodd Ɔwo na itsim hɔ daa, Jesus Wo na itsim Osofo Dodd hɔ daa. Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. This song was Osofo Kwame Dodd's royal appeal beckoning all to come to Jesus. In the early hours of September 17, 2022, he bid farewell to the family, church and friends to be with his maker He was survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters and brothers, in-laws, nephews and nieces and the entire family. We shall eternally cherish your memories. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 11
tribute by hometown and got married in 1959 and were married for 63 years. the widow Our time together may have been cut short, but we shared a very long life together. Our marriage was a calling and a complete epitome of the rose ower — very thorny, soothing, and beautiful in its entirety because God was at the center of it. I am now a shadow of myself following his passing and having to deal with the echoes of \"Mercy, Mercy, where are you?” Osofo Dodd could not hold back his tears when our last born Yaw called on him to announce his induction as the Bishop of Man bi wɔ hɔ a hyerɛn sen wi mpo, Tarkwa Diocese. Little did I know that he Na yɛdze gyedzi hu n' wɔ ekyir; was saying goodbye to me and the Na Egya n' rotweɔn wɔ kwan no do, children. My husband worked as a soldier Oesiesie kobew ama hɛn hɔ. of the cross, winning souls and expanding Da bi da … dɛɛdɛw n' mu infrastructure at all the stations that he Yebehyia wɔ mpoano fɛɛfɛw n' do served. Da bi da … dɛɛdɛw n' mu Yebehyia wɔ mpoano fɛɛfɛw n' do Proverbs 28:1 perfectly describes him for CAN 214 S.F. Bennett he was as bold as a lion. He tackled issues Thank you all for coming out today head on. When at one of the stations a to show your love for my husband, steward who had served for years was Very Rev Nathaniel Dua Dodd, changed, unknown to Osofo Dodd, his Kwame Akesse as I occasionally called photograph was sent to a fetish priest. him. Most of the time I referred to him as Ko Gyata walked to the Manse, and on Daa. his way people ran helter-skelter because It only took meeting him once to everybody feared to come into contact remember him forever. He was plain and with Ko Gyata in that town. With great a very simple person. The rst time we courage, Osofo Kwame Dodd opened the met, I knew he was the man I was meant to door to let him in. The Juju man knelt spend the rest of my life with. I did not get before him and enquired about the God the rest of my life, but I got the rest of his my husband served for him to serve too, life. We met at Akim Swedru, my narrating how he used all charms to kill Osofo but did not succeed. The living God was Osofo's protector. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 12
Daa's joviality and hospitality attracted so many people to our home. No one will forget his contagious loud laughter when he walked into a house. Without the use of microphone, his voice could penetrate through a noisy place to an audience. Any cooked food he touched never went bad when even left for days; he was very special and simple. How can I forget his love for music? He Until we meet, Kwame Akese, thank you was a songwriter and had an amazing alto again for all the years spent with you voice, and no wonder all his children sing through good times and challenging ones. so well. It was a joy to watch him play the Through it all, we survived. In a nutshell, organ. He was just good at it, and we strived together by God's amazing whenever an organist did not show up at grace. church, he stepped in to take over the organ. He was a great and intelligent I hold on to this hope and the promise that preacher whom many people loved to He brings. listen to —a humble servant of God. I That there will be a place with no more thank God for giving me the opportunity suffering. to work alongside him throughout his There will be a day with no more tears, no ministry with the Methodist Church. more pain, and no more fears. There will be a day when the burdens of My husband was generous and a great this place will be no more. father to his children and to many that had We'll see Jesus face-to-face. the opportunity to meet him. The But until that day, we will hold on to happiness we shared together would last Jesus always. (Jeremy Camp) a lifetime. We do not know what God's plan is but one thing I know is that, it is Kwame, Daa, may the God you loved and something special and that he does things served through Christ with all your might in his own way and in his own time. I am grant you perfect peace till we meet again. grateful for the many years He blessed us with together. I will surely miss Kwame Akese until the day God calls me home. I will never feel alone because Daa has left behind a love for Jesus that no one can take away. The children and I are going to hold on to this strong love and bond. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 13
tribute by birth, it's very impossible to forget about him. children He was the most loving father anyone could ever hope for. Daa had a quiet to a loving father demeanor, he was also very jovial. He always had a contagious laugh and even from a distance, you could hear him laughing, which sometimes made you wonder if he owned everything in the world to himself. Whenever you did something wrong, he would tell you, \"Da a mubosuo abaa no mun’ na ibohu\" but he never lifted the cane. Our father was a gentleman. It isn't easy to imagine life without him. When we think about him, Good men leave an inheritance to their our hearts ache. His memory will enrich children's children. Good men think us for the rest of our lives. generationally. A good father prepares not It was Dad's privilege to serve God as a only for the future of his children, but also servant. He was always accommodating and never overbearing. Getting the for the future of his grandchildren and Gospel message to as many people as ensuing future generations (Holman's possible was all that mattered to him. As long as the work was completed, he was Bible). happy and always elated. His humility For we know that if the earthly tent we live was admirable. He truly believed that he could not accomplish anything without in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1. We are nding it difcult to God's help. The Bible was his most know where to start from, all prized possession; he didn't place much we're thinking about is if we value on material things. He was not a could see Dad again in this physical fan of luxury or extravagance. His world, if we could hear him speak, and frustration sometimes stemmed from see him smile. We take comfort in the fact that we became too trendy with knowing the fact that our father is no our clothing. He was a great father. longer in pain and no longer to endure When you have eight children, being a suffering. He will be greatly missed. As parent could be challenging in those someone who has cared for us since days. We could always count on him to IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 14
drop what he was doing and come to our great preacher. Dad's thinking and aid if we had a challenge. His advice was creativity were powerful. His rm on point and always available to us if we commitment to the trustworthiness of needed it. His encouragement and Scripture and his unwavering passion support meant a lot to us. Rather than for reaching those without access to the self-interest, his core strength was Gospel was terric. generosity. It was his pleasure to Many of the pastors, friends who sacrice to give us the best we wish for in attended our weddings were intrigued this life. All our needs were met and by the titles he chose until he started to appropriately provided for by him. Dad break it down. His messages was a caring father and a very reliable transformed lives and gave hope to person. people. He was easily approachable and would In his sermons, he demonstrated always avail himself for the family. His courage and love for people. One time, love for us extended beyond family he captioned his sermon, \"What do you members to include others who were not have in your hand,\" while referring to directly related to the family. He Moses in the wilderness. His sermon demonstrated love for the people at saved a chapel keeper's life that day every society he served and tried to because there was a man that he verbally strengthen their relationship with abused during the day. This man had Christ. Our memories of his frequent come during the service to stab him. revivals and lively camp meetings However, God's power, through the remain vivid. sermon, convicted him, and he In his Bible teaching and expository relinquished his intentions to hurt the s e s s i o n s , h e h a d a p r o f o u n d chapel keeper and became a Christian. understanding of Scripture and provided clarity for all to understand. It At Baminiakor, we remember having to was refreshing and impactful to hear walk to a nearby village for church him use humor in the pulpit, to date planting one evening. Mum pleaded people who have heard him preach still with him to wait until the morning of the remember portions and topics of his following day since it was getting late. sermons. For example, we remember But he insisted we had to proceed and vividly Tetelestai and the messages he turned to her and gently said, \"Mercy, delivered at our weddings like \"God is kwan a h0n wura duaa mu no, d0mara not mocked.