THE GENESIS OF CHRISTIANITY AND METHODISM IN NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

Scientist have claimed that the earth is now over one billion years old and historians confirmed without equivocation, ways of migration of the people throughout the world, Which became noticeable in Africa through movement to and from lle-lfe into most neighbouring West African countries around 1257.

Among the cities of the nations of the world that experienced migration is the ancient and historical city of Badagry better known as ‘AGBEDEGLEME", contracted as GBAGI in the prestigious Ogu language of the people.

EARLY LIFE OF THOMAS BIRCH FREEMAN

The Revd. Thomas Birch Freeman, the servant of the Most High God and the herald of the gospel to the cradle of Christianity and Methodist in Nigeria was born in England on December 6, 1809. Freeman's father, a gardener by profession was an African and Amy, his mother was an English lady. Thomas Birch Freeman followed in his father's footsteps and later became head gardener to Sir Robert Harland of Orwell Park near Ipswich in Suffolk, England using improved methods of gardening. During the period, Freeman became an enthusiastic Methodist which position brought him the opposition of the vicar who made strong representation to the squire, his employer.

As a result of the representation, Freeman was ordered to choose between his job and his faith and with sincerity, courage and tenacity, he chose his faith, Methodism. On October 10, 1837, he was ordained to the ministry of the Methodist (Wesleyan) church and got married to Miss Elizabeth Boot a few days later.

In the following year, Thomas Birch Freeman and his wife set their faces towards West Africa”with a holy determination to s end and be spent in the important work 0 a Wesleyan missionary”

In 1839, the Wesleyan mission from PortoNovo, Dahomey had established a church at Tohan, which at that time was regarded as an outpost of the Porto Novo mission. between 1839 and 1842, there was a notable homeward movement of freed Africans and at least 500 of them left Freetown for Badagry and through Badagry to Lagos and Abeokuta to make a new starting in life.

In 1838, James Ferguson, 3 leader of trading group and a Methodist settled in Badagry, while there, he became oppressed and overwhelmed with the abominations of superstitions and slavery that surrounded him. He therefore addressed a letter to his old minister in Freetown, The Rev. Thomas Dove.

Rev. Thomas Dove was moved by the plea from Badagry and promptly referred the letter to the Missionary committee in London, England. The outcome was that Thomas Birch Freeman was directed to proceed immediately to Badagry to preach the gospel of Christ and station a missionary t ere and later visit Abeokuta, a town of which report was_ similar to that of James Ferguson has been written

ARRIVAL OF FREEMAN IN BADAGRY

The missionary voyage to the golden town of Badagry (Ogbagleme), Gbagi in the Ogu language o the people was swiftly but successful made in the little vessel named “SPY" which anchored in the shallow water of Gberefu 'Klefu' sea beach‘an island close to Badagry on September 23 . 1842. On the deck of the ship stood the imposing figure of the herald of the gospel. Revd. Thomas Birch Freeman and his two African helpers-William De Graft and his wife both Fante from Gold Coast. The gift of God to Badagry became manifest when on September 2, 1842. The Revd. Thomas Birch Freeman and his companions landed at the ancient town of Badagry and for the first time ever preached Christianity to the people under the AGIA TREE, known in ogu language as ASISOE TIN.

The Revd. Thomas Birch Freeman the Ambassador for Christ continues to propagate the gospel of Christ and publicly asserted the greatness, goodness and Almightiness of the JEHOVAH Almighty God or JIWHEYEWHE in our Ogu language. Such was the success in Badagry that worshippers continue to multiply Sunday after Sunday and also during the mid-week and daily Bible Classes and prayer meetings. As the travelling tents used for fellowship meetings and services were no longer adequate as a result of some visitors, who were Methodists from Freetown, it became necessary to hastily build a bamboo leaf Chapel which became the first ever church building in Nigeria at Boekoh, Badagry in Novem .1842.

The letters of request by returnees of Abeokuta and King Sodeke - The Alake of Abeokuta inform Thomas Birch Freeman's Evangelical assignment at Abeokuta. Freeman requested James Ferguson, a Methodist member and resident of Badagry to visit Abeokuta with a special message to King Sodeke- The Alake of Abeokuta. The Alake was very much delighted to receive Freeman's message and early in December 1842, he sent fourteen (14) men to Badagry to conduct Revd. Thomas Birch Freeman and his helpers -The De Grafts arrived Abeokuta on December 11, 1842 and were accorded an enthusmstic and royal welcome by King Sodeke. his chiefs and the liberated Africans. Abeokuta was thus the second place in Nigeria where Christianity was DU biidv preached.

