National Church of Nigeria | Abuja city tour (1/6)

I went on a tour with Globe Jaunters in Abuja and it was one of the best decisions I made in 2018. Whilst this is not my first group tour, I was reminded of how memorable experiences become extra beautiful when shared with others. It was a small but knitted group and I loved it.

Our first stop was The National Church of Nigeria (previously known as the National Ecumenical Centre and officially known as the National Christian Centre).It is the primary place of worship for all Christians of different denominations in Nigeria. It was constructed between 1989 & 2005.

The church is located opposite the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN - see my profile picture) and the security men in the area are extra vigilant. Infact, it's a miracle that I was able to take the picture in front of CBN, though from the compound of the church.

Bell Tower of the National Church

The bell tower is almost 500 steps to the the top. We were unable to go on the adventure. I guess some giants are better left to be fought another day.

The tour guide told us the history of the Church and explained why the picture of the preacher sits in-between the president and the state governor, saying it is because Jesus was hung beside two thieves. Okay, he never said that, neither did I. I wonder were that came from.

To visit the church, you have to get approval from the office in the Bell Tower, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The bell tower

The steps

The Church

The church is built in a neo-gothic style (an artistic style that originated in the 19th century) and has several pivoted arches. The altar rotates and completes a full rotation every ten minutes. Unfortunately, we were unable to experience the rotation as there was no light. When there is no ceremony taking place at the church, it is opened for guided tours like ours.

Pivoted arch

A complete view of the church with the stained glass windows mixing the colors green, red, and yellow to create a beautiful scene with natural light penetration.

The Organ

The church installed the largest pipe organ I have ever laid my eyes on. It is stationed near the choir area.

The organ

The jolly-good fellows

Final thoughts

Apparently, the Federal Government of Nigeria gave both Christians and Muslims a start up capital of N10m or so, to build. Both religions obviously also got massive contributions from their respective members and built an iconic structure. I hear the church was completed 20 years after the mosque. Please read blog post on the National Mosque of Nigeria

I couldn't have missed this opportunity to explore with this cool guys. I truly felt at home in their presence and yes, I look forward to more group trips.

Thanks for reading till my next adventure. Oh! before that, massive thanks to Ednut and Tola for the pictures. Well appreciated.

Margaret.