\" “Do not vow” Mene, so na h0n asomfo y0fa do\". Throughout Mene, Tekel, Parsin etc. He was such a his life, he was always aware of the urgency of the work he had to do for the IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 15
Lord because he knew that one day no sought counselling or other assistance at man would be able to work. His the mission house. Before drifting off to diligence in ministry fully echoes Jesus's sleep, he will always say, \"se obiara ba word in Matthew 8:20 \"Foxes have holes de obohwehwe'm aya yam.\" Whenever and birds of the air have nests, but the someone came looking for him, and he Son of Man has no place to lay his was at the table eating and you told him, head.” he would leave the food and attend to the person before returning to eating. In The hospitality he showed was some cases, when he returns, the food exceptional. Every time he received has already disappeared (he had ve boys visitors, he made sure they were so you can relate), he will retreat to his comfortable, slept on clean sheets, and room or ofce quietly without ate well. His desire to accomplish his complaining. His purpose in life was to tasks sometimes made him impatient fulll the will of his heavenly father. with us, especially when we were slacking on our tasks if we had visitors. Even though he faced challenges and If all the rooms in the house were obstacles in ministry, Dad, met those occupied, he didn't mind giving up his odds with equanimity and persevered. matrimonial bed to visitors with our He wasn't deterred by anything. mother's consent. When visitors came to the house, he never sat until he realized The list would be long if a heavenly they were completely comfortable. He survey were conducted on all the lives, will do everything possible to make He profoundly impacted because of his their stay as pleasant as possible. He will faith and tenacity in spreading the spend anything he has to make people Gospel. His vision for the people of God feel at home and, in some cases, sacrice and Christian formation was his food if what is available is not phenomenal, Dad took his pastoral enough. We will always wait for him to responsibilities serious so that we nish eating so we can go and get his remember at Dominase, in the Gwira plate, knowing that he'll always leave a traditional area, the moment we moved big chunk of the meat for us to share. in, without settling down, he humbly Sometimes his generosity was so requested and pleaded with the chiefs enthralling that we could not believe it. and elders to change Sunday's market to another day. Because of his tireless He often sacriced his personal comfort efforts, residents in the area now have in order to serve God's people and the the opportunity to attend church ministry. He will forgo his afternoon services on Sundays to worship and nap to assist members of the church who serve their Creator. His IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 16
accomplishment of moving the market As it is said, love leaves a memory that day from Sunday to Saturday was not no one can steal, but it also leaves a easy, but by God's grace he succeeded. memory that only Jesus can heal. So rest We are not able to comment on the other well, Daa, until we meet again. Please monumental works he spearheaded for tell our eldest brother (Nathaniel Dua the kingdom due to time constraints. Dodd, Jr) that we miss him too. Our paths will cross one day in the corridors His dynamic personality and rm stance of eternity. We love you always, Daa, on issues were always well-founded. now and forever. Good night!!! While he does not talk down to anyone, he can be very loud when he offers tribute by correction, because he puts all his energy the in-laws into it. In a forgiven spirit, you will never hear him making fun of people or Wherefore receive one another as Christ shunning them, even if you disagreed also received us to the glory of God. with him. Rather than being at odds (Romans 15:7) with someone, he will call them, engage them, and assign them something to do. Distance was a barrier for him to His emotions and interest never be part of our daily lives, but hindered the work of God. we enjoyed the little moments we spent together. Though he’s gone, Through many decades of service, Dad we thank God for giving us an in-law touched innumerable lives. It is possible like him. He was indeed a father and a for some leaders to reach their friend. He loved and appreciated us, maximum potential by subordinating ready to accept us in his home. the talents of others. However, he always treated people with dignity and We have experienced a great loss and respect and inspired many to join the we are broken-hearted for the ministerial ranks while providing wonderful relationship we have lost, personal support along the way. Among that is irreplaceable. his many remarkable qualities was his ability to inspire others to achieve their full potential. His support and guidance helped many members, young and old, reach higher levels of success. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 17
he could pray incessantly anytime he was called upon during hard times as a dedicated Christian. Daa, above all was very approachable, generous, and down to earth. We will forever remember you. May the good LORD offer you eternal rest. We have indeed lost a great father and a tribute by counsellor. We wish we had a different gathering today, a homecoming of a grand kind to celebrate his new birthday but that was not meant to be, because death children has broken our beautiful relationship apart. He really treated us like his own Now the day is over. daughters and sons without Now the great light is out. discrimination and we felt so much Now the bright room is dark. appreciated. He spoke to us with so Now the pleasant room is empty. much respect and reverence. Now the beautiful curtain is torn. He calls every female ''Maame'' and Now the strong man is down. every male ''my brother'' irrespective of Now the greatest grandfather ever is gone the person's age. In his later days, he Now many hearts are broken. somewhat had difculty in memorizing But our greatest consolation and as a result of old age. However, anytime condence is that our God- we visited him he prayed and sang fearing, good-hearted, greatest Methodist hymns prociently. What friend and grandfather is resting follows these religious acts is the saying peacefully in the bosom of the almighty “Meda wo ase, meda wo ase, da wo ase”, God, Hallelujah. '' Nyame nhyira wo atse!'' This became a slogan because as he turned to look at The all-knowing God has taken our you, he capitulated this severally to grandfather home, our source of show his gratitude. inspiration, joy and the pride of our Besides, he also had difculty in hearing l i v e s . F r o m o u r e n d , w e w o u l d as a result of the same old age. Despite, conclude, the Lord has been unfair to us. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 18
