HISTORY OF PCEA MUTEERO CHURCH @40 1981-2021

After some time, we came up with the idea of putting together two praying hands with ten fingers – some small and others big, all head together. Coincidentally, two hands have ten fingers and we were ten partners! The design, which we called “Thanksgiving hands”, still stands and symbolizes our gratitude to God for making it possible for us to acquire the land and build a church.
After choosing a design for the church, we had to get a name. We turned to the trees on the land. As stated earlier the whole land was virgin forest. We looked around and discovered that we had numerous species of indigenous trees. Eventually, it was the Muhugu and Muteero trees that held our attention. When we analyzed these two trees, it was marvelous to discover the many ways in which the Muteero tree had qualities similar to the word of God. For example: the wood has a nice scent. Christians are to have a sweet fragrance for others to be attracted to the Gospel that we stand for (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). It keeps the fire burning brightly for a long time; thus, it makes a very good torch. Our fire of the Gospel should keep burning forever and be a light to many. Also charcoal from Muteero tree is used by a number of Kenyan communities to treat milk gourds. It cuddles the milk and gives a nice smoky flavor. Christians should be a good flavor to the world. In addition, wood from the Muteero tree is not easily destroyed by termites. The Gospel is forever! We quickly settled on the name Muteero.
The church was named PCEA Muteero Church.

With regard to building of the church, we first put up a corrugated iron sheet building to give us time to build a more permanent structure. For the first five
years, before Church Elders could have their church membership transferred, the leadership was exclusively in the hands of the following: Late Mrs. Gladys Kariuki (Chairlady), Late Mrs. Anne Wambui Maina (Treasurer), Late Mrs. Elizabeth Wambui Riunga (Secretary) and Mrs. Grace Nyawira Kimondo (Sunday School superintendent). Later, we approved a design from the Architect Ngure Kairu, which was based on our brief. The new church was eventually built and opened on 15/11/1998. This wonderful contribution of Muteero women is recorded by late Very Rev. Dr. John Gatu in a poem published in his Gikuyu book, ‘He Gatu….Nguhe Kanua’. The History has been extracted from the book “Fan into Flame” authored by the late Very Rev. Dr. John Gatu The 1ST Elders to serve in Muteero were Elder John Kimondo, late Elder Joseph Munuhe and late Elder John W. Kariuki. The late Elder John W. Kariuki was the chairman in 1984. They were joined later by Elder Naomi Gatere, Sarah Nyatuga and Esther kibicho.

The first team of deacons were: Late Kefa M’Barine, Late Johnson Gitahi who was also the registrar, Late Gladys Kariuki, Late Anne Maina, Late Rahab Gatu, Late Isabella Muturi, Mrs. Gladys Muriithi, Mrs. Grace Kimondo and late Elizabeth Riunga.
The Building committee team members for the New Santuary:– on 28th January, 1992 comprised of Late Elder Kefa M’Barine – Chairman, Late Johnson Gitahi – Secretary Elder Gideon Roimen – Treasurer, Late Julius Gecau, Late Elder Joseph Munuhe, Late Isabella Muturi, Mrs. Susan Kiragu, Late Elder John Kariuki, Late Elizabeth Riunga, Late Francis Maina, Elder John Kimondo, Elder Dedan Murigu, Elder John Warui, Late Very Rev. Dr. John Gatu, Mr. S. Kabii – V/Secretary, Mrs. Mary Wanjau and Mr. Stephen Kamamia, Late E. Mbungu, Mr. Charles Maingi and late Dr. Samuel Gatere.
PCEA Muteero Church was part of Lang’ata Parish in Ngong Hills Presbytery under Rev. Samuel Maina as the Parish Minister. The Subdivision was held on 25th January, 1998 by the Very Rev. Dr. Jesse Kamau; the 15th General Assembly Moderator. The scripture word was “Let the same mind which was in Christ be yours” Philippians 2:5.
The 1st elders who were ordained under the Langata Parish who served in Muteeero were Elder Kepha N. M’Mbarine 1990, and Elder Saningo Roimen 1994.
The 2nd team of Elders were ordained on 21st February, 1999 and these were – Elder John Warui, Late Mrs. Mugiri, Elder Godfrey Gathuku and Elder Josphat Githachuri,
The 3rd team of Elders were ordained on 10th September 2006; namely Elder Kibacia Gatu, Elder Peter Mwangi Miana, Elder Emily Chemeli Wagema and Elder Wangai Muhiu Maina.
The 4th team of Elders were ordained on 22nd February 2015; namely Elder Joseph Mwangi Murigu.
The 5th team of Elders were ordained on 28th August 2016: namely; Elder Ruth Wairimu Gathwara, Elder Jane Kawira Naivasha, Elder John Ndai Muoria and Elder Anthony Muriithi Ogao. Elder Dr. Margaret Wanjiku Njoroge later joined upon transferring from Kikuyu Presbytery.
The Parish Ministers that have so far served in the larger Karen Parish are Rev. James Waithaka, Rev. Geoffery Ngare, Rev. Jason Nyaga, Rev. Stephen Kariuki, Elder Kinyua, Late Rev. Jane Kashorda, Late Rev. Moses Maara, Rev. Eustace Ndomo, Rev. Samuel Muriguh, Rev. Samuel Machugu, Very Rev. Dr. George Wanjau, Rev. Paul Mwangi Kariuki (DSG) and Rev. Dr. Alphonce O. Kanga

Project Joshua Multipurpose Hall

This was conceived as Presbyterian Church Men’s Fellowship (PCMF) project in the year 2002, to build a multipurpose hall. By the grace of God, the project was revived in the year 2014 by the LCC under the Finance and Development committee. The Committee was chaired by Mr. Simon Kinyati Mbocha. The vision is to serve
the young people in the community through trainings geared towards equipping them on life skills. These practical skills include Catering, Music, Art and Craft and to become a Youth Hub in the Karen area. The building now has the following: – Church school classes, Youth Hall and meeting rooms, library, church offices and state of the art modern kitchen, music room and wash rooms. The technical team comprised of: –
Dr. D. K. Kiaraho – Chairman
George Warutere – Secretary
Stephen Runano – Treasurer
Charles Maingi, Njoroge Kamweru
Mrs. R. Ruhara, Joseph Muraguri, Gertrude Kibiru, Chris Karumba, David Gatimu, Dishon Mahinda and Irungu Maina,

Prepared by:

The 40 years Celebrations team committee comprising:
Elder John N. Muoria – Chairman, Mrs. Susan Kiragu, Elder Ruth Gathwara, Christopher Karumba, Faith Muriithi, David Ndegwah, Mrs. Elizabeth Mbocha, Mrs. Wahu Kaara, Charles Mutembei, Dishon Mahinda, Peter Nderitu, Elder Emily Wagema

LCC Officials

1. Elder Wangai Maina – Chairman
2. David Kamau Ndegwa – Secretary
3. Dr. Gladys Kinyanjui – V/Secretary
4. Faith Muthoni Muriithi – Treasurer
5. Christopher Karumba – F&D Chairman