27/07/2026
A Detailed Chronological History of The Apostolic Church Nigeria (1918–Present)
Background: The Welsh Revival (1904–1905)
The roots of The Apostolic Church began with the Welsh Revival in Britain (1904–1905), which inspired a worldwide Pentecostal movement. In 1916, the name The Apostolic Church was officially adopted in the United Kingdom.
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1918 – The Beginning in Nigeria
During the 1918 influenza pandemic, a group of Anglican believers in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, led by Joseph Shadare (Esinsinade), emphasized:
Prayer
Holiness
Divine healing through faith
Complete dependence on God
Because these beliefs differed from the practices of many in the Anglican Church, the group experienced opposition and formed a fellowship known as the Diamond Society (Precious Stone Society). This is regarded as the beginning of what later became The Apostolic Church Nigeria.
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1921–1930 – The Faith Tabernacle Era
In 1921, the Diamond Society affiliated with the Faith Tabernacle Congregation of Philadelphia, USA.
The movement emphasized:
Salvation through Christ
Divine healing
Water baptism by immersion
Holy living
Prayer
Tithing and Christian discipline
During this period, the fellowship spread from Ijebu-Ode to Ibadan, Lagos, and other regions of Nigeria.
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1930 – The Great Nigerian Revival
A major revival swept across southwestern Nigeria under the ministry of Joseph Ayo Babalola.
Thousands reported:
Healings
Deliverance
Mass conversions
New church fellowships
The revival significantly accelerated the spread of the Pentecostal movement throughout the country.
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1931 – Official Birth of The Apostolic Church Nigeria
In response to the revival, The Apostolic Church in Bradford, England, sent missionaries to Nigeria in September 1931, including:
Pastor D. P. Williams
Pastor A. Turnbull
Prophet W. J. Williams
After discussions with Nigerian leaders, the Faith Tabernacle movement in Nigeria became affiliated with The Apostolic Church (UK). This is recognized as the formal establishment of The Apostolic Church Nigeria.
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1932–1938 – Rapid Expansion
The church expanded rapidly into:
Western Nigeria
Eastern Nigeria
Northern Nigeria
By 1938, there were approximately 120 congregations in Nigeria. Evangelists planted assemblies in many towns and villages.
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1940 – Separation and Formation of Christ Apostolic Church
Differences over leadership, administration, and doctrine resulted in a division.
One group continued as The Apostolic Church Nigeria, while another became the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC). Both churches trace their origins to the 1918 Diamond Society and the 1930 revival.
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1940s–1960s – National Growth
The Apostolic Church Nigeria continued to expand by:
Establishing assemblies nationwide
Training pastors and evangelists
Organizing youth, women's, and children's ministries
Sending missionaries within and beyond Nigeria
The church became one of the leading Pentecostal denominations in the country.
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1970s–1990s – Institutional Development
During these decades, the church strengthened its organization by:
Creating territorial administrations
Building Bible colleges and educational institutions
Expanding missionary work
Increasing evangelistic outreach
Developing welfare and community ministries
Its presence spread across every region of Nigeria and into neighboring countries.
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2000–2010 – Continued Expansion
The church experienced further growth through:
Church planting
Urban evangelism
International missions
Media ministry
Youth conferences and national conventions
It also expanded educational and healthcare initiatives.
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2011 – Dedication of the National Temple
One of the church's greatest milestones came in 2011 with the dedication of the National Temple in Lagos.
The auditorium seats about 100,000 worshippers and serves as the venue for national conventions and major church events.
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2012–Present
Today, The Apostolic Church Nigeria:
Has millions of members.
Operates thousands of assemblies across Nigeria.
Maintains active missionary work in Africa, Europe, North America, and other regions.
Runs schools, theological institutions, hospitals, and social outreach programs.
Continues to emphasize:
Salvation
Holiness
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Divine healing
Evangelism
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Timeline Summary
Year Major Event
1904–1905 Welsh Revival inspires the Pentecostal movement.
1916 The name "The Apostolic Church" is adopted in the UK.
1918 Joseph Shadare forms the Diamond (Precious Stone) Society in Ijebu-Ode.
1921 Affiliation with Faith Tabernacle of Philadelphia.
1930 Great Nigerian Revival under Joseph Ayo Babalola.
1931 The Apostolic Church (UK) missionaries arrive; TAC Nigeria is formally established.
1932–1938 Rapid expansion throughout Nigeria.
1940 Separation leading to the formation of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
1940s–1990s Nationwide growth, missions, and institutional development.
2000–2010 International expansion and increased evangelism.
2011 National Temple in Lagos dedicated.
2012–Present Continued growth in membership, missions, education, and media ministry.
