The liberated Africans were mostly Christians. They needed a place to worship God and so a preaching place was established a little distance away from the present site where Johnson Memorial now stands. By the a836 period, this chapel stood the test of time and by then the Church Missionary Society (CMS)had started a church at Campbell Town and called it Bethlehem. My source states that this church and that of St. Michael and All Angels Church at Waterloo were constructed around the same time.

With time, many of the Yorubas started moving back to Nigeria. A few of them stayed behind. Among those who stayed was Pa Johnson, who was a “washman” (a laundry man). He was of the Yoruba ethnic group. Pa Johnson persuaded the Parkers to offer him land to transfer the little church to main Bassa Town. This request was granted and he and his son, Akombi, and others built a small wattle structure. This building was just adequate for the few of them. It was not until the early 1940s that approaches were made from the WAM Church for it to be handed over to the Connexion. it was named Johnson Memorial with visiting Ministers sent to lead the small congregation.

The wattle building stood and challenged the weather for quite a long time. It went into total disrepair in the late 1960s, too dilapidated to be called a place of worship. It was by the 1970s that the late Rev. S.P.K.L. Campbell-Coker, the Catechist, took the challenge to pull down the “leaning church”. He was able to rebuild it and, by April 1873, this chapel was rededicated and opened for use. It is still in the site given to Pa Johnson by the Parker family.

The society is led by Mr. Samuel Koroma, a devout and dynamic leader with a passion for community development and spiritual growth. His dedication to the church is evident in his commitment to nurturing both the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation. Under his leadership, the Johnson Memorial Society has grown stronger, becoming a welcoming place for both long-standing members and new visitors alike. Activities include:

• Weekly Worship Services: Join us for uplifting worship services every Sunday, where we come together to praise and seek spiritual growth.
• Bible Study Groups: Participate in our Bible study sessions, which delve into scripture and provide deeper insights into God’s Word.
• Community Outreach Programs: Engage in local outreach initiatives that aim to assist and support those in need, reflecting Christ’s love and compassion.
• Prayer Meetings: Attend our regular prayer meetings to join in collective prayer and seek spiritual strength and guidance.