EKB

I N

L O V I N G

M E M O R Y

O F

EMMANUEL K WA M I N A B UR N DAM 1 9 4 0

-

2 0 2 1

OFFICIATING CLERGY RT. REV. DR. DANIEL S. M. TORTO (Bishop of Accra) RT. REV’D. OSCAR CHRISTIAN AMOAH ( Bishop of Kumasi) RT. REV. DR. GEORGE KOTEI NEEQUAYE (Suffragan Bishop of Accra) VERY REV’D DR. JOSEPH OSEI (Ag. Dean, St. Cyprian’s Cathedral, Kumasi) REV. CANON SAMUEL K. NYAME (St. Paul’s, North Suntreso, Kumasi) REV’D. CANON DANIEL NII ATTUKWEI QUAYE (Precentor) REV’D FR. THOMAS WILSON JACOBS (Succentor) REV’D FR. RANSFORD E. TITUS-GLOVER (Priest Assisting) REV’D DR. GLORIA ADDICO (Deacon) All other Clergy / Rev. Ministers

OTHER FUNCTIONARIES ORGANISTS : Mr. Joel Badger (Master of Music)

Mr. David Lawson

Mr. Benjamin Sawyerr Mr. Seth Aryee Mr. Nathaniel Amfo-Tetteh

VERGERS : Mr. Jonathan Dzarflo Otoo SACRISTAN IN-ATTENDANCE

: :

Mr. Philip Obeng The Cathedral Choir Cathedral Choral Group Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary

4

HOLY TRINITY CATHEDERAL ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF ACCRA

ORDER OF SERVICE PART ONE : BURIAL SERVICE 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Entrance Hymn A&M 334 Sentences Welcome Opening Prayer (or the Collect) Psalm 90 Bible Reading: 1Peter 1: 3 – 9 Biography & Tributes Hymn A&M 165 Sermon / Homily Silver Collection: Notices Libera & Commendation Recessional Hymn A&M 135

PART TWO: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Sentences Hymn A&M 401 Committal & Prayers Laying of Wreath & Sprinkling of Holy Water Nunc Dimittis Vote of Thanks Benediction

PART THREE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

INTERMENT

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Sentences Psalm 46 Bible Reading: Rev: 21:1-10 Special Collection Prayers Hymn A& M 176

5

BIO GRA PHY

EARLY CHILDHOOD AND EDUCATION Mr. Emmanuel Kwamina Burndam affectionately called Uncle Ato was born on 9th November, 1940. He was the third of six children born to Obaapanyin Mary Amamuah Nunoo of Ntsiful Kona family of Ankaful and Mr. John Micah Burndam of Ejumako also in the Central Region.

He started schooling at the Salvation Army Primary School in Tudu Accra and later transferred to Saltpond ECM School now Anglican, in 1948.

He was so brilliant that on two occasions he was promoted twice in a year. When results of terminal examinations were publicly called out, as it was the practice then, his mates would carry him shoulder high from school to the house. He was also a keen sportsman in his days in school.

OF

6

LIFE IN THE UNITED KINDOM. While in the UK, Uncle Ato first enrolled at the South West London College and thereafter, progressed, to pursue his professional banking programme He joined Midland bank upon completing his professional banking course and remained there for a while. It was while he was working at Midland Bank that, Dr. Appiah, the foundation Managing Director of the then, (SSB) Social Security Bank heard about him, made contacts with him and eventually ‘poached’ him to SSB in 1977.

BANKING CAREER GHANA In SSB, he opened the Tema Main Branch of the Bank and became its first Manager. He also worked in various positions, these include, heading the Reconciliation and Inspections departments respectively at different times.

As a child he was obedient and discharged his assigned chores dutifully, he was also eager to help not only his mother with whom he lived, but also extended this to every elderly person around.

On completing his basic education he enrolled in D.C Abban Commercial School at Saltpond and completed with distinction.

Based on his performance at the commercial school, he had the chance to write the then entry level examination to join Ghana Commercial Bank, and came out successfully.

