THE HISTORY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH
(FORMALLY ALL SOULS CATHOLIC CHURCH),
BARUWA, IPAJA,
LAGOS ARCHDIOCESE.
In the Beginning
As a result of the rapid urbanization of Lagos and the high cost of living associated with satellites settlements, people found themselves moving inwards to the less developed hinterlands. These movements, created the need for new alliances in every facet of human living; religious activities inclusive. The new settlers at Baruwa Inside, who had the need for a place of worship as Catholics, found themselves attending Masses at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church Boys Town, Ipaja. The Church then had a pastoral control of the area and had established a Basic Christian Community BCC, centers at one late Mr.Uwadiale house,near Royal Nursery/Primary School, along Candos Road. The BCC provided opportunity for members to meet for prayers and encouragement to one another ,and the Parish Priest of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, then Rev.Fr. Peter Oke , took turns to visit the BCC centers attached to his Parish. The BCC center was moved to late Pa Soronnadi Stephens’s house at Shalom road. Very Rev.Fr. Peter Oke has a special calling for evangelization. His thoughts always dwell on how to reach the uttermost parts of his Ecclesiastical province and bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ closer to them. Count the number of tents (Pavilons) at St. Ferdinand today and you will be closer to the number of Outstations he established. Closer because there were no more spaces to accommodate the tents for the later Outstations. It was at one of his visits to the BCC center that Very Rev. Fr. Oke announced to the members about his intention to have a Mass Center within the area, and that they should look for a suitable place. He also asked members to pray for the direction of the Holy Spirit in suggesting a name to be given to the new Church. The news was received joyfully and communicated to the other members of the BCC center who were not present that day.
The name for the Church
While the search was going on, Fr. Oke came on his regular visits to the BCC center and asked members for a feedback on the name they wish for the new Church;None had a suggestion.Then Fr.Oke announced that he had considered two names for the Church;’’ ALL SAINTS’’ and ‘’ALL SOULS’’ .After prayerful consultations with God,his preference went to ALL SOULS. He presented the names at the Deanery Priest’ meeting for their assistance.All Souls took the swing.And after more prayers for directions, he has chosen the name ‘’ALL SOULS CATHOLIC CHURCH’’ for the church that is to be established at Baruwa.
The search for a Mass Center Accomodation
Based on the strength of the announcement from Rev.Fr.Oke, Mrs Ude Rachael initiated a search. She approached one Barrister Ajayi, the owner/Principal of Royal Secondary School at Cosmos Road, Baruwa, for a space at his school. She had known Barr. Ajayi for some time and was aware of his love for the Catholic faith/Church, although he was a non-Catholic. Barr. Ajayi was actually a Redeemed Church Member. He obliged her request, but insisted that it should be made official. Mrs ude got back to Fr. Oke who wrote an official request letter. Then Mrs. Ude requested to be accompanied to deliver the letter. Sir Joshua Jemegbe (KSJI) and late Mr. Dunkwu Moses offered to accompany her. At the receipt of the letter, Barr. Ajayi offered 12 feet by 12 feet classroom at the ground floor of his school building for the use of the church. The search was over.
The first Holy Mass
History was then made on June 29,2006 at the center when the first Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev.Fr. Peter Oke. Fourteen (14) people were in attendance. They are;
Mr Mordi Gabrie,
Sir Jemegbe Joshua (KSJI)
Lady Jemegbe Elizabeth (KSJI)
Mrs Azolibe Uche
Mrs Ude Racheal,
Late Mr Dunkwu Moses and his wife,
Mrs Odey Justina,
Mrs Bassey Maria,
Mr Ejike Ikechukwu,
Late Mr Soronnadi Stephen and his wife,
Mrs Enagbare Rosemary Omosefe,
and Mrs Udokwu Mabel.
It is worthy of note that the first Altar Table, Rev Father’s chair, and drumming instruments were provided by Sir/Lady Jemegbe (KSJI). The Sacramental table was provided by Mr Eze Kenneth. All the Liturgical groups performed during the Mass. The existing societies then, that is the Legion of Mary and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria added strength to the activities of the infant church.
