The Authorities of Christ Apostolic Church, Worldwide, on Thursday March 11, 2021 appreciated the efforts of the composer of Sunday School Hymn, Pastor S.O. Gbadebo with “Outstanding Church Musician” award and undisclosed amount of money.
Picture above shows the President, CAC Worldwide, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele presenting the award to Pastor S.O. Gbadebo
The evergreen Sunday School Hymn is well known among the members of CAC Worldwide due to the lyrics and rhythm of the song backed up with divine inspiration.
The living legend was introduced to the congregation by the Finance Director of CAC Worldwide, Pastor Johnson F. Omitinde who called the Music Director of CAC Worldwide, Pastor Tope Dada to present the citation of Pastor Gbadebo.
Below is the citation of Pastor Gbadebo presented by Pastor Tope Dada:
Bro. 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 wife, 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 is 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 Bro. 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.
Mr. President Sir, Distinguished leaders and members of this great mission, I’m delighted to report that this knowledgeable and committed musician, Pastor Solomon Oluremi 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, Bro. Solomon Gbadebo 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.
Mr. President Sir, thank you for your large heart and kind approval to honor this musician of high repute even at his old age.
Sir, as I’m privileged, I therefore, humbly present this great man of God, a talented musician, leader of leaders, a tireless Christian, decent inside out, very humble and proactive leader, faithful husband and loving father, a man of noble character, PASTOR SOLOMON OLUREMI GBADEBO, to be so honored with the Award of OUTSTANDING CHURCH MUSICIAN in Christ Apostolic Church this day, 11th March, 2021, exactly 12 days to his 83rd Birthday Anniversary.
Pastor Gbadebo who was overwhelmed with joy appreciated the Church Authority for recognizing him and gave glory to the Almighty God.
– Source: CAC News.