The important Christian festival "Christmas“ was fast approaching and Revd. Freeman who considers it appropriate and necessary to celebrate the festival in Badagry begged leave of the Alake and he with DE Grafts travelled back to Badagry the cradle of Christianity. Revd. Freeman and his companions arrived back in Badagry on 24th December 1842 (Christmas Eve) only to discover that the Revd. Townsend of the CNS. had landed in Badagry from Sierra Leone to minister to the Anglican members among the returnees. The two pioneer Missionaries were together on Christmas eve and on Christmas day.

The first ever Christmas day service at Badagry was attended by a large and devoted congregation made up of the natives, the Europeans and the returnees. The Revd. Thomas Birch Freeman preached the special Christmas Day sermon on the incarnation of the Redeemer of mankind and the spirit of Christmas, which is love.

THE HISTORY OF METHODIST CHURCH BADAGRY (1842-201 3)

The first Missionary Pioneer to land in Badagry was Reverend Thomas Birch Freeman and Mr.  & Mrs. William De Grafts (Wesleyan Missionaries) who came to introduce the Christian religion in other to propagate the Gospel of Christ. They were immediately on arrival received by the Oba of Badagry and held an open air sewn under the AGIA TREE. Later they proceeded to the erection of temporary houses tot themselves and a church at BOEKOH QUARTERS, first ever to be heard of, in Nigeria all with bamboo materials.

Over two months after the arrival of Revd. Freeman and De Graft with his wife; Oba Sodeke who heard of the arrival of the missionary in Badagry, sent a team of fourteen men to conduct Revd. T. B. Freeman and his companions to Abeokuta. They were received by Oba Sodeke and his chiefs and the Stem Leoneans returnees on the 11th of December, 1842 at his palace. As the Christmas Day was fast approaching, Revd. T. B. Freeman, who was not willing to spend the Christmas day outside Badagry, begged to leave the king of Abeokuta town to return to Badagry THE CRADLE OF CHRISTIANITY. Revd. T. B. Freeman and De Graft arrived back at Badagry on Christmas Eve to discover that Revd. Henry Townsend of the CMS. had arrived in Badagry on the 17th of December, 1842. The first ever Christmas day in Nigeria, with many natives as could gather under the AGIA TREE building. Revd. Hemy Townsend read the scripture and Revd Thomas Birch Freeman preached to the congregat'on on the ingamatnon of the redeemer of mankind.

After some years, Revd. Henry Oku came from Dahomey now Benin Republic accompanied by Mr Dansu and they landed at Jegba, Badagry. Then he assembled some sets of people and started fellowshipping with them. Later on, he consulted De AKRAN KOPON OF BADAGRY, for a land on which to  erect a building where he could be worshipping with the people. De AKRAN KOPON OF BADAGRY in turn, consulted Mr SEIDU ADELEKUN who had a land. Then Revd. Henry Oku with Mrs Serian Williams (a.k.a Mama OGUNUKUNJI) bought the land with the aid of the De AKRAN KOPON and Mr BURAIMO, the father of MUTA and YISA. The worshippers were Mr. HUNPATIN WUSU, WHENU DOSU, ZANNU TOYON, WUSU MEWHENU and the following youths, FRANCIS WUSU, DOSU TIYEN (a.k.a Chairman), DANSU OKE, HUNSU KUTON (aka Baba Garino), MICHAEL H. KUTON, AMOSU DEGBO, WILLIAMS A VUTON, HUNYEME AGBAOSI, HUNPATIN. (a.k.a DAUDU), MOSES TOJIZO, J. T.. WUSU and JANET TOYON.

Revd. Hen Oku left Badagry and Revd, Lawson a Ghanaian succeeded him and after Lawson's exit, another energetic and hardworking man of God succeeded him, in the person on Revd. A. T. OLUDE, during whose time, the church witness a gigantic progress.

The number of worshippers increased. He formed a choir and then taught them various songs and he was the author of MAYOKUN. He founded the METHODIST SCHOOL and took various steps to raise funds in aid of the school His missionary works cuts across the denominational boundaries. He was for the Methodist at the same time with others to celebrate the first centenary at Badagry.

Revd. FOWODE started his work as a minister in Badagry, being in charge of the church and the school as a representative of Revd. W. F. MELLOR who was at that time based in Sagamu as the superintendent of Methodist Churches and managers of Schools in Sagamu and Badagry. He lived for a while in the first Manse, which was later destroyed by fire. Revd. Fowode worked with vigour and made notable achievements both in the church and in the schools. While he was the acting manager of the school, his wife Mrs Fowode was the headmistress of the school.

Mr. ODEJAYI was the first Sub-pastor for Old Badagry Circuit. He was posted to Badagry in 1948 as sub-pastor and supervisor of Methodist schools. Like Revd. Fowode, he acted for Revd. W. F. Mellor who was at Sagamu. He was temporarily housed in MRS SARIAN WILLIAMS (Mama GANUKUNJI) house at Wharakoh Quarters, Badagry. Then he later lived at MR SEIDU ADELAKUN's house at Jegba Quarters.

