In the late nineteenth century, Lagos was a bustling coastal city shaped by colonial rule, cultural change and growing African intellectual confidence. On 14 August 1891, nine African Christian leaders gathered in Lagos and made a historic decision that would reshape the future of Christian worship across Nigeria. They created the United Native African Church, an entirely African governed Christian body built on dignity, cultural identity and spiritual autonomy. Their work laid the foundation for what would later evolve into the First African Church Mission.
Their core belief was simple. African Christians deserved a church that spoke to their experiences, reflected their values and enabled them to lead without foreign restrictions. This conviction became a defining moment in the development of African initiated churches, inspiring a new era of worship that embraced African culture rather than suppressing it.
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Origins and Purpose in Colonial Lagos
During the nineteenth century, most mission churches operating in Lagos were controlled by European societies. Although these churches introduced Christianity, they also imposed barriers that limited African leadership, restricted cultural expression and preserved foreign dominance. African clergymen often remained in subordinate positions and decisions affecting African congregations were made by Europeans who did not fully understand local realities.
The founders of the United Native African Church responded by establishing a church governed by Africans and structured around African priorities. They believed that effective evangelism in Africa required attention to local culture, climate and social needs. They rejected the idea that Christian worship must follow European patterns and instead envisioned a church that embraced cultural authenticity while maintaining spiritual depth.
This marked a major turning point. It affirmed that African Christians could define their own religious identity and build institutions capable of lasting influence.
The First Congregation, Jehovah Shalom
Soon after its founding, the new church established its first congregation in Lagos, known as Jehovah Shalom. This became the centre of the growing movement. Over time, the congregation would become a symbol of spiritual independence and one of the most recognisable structures of the church.
Jehovah Shalom eventually became the international cathedral and headquarters of the First African Church Mission. Located at Phoenix Lane off Broad Street on Lagos Island, it lies within one of the city’s oldest and most historically significant districts. The area’s commercial and cultural importance made it an ideal location for a movement determined to serve both urban life and spiritual growth.
A New Expression of Christian Worship
One of the greatest contributions of the United Native African Church was its embrace of African culture in worship. At a time when colonial churches discouraged African instruments, traditional clothing and local expressions of praise, the new church took a transformative approach. It encouraged the use of:
- Indigenous musical instruments
- African rhythms and harmonies
- Nigerian attire in worship
- African leadership in all levels of ministry
These changes were welcomed by many Christians who had grown uncomfortable with the Europeanized forms of worship common at the time. The use of drums, local melodies and expressive praise helped congregations reconnect faith with cultural identity. The movement became known for its lively, inclusive and culturally grounded worship style.
The 1984 Renaming and Modern Identity
As decades passed, cultural language evolved in Nigeria. The word “Native” gradually carried colonial undertones that no longer fit the modern identity of the church. In 1984, church leaders gathered to consider how best to represent their heritage while moving confidently into the future. During this conference, the body unanimously adopted a new name, the First African Church Mission.
The name celebrated the church’s pioneering status as one of the first African founded Christian institutions in West Africa. It highlighted African leadership, African unity and African identity. The transition reflected both respect for history and readiness for a new era.
Today, the First African Church Mission continues to grow with congregations and dioceses across Nigeria and beyond. It remains committed to African leadership, community development and culturally meaningful worship.
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Images and Historical Context
A well known 1961 photograph depicting women and a priest at a church entrance in Isale Eko has sometimes been associated with African initiated churches. While the image captures a powerful moment in Lagos Christian life, its specific denominational identity is not documented. Several African initiated churches existed in the area at the time, each contributing to the religious diversity of Lagos Island. The image stands as a visual reminder of the era, representing the broader story of local Christian communities in mid twentieth century Lagos.
Enduring Significance
The establishment of the United Native African Church represents a defining milestone in African religious history. It introduced a movement shaped by African initiative, cultural pride and the determination to build faith communities free from discriminatory structures. Its transformation into the First African Church Mission shows resilience, unity and adaptation through changing generations.
The church’s contributions to worship, music, leadership and cultural inclusion remain influential across Nigeria. It stands not only as an institution but also as a symbol of African ownership within Christianity, a legacy that continues to inspire worshippers today.
Author’s Note
This story honours the visionary African leaders who built a church that reflected their identity, their faith and their future. Their creation of the United Native African Church in 1891, and its later growth into the First African Church Mission, demonstrates the power of self governance, cultural pride and spiritual conviction. The legacy they established continues to remind us that African Christians shaped their own religious destiny, creating institutions that remain vibrant, impactful and deeply rooted in community life.
References
About Us, The First African Church Mission
Broad Street, Lagos, the UNA Church, Vanguard
Our founders were detained for drumming in church, Punch Nigeria
Historical surveys of African Indigenous Churches
Lagos State compendium of worship centres, Lagos Island
