Nigeria’s religious landscape is deeply rooted in centuries of Christian missionary activity with some of its churches dating back to the early 19th century.
From the cobbled streets of Badagry to the riverine towns of the Niger Delta, these churches not only mark the arrival of Christianity but also tell stories of resilience, faith, and cultural transformation.
Here are the top 10 oldest churches in Nigeria:
1. Methodist Church Nigeria
The Methodist Church Nigeria holds the title of being the first Christian denomination to establish a mission in Nigeria. Founded in 1842 by Rev. Thomas Birch Freeman and Rev. William de Graft of the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society, the church began its work in Badagry, Lagos, and has remained influential in Nigeria’s Christian and educational landscape.
2. Anglican Church
The Anglican Church, (Anglican Communion), also began missionary activities in Nigeria in 1842 through the Church Missionary Society (CMS). With historical figures such as Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the church played a critical role in spreading Christianity and Western education across the country.
3. Baptist Church
American Baptist missionary Rev. Thomas Jefferson Bowen established the first Baptist mission in Nigeria in 1850. The Nigerian Baptist Convention was later formally organised in 1914. The denomination’s strong emphasis on education and local leadership helped it thrive and grow into one of the country’s most prominent church bodies.
4. Presbyterian Church
Founded in 1846 by Scottish missionaries of the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria began its work in Calabar. It quickly gained ground in southeastern Nigeria, contributing significantly to the religious and educational development of the region.
5. Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church established a permanent presence in Nigeria in 1862, with the arrival of the Society of African Missions in Lagos. The Church’s growth, especially in Eastern Nigeria, was bolstered by its commitment to education, healthcare, and missionary outreach.
6. The Apostolic Church Nigeria
Emerging from the Faith Tabernacle Revival, The Apostolic Church Nigeria was officially established in 1918 in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. It is one of Nigeria’s earliest Pentecostal churches and a pioneer of the Pentecostal movement in the country.
7. Cherubim and Seraphim Church
Founded by Prophet Moses Orimolade Tunolase, this church is the first major African Initiated Church (AIC) in Nigeria, known for its spiritual emphasis on prophecy and healing.
8. Church of the Lord (Aladura)
Founded in Ogere-Remo by Josiah Olunowo Ositelu, the Church of the Lord (Aladura) was one of the earliest prayer-focused indigenous churches, emphasizing prophecy and spiritual deliverance.
9. Lutheran Church of Nigeria (1936)
Established by the Sudan United Mission in Numan, Adamawa State, the Lutheran Church has played a significant role in evangelism and theological training in northeastern Nigeria.
10. Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) (1904/1954)
Originating from the Sudan Interior Mission in 1904 and adopting its current name in 1954, ECWA has grown into a large evangelical denomination with a strong focus on missions and church planting.
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