By 'Gbenga Bankole
Having considered his giant stride and contributions to the development of music in Christ Apostolic Church, the Choir of CAC Yaba Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC) headquarters, Lagos, has awarded the composer of CAC Sunday School Anthem, Pastor S.O. Gbedebo.
Pastor Gbadebo who is the Director of Music of CAC Grace Tabernacle, Lagos, was
presented with the award for also being the 2021 Veteran at a programme organised by the Choir tagged "Annual Festival of Hymns and Psalms:Evening with the Veterans" which was held on Sunday June 20, 2021.
The living legend was presented the award by the Superintendent of CAC Yaba DCC, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare. The programme also had in attendance the Director of Music CAC Worldwide, Pastor Tope Dada, Akinyele Region Music Director, Elder (Barr.) Bidemi Oyesanya and many others.
The Choir in their beautiful apparel performed hymns like "O worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness", "Sweet is the work", "Hark Sinners" "Isun ka wa t'okun f'eje" , "Shining for Jesus" and many more.
His Biography
Pastor Solomon Oluremi Gbadebo was born to the family of Late Elder and Mrs Gabriel Omigbadebo Fadiora (aka Ajimatankunje) of Ejio Apasa compound, Moore, Ile-Ife, Osun State of Nigeria about 83 years ago precisely on 23rd March, 1938.
Ø He started his education at Christ Apostolic School, Moore, Ile-Ife and later moved to Ife Grammar School, Ile-Ife for his Secondary Education.
Ø He had the R.S.A Stage 3 advanced level in typewriting;
Ø He had the Advance Certificate in Music from the prestigious Royal School of Church Music, London.
Ø He enrolled as a choir boy at CAC Moore Ile Ife under the leadership of the late Pastor Titus Adefarakan who was the Organist and Choirmaster of the church and also his school class teacher when he was in Standard 2 in 1950.
Ø He personally submitted and gave his life to Jesus Christ and got born again in September 1958.
Ø He was Baptised by water Immersion on 22nd May, 1960. In his thirdt, he experienced the Holy Ghost baptism in November, 1960, what a rare privilege.
Ø He married his heart brow Mrs. Elizabeth Mobolaji Adefiranye in April, 1966, who passed on to glory on 13th September, 1974.
Ø He later married Mrs. Comfort Ibiyinka Faluyi on 28th May, 1977. His marriage was blessed with God fearing children.
Ø Indeed, he is a family man who coordinated his children and led them rightly in the way of the Lord. All the children are growing in spirit and committedly serving the Lord in their various denominations.
Ø Pastor Gbadebo started his carrier as a Typist and Statistic Wages Clerk with Mandilas Ltd. Ebute Metta, Lagos from 1963 to 1973.
Ø He worked in his own private company as Clearing and forwarding agent from 1974 to 1982.
Ø He worked as General Manager, Alis Venutres Ltd, Lagos.
Ø Operations Manager, Salaminos and Co. Ltd. Lagos and
Ø Coordinating Manager, at Altex Ltd. Thames House, Maiderhead Berkshire United Kingdom.
Ø He relocated to Lagos in December 1962 and joined the Choir of C.A.C Oke-Irorun, 83, Lagos Street, Ebute-MettaLagos in January 1963.
Ø He was a member of the young men Christian League Gospel Singing Group under the leadership of Late Pastor C.O. Oyesanya from 1963-1973. Among his contemporaries then include the Late Pastor Moses Olufemi, Pastor Titus Egbeyode, Pastor E. Fadulu, Pastor D.A. Tawede, and Daniel Ogoigbe.
Ø He later relocated to Itire and joined the CAC Oke-IyanuItire choir where he served meritoriously from 19719to 1977.
Ø He was a member and revered trainer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry choir between 1979& 1982.
Ø He also served at CAC Choir Ijeshatedo from 1979 to 1982.
Ø Holiness Assembly choir 1982 to 1991.
He held leadership positions in the church and the choir in many locations which include:
1. Coordinator CAC Grace Tabernacle Choir from 1993 to 1995.
2. Pioneer Music Director CAC Grace Tabernacle District from 1996-2008.
3. Zonal Coordinator CAC Itire central choir {2002 to 2008}.
4. Music Director CAC Grace Tabernacle Zone {2009-2013}.
5. He was appointed an Elder at CAC Grace Tabernacle, Lagos on August 27, 1992.
6. In recognition of his unblemished services and call of God upon his life, the authority of the church graciously ordained him a Pastor in CAC on 12th December 2002.
7. He retired from active service in December, 2013.
This knowledgeable and committed musician, Pastor GBADEBO, had the singular honor of composing the CAC Sunday School Anthem at the instance of the then Sunday School Superintendent and later President of the church, our ever dynamic and visionary leader, the late Pastor EHL Olusheye in 1982.
After the mandate, he set himself aside to seek the face of God in fasting and prayers for 3 consecutive days and received divine inspiration on the wordings and music of the Sunday School Anthem in 1982 which was first rendered to the public at the CAC Sunday School rally of 1983 and in all CAC assemblies globally ever since. Indeed, he was inspired for the work which has blessed every member of Christ Apostolic Church across the globe.
Photo speaks !