You left us with a great story about you to tell our children. · We have a solid lesson to pass on to our children and unborn generation. · We have a song from you to teach and sing to our children and the next generation. · We have a life to live to project the good name you have left behind. But who knows better than the Creator Indeed grandpa, you have left an Himself? In all things, we say thank you irreplaceable mark in the family and an Lord. indelible impact on our lives. You never discriminated in your love for us. Osofo Daa, as you were affectionately called, panin Kwame Dodd, thank you for the you are irreplaceable. We cannot even numerous sacrices you made at the imagine when we, your grandchildren, cost of your comfort and well-being. can overcome such pain and sorrow that has lled our hearts. We shall continue Your memories will always be with us. to remember and appreciate your acts of Thank you for your generous acts, love, kindness, love, and goodwill towards and Godly directions. We shall forever everyone you met. be grateful to the Lord for lending us with such a wonderful grandpa. You cared for us, especially when any of May God bless you and reward you us was hungry. You never went to the with a crown of life, glory, and dining table without asking if all of us righteousness. Till we meet again, all had eaten. We want to put on record that your grandchildren say “ayekoo”. We you never nished your meal no matter will never disappoint you. how small it was, just to make sure that your grandchildren will have a taste of Daa Nyame nhyira wo! your served meals. Daa, even in your old Daa Da yie!! age, you always had the passion to feed Daa Nyame nfa wokra nsie!!! us with the word of God. We are missing your soothing songs, prayers, smiles, blessings, and advice. Your grandchildren, both home and abroad jointly say “thank you”. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 19
tribute by great Oh! Great grandpa, we will forever miss grand children you, but we nd solace in the words you often used to say “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord”. Romans 14: 8. May the good Lord receive you in His bosom. Amen. tribute by the siblings Today, we are very sad as your Slowly the muddy pool becomes a river Great grandchildren to bid you Slowly our brother`s illness becomes his death farewell. Even though we were yet to know you more, our parents have When wood breaks, it can be mended told us a lot about you. Your labour, But an ivory breaks forever sacrices, love, advice and the support you gave to our parents was An egg falls to reveal a messy secret unparalleled. We have heard how you Our brother has gone and carried his secret sacriced to look after our grandparents of which today we enjoy the benets. along He has gone far We look for him in vain But when you see the cob antelope in your farm. Leave your gun in quiver And let the death depart in peace HALELLUYA!!! We are grateful for your constant desire It is with heavy heart and tearful eyes and prayers to see us always in good that we pay this short tribute to the health, as young as we are. Oh! Great memory of our beloved brother grandpa, we will forever miss and whose mortal remains lies before us cherish how you would ask about our today. health anytime we visited. Your broad smile warmly took us in. Little did we Who says is not painful when a loved know you will leave us soon, as in our brother departs from us? hearts, we were only praying to God to You will actually feel the outcome of, it if grant you even longer years, so you it happens unto you. could see us grow up into adulthood. Hmmm. This breaks our heart so much! Once there`s an arrival, there will be denitely a departure. Our brother lived IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 20
a dedicated and faithful life, he has attended to the call of his maker. The merciful Lord has come in his own time and wisdom to free his servant from the TRAUMATIC he has experienced in the time of his sickness. God has conquered Satan, life has swallowed up death, and joy triumph over sorrow. tribute by the methodist church ghana Christ leads me through no darker rooms Than He went through before; He that into God's kingdom comes Must enter by this door. ~ MHB 647 v. 3 ~ We have gathered here today to bid farewell to a a good and devoted servant of God, an adoring husband, a loving father, and a compassionate pastor whose dedicated service to God through service to humanity has ended. Here is a man whose presence on earth made it a little better than he came to meet it. As a passionate disciple of Christ, he allowed God to use him to make a lot of positive difference in the lives of many people. The Very Rev’d Nathaniel Dua Dodd candidated into the Ordained Ministry of The Methodist Church Ghana in 1963, having been a trained Catechist for eight (8) years. He went through the candidature process successfully, and was accepted to be formed as an Ordained Minister of the Church. He began his Ministerial Formation at the then Trinity College, Legon, Accra in 1964. After four (4) years of successful training, he was commissioned in June 1968 as a probationer, and was stationed at the Wesley Society, Sekondi. Following two (2) years of probation studies, he was accepted into Full Connexion and ordained in August 1970. Paa Dodd's Ministerial travels took him to the following places: Year Designation Society Circuit District/Diocese 1968-1970 Circuit Minister, Wesley Sekondi Sekondi 1970-1973 Circuit Minister Bibiani Sefwi Bekwai Sekondi 1973-1981 Circuit Minister Gwira Mission Bamiakor Sekondi 1978- 1979 Further Studies One Year rural Development Course in Japan 1979-1981 Circuit Minister Gwira Mission Bamiankor Sekondi 1981-1984 Superintendent Senya Beraku Senya Beraku Winneba 1984-1986 Superintendent Asamankese Asamankese Winneba IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 21
1986-1988 Superintendent Asamankese Asamankese Akyem Oda 1988-1992 Superintendent Goaso 1992-1998 Superintendent Assin Fosu Goaso Sunyani 1998-2000 Superintendent Asikuma 2000-2001 Superintendent Mumford Fosu Cape Coast 2001-2002 Superintendent Gomoa Brofo 2002-2003 Circuit Minister Takyiman Breman Asikuma Winneba Mumford Winneba Gomoa Brofo Winneba Kade Akyem Oda The Very Rev’d Nathaniel Dodd, like anybody else, falls sick from time to time but lately, he was indisposed largely due to old age. However, in July this year, he was suddenly taken ill, and was rushed to the hospital. When he was discharged the following day, all were hoping that his sickness was not life-threatening, and that it was just a matter of time for him to pull through. But God had a better idea as he was called home to rest on September 17, 2022. The Very Rev’d Dodd was a tireless servant of the Lord, who gave himself completely to serving the cause of the Lord wherever his Ministerial travels took him. He was a passionate pastor, a true shepherd of the Lord's ock committed to his care. He dedicated his life to serving the church, committing himself to everything that was happening in the church, and making sure that the commission of the Lord was actualised. The Very Rev’d Dua Dodd was a down-to-earth Minister of the Gospel who could make the Word of God come alive in real life. In his modest ways, he made himself available to countless people, both young and old as a mentor and model, making sure that they put their trust in Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord. The Very Rev’d Dodd was generous. He gave much of himself and his resources to others, helping them to nd great fullment in their relationship with God. He exemplied the virtue that no matter how busy one is, there is always a little time to be made available for others, especially those in need. He dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. He was kind, very courageous, gifted and insightful, traits betting of a true disciple of Christ. He was a people-centred Minister of the gospel, a mediator, and an agent of reconciliation. He was a man of deep wisdom and endowed with greatness in the things of God. A little time spent with him reveals a unique paradox of gentleness and strength, humility and dignity, disciple and sage, and a leader and follower. He will be fondly IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 22
