Nigeria is one of the most religious countries in the world and it also has the highest number of churches. Christianity came to Nigeria in the 15th century through Augustinian and Capuchin Friars from Portugal.
Even though historians claim that Christianity was brought to Nigeria in the sixteenth century by Portuguese missionaries, no definitive church was established before they departed. The Christianity that has spread all over Nigeria today came through the mission of the Church of England in 1842. The mission was established in Badagry by Henry Townsend but there was never a church building until a few years later.
The Cathedral Church of St. Peter is the first church in Nigeria, built in 1898 in Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State, South Western Nigeria. The church was built by Reverend Andre Desalu Wilhelm to serve as the meeting place for all the missionaries.
Although a lot has changed since then, the old and original structure is still preserved within the church premises. A newer and bigger auditorium has been built where worship sessions are now being held. A hall named after Reverend Henry Townsend, the first missionary to Nigeria, is also located within the church premises. It is interesting that Reverend Henry Townsend also published the first newspaper titled Iwe Irohin. The church has been certified as the oldest church in Nigeria.