The first Harvest/Bazaar Sales
With the enthusiasm shown by members to strengthen the church and set it on a firm foundation, the stage was set for the first Harvest activities. A committee was set up with Sir Jemegbe Joshua as the chairman. Their activities climaxed with the first Harvest/Bazaar sales on November 4,2007. Mr Alex Omego was the chairman and chief Amah Okechukwu assisted.About five hundred thousand naira was realized at the harvest/bazaar sales.
The growth of the infant church was phenomenal .A more spacious hall on the upstairs of the building was asked for and provided. A Redeemed church that was newly established took over the ground floor vacated by the church. The growth in the number continued. And with time, the movement to a more spacious and conducive place of worship became an overwhelming need.
Amongst other reasons, a major factor that necessitated the movement from Royal Secondary School. Was that Barr Ajayi, our Landlord, reported to Fr.Oke the complaints from members of the Redeemed Church concerning her members leaving to join the Catholic Church and the pressure from them to quit the church from his compound. Again, there was a complaint that the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria, “CCRN”. Members of the church were praying in similar manner with the Redeemed Church thereby resulting in poaching of their members. Based on this report, the CCRN, of the Mother Parish, led by Sister Nwosu, directed the leader of the CCRN of the church, Bro Okpala Paul, to stop holding prayer meetings there, while accommodation was provided for at the Pa Stephen Soronadi's compound. Together with Fr.Oke, Pa Soronnadi was approached. As if he had been waiting for it, he gladly obliged. And in 2008, the Church, journeyed her way to the Promised Land, camped at late Pa Soronnadi Stephen’s compound.
The Church on Encampment
Rev.Fr. Oke quickly put up a structure and had it roofed. The estimate cost of #80,000.00 for the flooring was made. Members were approached for support and as usual there was a generous response. Sir/Lady Joshua Jemegbe (KSJI) gave #61,000.00.Mr Chukwujekwu Ogechukwu gave #10,000.Chief Okechukwu Amah gave #10,000.00. The women in the church jointly supported with #24,000.00.Other individuals and groups gave tremendous support. With the flooring and Altar demarcation done ,Mr Emmanuel Onoh donated the first electric generator for the church .The Charismatics donated 12 ceiling fans, Chief Okechukwu Amah also assisted in the donation of a musical set for the choir. Fr.Oke brought some benches from one of the Outstations of St, Ferdinand Parish, St.Lawrence Catholic Church,Paiko, Idimu. The Confraternity of Christian Mothers, CCM, did a launching among themselves for the provision of more benches to compliments the ones brought from Idimu.
The infant church went through a rapid transformation. Activities within the church increased with increase in the numbers, Administrative structures and organizational/societal structures began to take shape. Mr Okpala Paul C. was appointed to represent the church at the Parish Laity Council at St.Ferdinand. Mr Mordi Gabriel was appointed to lead a delegation of four members to represent the church at the Parish Pastoral Council. Mrs. Bassey Maria was appointed the secretary and Mr. Emiko Godwin T. and Mr. Peter Aligbe were members. Brotherly(and Sisterly) love prevailed and like the Biblical early disciples, everyone cared for one another.it was in this same spirit that the stage was set for the second harvest activities for the church. Mr. Godwin Emiko was the committee chairman. Harvest gala night was held at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church compound. The harvest/bazaar sale was chaired by Chief Okechukwu Amah. And on the fateful day November 2, 2008. About N2.8m was realized with about N2.2m redeemed and remitted to St. Ferdinand Catholic Church.
The growing Church
The Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land never took the place of their encampment as their final destination. They moved on. The time to continue on the journey came when the ‘’big’’ shelter provided by Fr.Oke saw more worshippers at the outside than the inside of the church.
Very Rev.Fr.Oke had discretely made enquires through a contact recommended by Mr. Emiko Godwin who worked at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Shagarri Estate. He concluded on the present location of the church. One day after morning mass, he took his ‘’Church Council’’ to the site. The site was confirmed and approved. was in the year 2009.