Badagry. He witnessed the building and dedication of the present MISSION HOUSE and the CHURCH.

In the evening of a cool pleasant  Saturday in December, 1951, Revd. WILLIAMS FREDERICK MELLOR, his wife CECILIA MELLOR and Sister W. SHOVELTON (Tanyin Poki), meaning short and slim aunt; arrived at Badagry to a rousing welcome accorded them by FREEMAN MEMORIAL METHODIST CHURCH members, teachers and pupils of Methodist Primary School, Badagry, 1st and 1st Badagry Company of the BOY'S BRIGADE representatives from Methodist Churches in the outstations and elders of Jegba Quarters. The event was indeed and herald of a new turn of life tn the whole of Badagry Circuit in general, and Freeman Memorial Methodist Church Badagry in particular. From that day, he assumed the office of Superintendent of Methodist Churches and Manager of Schools in Badagry Circuit with the Headquarters at Badagry. The great Missionary was aware of the challenges ahead when he accepted Call to work for God in Badagry. In fact, the work in the whole giant, demanded full missionary energy.

The situation at Badagry, the mother church was pathetic. In firer accident that almost rendered the whole of Jegba, the church and the school was built with the help of Revd. A. T. Olude and the Manse tn 1994. In ensuring years, up to August 1952. Temporary buildings were used for learning and for worship. Whenever he came on visit from Sagamu. He was given accommodation in SISTER SARIAN‘S house at TOTHEME. WHARAKOH, Badagry. From where he visited other Methodist Churches and schools in the circuit (now a Diocese).

The following were members of the church up to the time of Revd. Mellor's arrival and a little after. BRO MICHAEL H. KUTON. FRANCIS NUNAYON WUSU. EMMANUEL HUNMENU KUTON, S. J. TOYON, HENRY HUNSU AMOSU, EZEKIEL ADEBOWALE, HUNPATIN DAODU. J. T. WUSU. SOLOMON DEGBO, GRACE KUTON, BRO. HUNDOGAN, EUNICE BOLUMOLE, COMFORT NUMAVO, AGBAOSI IDOWU. EUNICE ONIKEPO. TETE NUYEME, SONATE ZOSSOU. SUSSANA GBEDEDO, SONATE AWHANSU, SAMUEL AGOSU. SAMUEL JEKENU, PA HUNDOGAN, leader and local preacher Pa Johnson the first Baba ljo and many junior members.

The church continues to grow numerically and in the knowledge of the word under the proper shepherding  and guidance of Pa Mellor and his wife and also his able assistants, Sister W. Shovelton, Mr J. A Odejayl. Mr M. A. Idowu all of whom have named home call, regular spiritual activities of the church included the Sunday School for children for chlldren and all categories on Thursday. Children's service under the control of Sister Cecilia Mellor was conducted simultaneously with the service for the adults. In 1952, workers in Methodist Primary School. Badagry were the following the teachers, Mr Ade Fasogbon (Headmaster), Mr I. O. Ajlbola (Assistant Headmaster), Mr G. Fadalro, Mr Z. B. Ogunsijl, Miss P. A. Nutayl-Amosu (Now Mrs Ayeton), Miss Olu Adewodu. Mr E. A. Abiodun, Mr Olu Bolumole. Mr (now Chief) J. 0. Watson, Mr J. l. A abo and so many others. It must be noted that, in those da 5 of denominational compartmenta ization, if you work in a Missionary school. you must belong to the church of that mission, so all teachers whose names appear above were all active members of FREEMAN MEMORIAL METHODIST CHURCH, BADAGRY.

Revd. W. F. Mellor, seeing the need to put up a befitting house of God in 1946, he requested for and was given a land on which the present Church was built by OBA AKRAN KOPON and elders of Jegba. lt was a benevolent donation that came at a time it was almost needed and for which we should forever be grateful to the the donors. And the foundation was laid on the 24" of April, 1948. The building of the Church and Manse which was handed by Mr. Joblin of BLAIZE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, ABEOKUTA, with Mr Zacheaus Tanimola as Supervisor was completed before September, 1952.

FREEMAN MEMORIAL METHODIST CHURCH now a cathedral wad dedicated pon the 24th September 1952, exactly One Hundred and Ten years (110 Years) after Rev. Thomas Birch Freeman brought Christianity into Nigeria through Badagry. The joy of that occasion is better imagined than described, not only for the Methodist but also for the whole of Badagry.

Rev. W. F. Mellor and his wife and Sister Shoveltan went back to Great Britain in 1956.