remembered for his sense of humour, his modesty, and his deep concern for the well-being of others. He was a servant leader throughout his ministry. He was farsighted, hardworking, and an innovative servant of the Lord. He left behind, among others, a legacy of sincere commitment to his calling, a deep devotion to the Lord, and a great passion for souls. For us, he will always be part of the great cloud of witnesses in our stories. A great man of faith, a faithful servant, an inspiring leader. He will be dearly missed. May his soul rest peacefully with the Lord till the resurrection morning. tribute by rt. rev. maclean a. kumi and year group There is so much to say about my brother and friend Nathaniel Dodd. I met him in Sekondi as a minister and we spent a year together before I moved on. Dodd was one of the very nest catechists of the Church and amongst the rst Catechists to be received and commissioned into the full-time Ordained Ministry of the Methodist Church Ghana. The Brother had a character that was distinct, which made him stand out amongst his colleagues. Osofo Dodd was calm and well-composed. He was full of smiles at all times and very unusual to nd him with a frowned face. In his presence, one's anger was quickly dispelled with only a few witty comments. Everyone would burst into laughter and the matter of disagreement was settled. One could not continue to keep anger in the bosom while Dodd was around. In humour, he spoke the truth in love to his colleagues. He did that with such irresistible power that we always admired him. When he touched a matter for which friends needed to hear the truth and make their own judgments, he did so with such infectious smile that, thereafter, the matter was over. We have lost a great man of God. I was privileged to know him at the start of my ministry. He was a teacher to me. I learnt from him how to speak the truth in love. At IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 23
the last Conference in Winneba, Vida Meeting on 22nd January, 1970. The Very and I went to share fellowship with him. Rev Dodd was assigned the added We spent half the day together and we pastoral responsibility of the Society enjoyed Dodd at his best. Least did we when he was then a Circuit Minister in know the Lord our God was bidding the Sekondi Circuit. him to return home. Very Rev. Nathaniel Dua Dodd took Dear Brother and Friend, me and of over a week after the incidence already course all our colleagues bless the name mentioned. He played a vital role as the of God for giving you to us. We all, bid Chairman of the Planning Committee of you Farewell. The Lord our God keep the funeral for the late Very Rev Boateng you till the great resurrection day. and led the delegation to Asokore for the Amen. burial service. tribute by the Takoradi Society will forever remember takoradi society him for the wonderful role he played, commuting from Bamiankor in those (bethel) days on that deplorable road to chair Leaders' Meeting which was held every “In age and feebleness extreme week, administer the Lord's Supper and Who shall a helpless worm redeem? all other special occasions for nine months. Jesus my only hope Thou art Strength of my failing esh and heart, He worked tirelessly, not counting the Or could I catch one smile from Thee, cost and handed over to the Rt Rev. Maclean Kumi on 18th September, 1970. And drop into eternity” Today, we join the family and all We have gathered here today assembled here to re-echo the words of to give thanks to the John Ellerton, MHB 976, Almighty God for the footprints that the Very Rev. Nathaniel D. Dodd has left behind. Very Rev’d Dodd got associated with 24 Takoradi Society (Bethel) after the sudden death of the late Rev K. A. Boateng on the night of his last Leaders' IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD
tribute by the He was a very humble and respectful sekondi circuit person who was very passionate for the Lord's work. He had a strong passion sekondi diocese for preaching the gospel and counselling. Sofo Panyin Dodd had “Then I heard a voice saying to me, write great interest in evangelism and this, blessed are the dead who die in the visitation. He served the Circuit Lord from now on. Blessed indeed, says the faithfully in various capacities. His Spirits, that they may rest from their interpersonal relationship was good, and he was the minister for all in the labours for their deeds follow them” Circuit. Sekondi Circuit remembers (Revelation 14:13). him mostly with his exposition on Daniel 5:27 “Tekel: You have been weighed Very Rev. Nathaniel Dua Dodd on the scale and found wanting.” was stationed at the Wesley Society, Sekondi as the circuit The Sekondi Circuit is grateful to God minister in the Sekondi Circuit, then for the devoted ministry and Sekondi District of the Methodist commitment of His servant and prays Church in 1968. Takoradi, Essikado and the Lord grants him eternal rest. Efakuma were part of Sekondi Circuit when Very Rev. Dodd was serving as tribute by the Circuit Minister. He provided pastoral bibiani circuit & care for the Christian community of the calvary society entire Circuit. If the clouds are full of rain, they empty Very Rev. Dodd took over from Rt. Rev. themselves upon the earth. And if a tree Major Edward Christian Bonney (Rtd.) falls to the South or the North, in the place in 1968. Sofo Panyin Dodd was replaced where the tree falls there it shall lie. Eccl. at the Wesley Society, Sekondi as the Circuit Minister in 1970 by the Rt. Rev. 11:3. Maclean Kumi. Indeed, it is with heavy heart we He served at the Wesley Society, stand before the mortal remains of Sekondi as the circuit minister, the Very Rev. Nathaniel D. Dodd. affectionately called second minister, The news of the demise of the Very Rev. under Rev. Charles Kwaw Yamoah, the Nathaniel D. Dodd was received as a second Chairman and General dream by the members in Bibiani Superintendent of Sekondi District Circuit. The Late Very Rev. Nathaniel D. (1966-1973). IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 25
Dodd was posted to the Sefwi Bekwai tribute by the Circuit in 1970 to 1973 as a circuit bamiankor circuit minister. He was stationed at Bibiani as second Minister. Mbo na ko, sordaanyi pa The Late Very Rev. Nathaniel D. Dodd Gyedzi ko no ewie ko? easily adjusted to programmes in the Sor ahenky3w a)mmpa societies and the section and visited Nna Egya dze b3ma wo. invalids in their homes without any CAN323 MHB 1056 difculty, as he could locate every house Very Rev’d N. D. Dodd came to well within the Bibiani township. The Bamiankor in the 1st week of late Very Rev. Nathaniel D. Dodd was October, 1973. He was the Supt. always ready to respond to calls from all Minister in the Gwira Mission, now members irrespective of age or social Bamiankor Circuit. He was the fth and status, thus made him admired by all. the longest serving Minister in the circuit. He was a man of vision and The late Very Rev. Nathaniel D. Dodd brought the Mission to a high level. related freely, and happily shared his During his era, the late Awulae Christian life experiences with all and Amankrah Panyin IV gave a parcel of sundry for the purposes of motivating land which was used for Gwira palm and encouraging them. He taught the plantation, now rubber plantation was leaders during sectional meetings to live established. righteous lives. He served as a role model to the members in the then Bibiani section. One man from Banso in the circuit was The late Very Rev. Nathaniel D. Dodd's sent to Japan to be trained as Agric zeal for the Lord's work was Ofcer. Four boys were also sent to unquestionable, he was the rst to be at Assuandzi Technical Institute the ofce and the last to leave. Papa, by (Assufarms) to be trained as Agric. your demise you have left tears in our Ofcers. Gwira Mission Clinic was eyes, it's our prayer that, the Lord who established and he sent eight girls to brought you to us will give you eternal Efa-Nkwanta Regional Hospital to be rest. trained as nurses. He established many schools in Gwira Mission such as Very Rev. N. D. Dodd rest in perfect Bamiankor, now Anibil Methodist peace Primary, Aiyinase, Abelebo, Wiawso Dayie, Dayie Nyame mfa wo nsie and Nsuaem Methodist Primary Da bi yebenyia mu. schools. He was the Local Manager of IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 26