Purchase of Land
Negotiations with the Landowners were done with Mr.B.Alimi Egunyomi (head of the family) and Mr.Amusa Egunyomi (family member) representing the Egunyomi family while Rev.Fr. Peter Oke ,Mr Mordi Gabriel, Mrs Enagbare Mary Rose Omosefe, and Mr Emiko Godwin represented the church. Mr. Adekoya Omotayo of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Housing & Urban Development served as a witness. Twelve plots were available. But the church (Rev.Fr.Oke) was able to afford money for four plots (Plots 5, 6, 7, and 8) at six hundred thousand naira (N600,000.00)per plot. The total of N2.4m was agreed to be paid in two installments; the first payment before moving in and the second payment after taking possession. This was done. Another plot (Plot 9) was to be paid for in the same 2009 at a cost of N800,000.00. This time, the first installment of N600,000.00 was made on November 25, 2009, while the second and final payment was made on December 16, 2009.
The fencing of the site started in the same year.
Building of the Church
Rev Fr.Peter Oke appointed a 3- man Building committee to assist in the construction of the church building. They were Mr.Mordi Gabriel, Mrs Enagbare, and Mr Aligbe Peter, Mrs Omofomah Margaret volunteered her service, and went ahead to donate the water tank used for water storage for the construction works. Rev.Fr.Oke served as the chairman of the committee and was responsible for all purchases to ensure prudence in spending. He was also the site supervisor and Engineer. The construction was done through direct labour
Very Rev.Fr.Oke solicited that 10 families should volunteer and assist in the construction with the contribution of fifty thousand naira per family. The families that volunteered were;
Sir/Lady Jemegbe Joshua, Mr&Mrs Amah Okechukwu, Mr & Mrs Omego Alex, Mr & Mrs Okpala Paul, Mr Emiko Godwin ,Mr & Mrs Onoh Emmanuel, Mr & Mrs Nwasi Obinna, and Mr & Mrs Okpalanwa Ebere. They were named “Building Advisory Committee’’. The families had their meetings regularly at the residence of Sir/Lady Joshua Jemegbe, and assisted in the construction by contributing as much cash as they could, and giving necessary advice. Mr Emiko Godwin also brought an architectural drawing for the church, but it was not used eventually. Entertainments at the meetings were lavishly provided by the Jemegbes.
With the foundation stone laid in 2009 by Rev.Fr.Oke, work started in earnest. The foundation was done and filled with red earth no flooring, mild steel pipes were used as pillars. Block work followed. Roofing was done same year. Some parishioners nevertheless offered their expertise where it was required in terms of advice and directly participating in the construction. Many parishioners were not aware of the progress of work at the site. It was therefore a pleasant surprise when Rev.Fr.Oke announced that the church will be moving to her pleasant location during the Holy Week of year 2010.
Second Missionary Journey (Moving into the promise land)
The movement to take possession of our permanent site was a big relief to the parishioners. The movement was without funfair. The Mass of the Lord’s super of the year 2010 was to be our first Mass at our Church. The Mass held as scheduled. Our joy knew no bounds.
Our gait changed from that of Tenant to Landlord. Although we moved into a church building made up of a roof and un-plastered block work, where the faithful are apprehensive of wind-driven rains that often drenched them during Liturgical celebrations because there were no doors and windows and no toilet facilities, the feeling of satisfaction that at last ’’we have arrived’’ overshadowed these temporary challenges.
It was with a mind set on solving the above challenges that the parishioners set to work. The 2010 Harvest was to provide the platform to raise the needed cash. The Catholic Women Organization CWO, was chosen to anchor the Harvest, and their Chairperson Mrs. Igboanugo Ogochukwu, became the Chairperson of the 2010 Harvest Committee. Chief Uwadoka James was appointed the Assistant Chairman of the Harvest Committee. The Harvest/Bazaar sales was chaired by Sir Nwosu Sunny of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church assisted by Sir Jemegbe Joshua on November 7,2010 .More than N3m was realized. The stage was then set for further physical developments in the church.
Change of Guards
Like in some traditional marriage practice where a damsel is betroth to a man without her consent, came November 7,2010, the church received the news that she has been transferred as an Outstation of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church Boys Town, Ipaja, to St.Joseph Catholic Church, Gowon Estate, Ipaja; a parish run by the Society for African Missions, SMA.
