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By Vivian Onyebukwa
First Baptist Church, Lagos, has been in celebration mood since August 10, 2025, when the activities to mark the 170 years anniversary of the church started. The activities are expected to continue until November 2, 2025, which will be the grand finale.
Chairperson of the anniversary planning committee, Mrs. Bimpe Adejunmobi-Apatira, said that the celebration is necessary as the church has witnessed countless successes in the propagation of the word, and in the spiritual battle to win souls for Christ and expand the heavenly kingdom. Adejunmobi-Apatira stated this at a press briefing to announce successes of the church to the world since the church was established in Lagos.
She noted that the church has lived up to its social responsibility in various ways such as supporting government in the provision of education such as the Baptist Academy, health and other amenities. “These laudable achievements have been made possible by the unmediated dedication of the leadership of the church over past hundred and seventy years, as well as the constant support of the ever growing congregation, she said”.
She equally outlined other activities marking the anniversary to include a women’s choir event that has already taken place, “Walk for Christ” taking place within Lagos Island, scheduled for Saturday, October 25; Revival Service, Sunday 26 to 29, a youth choir festival, while the annual thanksgiving and grand finale of the celebration is scheduled to hold on November 2 2025.
Adejunmobi-Apatira equally revealed that dignitaries such as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected as a special guest at the event. Others expected to grace the event include Lagos State governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde; former Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President, Mr Olawale Cole; Chairman of Skymit, Mr Tayo Ayeni, among others.
Lead Pastor at the First Baptist Church on Broad Street, Reverend (Dr) Julius Ayodele Oluwole, highlighted the importance of the celebration. He said it is a time to reflect on the efforts of the founding fathers of the church, assessing the impacts made in the lives of the people, which will in turn help to shape the direction for the future. “This celebration presents us to balance the past, reflect on the efforts of the founding fathers of the church, the impact they made, and the difference the church has made in the lives of its members and society as a whole to shape the future.”
The cleric added that the event would showcase the church’s history and encourage the current generation to engage in evangelism, particularly targeting youth to help increase membership. “When you study history, it accords us the opportunity to learn and analyse, to avoid past mistakes, chart a better course and reposition the church to achieve its primary goal, which is soul-winning.
Dr Oluwole further stated that the church intends to give more attention to the youths through its social ministry and sporting activities, adding that they are the future of the church.
Moses Adediran, an engineer, while giving the history and overview of the church, said that the church was originally founded on Broad Street in Lagos 170 years ago. He traced back its origin to Rev Joseph M. Harden, an American who arrived in Lagos in 1851 as business agent of the American Baptist Mission to facilitate supplies for missionaries going into the hinterland. According to him, Harden established the foundation of the Baptist congregation in 1855, signified by the erection of a chapel of bamboo wood dedicated on 3rd February 1857 at the Faji market area, Lagos which was destroyed either by storm or fire in 1859. This he stated prompted services to be held, first at the Pastor quarters which is the site of the present address of the church, and then at the school room when one was built in 1860.
Also, speaking on the developmental growth of the church in the last 20 years, Mrs Morayosola Fadipe listed the Church activities to include the establishment of twenty-three branches within and outside Nigeria. They include successful mission endeavours in Obitti, Imo State, Ilero, Oyo State, Bassa Home Mission Field in Niger, Missionary Purse Ministries, Foreign Missions, the Cross River Mission Field, and the Togo Mission Field, with a proposed mission field endeavour in Iju-Odo, Ondo State.
“The First Baptist Church remains committed to spreading the gospel and fulfilling Jesus’ commission. We remain committed to keep working for and walking with God in total obedience”, Mrs Fadipe said.
