Second Oldest Church in Nigeria, St. Jude's Anglican Begins 180th Anniversary In Abeokuta

The Egba Anglican Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, St. Jude’s Church, Ikija in the Iberekodo area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, has commenced activities marking its 180th anniversary in grand style.

Speaking at a press conference, the priest in charge of the historic church, Vicar Peter Soetan, noted that St. Jude’s, established in 1845, as the second oldest Anglican Church in Nigeria and has continued to stand as a beacon of faith and service to the community for nearly two centuries.

He said the week-long programme began with a market revival on Monday, followed by a series of impactful spiritual, social, and humanitarian activities designed to celebrate God’s faithfulness.

According to him "We’re here to celebrate God’s faithfulness because life is full of ups and downs. God has been so kind to His church, and that’s why we said we have to celebrate it in a big elaborate way."

"We just finished the market revival, and here we are holding this press conference. By God’s grace, tomorrow we will visit our aged members, administer Holy Communion, and appreciate them for their past labour in the church. Many of them can no longer attend services, but we can not forget their sacrifices when they had the strength to serve,” he said.

On Wednesday, he said the church will extend its hand of service to society with a free medical outreach at the Iberekodo axis."

"Over 500 people are expected to benefit from treatment by medical personnel, while the women of the church will also distribute clothing to the less privileged and physically challenged. 

Soetan described the outreach as both charity and evangelism, aimed at showing the community the love of God.

He said on Thursday, there will be a symposium where a lecture will be delivered, reflecting on the church’s journey from inception to its present status and also projecting into the future.

His words “We want to look at where we started, where we are today, and how to plan for tomorrow,” adding that the lecture would serve as a charge to younger generations to sustain the work of the church.

"Friday has been dedicated to children, with a Christian film show designed to teach them about faith and human relations. The day will culminate in a praise night by 10 p.m., where the congregation will gather to worship and appreciate God for His faithfulness over 180 years.

On Saturday, members will engage in a general sanitation exercise to beautify and cleanse the environment, while the grand finale holds on Sunday with a thanksgiving service and annual family harvest. 

Pastor Soetan explained that the event is expected to attract dignitaries, sons, and daughters of the church from home and abroad, saying that the CAN Chairman in Ogun State, Bishop Oluwadaisi Emmanuel Adekunle (PhD), will deliver the anniversary sermon.

Also speaking, the Chairman anniversary planning committee, Mr Obadimu revealed that the entire programme reflects a balance of spiritual reflection, community service, and celebration.

"God has helped us so far for 180 years. This celebration is not just for our members but for society at large. We want everyone around to benefit and to see that God loves them,” Obadimu affirmed.