Sankofaonline News Desk | September 19,2026. Pictures and video credit :Mr. Sylvanus Attipoe.
On the 16th Sunday after Trinity, the sanctuary at 7635 S. Dorchester in Chicago swelled with a community overflowing in gratitude, reverence, and love as they gathered to honor the extraordinary life of Presbyter Julius L. Attipoe.
Officiated by Rev. Dr. Philip Elike, the September 20 service of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Chicago carried the theme Grace not Merit, “Amenuveve ye, menye Dɔwɔwɔ aɖeke o”. A truth that mirrored Julius’s entire earthly journey.
Under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Benjamin Kwamson, Julius entered the EPC family nearly two decades ago and became one of its most indispensable pillars.
Julius’s life was a symphony of devotion, humility, and relentless service. Migrating from Ghana as a young boy, he found his spiritual home in Chicago and immediately became the church’s silent servant, the unpaid handyman who repaired lights, fixed the public address system, maintained overhead monitors, cleaned the sanctuary after worship, locked the doors, and turned off the lights. When others went home, Julius stayed behind, keeping the house of God ready for the next gathering.
His devotion to Ewe culture and music was nothing short of miraculous. Though he did not grow up fluent in Ewe, Julius pursued the language with fierce determination. Under the gentle guidance of Madam Evelyn Attipoe and her daughters, he learned to speak Ewe, read Scripture in Ewe, sing traditional hymns, and master both piano and drums. He rose to become choir conductor. His love for the choir was so deep that he personally paid to dry clean the robes, ensuring they always stood pristine before the congregation.
Beyond the sanctuary, Julius’s generosity was a living force. When the church lacked storage space, he surrendered his own basement. He funded monthly communion supplies from his own pocket. He became a chauffeur for members without transportation, driving them to bus stops, train stations, or their homes after service. He was a fierce supporter of the Men’s Fellowship, contributing financially and rushing to meetings even after grueling midnight work shifts.
The service drew a distinguished and deeply emotional gathering of community leaders and cultural custodians. Present were Rev. Dr. Kofi Noonoo, Life President of the Council of Ghanaian Churches in Chicago, Rev. Dzifanu Agbenya of Living Comfort Ministries, Togbe Addo, Simon Addo; Mama Nunyati, Deborah Ameyedowo; Chief and Queen of the Ewe Association. Their sub chief Togbe Kutame, Dr. Mark Kutame, and sub queens Mama Sedudzi, Empress Mawusi; and Mama Semekor, Rita Fiadzoe. The president of the Ewe Association, Selali Ayeke, and his vice, Phillip Senanu, were also present, standing in solemn solidarity with the grieving family. In addition, the former president of the Ghana National Council, Paa Kwasi Sam, attended and delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks that resonated deeply across the sanctuary. Former President of the Ewe Association, MacGeoffrey Kutor was also in attendance . Others traveled from Ghana and from states across the United States, a testament to Julius’s far reaching impact and the love he inspired.
Madam Caroline Amexo moderated the event with grace, authority, and a steady emotional cadence that held the congregation together. DJ Dee Love, at his wits best, elevated the atmosphere with music that carried reverence, celebration, and cultural pride, weaving sound into the fabric of memory and turning grief into a dignified tribute.
To those who knew him intimately, Julius was an intellectual, a compassionate brother, and a man whose kindness had no borders. One friend recalled how Julius welcomed him upon arrival, offering a place to sleep and sharing countless meals during their years working together.
He spoke French and was learning Arabic simply to welcome foreigners and make them feel at home.
The Ewe Association of Chicago described him as a man of peace, one who carried himself with quiet grace and fostered unity wherever he went.
Julius faced his final earthly trial with the same private dignity that defined his life. Diagnosed with terminal cancer the previous summer, he kept his suffering quiet, choosing instead to focus on others. When he was called to eternal rest on September 1, 2026, he made one final act of breathtaking selflessness, donating his body to scientific research so that his passing might bring healing to others.
Surrounded by the songs of the church choir and the Men’s Fellowship, the service offered a space for his wife, Sister Florence, his children, and his extended family to feel the embrace of the community he helped build.
Presbyter Julius L. Attipoe left this world exactly as he lived in it, giving everything he had, keeping the lights burning for those who follow, and resting forever in the eternal grace of the Lord.
We at Sankofaonline wish the family strength and comfort in this season of profound loss.
View Pictures of the event below :