He was first posted to the Head Office of the bank in March 1958 and remained there for a while. He was later transferred briefly to the Takoradi branch and later transferred again to the newly opened Fosu branch. While at the Fosu branch, he had the opportunity go to the U.K. for further studies in 1963.

7

He left SSB to assist with the establishment of First Allied Savings and Loans (FASL) in 1994 and subsequently became the institution’s Executive Director for Operations, a position he held till his retirement in 2003.

It is worth mentioning that, he was very instrumental in the numerous Gold Awards First Allied received from the Ashanti Financial Services Excellence Awards (Under the auspices of the Otumfuo the Asantehene) in recognition of the Institution’s performance in Ashanti Region.

On retiring from FASL, he was again invited to establish Pacific Savings and Loans. He became its foundation Managing Director for a brief period.

After leaving Pacific Savings and Loans, he devoted his time to his independent financial consultancy.

He was strict and transparent. He did not believe in short-cuts. He always set very high standards for himself and for his team members as well.

Where one was not clear with issues, he would patiently take his subordinates through the rudiments of the assigned tasks.

AWARDS / MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES International Who’s Who of Professionals Uncle Ato was inducted into this this exclusive reference source of notable professionals globally, and got listed in the year 2000 edition of its publication with 6159 as his reference number.

Uncle Ato was also a different kind of manager.

While it had been the practice of some managers to keep their subordinates permanently ‘down’, he always encouraged his subordinates to improve themselves. He did not only do this verbally, but went out of his way to provide books from his own library and other materials towards that. In some cases he assisted financially. In spite of the foregoing, Uncle Ato did not entertain laziness and made sure every team member fired on all cylinders.

Ashanti Financial Services Excellence Awards Please refer to ‘Banking Career in Ghana supra.)

Professional Associations Uncle, was a full member in good standing of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (UK) and the American Management Association respectively

8

LOVE FOR SPORTS In adulthood, his love for sports did not wane. He together with a few friends formed a table tennis club and offered his own residence as the “club house”. He hosted the Club in his residence till its phenomenal growth in membership could not be contained there. It was at this point that, one Chan Dak King a Chinese national then working with Tema Textiles Limited (TTL), offered to host the Table Tennis Club in TTL’s more spacious Club House.

It is worth-mentioning that, with its ‘over-forty years’ members, the Table Tennis Club in 1986 became the champion club in Ghana.

Again while in Kumasi years later, he joined the Royal Golf Club and held the position of Treasurer for two terms.

HIS LOVE FOR THE LORD

He went through the processes and became a Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1995. As a keen member of the Lodge, also became its secretary for some time.

OMANBA PA As Omanba pa, (a thoughtful son of his hometown) he was solely instrumental in getting electricity to Ankaful and for this, the entire Ankaful mba (townsfolk of Ankaful) remain forever grateful.

At every stage of his life he discharged himself creditably.

On 14th December, 2021, death laid his icy hands on him.

Uncle Ato is survived by a wife and five children Uncle, may you have a peaceful rest in the bosom of the Lord.

AMEN

Anglican Church He was a committed member of the Anglican Church and devoted his time, effort and knowledge to ensure the Church’s growth and development. He held several positions of trust and responsibilities. In all situations he discharged himself creditably.

Bible Society of Ghana He held a life membership of the Bible Society of Ghana, Apostolic Prophetic Leadership Summit Uncle was a regular resource person for this conference of pastors and professionals held annually in Kumasi.

MASONIC ACTIVITIES Uncle Ato was accepted into Freemasonry at Mfantsiman Lodge, Accra in March, 1986.

9

Tribute by Flossie WIFE

John 11:25 When I came into your life, it was a whole new world to me. I had to learn everything in life afresh because you were very strict and principled, no side-cutting in anything was allowed

Jesus said to her “I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in me though he may die he shall live”

S

uch a difficult thing to do. I never thought I would be writing a tribute to you at this time.

You taught me to stand up for the truth and have courage to defend my position in all things.

For over thirty 30 years, you have been a very wonderful husband, a true friend, a confidant, my teacher and my all-in-all.