the schools, so he employed many He was a musician and taught us many teachers to teach in the schools. World hymns and songs such as, Onipa tse d3 Vision International and Ghana Red nhyirren, Onyame nye Aban k3se, Cross came to existence in his era to help Y3ma wo naho, Aber bi a Jerusalem the poor and needy in the rural areas. hwehw3 ohan etc. He also candidated Very Rev. George He was transferred to Senya-Breku in Himil, now on Supernumeration. In the 1981. He served the Mission for eight ministry. He changed the Dominase good years. market days from Sunday to Saturday. Because of the clinic he helped establish, Sofo kpanyinli Dodd, tia Bo3 the idol worshippers at that time plotted Nyamenle 3va wo 3k3la eziie bo3 against him that he had destroyed their Amen. business. He converted many to become Christians. tribute by the Quarterly meeting was introduced in his senya circuit time by the Sekondi District Chairman and some pioneers of the Methodist For all the saints who from their labours Church Ghana came to Bamiankor to rest, discuss issues of the Mission. During his ministry in the Gwira Mission, there Who Thee by faith before the world were no motorable roads for travelling. confessed, Those around the banks of the Ankobra River travelled by canoe. Others footed Thy name, O Jesu, be forever blest about 3 to 8 miles with their wives and Alleluia! (MHB 832 Stanza 1) children on a muddy and bushy road. The Very Rev Nathaniel Dua One day when he was going to visit the Dodd was posted to Senya members at Kukuevile, he had to change Circuit in the year, 1981. He was his dressing and wear shorts to wade the second Superintendent Minister of through the waters for about two and the Circuit. Osofo Panyin and his family half miles. He put his trouser on his were warmly welcomed by the shoulders and the money in his pocket congregation, and they quickly fell one by one into the waters, and assimilated to the ethos of the before he realized, all the money were community. gone. He instantly brought his rich experience in ministry to bear by organizing and IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 27
shepherding the ock. In those days, the drought and subsequent famine made Circuit was very large. The present life unbearable nationwide, Papa Dodd Bawjiase Circuit, Kasoa Circuit, Kasoa boldly accepted and aptly hosted the North Circuit, Nyanyano Circuit, and Diocesan Synod for the rst time in the some Societies in Kwanyarko Circuit Circuit. Senya Circuit was then a 'Baby were all part of Senya Circuit. Very Rev Circuit,' only ve years old but he Dodd had time to visit societies successfully hosted the Synod to the regularly, regardless of the distance admiration of all. Papa's leadership between the various societies. skills played a major role in the success story. He took his pastoral duties diligently. He had special interest in visiting the Very Rev. Nathaniel Dodd spent three aged and invalids. Even after he had years in Senya Circuit. We found him to been transferred, he kept contacting be affable, principled, a great teacher, a some of them, encouraged and prayed musician, and a leader. His human with them. relation with leaders, church members, chiefs/elders and the entire community He was a very good preacher and was very good. teacher. He often composed songs based on his sermons and sang with his family Osofo Panyin Dodd, Senya Circuit is on Sundays. His powerful preaching, grateful to you and your entire family prayer and teachings revived and for your devoted life and ministry. You transformed lives of individuals and the will forever be remembered. church. Rest in perfect peace. Very Rev Dodd was a minster who effectively combined faith and boldness to achieve positive result. In 1983, when tribute by the asamankese circuit The Very Rev. Nathaniel D. Dodd was posted to Asamankese Circuit by the Methodist Church Ghana as a Superintendent Minister in October 1984 and served in that capacity till the end of September 1988. The Circuit was then part of the then Winneba District (now Diocese). IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 28
Dynamic as he was, Osofo Panyin Dodd's arrival brought fresh revival to the whole Circuit and Wesley Society, in particular. Being a Minister with insight and vision, it did not take him long to discover that the area stretching from Winneba through Asamankese to Akyem Swedru, Akyem Oda, Asuom and beyond was too extensive for effective pastoral visit and oversight of the then Chairman and General Superintendent of the Winneba District. He, therefore, became very instrumental among Ministers who advocated and worked tirelessly for the creation of a separate District (Diocese) from Winneba. His labour, together with others, in this respect bore fruit, leading to the eventual creation of Oda District (now Diocese), with Osofopon Noah Danquah as the rst District Chairman and General Superintendent. The Very Rev. Nathaniel Dodd continued to cooperate and make invaluable contributions towards the building and strengthening of the new District through his hard work as the Supt. Minister of Asamankese Circuit. At the time of his arrival at Asamankese, the roong of the Wesley Society had been done, but work on the ceiling had not begun. Through teachings, prayers and encouragement, Osofo Panyin Dodd worked hard with both leaders and members of Wesley Society to have the ceiling work completed during his time. The Very Rev. Nathaniel D. Dodd is well remembered for his regular pastoral oversight and visit to the Societies within the Asamankese Circuit to teach, preach and administer the Lord's super. At Wesley, he exercised his pastoral work with dedication and commitment. He visited members at home, especially the invalids to administer communion. Osofo Panyin Dodd was loving, approachable and listened to members who came to him with problems and tried as much as he could to help them through counselling. He was seless and compassionate and committed himself to the welfare of church members as well as the progress of the Circuit. Osofo Panyin Dodd, Asamankese Circuit says Ayeekooo. Rest peacefully from your labours in the bosom of your Maker. DA YIE, NYAME MFA WO NSIE. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 29
tribute by the goaso circuit The late Very Rev. N. D Dodd was the 2nd Superintendent Minister to Goaso on attainment of Circuit Status – 1985-1992. After a short period on arrival, Very Rev. Dodd was found not only to be a minister but as a father, a helper, a teacher, a seer and a guardian. Very Rev’d Dodd tried as much as possible to help members of the church cultivate the habit of punctuality. This was because he was himself very punctual at all church activities. It was a lesson he had learnt during his visit overseas. According to him, one evening there was a heavy down pour of rain when he was to deliver the sermon to the church. He knew that church members would never defy that type of rainfall for the sermon. According to him, something occurred to him to take a raincoat and to go to the church just to have a look at the condition of the church- room, because if it were in Ghana, no one would attend that service. To his surprise, there was a full congregation. Members went with raincoats and umbrellas and were waiting for the preacher. His lesson was that he would never joke with his time and would also see to it that his members would do same. Very Rev. Dodd was also good at visiting his members regularly. In most of the visits, he went with his wife. These visits created cordial relationship between him and his church members. During his send-off service at Goaso his church members from Asamankese who came to see him off this conrmed that Very Rev. Dodd was excellent at visiting them when he was with them at Asamankese. The Very Rev. Dodd, during your send-off service at Goaso, members remember the way you showed your appreciation for the good stay, love and kindness shown to you and your family especially during the death of your son, the organist and musician, and that you prayed to the Lord to bless Goaso with a Diocese which has come true. Members of Goaso pray that, God gives you a better place of rest till we meet again. Da yie, Da yie Very Rev’d N.D Dodd, Da yie IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 30
