Faith and Freedom: The African Church Legacy
More than a century after its historic founding, The African Church continues to stand as a powerful symbol of spiritual autonomy and cultural pride, earning its place as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous Christian denomination.
Founded on October 17, 1901, during British colonial rule, The African Church emerged from a dramatic split with the Anglican Church. Led by Jacob Kehinde Coker, nearly 800 African congregants broke away from the Church of England in protest against systemic racism and suppression of African leadership within the colonial mission structure.
At the heart of the movement was a demand for dignity and identity in worship. African clergy—despite their qualifications—were sidelined by white bishops such as Bishop Tugwell, often restricted to subservient roles. This growing frustration climaxed at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Breadfruit Street, Lagos, where Coker, then People’s Warden, led the exodus that birthed The African Church.
The first independent service was held at Rose Cottage on Marina Street, marking a new era in Nigerian Christian history. In one of the church’s earliest sermons, lay preacher D.A.J. Oguntolu invoked Song of Solomon 1:6, declaring, “Look not upon me because I am black,” as a bold affirmation of African identity in Christian faith.
The African Church swiftly established its distinctiveness, incorporating African music, dress, and leadership structures into its worship. Within just 28 days, members raised funds and built the Bethel Church, dedicated in December 1901, which became the first permanent structure symbolizing the church’s independence.
Described as a “child of rebellion,” the church was never merely defiant—it was a deliberate reclaiming of spiritual agency. It went on to inspire a broader movement of African Indigenous Churches (AICs), which embraced African values while remaining firmly rooted in Christian theology.
Unlike the more conservative mission churches, The African Church was culturally expressive and tolerant of practices such as traditional marriage customs and polygamy, setting it apart from other denominations of the time.
Today, The African Church has grown to over 700 parishes and an estimated two million members nationwide. It also runs several schools, hospitals, and theological institutions, including the African Church College of Theology in Lagos, affiliated with the University of Ibadan.
Entirely led by Nigerian clergy, the church continues to emphasize autonomy, accountability, and cultural relevance in its governance. Its legacy is intertwined with Nigeria’s nationalist movement, as its assertion of spiritual independence helped ignite broader calls for political self-determination in the early 20th century.
Over 120 years later, The African Church remains a living monument to African initiative, identity, and the enduring power of faith shaped by the people it serves.