Your thoughts were always deep and carried weight, as a result, you became my confidant in everything and we did everything together as true friends.

I HAVE LOST A GEM! AND YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART.

You were a good disciplinarian, your strictness, principled nature, and your intolerance for indiscipline created enemies for you, even from “within ‘and outside as well. But you did not waver but rather remained forthright in your conviction.

We met when we were both working in the same Bank (SSB) in 1984, our paths crossed and we became friends which led to our marriage.

10

Those who came close to you and ready to learn saw the beautiful and kind soul that was in you.

These virtues brought the best out of me, changed my life completely and. and also made our home a place to be. We also named our home ‘Parliament’ where we discussed everything under the sun freely.

You were a responsible father and did your best for your children, this was not limited to your own children, but presented yourself a father figure to younger people who gravitated towards you.

You were also a cheerful giver who could not stand seeing anybody in need.

You loved The Lord as a devoted Christian. You were also a loyal Anglican who loved the church as well. You were always ready to sacrifice everything to take up responsibilities in the church. The numerous positions you availed yourself to in the church attests to this.

My greatest gift from you is you teaching me how to pray in the face of adversities. Even though I had been a Christian all my life, l did not know how to pray properly. It was from you that I learnt how to stand firmly in all situations and pray to the Almighty God. Now that you are with the Lord, this is what will sustain me I am grateful for this priceless gift from you.

Bibi, life presented you a stage and you played your role perfectly well, now the curtains are drawn.

A whole legend is gone, you will forever remain my HERO. Sleep well my GEM.

11

Tribute by

Ntsiful Kona Royal Family of Ankaful ‘Blessed are those who fear The Lord and walk in his ways’

T

he mid-day of December 14th 2021will always remain in our hearts so long as we live, not only did it begin our brother’s, husband’s and friend Ato Kwamina Burndam’s journey but it marks the beginning of true legacy. As the family began to share the news of his passing away, we found ourselves not to overcome with grief but rather a feeling of some pride to be associated with him, our gift from God. Ato’s life to us truly defines the meaning of honesty, character, fairness, commitment, caring, family love, generosity, and contentment.

He was organized almost to a fault. His instructions were always so clear and concise that, it left no room for error.

It was through his effort that Ankaful had electricity in the town. He together with some of the academicians of the family advised the oil company on the advantage of exploring for oilfrom the

12

Ankaful , he also advised them to resettle the people to another location for safety.

Above all, he had a listening ear and ever willing to assist a good cause Ato Kwamina, your loss to us is a gain to the host of angels above. You served humanity very well and it has pleased the Lord to call you home to serve Him as well.

We the Ntsiful Kona Royal thank you very much for the legacy that will prepare us to face the future.

With gratitude to God for his life and services, we identify with the Holy Book of Job 1:21, The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away, Blessed is the name of the Lord.

Ato fare thee well …

Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord Amen.

Tribute by

The Anglican Church

M

r. Ato Burndam., a native of Saltpond was a communicant who served the Lord as a warden, Harvest Committee Chairperson and Patron of the Ushers at St. Paul’s North Suntreso from 2001 to 2004. After his contribution at St. Paul’s, 2005 to 2008, he joined the St. Cyprians Cathedral and later the Thomas Crammer congregation where as usual, he made a remarkable contribution to the Lord’s work there.

Mr. Ato burndam could be remembered as a lover of music who could sing most of the songs in the BCP (Ancient and Modern) off head Thus, He would be remembered for his sense of duty, commitment and sacrifice he demonstrated in diverse ways to promote the growth and development in the entire Congregation he served, especially St. Paul’s North Suntreso He was a man of principle who aired out his views without fear or favour and made sure the right thing was done at all times

13

He was meticulous and stood for the best in the interest of the Church It was not a surprise when he was nominated and appointed as a member of the Diocesan Strategic Planning Committee Member. An assignment he did bring his qualitative skills of compliance and discipline to bear upon it When he voluntarily offered himself to serve as the Harvest Committee Chairperson at St. Paul’s, little did the church know that he was going to work tirelessly and he would not retire until the reconstruction of the demolished church building had been completed His work principle was thus, “Not until I finish the task, I would not stop’.

