National Church of Nigeria
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The National Church of Nigeria (previously known as the Nigerian Ecumenical Centre and officially known as the National Christian Centre) is the primary Christian place of worship in Nigeria, a country with a substantial Christian population (see Christianity in Nigeria). It is located in Abuja, the capital city. The National Church of Nigeria is an inter-denominational church.
[edit] History
The church was built by Italian construction firm Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Ltd. The project, which was started around 1989, lay dormant for several years until 2004, when the Christian Association of Nigeria organized a committee to ensure its speedy completion. The dedication, on the 2nd of October 2005, coincided with the celebration of Nigeria’s 45th anniversary as an independent nation.
The dedication service was presided over by Reverend Peter Akinola, the Anglican Primate of Nigeria.[1]
[edit] Layout and access
The church is built in a neo-gothic style and has several pivoted arches with a wide nave leading to the altar. The altar, placed at the centre of the church completes a full rotation every ten minutes. A pipe organ is fitted to the right wing of the church, close to which sits the choir. Stained glass windows which employ a simple but attractive mix of yellow, green and red colours can be seen all around the church.
When not being used for Christian ceremonies, it is open to the public. Guided tours are available for anyone interested in having a look. In some cases, members of the public are only allowed to tour the church when accompanied by a guide.
