A delegation from Sierra Leone joined us today. After breakfast we were all taken to the Fairgrounds building where the Laity Session had met the day before. I saw another UMW person that I had met two years ago – Esther Yah, UMW District President of Wealah District. After we had been seated in the front guest area, there was a processional during the first hymn. Four different choirs marched in, followed by the Bishops and District Superintendents all wearing robes. There were large floor fans moving the air around. The Morning Worship Service started roughly at 9 am and lasted until 12:50 pm. The music was amazing. Bishop Innis is from Grand Bassa County which is why we are here this year for his last conference before retirement. One of the choirs sang and drummed an anthem in Bassa style. The Gifts of the Word were led by the speaking of the Rev. Rebecca Z. P. Hayhak who spoke in Bassa with a translator. She was very dynamic and drew many strong responses. Liturgy continued interspersed with choir anthems. Bishop Innis introduced the ecumenical and governmental representativesall and all the guests from around the world. He called up leaders of different delegations to give greetings. There were groups from Sierra Leone and Core d’Ivoire as they are neighbors with strong United Methodist conferences. There were four persons from Norway who have been working on self-sustaining projects with the Church, other Non-governmental organizations and the country of Liberia. (Additional Norwegians came another day.) There were representatives of at least five United Methodist Conferences. When the Detroit Conference was mentioned, Bishop Innis asked Duane to bring his delegation and introduce us. We all ended up saying something about our connections to Liberia. While songs were sung, the ushers collected the offering by passing offering baskets around. Prayers were given. Then the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist was held. The session was closed by prayer. We went back to the house of our meals.
After lunch, we went back to the session. This was the first business session. Some conference officers were recognized and commended. The arrival of the country’s Vice President Joseph Boikai created a stir. After his introduction he spoke about all the work that the Liberia United Methodist Church had done in nation building. Then Bishop Innis gave his last Episcopal Address. He will serve until the middle of December. After the address, Bishop Kulah – the previous Bishop – commended Bishop Innis. The Liberian Vice President left.
The Laity address was given by Bro. Rudolph Merab. After announcements the session was dismissed with prayer. And Day One of conference was over.