Mr. Ato Burndam, may the good Lord grant you perfect rest as you join the Church Triumphant Amen

Tribute by

Mrs. Gifty Ayuure DAUGHTER

I

t is with heavy heart that I give this tribute.

Daddy was the pillar behind me. He advised me and directed me on all issues.

He was also concerned with the kids. He was the first person the kids reported everything to when something went wrong with them. To that.

He would always call me and tell me “Gifty hwe mboframba no yie o” He would also call occasionally and speak to the children, one after another and if anything went wrong with the children he was the first to notice that.

He always wanted the best for my family and would always come to my rescue if there was the need for that. Daddy was very generous.

He had a lot of confidence in me and so, entrusted everything of his to me without any limitation.

He was also very fair and stood for the truth always. Whenever I was wrong, he would openly tell me in the face and even in the presence of my adversaries.

Daddy you will always be in my heart.

Rest well with the Lord, my beloved Daddy.

Amen

14

A Thousand Moments that I had just taken for granted - moslty because I had assumed that there would be a thousand more.

- Morgan Matson

Tribute by I Madam Adoley IN-LAW

know for certain that we never lose our loved ones, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decisions we make. Their presence leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by them.

I will miss our telephone conversations, catching up on life and checking up on the girls. Oh, and your command of the English language. It always warmed my heart listening to you speak so impeccably. I didn’t expect that you would leave us so soon but the good Lord had other plans and I am at peace knowing that you are resting soundly in His bosom.

Gone yet not forgotten, till we meet again.

Rest Well Uncle Ato. Forever the gentleman.

From your sister-in-law, Adoley

Tribute by

Naa Koshie And Naa Odarkor NIECES

I

t always seems like we have all the time in the world, only to realise how fleeting it is. We wish we had more time to do and say the things we saved for later, which along with you is gone forever. We promise to keep you alive in our memories. You were like a father to us. Encouraging us to constantly strive to be the best versions of ourselves. Always praying for us and checking up on us to make sure we were keeping up with school work and studying hard to make good grades.

15

When your health began to deteriorate, we were very concerned but kept praying for God’s continuous healing and protection. Today we celebrate the impeccable life you lived and the impact you had on everyone around you. We will miss you dearly but we know that God needs you more.

Rest in peace till we meet again.

Your two girls, Naa Koshie and Naa Odarkor

Tribute by Abeiku NEPHEW

A

s a young auditor with KPMG in the early 90’s I was part of the team that conducted the end of year cash count at the North Industrial Area Branch of the SSB. While we were on the job, a remarkably well-dressed gentleman came in to see the manageress. Given the aura around him and his presentation we could not help but to find out who the fine gentleman was.

Upon enquiry we were told he was one of their managers.

A year or two later, when I was formally going to ask for the hand of my wife in marriage, my Dad called this fine gentleman to lead the delegation.

That was when I realised he was my Unlce.

As fate would have it, we both found ourselves in Kumasi and so I had the opportunity to pay him irregular visits. If I knew he would leave us so soon I would have visited him more regularly.

I found him very knowledgeable and comfortable to discuss every subject under the sun. Each encounter with him became a learning session for me. He also had high expectations of me in everything and expected me to live up to that. His standards were such that it took a lot of effort to keep up to.

He regularly pointed my faults to me and would always rebuke me if I kept going astray. In fact, he did not hide his indignation any time he observed a bit of my ‘indiscipline’ self and told it as it was.

16

He corrected me in a way nobody did. He did all this to create a better person out of me.

Uncle Ato was genuinely concerned not only about my welfare but that of my family as well.

He always made time to accommodate me as a person and everything that concerned me as well. He readily offered his wise counsel whenever needed. To me, Uncle was the pillar behind me He had a very strong personality, which he mostly presented, but behind that lay his softer side. He had fellow feelings for people, especially the vulnerable. While he did not entertain indiscipline, laziness, dishonesty etc., he would always stand up to defend subordinates who were needlessly targeted by management as scape goats. I know this because I had the opportunity to work with him.

