The story of Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, begins in 1909 when church services for colonial officers and expatriates were first held in a hall at King’s College Lagos. Under the ministry of Rev. L. S. Noble, these early gatherings marked the birth of a community that would grow into one of the most historically significant Anglican churches in Nigeria.
By 1911, the congregation had moved into a half completed structure on its present site. The building evolved slowly over the following decades and, on 27 November 1932, the newly completed church was consecrated by the Anglican Bishop of Lagos, Frank Melville Jones. This consecration cemented the presence of what was then known as St. Saviour’s Colonial Church, a sanctuary established primarily for the European population living and working in Lagos at the time.
Although its earliest years were dominated by European officials, the 1930s and 1940s brought growing participation from Nigerians. Senior civil servants, legal practitioners, and emerging professionals began to join the church, enriching its spiritual life and gradually reshaping its identity. By the 1960s the congregation had transitioned into a more Nigerian community, supported by clergy such as Canon J. J. H. Payne, whose long ministry helped guide the church through a changing social landscape.
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From Colonial Autonomy to Parish Integration
The church’s legal and administrative history is as notable as its architectural presence. In 1923, a colonial ordinance established an incorporated Church Council responsible for managing the affairs of the church. For decades, this arrangement placed St. Saviour’s in a unique position. It was fully Anglican in worship but administratively distinct from the typical diocesan parish structure. The Bishop of Lagos provided spiritual oversight, yet the internal governance remained with the Church Council.
This system continued throughout the colonial era and well into Nigeria’s independence. By the late twentieth century, however, questions arose regarding whether a church situated in the heart of Lagos should remain outside the diocesan framework. The turning point came in 1991 with the enactment of the St. Saviour’s Church Miscellaneous Provisions Decree. This legislation repealed the mid century incorporation acts and brought the church fully under the administration of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos.
With this formal transition came a symbolic one. The church adopted the name Our Saviour’s Church in 1991, marking a new chapter that reflected its identity as a Nigerian Anglican parish no longer defined by its colonial origins.
A New Sanctuary for a Growing Church
By the mid 1990s, the congregation had grown significantly and required a larger space for worship. Plans were set in motion for a new sanctuary. The foundation was laid in 1995, and on 9 September 1999, the impressive new church building was dedicated. Designed to hold about 1,200 worshippers, this modern sanctuary provided a comfortable, air conditioned worship environment that met the needs of an expanding membership.
Importantly, the original 1932 church was preserved. Today it stands side by side with the newer structure, serving as a chapel and historical anchor. This preservation allows worshippers and visitors alike to connect directly with the architecture and atmosphere of an earlier era, offering a rare and tangible link to Lagos’s colonial past.
Legacy and Living Heritage
Our Saviour’s Church remains one of the most culturally significant Anglican institutions in Nigeria. Its story mirrors the evolution of Lagos itself, from colonial settlement to modern metropolis. The church’s buildings tell a layered story. The 1932 chapel recalls the age of old Government House and colonial officers, while the 1999 sanctuary reflects the energy, scale, and spiritual growth of contemporary Lagos.
The church’s journey from chaplaincy serving expatriates to a vibrant Nigerian parish demonstrates the power of adaptation and community. With active ministries, diverse fellowships, and a deep commitment to spiritual service, Our Saviour’s Church continues to influence generations while honouring the heritage that shaped its beginnings.
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A Reflection of Lagos’s Changing Story
From legal transformations to expanding congregations, the church’s evolution mirrors Lagos’s transformation across a century. Its journey from autonomy to diocesan integration represents not only institutional change but a shift in identity, welcoming the diverse worshipping community that defines it today.
Author’s Note
Our Saviour’s Church stands today as a remarkable meeting point between past and present. It began as a colonial chapel serving a handful of expatriates and has grown into a thriving parish deeply rooted in the life of Lagos. The preservation of its original 1932 chapel ensures that history remains visible and meaningful, while the newer sanctuary reflects its growth and renewed purpose.
References
Our Saviour’s Church TBS Official History
The Guardian Nigeria. Ten Decades of Our Saviour’s Church
BusinessDay Nigeria. A Sunday Morning Drive Along a Broad Street of History
LawNigeria. Chronology of 1991 Nigerian Decrees
Centenary History of Our Saviour’s Church