tribute by the assin foso circuit Then I heard a voice from heaven say “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them”. (Revelation 14:13) The Very Rev. Nathaniel Dua Dodd assumed his Pastoral Work in the Assin Fosu Circuit formerly in the Cape Coast District on 1st October, 1992, on transfer from the Goaso Circuit. The team that came with him was an indicative of his achievements in that circuit. He proved his prowess with great and constant diligence and attention he had for the work of God for the six years he stayed with us in this Circuit. Some few months after his arrival, the Very Reverend Nathaniel Dua Dodd, for the rst time in the Circuit, put in place a Circuit Prayer and Social Service Team headed by a powerful member of the Scripture Union in the Assin Fosu District, called Brother Amoah Owusu who later became a Certied Evangelist of the Methodist Church Ghana. The team leader was supported by Brothers Peter F.K Aubyn, Samuel Owusu, P.Y. Acheampong, Isaac Kwame Boateng (who is currently the bishop of the Akyem Oda Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana) and Sister Esther Boafo. The Very Reverend Nathaniel Dua Dodd organized series of crusades, outreach programmes and camp meetings throughout the Circuit. The results of such and other spiritual interventions were overwhelming. Many souls were won, and the Church grew. That was because at any time such programmes were held people from far and near and outside (non-Methodists) trooped in to be fed with our shepherd's satisfying, thought-provoking, heart rendering and fragrant messages. The Very Reverend Nathaniel Dua Dodd was an effective administrator. He re- organized the Circuit Ofce putting all the administrative structures of the Methodist Church Ghana in place. When he observed that the documents of the Foso Society land were missing, he vigorously traced it to the Conference Ofce of the Methodist Church Ghana to retrieve it. He warded off all encroachers on the church's lands and on other properties. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 31
He was always on visit to his members, not only at the Circuit head, Wesley Society, but also throughout the Circuit. One would seldom meet him at the Manse. He made us proud by standing tall among his co-ministers. The Very Revered Nathaniel Dua Dodd was a project-oriented minister. We are grateful to him for initiating and spearheading the construction of a seven-room store block for rentals for the Wesley Cathedral. He encouraged his children to play pivotal roles in the activities of the Youth Directorate in the Circuit. The Ministration Team (now the Victory Singers) in the Wesley Cathedral, was led by his son who by the graces and gifts in him is now the Bishop of the Tarkwa Diocese. The Very Reverend Nathaniel Dua Dodd was loved by all and sundry in the Municipality and beyond, such that when the news reached us that he had been transferred we were in tears. Life on earth is transitional and we agree with Moses in his prayer in Psalm 90:10 that states, “The length of our days is seventy or eighty if we have the strength” and continue to ask God to “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom”. Osofopanyin, we bid you farewell. ''For we know that when this tent we live in - our body here on earth – is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home He himself has made which will last forever.'' 2 Corinthians 5:1 Daddy, Grandpa, Sofo panyin Dua Dodd, you have fought the good fight, may the Almighty Lord giveyou a peaceful rest in His Bosom. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 32
tribute by the breman asikuma circuit Praise we the glorious names we know: And they--whose names have perished, Lost in the haze of long ago-- In silent love be cherished. MHB 896:5 The Very Rev. Nathaniel Dua Dodd was transferred from Assin Fosu Circuit in the then Cape Coast Diocese, now Fosu Diocese to Breman Asikuma Circuit in the 1998 church year and spent two years with us. During his tenure, Wesley Society, Breman Asikuma saw a tremendous increase in church attendance at the dawn services, monthly revivals and that of the Sunday Divine Church Service. People from all walks of life attended church service in their numbers whenever he had a preaching appointment at the Wesley Society, Breman Asikuma. He replicated same in all the other societies in the circuit. He admonished the church members to remain in the Methodist Church rather than drifting to other churches for prayers, hence the slogan, \"Aha yi ara so Nyame wɔ ha\". He was a principled man such that at the Leaders' Meeting, the Constitution was his major tool for administration. He enrolled a number of youth into the Leaders' Meeting. He made sure that decisions taken at the Leaders Meeting were implemented to the latter. The new Manse at Breman Asikuma is to his credit as he is the brain behind its construction. Fankyenkɔ Society in the Breman Asikuma Circuit and Ofabir Society which was then under Breman Asikuma Circuit, now in the Brakwa Circuit were planted during his tenure. His regular visits to the smaller societies in the circuit were exceptional. He purposely created the Youth Class and took them through Methodist Studies, among others. May the good Lord give him the wings of faith to rise within the veil and see the saints above, how great their joys, how bright their glories be. Amen! IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 33
tribute by the mumford circuit I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2Timothy 4:7–9) Today we have gathered here in the presence of God the Almighty to bid farewell to a great Methodist and Minister of the Gospel. We are here not only to mourn, but also, to celebrate the life of a great father and Sofo Panyin who served the Mumford Circuit for twoyears. Very Rev’d Nathaniel Dua Dodd was transferred to Mumford Circuit as a Superintendent Ministerof the Circuit in theyear 2000 to 2001. Our fondest and latest memory of him was his preaching. His preaching was full of wisdom and joy. He was humble, respectful, truthful and, most of all, a peacemaker. He showed love to both young and old. Very Rev’d Nathaniel Dua Dodd, may your gentle soul, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace. May God giveyou eternal life. Nyame mfa wo nsie. Amen. tribute by the The Very Reverend Nathaniel Dua bethel society, Dodd was the 9th Minister to serve in the akim takyiman then Akim Takyiman section of the Kade Circuit. Though, he served for \"I am the Alpha and the Omega; the rst only one year 2002-2003, he left an and the last, the beginning and the end. indelible mark and a good name in Blessed are those who wash their robes, so Takyiman and its environs. that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the Papa Dodd was indeed God-fearing and lived on the tenets of his teachings to gate\" Rev. 22: 13-14 serve as a good example of Christian living to us. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 34
The Very Reverend Nathaniel Dua Dodd carried a very good sense of humor which he used to help us understand how to face difcult situations well and easily. Recounting how he gave all the monies he was given from his foreign missionary work to the Methodist Church Head ofce, he taught us how to give our substance to God from the heart. He said, \"I gave all and not long after that ran into nancial difculties but by that act I knew if Heaven's gate is closed before my face, I would be scaled over the wall into Heavenly bliss\". A true soldier of Jesus Christ, Papa Dodd, you have served your Lord well, you have fullled your calling and we know you were led through the very gate of Heaven. Rest peacefully in your Lord till we meet again. Amen. tribute by emmanuel methodist society, agona swedru When the day of toil is done, when the race of life is ran, father grant their wearied one. Rest for evermore (M.H.B 975) No life on earth is forever, it is a journey of varied duration, and no matter its length or breadth, the destination is one and the same. Oh death, are you not tired of shaking yourself to create holes and losses in families and societies. September 17th 2022 was a dark day for the entire membership of the Emmanuel Methodist Society Agona Swedru. When the news was heard about the demise of Very Rev. Dodd. The late Very Rev. Dodd joined the Emmanuel Methodist Church when he superannuated from the active service in 2003. Though he was in his seventy's he served actively. He played his role as God's servant. He demonstrated his experience he had for the young ones to follow. Late Very Rev. Dodd had motivational skills that brought the congregation to attention when preaching. He is such a powerful preacher. He preaches with clarity and makes the word of God very simple for all to relate and understand. He was very instrumental in the formation and running of the society or church. The Emmanuel Society has lost an industrious and great member. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 35