Uncle was always there for me and would sometimes prompt me on issues before they came to my attention. Uncle loved scholarship and occasionally, gave me books and materials from his library to keep me current. When I contemplated changing jobs and I had to craft an appropriate CV, Uncle Ato stopped all engagements and ensured that, he personally created a good CV for me. Even though I could touch-type, he personally did all the typing to craft that appropriate CV for me.

I remember when I was heavily struck by covid-19

at time he was not well, I stopped visiting him for obvious reasons. Knowing that, Uncle would inquire about my long absence, I gave the excuse that, I had mild malaria. Even though he was not well, he disregarded his situation and made sure he called me daily till I recovered and found it safe to resume my visits to him. This gesture of Uncle, to me, still speaks volumes.

Who will I turn to as I did to you?

Uncle, who will now correct me the way you did?

Rest well in the bosom of the Lord .

I am encouraged by the fact that you lived your life well and positively impacted many lives who will keep your flame burning.

Uncle you have fought a good fight and lived a good life.

AMEN.

Tribute by

Dr. C. T. Caiquo A BROTHER AND A FRIEND

WHERE WE DARE NOT CHALLENGE THE INSCRUTABLE WISDOM OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD

I

t is with the deepest sense of grief and sadness but also hope in our Lord Jesus Christ that I write this tribute to the memory of my dear friend whom we affectionately called Ato or Uncle Ato. I got acquainted with Ato, over forty years ago when he came to Tema as the Manager of the Social Security Bank at the Community Two Branch

He was very strict and straight forward at work.

He was a good listener who had a positive perspective on every issue. He was also discreet and a good confidant to those who had the privilege of opening their hearts and minds to him.

No social gathering at our various homes was complete without the presence of Ato. He was the star attraction at such functions; He had the knack for mixing with and feeling comfortable with all age groups In spite of his jovial nature, Ato was a man of strong conviction, fearless and outspoken. He was a straight shooter who said it as it was. He was not the type who would call a spade a big spoon.

As we mourn the great man, may his breed multiply exceedingly and replenish the earth. May it please the GOOD LORD sustain his immediate and extended families and also comfort them over their irreplaceable loss.

Ato, rest peacefully in the arms of your maker.

Amen.

17

Tribute by

Kofi Adimado COLLEAGUE AND FRIEND

I

was very much taken aback when I received news of your passing away; for, not too long before then, you had asked me to look for two particular books in Accra, which I got and ensured delivery to you in Kumasi. We engaged in WhatsApp chats here and there, and you frequently sent extracts and clips on matters relating to religion, health, local and world politics, business and simple day to day personal attitudes to avoid. What a surprise, therefore, to hear you were gone.

we had moments of argument and disagreement, particularly on issues pertaining to banking processes and procedures; but these were quickly resolved with understanding, mostly unbeknown to the subordinates we served.

Your thoughts had always been deep, and carried weight, to the extent that I feel confident enough to relate you to this anonymous quote: “There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains”

Ato, we were quite a happy team of colleague officers working together at the Accra Main Branch of the then Social Security Bank (now Société Générale Ghana). Your daily dress code, bespoke suits, which some of us tried hard to copy, was only somehow matched by one of our colleagues, the late Alexander Smart-Abbey. The relationship with the staff was exemplary. Yes,

Ato Burndam, you have lived your life highly respected, and passed on deeply regretted.

May the Angels receive and present you to God the Most High.

Rest in Perfect Peace.

18

Tribute by

Monica Evans-Quayson A CUSTOMER / FRIEND

I

wail, I mourn, I cry and in Biblical terms, I pour ashes on my head to signify the depth of my grief at the loss of my very good friend and Bank Manager Uncle Ato Burndam.

I had walked into the Banking Hall of the Social Security Bank Ltd. (SSB), as it was then known and started pouring out my well-rehearsed query to the Bank Teller. She pointed to an open door and said “See the Manager”. Indeed, the Manager’s office door was open, literally and figuratively!