With the change of guards, Rev.Fr.Oke took his leave as the Parish Priest of the infant Church. He had come, worked, set the Church on the path of growth, and left his footprints on the sand of time.
History and posterity will always be positive to him whenever and wherever the story of our church is told.
Rev.Fr. Dan. Monaghan (SMA) became our new Parish Priest.
Mixed reactions greeted the transfer, and the issue was extensively discussed in groups. The discussions were on what the future hold and the pros and cons of our new status. However with full optimism, the church accepted her status.
Building of temporary Reverend Father's House/Further physical development
Under St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Church successfully acquired another two plots of land adjoining the existing five plots and had them fenced immediately. The cost per plot has then risen to one million naira (N1m).
Father Dan, as he is fondly called, retained the 8:30am Sunday Mass schedule and increased weekday Masses to two by adding Thursday to the existing Tuesday at 6:30am. He longed for increased spiritually activity whereby a priest will come on Friday stay through the weekend and return to the Parish house after Sunday Mass celebration .But there was no place within the church to accommodate a Priest. However, he accepted a suggestion to look for accommodation at any Parishioners house for that purpose. Mr. Moore Peter’s house was agreed upon. An elated Mr.Moore was ready to make the room available immediately. But it was not to be.
Before the feedback to Fr. Dan on the result of the search for accommodation, Sir Okpalobi Benjamin made a suggestion for a temporary Father’s house. He agreed. Discussions were held on how to accomplish that. Prince Emiko Godwin, the 1st Vice Chairman of the Church Council at the time to accomplish that. The present Reverend Father’s house was then constructed. Toilet facilities, catechism hall, sacristy, security house/offices were in quick successions.
Organizations /societies and individuals contributed immensely in cash and materials in these buildings. The bill of quantity was also prepared for the construction of the main/permanent Father’s house. The Catholic Men Organization, CMO, under the leadership of Mr. Nwasi Obinna, undertook to finance the foundation of the building up to the DPC level. The house is still at that stage now awaiting further development.
The Church was doing well in terms of physical and spiritual developments and membership kept climbing up.
Resident Associate Priest
Rev.Fr. Dan Monaghan (SMA) then mandated one of his Associate Priests, Rev. Fr. Peter Makumba Makasa (SMA),to take up residency at the Church and the chart the way forward. He was given a free hand to administer.
Finishing/Furnishing of the temporary Father's House
Rev.Fr. Makasa paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the Church on November 25, 2013. to assess the suitability of the temporary Reverend Father’s house to accommodate him. Some Parishioners were quickly contacted and a meeting was hurriedly scheduled that same night by Mr. Okafor Paschal. At the meeting, discussions were held on how to quickly make the Father’ house habitable. The following morning, Mr Okafor Paschal took the lead in terms of supervisions of work and provision of cash. Purchases were made directly for most of the items needed. As work progressed within the week, some parishioners came to show solidarity. Some provided food and drinks on some days. Rev Fr. Makasa (SMA) was on hand to give direction on how some aspect of the work should be done and the facilities that should be provided. By the end of the week, precisely on November 30,2010, the finishing and furnishing of the Father’s house was done. On December 1,2013, in the late evening ,as he had earlier promised, Rev.Fr.Makasa moved into the house as a Resident Associate Priest.
The total cost for the finishing and furnishing work was one million, three hundred and twenty-one thousand, six hundred and fifty naira (1,321,650). Donations to this effect came from the generosity of members.
Clamour for a Parish
The clamor for a Parish status for the church started way back in 2011 when Sir Okpalobi Benjamin was the Laity Committee Chairman. He sold the idea at one of the Church Council meetings and the benefits derivable from that. But the idea was strongly opposed with the conviction that we were better as an Outstation as that status meant less responsibility to us as a church. He waited for another opportune time. Again during the leadership of High Chief Reginald Mbaegbu as the 1st vice chairman of the church council, the matter was brought up for discussions, Questions were openly asked as to what we stand to gain by being a Parish which Sir Okpaobi again took the lead in expatiating. Other opinions were that we should not clamor for a Parish; that the Mother Parish will make a recommendation for us to be given a Parish when she deems it the matter be suspended at the Council level.