Indeed, a great vacuum has been created. We will miss you greatly, especially your jokes. “Me da ase, me da ase always said when preaching. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” Fare thee well Paa Dodd. May the good Lord keep you till we meet again. Amen tribute FROM CHILDREN OF THE MANSE For those we love within the veil, Who once were comrades of our way, We thank thee, Lord; for they have won To cloudless day. (MHB 657:1) It is an honour to write a tribute in lived with you at one time or the other. memory of you; our dear father, Very Rev. Nathaniel Dua Dodd. We You offered many good counsel on thank God for your life and for blessing many fronts, but your love did not us, the numerous children of the Manse, overshadow your good judgment, with you as our father. Those of us who neither did it cover the inadequacies of were privileged to know you personally those you needed to correct. Your were touched by your simple but profound sense of humour always honourable life as a reverend minister of clouded challenging and awkward the Methodist Church. times. Your love for music brought smiles to your congregations you You touched many hearts in your pastored as well as the family. Our service in the Lord's vineyard and you brothers and sisters found in you a carried our brothers and sisters along worthy father; and we, their siblings with you. You trained them well in from the Manse, are benetting from scripture and the way of the Lord. Now, their good nature and hospitality. they are following your footsteps in the service of the Lord as reverend You were a symbol of humility, an ministers, Sofomaame, and church embodiment of friendship and a ne leaders. respectful Osofopanyin. We are thankful that God blessed you with so Yours were the times that growing up in many years on earth that we can the Manse was a discipline in itself, yet continue to learn from your you also made it enjoyable for all who experiences. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 36
The faith you led us to has been the times. But we know despite the distance backbone of our lives. We never cease to between us, you were happy with us just sing of how you and our other fathers keeping the faith. gone before you taught us to hold dearly to our faith. We join Frederick W. Faber We know that “the boundaries between to afrm the faith you trained us in; the life and death are at best shadowy and faith of our fathers living still in our vague. Who shall say where one ends hearts. As we go on in life; as we struggle and where the other begins? (E.A. Poe) with our own inadequacies; as we face So, you have passed on through this thin the world knowing we have been line and your children of the Manse will brought up in the Manse; we will never forever remember you and the legacy compromise our faith. In these times of you have left in the many congregations distress, pain, and grief, we can only you pastored. You are still with us for dwell on the faith you and our parents you have left behind memories spelt in taught us to hold dear. We will be true to tributes by many thankful hearts. this till death. Goodnight from us, the Children of the Yes, we would have loved to have you Manse. with us for longer; but “swift to its close ebbs out life's little day. Earth's joys May the angels receive you gracefully grow dim, its glories pass away. Change into the bosom of our Father that you and decay in all around we see (Lyte & served so well. Monk). Yes, there are many other stories of your life we would have loved to hear Continue to Rest in the Lord, from you. Yes, we would have loved to Sofopanyin Dodd. visit you and Sofomaame many more IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 37
IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 38
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Hymns IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 40
MHB 498 2. Of His deliverance I will boast, 1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Till all that are distressed Let me hide myself in Thee: From my example comfort take, Let the water and the blood, And charm their griefs to rest From Thy riven side which owed, Be of sin the double cure, 3. O magnify the Lord with me, Cleanse me from its guilt and power. With me exalt His name; When in distress to Him I called, 2. Not the labours of my hands He to my rescue came. Can fulll Thy law's demands; 4. The hosts of God encamp around Could my zeal no respite know, The dwellings of the just; Could my tears for ever ow, Deliverance He affords to all All for sin could not atone; Who on His succour trust. Thou must save, and Thou alone. 5. O make but trial of His love; 3. Nothing in my hand I bring, Experience will decide Simply to Thy cross I cling, How blest they are, and only they, Naked, come to Thee for dress; Who in His truth conde. Helpless, look to Thee for grace, Foul, I to the fountain y; 6. Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then Wash me, Saviour, or I die. Have nothing else to fear; Make you His service your delight, 4. While I draw this eeting breath, He'll make your want His care. When my eyelids close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, MHB 99 See Thee on Thy judgement-throne: 1. How sweet the name of Jesus sounds Rock of Ages, cleft for me, In a believer's ear! Let me hide myself in Thee. Amen It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear. MHB 427 1. Through all the changing scenes of life, 2. It makes the wounded spirit whole, In trouble and in joy, And calms the troubled breast; The praises of my God shall still 'Tis manna to the hungry soul, My heart and tongue employ. And to the weary rest. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 41
3. Dear name! the Rock on which I build, That leads to it be Thine, My shield, and hiding-place, Else I must surely stray. My never-failing treasury, lled With boundless stores of grace! 3. Take Thou my cup, and it 4. Jesus, my Shepherd, Brother, Friend, With joy or sorrow ll My Prophet, Priest and King, As best to Thee may seem; My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, Choose Thou my good and ill. Accept the praise I bring. Not mine, not mine the choice In things or great or small; 5. Weak is the effort of my heart, Be Thou my Guide, my Strength, And cold my warmest thought; My Wisdom, and my All. Amen. But when I see Thee as Thou art I'll praise Thee as I ought. MHB 615 1. Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, 6. Till then I would Thy love proclaim Pilgrim through this barren land; With every eeting breath; I am weak, but Thou art mighty; And may the music of Thy name Hold me with Thy powerful hand: Refresh my soul in death. Amen. Bread of heaven! Feed me now and evermore. MHB 515 1. Thy way, not mine, O Lord, 2. Open Thou the crystal fountain, However dark it be! Whence the healing stream shall ow; Lead me by Thine own hand; Let the ery, cloudy pillar Choose out the path for me. Lead me all my journey through; Smooth let it be or rough, Strong Deliverer! It will be still the best; Be Thou still my help and shield. Winding or straight, it leads Right onward to Thy rest. 3. When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; 2. I dare not choose my lot; Death of death, and hell's destruction. I would not, if I might: Land me safe on Canaan's side; Choose Thou for me, my God; Songs of praises So shall I walk aright. I will ever give to Thee. The kingdom that I seek Is Thine; so let the way IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 42