As I entered, the Manager was attending to some other customers and beckoned me to sit down.

When it came to my turn, I again stared with my long narration of complaints while he sat quietly and listened empathetically. When he looked up, he wrote something on a piece of paper, called a staff member, gave it to him and “Hey Presto!” my problem had been solved. That simple!

That singular act of operating an open-door policy, at that Tudu Branch of SSB Bank Ltd., offered a glaring example of how to deal with clients generally, and specifically with agitating ones like me.

This Manager, unlike any other that I had known, was very professional in his approach to work, not only by his sharp sense of dressing which reflected his meticulous brain power, but he also inspired confidence in his customers who needed sympathetic financial ears, at a time when they faced genuine financial predicament. He was the man to turn to at those critical moments of financial distress.

19

Ato Burndam, the Branch Manager of SSB Tudu Branch was that man and a living “Letter of Comfort” for me. With time, I dropped the title ‘Manager’ and called him” Uncle Ato” a term of endearment, respect and honour. And he reciprocated with the same respect and deference to me, with the pet name of “Monique”.

When he relocated to Kumasi, we stayed in touch by the magic of WhatsApp, until the sad news of his passing reached me through his wife Flozzy.

At this stage, and as a true Anglican myself, let me state that Ato Burndam was a good and loyal Anglican. He loved his church and always made sure I attended Fund Raising activities in his Parish of St. Albans Anglican Church Community 1Tema in the 1980s. His faith in Christ and the Anglican communion was unshaken. So, it is fitting for me to quote an Anglican prayer at this time of departure.

“For all who have died in the communion of your church, and those whose Faith is known to you alone, that, with all the Saints, they have nest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you O’Lord”.

And let the Congregation respond “Lord hear our prayer, Amen!

Uncle Ato, da yie. Sleep well and wait for us to join you on that beautiful Resurrection Morning.

Tribute by

Former Staff of the Erstwhile First Allied Savings And Loans Ltd.

A

s emotional and difficult as this may be, we deem it a great honor to have to write this tribute. A boss extraordinaire. In all our working lives, we have not yet met anyone like him. Yes, we mean it. We did not think that we will be writing a tribute at this time, because he looked very fit and energetic.

We all affectionately called him Uncle Ato and also nicknamed him Old Roger.

How can we forget his sense of style. His well-tailored suits, on point shirts and neck ties to match.

Well-polished shoes that stayed so till the end of the working day. The few hairs on his head and his facial hairs also stayed well kept, courtesy his pocket comb. Apart from teaching us to work assiduously, he also taught us to look good as Bankers, since first impressions are lasting impressions.

Anytime you noticed anything new on him, his favorite comment would be ‘the difference between the men and the boys, is with the toys with which they play’.

Almost all of us were new to banking then, but he was very patient with us. As the Director of Banking Operations, he took so much pains to teach us all the nitty-gritties of the profession. He did not take his work lightly and trained us to work to his

20

satisfaction. He never tolerated mediocrity and laziness. All such people had issues with him. Work hard as he desired and he would ensure you were duly rewarded.

The caring father in him came to play anytime he returned from his weekend visits to Cape Coast/ Saltpond. We will have our portions of Sofo Sackey nefie gari, Fante kenkey and pineapples (sugar loaves). We all looked forward to it and he never disappointed us. How can we forget our French bread with Corned beef sandwiches for our breakfast? However, all this would never absolve you of his wrath if he found you not doing what was expected of you. As old as we were then, Uncle Ato made sure that our finger nails were neatly polished and woe unto you if you were found chewing gum in front of clients.

We are grateful to God for giving us the opportunity of working with you. We deeply appreciate you for everything you taught us. You took us as your own children and contributed immensely to who we all are today. We have missed you. For sometime now no one has been forwarding topical issues on BBC to us.

You played your part well, our Boss and father.

Sleep well till we all meet again. Old Roger, da yie.

Nyame nfa wonsie mma yen.