However, Rev. Fr. Makasa encouraged us and advised us on the indices the Mother Church considers in taking a decision to upgrade an Outstation Church to Parish status. Those for the Parish waited.
The few people who showed open interest in favour of a Parish continued to work discretely together. The stage was set to give this dream a push was during the burial of late Pa John Hunja Oke the father of Rev.Fr.Peter Oke, on March 7, 2013. The church sent an official delegation. The CWO dance troupe performed to the admiration of the guests that included our Archbishop, His Grace Archbishop Adewale Martins. It was in this atmosphere of friendliness and appreciation for the way the church participated in the funeral ceremony that Sir Okpalobi Benjamin personally sought audience with Archbishop Adewale Martins. The Archbishop asked him to book an appointment with his secretary. He shared the information with Mr. Okpalanwa Ebere who was at the funeral ceremony. He was elated. On arrival after the burial, he shared the information with Mr.Okafor Paschal who became more enthusiastic about the idea and the possibility of the church being on her own as a Parish.
The Dean's (Very Revd Fr. Stephen Enearu) Private Assesment Visit
To push this idea forward, overrule was made to the Dean of the Deanery, Very Rev.Fr.Stephen Enearu. Before long,a private visit by the Dean of Ipaja Deanery was arranged to acquaint him with the territory controlled by the Church. Mr.Okafor Paschal provided his car and accompanied by Sir Okpalobi Benjamin and Okpalanwa Ebere,they went to the seat of the Deanery at Saints Joachim and Ann Catholic Church ,Meiran, to bring the Dean. The trio took the Dean on a guided tour of all the areas within.
During the visit, the Dean took note of the church renovation and beautification that was ongoing, the CWO was raising the standards of our Altar to an all-marble model. Further information was received by the Dean on other physical and spiritual developments within the Church . Propelled by these positive developments, the Dean, this time, took an unannounced private visit to confirm the information on the developments he was receiving. He confirmed them. He was satisfied.
Still waiting in Joyful Hope
Everything that needed to be done has been done. The indices highlighted by Rev.Fr.Makasa for considerations in upgrading to Outstation Church to a Parish have been substantially met. Those that should influence the decisions for the pronouncement for a Parish were in agreement with our physical and spiritual developments. At St Joseph Catholic Church, our Mother Parish, Parishioners who went for one meeting or the other will always come back with the cheerful news that it is a matter of time before the expected announcement. The Church waited in the sure hope of the announcement at the earliest opportune time.
It was in this hope that His Grace, Archbishop Adewale Martins was to come for an Ordination ceremony at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church on September 4, 2014. The Church expected an announcement. The announcement was not made.
Marching Forward
A new Church Council, with Mr. Okpala Paul as the 1st Vice Chairman, was constituted on May 3, 2015, and inaugurated on May 10, 2015. Fr. Makasa went on a well-deserved leave. It lasted almost four months. the tenure of the Laity Committee, with Sir Okpalaobi Benjamin as Chairman, expired. A new one was constituted on July 26, 2015, with Mr. Opkalanwa Ebere as Chairman. It was inaugurated on August 9, 2015.
Furthermore, the SMA Superior suggested to the Parishioners for a change of name, insisting that “All Souls” connotes both good and bad Souls. He suggested a name that will not include ‘bad’ Souls. The Church has to change her name to a gentler one, he counseled. Perhaps, our redemption lies therein, he posted.
The Church becomes a Quasi Parish/Change of Name
The Church council involved Organizations and Stakeholders in suggesting a new name for our Church. She made a shortlist of six names which were handed over to Rev. Fr. Dan Monaghan (SMA).
Like the Lord appearing to Elijah in the form of a gentle breeze, it was in this state of calmness that pervade the church that on October 8, 2015, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lagos, at an Ordination Ceremony at St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja, pronounced All Souls Catholic Church, Baruwa, Ipaja, a Quasi Parish.
