The first Lagos Baptist Church has put up a line of activities to mark its 170th anniversary with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; former LCCI President, Mr. Olawale Cole; Chairman of Skymit, Mr. Tayo Ayeni, expected as guests during the grand finale.

The church, which is the first organised Baptist church in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, has begun celebrations to mark its 170th anniversary with a renewed call for reflection, redirection, and repositioning in service to God and humanity.

Speaking during a media parley, Lead Pastor of the church, Julius Oluwole, emphasised the importance of history as a tool for understanding the present and shaping the future.

He urged members to reflect on the past, learn from previous experiences, and build on the legacy of the church’s founding members.

He said that history enables believers to understand causes and effects, avoid past mistakes, and identify omissions that future generations must address.

The original mission of the church, according to him, remains evangelism and the advancement of God’s kingdom through every available means. He added that reflecting on the past also provides spiritual direction and helps believers make informed decisions about the future.

The 170th anniversary, themed “Celebrating 170 Years of Faith in God and Service to Humanity (1855–2025)”, highlights the church’s rich history, which began with 25 baptised members and has since grown into a network that has planted dozens of churches across Nigeria and beyond.

By its 150th anniversary, the First Baptist Church had already established 23 Baptist congregations, many of which have gone on to plant additional churches nationwide. In recent years, the church has expanded its outreach through mission fields and partnerships across states and neighboring countries. Over the last two decades, the church has successfully planted new congregations.

Marking the milestone, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mrs. Barbara Morayosola Fadipe, said reaffirms the church’s commitment to spreading the gospel and sustaining the vision of its founders.

According to the Chairperson, Anniversary Planning Committee, Mrs. Bimpe Adejunmobi-Apatira, the church’s anniversary programme includes a series of events such as the Family Legacy service, Annual Women Choir Festival, “Walk for Christ”, revival service, annual thanksgiving, centenary choir festival on December 7, and the carol of nine lessons on December 21.