Rev. Andrew Ernest Josias forwarded for Episcopal Office
Andrew Ernest Josias was born on June 10, 1941 in Elsies River about eight miles from Cape Town in South Africa. One of seven children of Andrew William and Elizabeth Josias.
He was the only one in his family to finish high school and to obtain his matric with exemption in 1959. He completed a three-year teaching diploma at the University of Western Cape (UWC).
He completed the five-year course of studies for the ministry in the Cape Annual Conference of the 15th Episcopal District in 1971. A diploma in Theology from the Andrew Murray Bible School with distinction was obtained in 1974. The initial modules of the B. Th. was completed at the University of South Africa with the final graduate program for B.Th. at U.W.C during 1999.
The Educator
A high school teacher for 33yrs from 1963 -1996, he taught Maths, Science, Physiology and Biblical Studies to grade eight through twelve. In the latter years he became a specialised Maths teacher to high school seniors often obtaining "A" symbols with top students. A strict disciplinarian, well respected, highly regarded and much loved by students and colleagues alike. Many of his students progressed to Medical Doctors, Attorneys, I.T. specialists, Business People, Nurses, Electrical and Civil Engineers and a variety of other professions.
This teaching and mathematical skill was carried over into the church. As one of the lecturers on the Cape Annual Board of Examiners for many years, and as well as keeping accurate records for the AMEC Printing and Publishing House in Bellville, giving and account of the churches and pastors in the 15th, 18th and 19th Episcopal Districts. He could give an accurate account of the contributions and outstanding amounts of the churches in the 15th Episcopal District towards the purchase of the new Episcopal Residence.
The Ministry
Rev. Dr. Josias was admitted into the ministry of the A.M.E. Church from Ebenezer, Bellville during the administration of Bishop Harrison James Bryant and ordained as an itinerant Deacon in 1969, and an Elder in 1971 By Bishop George Dewey Robinson. The latter assigned him to St. Peters, Parkwood, October 1969 with St. Joseph's Paarl in December 1970. Bishop Frederick Calhoun James assigned him to St. John, Kensington in 1974. The assignment to Bethel Memorial, Hazendal (the "Mother Cathedral" of African Methodism in the 15th Episcopal District) took place under the hand of Bishop Donald George K. Ming at the 1978 Annual Conference. On January 15, 1996 Bishop McKinley Young assigned him to Ebenezer, Bellville.
Our candidate was also appointed as the Presiding Elder of the Montagu District by Bishop Robert Thomas Jnr who telephonically requested Bishop Harold Ben Senatle chairing the 1988 Annual Conference so to do. He faithfully and energetically served the Montagu District for two years. December 1998 Bishop Senatle as the serving prelate could appoint him Presiding Elder of the Lansdowne District. All of the above churches and Presiding elder Districts are in the Cape Annual Conference.
Achievements
Rev Dr. Josias did his share towards the revitalisation of all the churches he served
At St. Peters, Parkwood the annual income was trtipled and the pulpit area renewed.
At St. Joseph's, Paarl the membership increased, the income improved and the parsonage started by his predecessor, was completed. A mortage on the church of more than twenty years was paid in full. New pews were purchased and the wooden floor of the church was replaced in its entirety. The parsonage was named after Dr. Josias and his wife.
At St. John, Kensington after consolidation with his predecessor's revitalising ministry, the income improved and the work was started on the building of a new edifice.
At Bethel Memorial Hazendal, an enormous indebtedness resulting from the relocation and erection of a new "Cathedral" and parsonage by his predecessor, was completely paid off. This relocation was the result of the heinous law - The Group Areas Act - of the racist South African Government when the so-called "coloured" inhabitants of District Six in Cape Town were forcefully relocated to other areas. A Day Care Centre for pre-school children was started. A care-takers cottage was erected and the annual income improved by leaps and bounds. A 35-seater bus was purchased. An early Sunday Morning worship service was started. The magnificent and historic pipe organ was also revamped. Considerable cash contributions were made towards the erection of the Sarah Gow Memorial A.M.E. Church in Victoria West, a rural town about 400 miles fro Cape Town. This church was named after the mother of the late Bishop Francis Herman Gow.
At Ebenezer Bellville (where his ministerial roots began), the parsonage was completed, furniture purchased and the church and Hall painted, the pews revamped, the hall's floor renewed. The income improved and new auxiliaries were organised.
It is indeed no secret that many a sinner came to know the Lord Jesus, because Dr. Josias himself has been to the fountain and tasted the waters that quenches the everlasting thirst. His forceful preaching dedicated and committed life-style itself serves as an attraction to anyone seeking a better way. In this day an age our Zion does not need more ways and styles of preaching to bring people back to the folds. It needs more men and women who are missionary-minded, committed and dedicated to the Gospel of Jesus.
Ecumenical Involvement
Our candidate served on the Mission and Evangelism Commission of the South African Council of Churches for five years. He also presented the Cape Annual Conference on the Western Province Council of Churches.
During the "struggle" years Dr. Josias hosted many Ecumenical Services as we fought for full recognition and equality in the land of our birth. A host of luminaries graced the pulpit of Bethel Memorial in Hazendal including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rev. Alan Boesak, Mr. Joe Slovo, Mr. Trevor Manual, Rev Dr. Lionel Louw and many others.
When Chris Hani, the then Secretary General of the Communist Party was assassinated just before our first democratic election in 1994, a memorial service was held for him at Bethel Memorial. This church became known as "Mandela's Church" or the "struggle church". For hosting these services our candidate was confronted by security police on many occasions. When three young men, one an A.M.E, were killed in the infamous Trojan Horse incident by the security police, their combined triple funeral was held at Bethel, hosted by Dr. Josias. He was also very active in the Kensington Minister's Fraternal as well as the Athlone/Hazendal Fraternal
Connectional
Rev Josias has been elected a ministerial delegate to the General Conference since 1980 and served on the Episcopal Committee in 1988 and 1992, and on the General Board for two quadrenniums.
He also served as the Administrative Assistant to Bishops H.A. Belin, Robert Thomas jun. and Mckinley Young. He served as the 15th Episcopal District as well as the Cape Conference Director of Education. He served as secretary of the Cape Annual Conference for 5yrs.
