Reformed Church in Zambia Foundation
The Reformed Church in Zambia was founded through the Missionary activities of the Dutch Reformed Church of Orange Free State of South Africa, which began at Magwero in Chipata – Eastern Province of Zambia on 5th July 1899. In 1966, Reformed Church in Zambia attained its autonomy from the Dutch Missionaries.
Chilenje Congregation Formation
Chilenje Congregation was born from Kamwala Congregation. The initial membership at the time of its establishment was as follows:
- Full Communicant members: 432
- Catechumen on a final class: 36
- Total membership: 468
Ministerial Leadership
The following are names of Reverends who served at Chilenje:
- Rev. Jason S Lungu (1976 - 1983)
- Rev. Felix C Banda (1984 - 1985)
- Rev. Peter R Ndhlovu (1986 - 1991)
- Rev Jepherson DK Nkhata (1992 - 2001)
- Rev. Ackson Banda (2002 - 2010)
- Rev. Penius Mbewe (2010 – 2020)
- Rev. Dr. Madalitso Banda (2020 - to date)
Church Plot Development
The Church Plot located at corner of Muramba and Pemba Road was commissioned by Rev. J S Lungu the first Minister on 4th September 1977. The construction of the Church building started after the commissioning.
Singing Groups
At the time of Church establishment, there were three Singing Groups namely:
- Chisomo Women’s Choir
- Chivumbulutso Choir
- Israel Youth Choir
- Kuunika Women’s Choir
- Fountain of Life Praise Team
- Muchedwelanji men’s Choir
Projects
The Congregation has built the Reverend’s house, Church building, Classroom block, Office, Wall fence, Toilets and the Kitchen. The Church also acquired a plot along Kasama Road in Chilenje South where a number of activities will take place which includes a school currently under construction.
Assistance in Establishing Bauleni Congregation
Chilenje Congregation under the leadership of Rev. Peter R. Ndhlovu spearheaded the establishment of Bauleni Congregation. Chilenje also assisted in Church buildings at the two Sections of Bauleni Congregation i.e. State Lodge and Mikango Baracks. Bauleni Congregation was born from Chilenje Congregation on the 2nd April 1989.
First Committee Members
At the time of establishing Chilenje Congregation, the first committee members were:
- Mr. Wailes Y Nkhata (Libala 3) - Resting Elder (Late)
- Mrs. Grace Phiri (Chilenje 8) - Resting Elder
- Mr. Henry L Tembo (Libala 2) - Resting Elder (Late)
- Mr. Martin L Maunda (Chilenje 8) - Resting Elder (Late)
- Mrs. Emelia Phiri (Libala 2) - Resting Women’s F/Ship Amai Achiwiri (Late)
First Church Executive
The first church executive members were:
- Rev. Jason S Lungu - Reverend
- Mr. Aaron Phiri Chisulo - Secretary
- Mr. Charles L Chirwa - Vice-Secretary
- Mr. Atlass Mbizule - Treasurer