MHB 422 4. My table Thou hast furnished 1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine: In presence of my foes; O what a foretaste of glory divine! My head Thou dost with oil anoint, Heir of salvation, purchase of God; And my cup overows Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. 5. Goodness and mercy all my life Chorus Shall surely follow me, This is my story, this is my song, And in God's house for evermore Praising my Saviour all the day long. My dwelling-place shall be. 2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture burst on my sight; MHB 611 Angels descending, bring from above 1. Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. O'er the world's tempestuous sea; Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us, 3. Perfect submission, all is at rest, For we have no help but Thee, I in my Saviour am happy and blest; Yet possessing every blessing Watching and waiting, looking above, If our God our Father be. Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. 2. Saviour, breathe forgiveness o'er us; All our weakness Thou dost know; MHB 50 Thou didst tread this earth before us, 1. The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want; Thou didst feel its keenest woe; He makes me down to lie Lone and dreary, faint and weary In pastures green; he leadeth me Through the desert Thou didst go. The quiet waters by. 3. Spirit of our God, descending, 2. My soul He doth restore again, Fill our hearts with heavenly joy, And me to walk doth make Love with every passion blending, Within the paths or righteousness, Pleasure that can never cloy; E'en for His own name's sake. Thus provided, pardoned, guided, Nothing can our peace destroy. 3. Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, Yet will I fear no ill; For Thou art with me, and Thy rod And staff me comfort still. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 43
MHB 878 MHB 602 1. O God, our help in ages past, 1. Father, I know that all my life Our hope for years to come, Is portioned out for me, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And the changes that are sure to come And our eternal home: I do not fear to see; But I ask Thee for a present mind, 2. Under the shadow of Thy throne Intent on pleasing Thee. Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufcient is Thine arm alone, 2. I ask Thee for a thoughtful love, And our defence is sure. Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, 3. Before the hills in order stood, And wipe the weeping eyes, Or earth received her frame, And a heart at leisure from itself From everlasting Thou art God, To Soothe and sympathize. To endless years the same. 3. I would not have the restless will 4. A thousand ages in Thy sight, That hurries to and fro, Are like an evening gone; Seeking for some great thing to do Short as the watch that ends the night Or secret thing to know; Before the rising sun. I would be treated as a child, And guided where I go. 5. The busy tribes of esh and blood, With all their cares and fears, 4. Wherever in the world I am, Are carried downward by the ood, In whatsoe'er estate, And lost in following years. I have a fellowship with hearts To keep and cultivate, 6. Time, like an ever-rolling stream, And a work of lowly love to do Bears all its sons away; For the Lord on whom I wait. They y forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day. 5. I ask Thee for the daily strength To none that ask denied, 7. O God, our help in ages past, And a mind to blend with outward life, Our hope for years to come, Still keeping at Thy side, Be Thou our guard while troubles last, Content to ll a little space And our eternal home. Amen. If Thou be gloried. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 44
6. In a service which Thy will appoints Gladly, Lord, With Thee They There are no bonds for me; Suffered; For my inmost soul is taught the truth Gladly, Lord, With Thee They Died; That makes Thy children free; And By Death To Life Immortal And a life of self-renouncing love They Were Born And Gloried. Is a life of liberty. 4. God Of God, The One Begotten, MHB 830 Light Of Light, Emmanuel, 1. Hark! The Sound Of Holy Voices, In Whose Body Joined Together Chanting At The Crystal Sea, All The Saints Forever Dwell; Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Lord, To Pour Upon Us Of Thy Fullness Thee; That We May Forevermore Multitude, Which None Can Number, God The Father, God The Son, Like The Stars In Glory Stand And God The Holy Ghost Adore. Clothed In White Apparel, Holding AMEN Palms Of Victory In Their Hand. MHB 832 2. They Have Come From Tribulation, 1. For all the saints And Have Washed Their Robes In who from their labours rest, Blood, Who Thee by faith Washed Them In The Blood Of Jesus; before the world confessed, Tried They Were, And Firm They Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Stood; Alleluia! Mocked, Imprisoned, Stoned, Tormented, 2. Thou wast their Rock, Sawn Asunder, Slain With Sword; their Fortress, and their Might; They Have Conquered Death And Thou, Lord, their Satan Captain in the well fought ght; By The Might Of Christ The Lord. Thou in the darkness drear their one true light. 3. Marching With Thy Cross Their Alleluia! Banner, They Have Triumphed, Following 3. O may Thy soldiers, Thee, The Captain Of Salvation, faithful, true, and bold, Thee, Their Savior And Their King; Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 45
And win, with them, the victor's crown Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; of gold! Alleluia! Alleluia! 4. O blest communion, MHB 975 fellowship divine! 1. When the day of toil is done, We feebly struggle; When the race of life is run, they in glory shine, Father, grant Thy wearied one Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Rest for evermore. Alleluia! 2. When the strife of sin is stilled, 5. And when the strife When the foe within is killed, is erce, the warfare long, Be Thy gracious word fullled– Steals on the ear Peace for evermore. the distant triumph song, And hearts are brave again, and arms 3. When the darkness melts away are strong. At the breaking of the day, Alleluia! Bid us hail the cheering ray– Light for evermore. 6. The golden evening brightens in the west; 4. When the heart by sorrow tried Soon, soon to faithful Feels at length its throbs subside, warriors cometh rest; Bring us, where all tears are dried, Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest. Joy for evermore. Alleluia! 5. When for vanished days we yearn, 7. But lo! there breaks a Days that never can return, yet more glorious day; Teach us in Thy love to learn The saints triumphant Love for evermore. rise in bright array; The King of Glory passes on His way. 6. When the breath of life is own, Alleluia! When the grave must claim its own, Lord of Life, be ours Thy crown– 8. From earth's wide bounds, Life for evermore. Amen. from ocean's farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 46
MHB 612 MHB 615 1. Lead, kindly Light, amid the 1. Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, encircling gloom Pilgrim through this barren land; Lead Thou me on! I am weak, but Thou art mighty; The night is dark, and I am far from Hold me with Thy powerful hand: home; Bread of heaven! Lead Thou me on! Feed me now and evermore. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene: one step enough for 2. Open Thou the crystal fountain, me. Whence the healing stream shall ow; Let the ery, cloudy pillar 2. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Lead me all my journey through; Thou Strong Deliverer! Shouldst lead me on! Be Thou still my help and shield. I loved to choose and see my path, but now 3. When I tread the verge of Jordan, Lead Thou me on! Bid my anxious fears subside; I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears Death of death, and hell's destruction. Pride ruled my will : remember not past Land me safe on Canaan's side; years. Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee. 3. So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still Will lead me on O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone : And with the morn those angel faces smile Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 47
THE ENTIRE FAMILY OF VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD WISHES TO EXPRESS HEARTFELT GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION TO YOU ALL FOR n THE LOVE, KINDNESS, AND GENEROSITY SHOWN DURING THIS TIME OF GRIEF. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE VERY REV’D NATHANIEL DUA DODD 48
very rev. nathaniel dua dodd Office Direct: 0302 631 213 / 0591 444 747 ...Lasting impression for all Occasions.
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