Tribute by

Mfantsiman Lodge No 7863 EC

W

e pay this sad tribute of respect to Worshipful Brother Emmanuel Kwamena Burndam who has been summoned from this terrestrial life to partake of the Devine refreshment in the celestrial Grand Lodge. We pray that he receives from the hands of The Great Architect of the universe a crown of Glory and a perfect peace in His Presence.

Ato Burndam was a professional Banker with the Social Security Bank Ltd. and during his active service, he was transferred to Tema, Accra main and lastly Kumasi Branch where he finally retired and settled in that area till his untimely death on 14th December 2021.

This melancholy event, Masonry teaches a lesson soon forgotten, “that in the midst of life we are in death and hence life here is a transition and each and every one of us must sooner or later pass through the shadow of death, but under the protection of the great Architect of the Universe, to rise from the tomb of transgression, to shine as the stars in the Celestrial Lodge for ever and ever”.

Again we are taught that “to a just and virtuous man death has no terror The “immortal Socrates also wrote centuries ago that. “Be of good cheer about death and know of a truth, that no evil can happen to a good man either in life or after death” Ato Burndam as he was generally called by his friends and associate saw Masonic light on the 15th March, 1986 when he was initiated into Freemasonry at Mfantsiman Lodge No 7863 EC at the ACHIMOTA temple in Accra.

21

Our Brother worked assiduously mastering the ritual and progressed steadily through the various offices towards the East and was finally installed Worshipful Master of the Lodge on 1995. He was for some year’s secretary of the Lodge till the year 2000. On his relocation to Kumasi he affiliated to Excelsior Lodge No 7670 EC. In the District Grand Lodge he attained the rank of PDSGD in 2002 and eventually a PZ in the District Grand Chapter. He joined Grand lodge above on 14th December 2021.

Our Brother in his life time gave angle proof of the virtues of Benevolence and Charity for he gave generously to friends, family, Church and to the Lodge when the need arose.

A great soul has quietly gone from our mist and we pray to the Great Architect of the Universe that he be granted an assured place in heaven and a holy and perfect rest till time is no more. So mote it be. AMEN.

22

23

24

25

Hymns HYMN 334 1. LOVING Shepherd of Thy sheep, Keep thy lamb, in safety keep; Nothing can Thy power withstand, None can pluck me from Thy Hand.

2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were made; thou art God from everlasting, and world without end.

3. Thou turnest man to destruction; again thou sayest, come again, ye children of men.

2. Loving Saviour, Thou didst give Thine own life that we might live, And the Hands outstretch’d 4. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday; seeto bless

ing that is past as a watch in the Bear the cruel nails’ impress. night.

3. I would praise thee every day.

5. As soon as thou scatters’ Gladly all thy will obey, Like them they are even as a sleep; Thy blessed ones above and fade away suddenly like the Happy in Thy precious love. grass.

4. Loving shepherd, ever near, 6. In the morning it is green and Teach thy lamb Thy voice to hear, Suffer not my steps to stray growth up; but in the evening it is cut down, dried up, and From the straight and narrow withered. way.

5. Where Thou leadest I would go, Walking in Thy steps below, Till before my FATHER’S Throne I shall know as I am known.

PLSAM 90 1. Lord, thou hast been our refuge; from one generation to another.

10. The days of our age are threescore years and ten; and though men be so strong that they come to fourscore years; yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow; so soon passeth it away, and we are gone.

11. But who regardeth the power of thy wrath; for even thereafter as a man feareth, so is thy displeasure.

12. So teach us to number our days; that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

13. Turn thee again, O Lord, at the last; and be gracious unto thy servants.

14. O satisfies us with thy mercy and that soon; so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

7. For we consume away in thy displeasure; and are afraid at thy 15. Comfort us again now after the time that thou hast plagued wrathful indignation. us; and for the years wherein we 8. Thou hast set our misdeeds have suffered adversity. before thee; and our secret sins 16. Shew thy servants thy work. in the light of thy countenance.

And their children thy glory.

