About Us

Learn more about St John's Church

St. John's Church, Aroloya was established in the year 1852 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in the heart of Lagos and is located on 30 Palm Church Street, Aroloya, Lagos Island. Today it remains a place of homilies and reflection on the Bible, divine love and salvation.

Panoramic view of the St John's Church sanctuary
Stained glass window depicting the Resurrection

Our Vision

This Church exists to build people of power, young and old, united in faith and love, victorious in life, and prepared as candidates of heaven.

The brass eagle lectern in front of the pipe organ

Our Mission Statement

We are determined, and helped by God, to build a community of Spirit-filled believers, well equipped through quality teaching and continuous Bible study for purposeful evangelism both within and beyond our immediate environment.

Our History

The history of St. John's Church Aroloya is a part of the history of C.M.S. work in Yorubaland. After the war and persecution of Christians in Abeokuta which was then the headquarters of the C.M.S. in Yorubaland, the Christian Missionaries moved its Headquarters down to Lagos and settled at a Station in 1852. This Station borders the Lagoon and faced a street that connects an ancient and historic market known as the 'Faji Market'. This Station became the site for the commencement of Evangelism in Lagos and thus named 'The Palm Church'. This was done under the supervision of the Rev. A. C. Mann of the C.M.S. In 1857 a school was also established on this site. Interestingly, the street of the Church's site was named after the Church, 'The Palm Church Street'

Our leadership journey over the years

Rev. A. C. Mann

Achievements:

  • The first church building was established under his supervision
  • In 1857 St. John's school was also established under his supervision
1852 - 1876

Rev. Nathaniel Johnson (later Venerable)

Achievements:

  • The first indigenous administrator
  • He changed the name of the Church from 'Palm Church Aroloya' to 'St. John's Anglican Church, Aroloya'
  • Served for 25 years
1876 - 1901

Revd. Adolphus Williamson Howells (later Bishop)

1901 - 1918

The Rev. Horatio Victor Emmanuel Johnson (later Canon)

1919 - 1931

Rev. Sowunmi

1931 - 1943

Rev. Adelakun Williamson Howells (later Bishop)

Achievements:

  • During his tenure, the electric fan of the Church was first installed.
1943 - 1945

Rev. Samuel Ayodele Banjo (Later Archdeacon)

Achievements:

  • He led the inauguaration of the 11th Company of the Boys Brigade
1945 - 1948

Rev. Daniel Ademola Olaitan (later Venerable Archdeacon)

1949 - 1951

Rev. Jeremiah Otusi Akeredolu

1951 - 1956

Rev. Canon Festus Oluwole Segun (later Bishop)

1957 - 1961

Rev. Titus Ilori Akintayo (later Canon and Bishop)

1961 - 1970

Rev. Canon Talabi

1970 - 1975

Ven. B. A. Adelaja

1975 - 1976

Rev. Canon S. A. Adewale

1976 - 1981

Rev. Canon D. O. Oni

1981 - 1985

Rev. Canon J. A. Adepoju

1985 - 1988

Rev. J. O. Bamisebi

1988 - 1993

Rev. Canon S. S. Kunuji

1993 - 1996

Rev. S. Ade George

1996 - 1999

Rev. Canon B. C. A. Johnson

1999 - 2004

Ven. A. G. Odubena

2004 - 2013

Ven. J. O. Oyediran

2013 - 2015

Ven. J. Pirisola

2015 - 2017

Ven. Julius O. Odusanya

2017-2019

Ven. Williams Mehinsan

2019 - 2024

Ven. Segun Ladeinde

2024 - Now