SUCCESSIVE MINISTERS AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF REVD. W. F. AMUM

Rev. W. M. WAINWRIGHT 1950-1960, Mr ISAIAH AJOSEH SIMEON, a trained Evangelist was his assistant. Rev. M. W. Wainwright laid the foundation of numerous churches including those of lbereko and Idale. Rev. Adubifa 1961-1962, and Mr Ajobiowo was the Catechist. Rev. Samuel Ajewole Ajayi (1963-1971). He had two separate tenures.

Bishop

During his first tenure, he served as a catechist He was friend with the Christians, Moslems as well as Pagans. He visited the sick and the disabled. Spending his own money to care for them from quarters to quarters as part of his daily routine thereby winning many souls for Christ He was known in all churches for his honesty and forthrightness.

Very Rev. Jethro O. Awe 1979....... served as a catechist under Rev. W. F. Mellor, as a presbyter from 1972-1979 and his third tenure, he acted as a. Bishop. When he was a presbyter he guided Freeman Memorial Methodist Church to obtain a parcel of Land in Ajara Agamathen. Also the present W. C. was constructed during his period.

Very Revd. M. A. O. Ayandokun, 1979-1984, he laid the foundation Freeman Memorial Methodist Church Ajara House, on one of the parcel of land at Ajara Aganmathen in 1982.Very Revd. O. O. Makinde 1984 ...... September, though his stay was very short, what the church gained by his service was of immense benefit. He“ introduced the family harvest and other innovative ideas that had the effect of shoving off most of the financial disabilities of the church. The wife used the opportunity to infuse sense of direction into the Women's fellowship. She was able to endear herself to all and sundry within that very short period. Very Rev. E. KOLAWOLE ALA, September 1984-1986. The catechist was Mr Idodu. Bro. LAM. Toyon was Babe no white Sis. Grace Kuton, lya ljo.

Very Revd john Adekanbi, 1986-1989, Badagry hosted the Synod of Lagos Diocese in 1987, and conference of Methodist Church Nigeria in 1988 Without a hitch. He revived the class meetings in 1988 and made sure it continued to OXlSt t his departure. Sunda service in English, Ogu and Yoruba was started in his time.

Very Rev. J. O. Adegboyega, 1990-1992, and his Wife Deaconess Adegboyega were equally interested in revivals, prayer meetings and by their examples, they encourage others to attend.

Very Rev. E. A. Ajayi, 1992-1995, The Revd. Thomas was the assistant minister, Very Revd. J. K. AGOSU (1995-1997). During his tenure, he worked hard to improve the financial position of the Church and Revd. J. S. WANDA was the assistant minister. Among other achievement that Very Revd. J. K. Agosu achieved was his vision and dint of hardwork that paved the way to the transformation of the former Badagry Circuit to a Diocese a dream which was realized in 1997 and Freeman Memorial Methodist Church became the FOUNDATION CATHEDRAL. When the former Badagry Circuit became Diocese, Rt. Revd. C. O. ODERINDE was the first Bishop while Very Revd. J. K. Agosu became the first Synod Secretary.

Very Rev. E. S. Ahisu 1997-2003, he was able to achieve much since he assumed office as minister in charge of Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral and Presbyter of Badagry Circuit. Immediately he assumed duty, he started to work to improve the church spiritually and) financially which made it more satisfactory than it was in the past and there is a general spiritual reawakening within the church. The extension of the cathedral, purchase of an 18 seaters bus are some of the dreams realized by Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral under the leadership of Very Rev. E. S. Ahisu who is the Synod secretary while Rt. Rev. G. Diran Akomolafe was the Bishop of the Diocese.

Very Revd. L O. Awojobl, 2003-2008 assisted Revd. Akindujoye and Revd. Mogaji. They consolidated on the existing development of the Cathedral. After these sets of ministers, we have the followings from 2008-2011 -Very Revd. P. A. Adegbayi assisted by Revd. Babalola and The Revd. M. A. Godonu while Rt. Revd. M. O. Akinwale was the Bishop of the Diocese.

Very Rev. John O. Solubi took over from Very Revd. P. A. Adegbayi and he was assisted by the following ministers, The Rev. M. A. Godonu, Rev. Chukwudi Umerougu and Rev. S. O. Tella and The Rev. M. O. Adewuyi. In the year 2016: The Very Rev'd. A. O. Ogundimu took over from The Very Rev. John Solubi and was assisted by the following ministers; The Rev’d Peter Emmanuel and The Rev’d Solomon M. Okunnu. The Rt. Rev. E. S. Ahisu was translated to Badagry Diocese in the year 2008 as the first indigenous Bishop.

REFERENCE

Freeman Methodist Cathedral, Diocese of Badagry, 2017; 20th Anniversary Pamphlet of Fountain of Hope Society (53NG): Pg 20-23. Badagry Lagos.