9. For when thou art angry all our days are gone; we bring our 17. And the glorious majesty of years to an end, as it were a tale the Lord our God be upon us; prosper thou the work of our that is told. hands upon us, O prosper thou our handywork.

26

HYMN 165

2. Death’s mightiest powers have done their worst 1. O GOD, our help in ages past, And Jesus hath His foes disOur hope for years to come, persed Let shouts of praise and Our shelter from the stormy joy outburst blast, Alleluia!

And our eternal home;

Father in Thy gracious keepingLeave we now thy servant sleeping

4. There no more the powers of hellCan prevail to mar their peace; Christ the Lord shall guard them well 3. On the third morn He rose 2. Beneath the shadow of thy He who died for their release againGlorious in majesty to reign Father in Thy gracious keepingthrone Thy Saints have dwelt O let us swell the joyful strain secure; Leave we now thy servant Sufficient is thine Arm alone, sleeping.

Alleluia!

And our defense is sure.

5. ‘’Earth to earth, and dust to 4. Lord, by the stripes which 3. A thousand ages in thy sight dust,Calmly now the words we wounded Thee Are like an evening gone. say Short as the watch that ends the From death’s dread sting Thy Leaving him to sleep in trust servant free night Till the Resurrection-day That we may live and sing to Before the rising sun.

Father in Thy gracious keepingThee Leave we now Thy servant 4. Before the hills in order stood, sleeping Alleluia!

Or earth received her frame, From everlasting thou art GOD,

To endless years the Same.

NUNC DIMITTIS

HYMN 401

5. Time, like and ever –rolling stream, Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day.

1. Now the laborer’s task is over, Now the battle day is past Now upon the farther shore Lands the voyager at last Father in Thy gracious keeping6. O GOD, our help in ages past, Leave we now Thy servant sleeping Our hope for years to come, Be thou our guard while troubles 2. There the tears of earth are last, dried And our eternal home.

There its hidden things are clear; There the work of life is tried;

By a juster Judge than here.

HYMN 135 Father in Thy gracious keepingLeave we now Thy servant 1. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The strife is o’er the battle done sleeping Now is the victor’s triumph won O let the song of praise be sung 3.‘’There the sinful souls, that turnTo the Cross their dying eyes All the love of Christ shall learn Alleluia!

At His Feet in Paradise

27

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace; according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen; thy salvation; which thou hast prepared; before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles; And to be the glory of thy people Israel

PASLM 46 1. God is our hope and strength : a very present help in trouble.

2. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved : and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;

HYMN 176

3. Though the waters thereof rage and swell : and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same.

1. How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer’s ear It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds And drives away his fear.

4.The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the city of God : the holy place of the tabernacle of the most Highest.

2. It makes the wounded spirit whole And calms the troubled breast “Tis manna to the hungry soul And to the weary rest.

5.God is the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed: God shall help her, and right early.

6.The heathen make much ado, and the kingdoms are moved : but God hath shewed his voice, and the earth shall melt away.

3. Dear Name the rock on which I build My shield and hiding-place My never-failing treasury fill’d With boundless stores of grace.

7. The Lord of hosts is with us : the God of Jacob is our refuge.

4. Jesus! My Shepherd, Husband, Friend My Prophet, Priest, and King My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End Accept the praise I bring.

8. O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord :what destruction he hath brought upon the earth.

9. He maketh wars to cease in all the world : he breaketh the bow, and knappeth the spear in sunder, and burneth the chariots in the fire.

5. Weak is the effort of my heart And cold my warmest thought But when I see Thee as Thou art I’ll praise Thee as o ought.

10. Be still then, and know that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth.

6. Till then I wound Thy love proclaim With every fleeting breath And may the music of Thy Name Refresh my soul in death.

11. The Lord of hosts is with us: the God of Jacob is our refuge.

28

The entire family of the late

EMMANUEL K WA M I N A B U R NDA M Acknowledge your prayers, presence and diverse expressions of sympathy on the occasion of our bereavement. We are indeed humbled by your generosity.

May God Richly Bless You.

design & print: Woode And Woode Ltd. +233 202 401 409