Сhurches in Nigeria - Top 5 most beautiful
There are a lot of churches in Nigeria. The reason is that Nigerians are very religious and most of them spend time visiting a church for prayers.
In Nigeria, there are two main religions. Islam dominates in the north of the country, it is also prevalent in its southwestern part, among the Yoruba people. Protestantism and local syncretic Christianity are also common among the Yoruba, while Catholicism prevails among the Igbo people. Protestantism and Catholicism profess the peoples: Ibibio, annnang, and others.
The 1963 census has shown that 47 percent of Nigerians are Muslims, 35 percent are Christians and 18 percent profess traditional beliefs.
About half of Nigeria's population is Christian. According to the Pew Research Center in 2016, the country had 80.5 million Christians, which accounted 50.8% of the population. Over the past 40 years, the number and proportion of Christians have increased. In 1976 there were only 22.7 million Christians (or 42% of the population) in the country.
The largest Christian denominations are Anglicans (20 million), Catholics (20 million) and Pentecostals (18.2 million).
We’ve created the list of churches in Nigeria, which are the most beautiful according to our opinion. Would you like to see the best catholic churches in Nigeria?
Top churches in Nigeria
1. National church of Nigeria
Nigeria is a large country with a serious predominance of the Christian population. The National Church in Abuja is the major place of worship for numerous believers. The church was built in 2005. This event coincided with the 45th anniversary celebration of the country's independence.
The structure is made in the Neo-Gothic style with expansive copper roofs. Its wonderful design fascinates with its beauty. At the top level of the high square tower, it is equipped with a small bell tower, which includes five bells of a tubular shape.
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Several rotating arches with a wide hub lead to the altar, located in the center of the church hall. It makes a full turn every ten minutes. To the right of the altar, there is a huge organ and a place for the choir. Magnificent stained-glass windows, made in a combination of yellow, green and red, adorn lancet windows.
During free time from rituals, the church is open to the public. The National church of Nigeria is one of the popular names of churches in Nigeria.
The address of the church is Sani Abacha Way, Abuja, Nigeria
2. The Synagogue of the Church of All Nations
The Synagogue of the Church of All Nations in Lagos suburbs is one of the most visited places in our country. This beautiful structure was built in 1991 and it immediately blended into the general architectural environment, but at the same time, it retained its independent, colorful image.
The building is made in classical style with a lot of arched openings, located along the perimeter of the building. Above the main entrance, there is a huge stained glass window depicting scenes of Jewish holidays. At the entrance of the building, the visitors enter a chic vestibule, passing through which a person forgets about the worries of the material world and adjusts himself to prayer.
The glory of the miraculous healings occurring here has swept the whole world. A large number of believers come to the synagogue to get rid of the ills with the help of prayer.
The Church of All Nations is the site of meetings and various solemn events of the whole community, as well as of its individual members. It regularly hosts church rituals, such as bar mitzvah, circumcision, and ransom of the new-born.
The address of the church is 1, Segun Irefin Street, Ikotun - Egbe Road, Lagos, Nigeria
3. Aba Nigeria Temple
It is the 121st operating temple of the legendary LDS Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
On April 2, 2000, the authorities made an announcement that a temple was going to be built in Aba, in the state of Abia. It was created to serve the nation's 68,000 Latter-day Saints. Aba Nigeria Temple has become the third built temple in Africa. The temple site is highly visible: 6.3 acres (25,000 m2) on the suburbs of Aba by the Ogbor River. The government had to build the bridge over the river in order to provide access to this wonderful temple.
There were a site dedication and groundbreaking ceremony on February 23 in 2002. About 2,000 people came to see the ceremony including some church members and leaders, some tribal chiefs from the territory, and also authorities. The construction of Aba Nigeria Temple started soon after that site dedication. After 3 years an open house was conducted from June 18 to July 2 in 2005. It was made to allow people to come inside the temple and find out about all the ceremonies performed inside such temples.
A few weeks after, on Saturday, August 6, 2005, one day before this temple was dedicated, a huge celebration was held. People recounted the story of the area using song and dance. On August 7, 2005, the president of LDS Church Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the beautiful Aba Nigeria Temple. About 7,000 people came to be present for the dedication.
The Aba Nigeria Temple is very large. It has a total floor area of about 11,500 square feet (1,070 m2), two spacious ordinance rooms, and also two sealing rooms. Its outer walls are made of expensive Namibian pearl granite.
4. Cathedral church of Christ, Marina, Lagos
The first foundation stone for the first cathedral was laid on 29 March 1867 and after 2 years the cathedral was established.
The construction of the Cathedral church of Christ was designed by talented architect Bagan Benjamin. It began on 1 November 1924. Its foundation stone was laid by legendary Prince of Wales (later he became King Edward VIII) on 21 April 1925. The building was finished in 1946.
In 1976 the relics of Rev Dr. Samuel Ajayi Crowther, who was a former Yoruba slave, became the first African bishop in the whole Anglican Church, were given to the cathedral. There is a certain cenotaph erected as a beautiful memorial to him.
It is mostly known as the Cathedral Church of Christ Marina. It is the oldest Anglican cathedral in our country. During the various periods of its history, the cathedral became the seat of the archbishop of the Province of West Africa, then the seat of the archbishop and also primate of All Nigeria and after a while the seat of the archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos. Now it is the seat of the Nigerian Bishop of Lagos.
5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
It is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the whole state. It is the representative of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Awka, which is a diocese located in the same city of Awka in Anambra State. It is the Ecclesiastical province of legendary Onitsha in Nigeria.
The beautiful design, spacious white halls – everything makes people feel a divine presence at the church. There a lot of meetings, holidays and special religious occasions take place. Everyone should visit this cathedral at least once, as this atmosphere is truly incomparable and inspiring.
There are different orthodox churches in Nigeria and also Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Every Nigerian should visit these stunning churches. Their image is truly magical and inspiring.
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Source: Legit.ng