So says the Holy Book in the Gospel of Saint Matthew Chapter 16 Verse 18. Saint Matthew is named in the New Testament as one of the Twelve Disciples of Jesus and the author of the first Synoptic Gospel (the Gospel according to Matthew). He was an Evangelist and because of his role as a public official, he was designated by the Church as the Patron Saint of Civil Servants and all who serve government in some capacity.
Christianity, the faith of our salvation was planted in Okrika in 1878 not by foreign missionaries, but by an indigene Chief Atorudibo Fubarada. He brought the religion from Bonny to Okrika during the reign of His Majesty King Ibanichuka Ado VI, Amanyanabo of Okrika. Okrika is one of the major ethnic nationalities in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Surmounting initial teething challenges, the new religion grew from strength to strength. The first church (a Chapel) was christened St. Peter’s Church, Okrika in 1880 by Archdeacon Dandeson Coates Crowther in view of the powerful Chiefs behind it. In 1881, the Church in Okrika was denominated a Mission Station of the Anglican Church by Rt. Rev. Samuel Ajayi Crowther, Bishop of the Niger Territory.
Bishop Ajayi Crowther was succeeded by Rt Rev. James Johnson in 1908. In June 1914, Bishop Johnson visited Okrika and made a prophetic pronouncement of a bright future for Okrika in view of the enterprising Christian faith on the Island. His sermon was taken from Matthew Chapter 16 Verse 18, but chose the famous words: “Thou Art Peter and Upon this rock, I will build my church”, saying that Okrika Church would become the leading Anglican Church in the Niger Delta.
His prophesy came to pass as within a short period Okrika people under the leadership of Chief Daniel Oju Kalio, started an expansive and magnificent Church in 1923. Chief Daniel Kalio, the Paramount Chief of Okrika at the time, was clearly the initiator and chief mobilizer as he mustered a marmouth support of Okrika people for the construction of this iconic architectural monument.
The Church measured approximately 124 feet by 60 feet, with a tower 64 feet high. The turning of the first sod was done in mid-September 1923, while the foundation stone was laid by the Lieutenant Governor of Southern Province of Nigeria, His Excellency Col. H.C Morehouse on 5th July, 1924. Between 1925 and 1928, elaborate preparations were made for the furnishing of the church, including the original order for an organ in 1927. The project was completed at a cost of seventeen thousand, two hundred- and three-pounds sterling and became second to none in the Niger Delta. It was dedicated on Saturday 12 January, 1929 by the Assistant Bishop Rt. Rev. A.W. Howells, who praised Okrika and its leaders for the project that “was very well planned and excellently executed to the greater glory of God.” More than 3,000 people including the Diocesan Rt. Rev. Bertrand Lasbery, Priests and Chiefs, witnessed the colourful ceremony.
St. Peter’s Church Okrika is an all-around fortress. A reliable rock upon which the fire of evangelism spread to the hinterland of Port Harcourt and neighbouring communities. St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt for example, was established by St. Peter’s Church, Okrika in 1916 in fulfillment of Bishop Johnson’s charge to Okrika brethren to open a Church in Port Harcourt. Before then, the Eleme-Ogoni axis, was the first area evangelized by missionaries from Okrika in 1898, followed by the Ndoki area including Akwete, Ohambele and Azumini. Next were some Ikwerre towns and villages like Elekahia, Oroworukwo, Oginiba, Oroabali, Woji, Rumukurushe and Elelenwo. Similarly, Christianity was introduced to Etche and Omuma lands by trader evangelists from Okrika who settled at Umuelechi Waterside for trade and commerce in 1910.
Today, more than 100 years after, Saint Peter’s Church, Okrika stands, not only as a testament of God’s Grace but also, as a marvelous and “durable evidence of a people’s devotion to progressive thought and action.” From a small Chapel to what the Okrika people called the Okpokirilaka chochi wari, St. Peter’s Church divinely metamorphosed to a full-fledged Cathedral, following the creation of the Diocese of Okrika in 2003 with Rt. Rev. Tubokosemie Abere JP, as the first Bishop and Dean. Rt. Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia is the Second Bishop and Dean of the Cathedral. He has continued to lead with dignity and decorum.
In addition to evangelism, St. Peter’s Church Okrika has over the years, ushered economic and social development. In addition to the first primary school in Okrika, (the St. Peter’s School), the famous Okrika Grammar School (OGS) was established in 1940 by the Anglican Church which championed educational development of Okrika and neighbouring communities, and continues to provide other support that enhance human and economic development. As the Church building attains this remarkable centenary milestone, we pay tribute to all who have served and continues to serve in this Cathedral.
The definition of a place in history, in space and time, is a recognition of one’s influence. St. Peter’s Cathedral Church, Okrika is the mother Church of all Okrika people and has from inception been an inspiration and a great influence in and around the community.
It has earned a place in history, space and time.
By Charles OGAN
