150 Years On

Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, the oldest Anglican cathedral in Nigeria, celebrates God’s faithfulness,

For the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, this is a special season of celebrations. The church is 150 years old and for good reasons, the leadership and its entire members are poised to make the season a memorable one. The celebrations will actually go on for a whole year as various events and activities have been lined up to appreciate the faithfulness of God. The celebrations actually started February 5 when the anniversary logo was launched. Come May, the world would also be briefed on the journey so far via a press conference, situating the significance of the anniversary and possibly the challenge of maintaining the legacy. There would also be a lecture on contemporary issues in Christianity in Nigeria and a gala night, as the church continues to make substantive and symbolic statements by which it intends to build on the epoch, particularly on expansion of its evangelical work by planting more churches and increasing its commitment to humanity through charity programmes in education, welfare, medicals, etc.

Looking back now, it is really a wonderful moment in the life of this remarkable church which arguably packs some very exciting parts of our national history beginning with the colonial era. It can also be related as the nation’s church, when we remember its historic relationship with power and leadership in Nigeria. The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, is the church of the legendary Herbert Macaulay and it is the church of Nigeria’s former heads of state, General Yakubu Gowon and Chief Ernest Sonekan. Gowon actually had his wedding in the church. For a long period of time, it was the church where national ceremonies took place; it was where the memorial service of the late General Murtala Muhammed was held as led by the then head of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo after his unfortunate assassination. The power relationship between the church and the nation’s leadership was actually fortuitous because of its proximity to the seat of power on Marina for a considerable length of time and indeed because the foundation of the church was made up of such elitist crop of congregation which somehow had been maintained till date. It is the oldest Anglican cathedral in the Church of Nigeria.

This is why on Sundays in particular, the church witnesses such spectacle of an aura, the perimeter of its expansive entrance as expected, attracts onlookers and those who are looking for charity, hanging around to seek the benevolence of the high and mighty who worship there. The variety of exotic automobiles from the best of Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Cardillac, Rolls-Royce and other world class brands are neatly packed, akin to royalty.

Understandably so when we realise that this is also the church of Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former Vice-President of Nigeria; the church of chairman of First City Monument Bank, Otunba Subomi Balogu (he’s actually the Grand Patron of the 150th anniversary), the church of T.Y. Danjuma and his wife, Daisy; the church of the richest African woman, the oil baron, Folorunsho Alakija and the church of the industrialist, Chief Dele Fajemirokun.

The Cathedral Church Marina is also the place of worship for the Vigeo boss, Chief Gbolade Osibodu and his wife, Funke Osibodu; Dr. Yomi Finnih, who’s the chairman of the anniversary committee; Mr. Philip Ikeazor, the outgone Managing Director of Keystone Bank; Dr Olumide Phillips, Chairman, Dowen College; Foluso Phillips of the renowned Phillips Consulting; Chief Layi Ajayi-Bembe; Mr. and Mrs John Momoh of Channels Television; Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of Arise Television and THISDAY Newspapers (he also wedded in the church); Mrs Dolapo Odunlami of Rainbow College, among so many prominent members. Interestingly, however, when one enters the church, it is a leveller, as both the rich and poor worship together. It is a defining characteristic of the church. There is no discrimination irrespective of status. Yet in memory of his effervescent legacy, we reckon proudly that the Rev. Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African bishop in the Anglican Church, was a major part of the cathedral history. He was reburied at the church in 1976 with a cenotaph.

So as the entire world celebrates with the church, it is fitting to remember that with purpose and unflinching faith in the Lord, all things are possible. The catchphrase of the sesquicentennial anniversary which is “Celebrating God’s Faithfulness”, underscores this scriptural essence. And so we can gladly connect with that faithful day in1869 when the cathedral was established though the foundation stone for the first cathedral building was laid in 1867.

We recollect that the present day cathedral has actually undergone some major metamorphoses not only in the construction of the picturesque gothic design we now see and admire as architectural masterpiece but also in its historical genesis. The cathedral was originally part and parcel of the St. Peter’s, Faji, before it was moved to Ehingbeti as the present location on Marina was known and called then. It was an enlightened move to create a church for the expanding English speaking members since St. Peter’s, Faji, was predominantly a Yoruba speaking congregation. And from this humble beginning, the church had expanded exponentially in all ramifications over the years.

Beyond its rich history and prominence, though, the Cathedral Church of Christ Marina has made indelible marks in our national life and of course in fulfilment of its essence doing the work of God. In recent interviews with leading lights of the church including the current Provost, The Very Rev. Adebola Ojofeitimi; the immediate past provost and now the Bishop of Lagos Mainland, The Right Rev. B.C.Akinpelu Johnson; The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, OON; Bishop of the Diocese of Remo and the Archbishop of Lagos Province, The Most Revd. Dr Olusina Fape as well as the immediate past Managing Director of Keystone Bank, Mr. Ikeazor, the key values of the church which had sustained its legacy were well remarked as pointers to why the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina and indeed the Anglican Communion remain very relevant in the Christendom in spite of the influx of Pentecostalism in recent years in Nigeria.

The Cathedral Church of Christ Marina has especially played leading roles in fostering leadership ethos for national regeneration while also serving fervently in propagating the work of God and serving humanity. We have seen this exemplified variously in the regular intervention of the church in our national affairs, drawing attention to flaws in public policy and proffering alternative views as we saw especially during the days of the spiritually vibrant Archbishop Peter Akinola, who spoke truth to power. The church has also been forthcoming in spreading evangelism locally and abroad. This important responsibility still features prominently on its array of events to mark the sesquicentennial anniversary as a big church is to be built in the Lekki area of Lagos. It is reckoned thoughtfully that the church has made significant progress in its humanitarian programmes serving humanity, particularly in education and health care and welfare of the less-privileged and the vulnerable generally.

Aside the core which its mode of worship plays, emphasising the choir, these are major values handed down in successive generations of the church which continue to influence its role in nation-building and thus influencing the younger generation and furthering a virile and stable society.