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| National |
| Synod reburies Ngoni convert |
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by
Patrick Msowoya, 25 August 2003
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08:29:53
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Thousands of people, most of them CCAP faithful, Friday witnessed the reburial of the remains of the church’ first Ngoni convert Mawerela Tembo at Njuyu Mission in Mzimba.
The remains of Tembo, an evangelist who died 67 years ago, were exhumed at Loudon Mission. They comprised an intact human skeleton, buttons, a pair of canvas shoes and a small piece of cloth at the back of the skeleton.
They were buried in a new casket, close to the grave of William Koyi who was a close ally to Tembo and established Njuyu mission station in 1886.
There was ululation and praise singing accompanied by spiritual dancing during the ceremony.
Moderator of the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia Reverend Morris Munthali said during the ceremony that the synod is now at peace to see the body of its first convert buried at his home and close to his associate, Koyi.
“The previous grave is now surrounded by houses and other structures. It is in fact outside Loudon Mission and we thought it was proper that we bury his body at the right place. The church is happy to see the body of Mawerela back to his home,” said Munthali.
Among the people who attended the ceremony were members of Parliament, who included second deputy speaker Loveness Gondwe, chiefs, CCAP reverends and government officials.
Apart from being the first convert, Tembo composed over 15 of CCAP hymns. He and his brother were the first Ngoni to learn how to read and write.
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