Celebratory tones and felicitations rent the air. It was a season of announcements of good tidings. On October 18, 2015, Rev. Fr. Dan Monaghan (SMA) officially announced to the Parishioners the Quasi Parish status of the Church. He also announced that after consulting with his Associate Priests and praying for direction from the Holy Spirit, they have come up with a new name for the Church. And “by the powers conferred on me”, he pronounced a new name of SAINTS PETER AND PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, BARUWA, IPAJA, for the church. The old name (All Souls Catholic Church) thus passed away, and behold a new name (Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church) has come. The ovation inside the Church was deafening. When the ovation died down, he made yet another announcement that he drove to the Church with the new CWO Evangelism bus and that the handing over of the bus will be done after the Mass. The joy inside the church was overwhelming.
Perfect Coincidences
The first Holy Mass for the Church was said on June 29, 2006. The Feast day of our Patron Saints (SS Peter and Paul) is June 29. It is as if our new name has been in waiting for almost ten years. Again, the founding Reverend Father of our Parish, at the time the announcement for a change of name was being made, is the Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Shomolu, Lagos Archdiocese.
What perfect coincidences.
Arrival of our Priest-in-Charge
With the Quasi Parish status announced, the understanding was that sending a priest to the church will take up to six months, judging from history. We were prepared to wait. But the waiting was not to belong, as Rev. Fr. Dan Monaghan, SMA, told the parishioners on November 1, 2015, that our Priest will come in about 1 ½ weeks. The news was received with jubilation.
On Monday, November 16, 2015, at about 2:00 pm Reverend Father Martinos Theodore, the Pioneer Priest-in-Charge of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Baruwa, Ipaja, arrived at a jubilant welcome of the Church, represented mainly by the CMO and CWO members.
No time to waste
Rev. Fr. Martins Theodore did not underestimate the enormity of the task ahead of him. He set to work from all sides. On the day of his arrival on November 16, 2015, he announced a daily weekday Mass (we have been having one weekday Mass for the greater part of five months). He planned for the first-ever Christ the King procession for the Church on November 22, 2015. He started two Sunday Masses (6:30 am and 9:00 am) on December 6, 2015. He organized the first Novena for the Immaculate Conception, anchored by the CWO, from November 29 to December 7, 2015. Also, Advent and Lenten Retreats were organized for parishioners. He started the printing of the Parish Mass Bulletin on November 29, 2015. The first infant Baptism involving nine infants was held on December 12, 2015. The Tabernacle was bought (with the assistance of Parishioners), installed, and blessed by the Dean of Ipaja Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Enearu, on February 7, 2016. With that, daily exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Eucharistic Adoration on first Fridays of the month began. Basic Christian Community meeting on Tuesdays was resuscitated. Marriage Course Instruction class was instituted. Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, RCIA, was established. A well-planned and executed Easter Galilee celebration, which involved our four Basic Christian Community, BCC, centers, was held on March 28, 2016. The First Holy Communion was administered on five children, made up of one boy and four girls, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi on May 29, 2016.
On the physical development, the Sacristy was completed. A standard public address system, which had been a challenge to effective Liturgical celebration, was installed. The system is even used during weekday Masses. Three additional office spaces were constructed and equipped, and a Parish Secretary was employed. A Sacristan accommodation adjoining the offices was constructed and furnished. The Church per project, anchored by the CMO, is in progress.
Change of Guard/Resumption of new Priest-in-Charge
Soldier go soldier comes but barrack remains, so they say. On October 29th, 2019, Fr Theodore Martinos was transferred to St. Denis Catholic Church Bariga while Rev Fr. Paul Adekoya resumed as the new Priest-in-Charge of Ss. Peter and Paul Baruwa. His first assignment was to complete the 2019 Harvest already started by Rev Fr Theodore Martinos. He then embarked on the project of renovation of the church, changing the old PVC to a suspended ceiling to make the church conducive and befitting for worship.
Efforts to raise the church from the status of a Quasi-Parish to a Parish are ongoing with the initiation of new projects of building a new Rev Fr's house and the new Regina Caeli Montessori School project ably started by the CWO.
Presently, the Quasi-Parish is growing tremendously in population and is becoming a standard for other parishes around.