PCN at 180: Abakaliki Synod Holds Grand Celebration, Pays Tribute to Pioneers

The Abakaliki Synod has joined Presbyterian churches nationwide in celebrating 180 years of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, with a synodical service that honoured the missionaries and indigenous fathers who laid its foundation.

The 180th anniversary, kicked off on April 10, 2026 at the General Assembly in Calabar, Nigeria’s highest spiritual and administrative court of the church, has continued with celebrations across all synods. Abakaliki marked its own on Friday, June 5, at St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church, Kpirikpiri, the synod headquarters.

In his address at the Calabar kick-off, the Prelate and General Assembly Moderator, *Most Rev. Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika*, charged members against divisive tendencies: “We are one body, one faith, one Presbyterian family.”

He described the church’s journey from a “mustard seed” in 1846 to a global denomination, attributing the growth to “God’s unwavering faithfulness, divine preservation, guidance and the relentless flow of divine grace.”

Akpanika paid glowing tribute to founding missionaries and indigenous pioneers including Rev. Hope Waddell, Hugh Goldie, the Edgerleys, Rev. Anderson, Mary Slessor, and Rev. Essien Ukpabio, the first indigenous minister. He said their sacrifices laid the bedrock on which the church continues to thrive.

Outlining his vision for the future, the Prelate said it includes strengthening the church’s spirituality, aggressive evangelism, building a stronger economic base, youth development, expanding digital access, and promoting inclusive ministry. He urged members to uphold the church’s strong doctrine and faith to leave enduring legacies for future generations.

Presiding over the Abakaliki event, the Synod Moderator, Rt. Rev. Chidi Igwe, expressed pride in the church’s 180-year impact in Nigeria. He highlighted the church’s early role in abolishing harmful traditions, including the killing of twins, a campaign championed by Mary Slessor.

“The church’s pioneering efforts in education and human capital development continue to produce excellent outcomes till today,” Igwe said. “With ongoing innovations, the church has a brighter prospect.”

In his sermon, Igwe described the anniversary as a memorial to early missionaries who “staked their lives to bring us freedom from atrocious deeds of the past and curses that bound our destinies.” Drawing from Joshua 4:4-12 and Psalm 118:23-24, he said the celebration offered a moment for remembrance, rejoicing and renewal.

He urged members to renew their covenant with God and strengthen commitment to the church’s vision and mission. “Their mission brought good to Africa and freed us from age-long bondage. We continue to rejoice in God’s providence,” he added.

Church members who spoke to journalists expressed joy at the milestone. These included Ikechukwu Okoro-Agha, Synodical President of the Men’s Christian Association; Mrs. Nkechi Ipere, Women’s Guild President of Azuiyiokwu Model Parish; and youth member Precious Okoronkwo.

They praised the church’s legacies in education, health, agriculture, social welfare and spiritual development, pledging to sustain them for future generations.

The Abakaliki event featured a rally and roadwalk through major streets, a march past by all arms of the church, a novelty football match, choral and music concerts, and prayers for the sustained peace and growth of the church and nation.

The Presbyterian Church was established in Calabar on April 10, 1846 by Scottish missionaries as the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland. It became the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria on June 16, 1960, following Nigeria’s independence. The General Assembly was inaugurated in 1987 as the church’s highest decision-making body.