Christianity in Remoland dated back to 1892, when the Rev James Johnson, the Vicar of St. Jude’s Church, Ebute-Metta, and his Curate, Rev J. S. Williams, set out from Lagos on a missionary adventure to Ijebu-Remo. On the journey with them were, Messer. J.A. Roberts, I.H. Wright and J.S. Adewakun.
These three laymen turned out to be the first Anglican Evangelists to live and work in Ijebu-Remo; and the work done by them became the mustard seed that has grown to our present day Remo Diocese.Just as it was in any other place at the advent of Christianity, the faith encountered a lot of difficulties since the people saw Christianity as a threat to their idol worship. With God working with them and confirming the gospel message with signs and wonders, the group of churches in Remoland was constituted into a Provisional District Church Council on 6th July 1913 with the Rev Canon B.A. Falode as the first Chairman.
The dynamic growth of the Church continued unabated resulting in the creation of Ijebu-Remo Archdeaconry on 12th February, 1977 with Ven. J.O. Olumoya as the first Archdeacon. The Archdeaconry was made up of three districts namely, Ijebu-Remo South D.C.C. with its headquarters at St. Paul’s Church, Sagamu, Ijebu-Remo North D.C.C. with its headquarters at St. James’ Church, Iperu, and Ijebu-Remo East D.C.C. with its headquarters at St. Saviours’ Church, Ikenne. Since Remoland was destined for greatness spiritually, the struggle to become an autonomous Diocese was rewarded with the creation of what is today known as Remo Diocese on March 5, 1984 with The Rt. Rev. E.I.O. Ogundana as the first Bishop. With the retirement of the first Bishop in July 2003, the second Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Olusina Fape, was enthroned November 20, 2003.
Having known the humble beginning of Remo Diocese, it is important that we take a quick x-ray of where we are now. The Diocese that started with the Cathedral Church, two Archdeaconries and 10 priests in 1984 is today having the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, still as the mother church, 13 Archdeaconries, and 40 priests. At the inauguration of the Diocese in 1984, there were 31 churches. Today, we have 50 churches. Indeed Remo Diocese is steadily progressing. We are thanking God today for what he has done in our Diocese. We want to acknowledge the grace of God on the Diocese in an unparalleled manner. To God be all the glory.
OUR VISION
Remo Diocese is an integral part of the One, Holy, Catholic Apostolic and Indivisible Church of God that exists to proclaim God’s sovereign power to all generations. Thus our vision as a Diocese is four-fold:
- To build a United Diocese where everybody matters regardless of his or her sexual, racial, social and educational backgrounds. It is our belief that there is power in unity (Psalm 133).
- To build a Spiritually Healthy Diocese where every member is a Bible Believing and Bible Living Christian, because of their knowledge of the Bible. We believe there must be perfect agreement between CREED and CONDUCT (James 1: 22); and
- To build a Financially Buoyant Diocese where every member is taught from the word of God to recognise that our wealth and riches are from God; and that we must use the same to serve Him (1 Corinthians 4: 7).
- To raise a Generation of Church Workers who are Spirit-filled, dedicated to teaching the undiluted Gospel message; and have great compassion for the unsaved souls (2 Tim 2:15).
Remember, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Prov. 29: 18 KJV). But when vision is vigorously pursued, it becomes a MISSION . Therefore, we will make it our aim in this Diocese to please God in all that we do.
REMO DIOCESAN ANTHEM
Anglican Diocese of Remo
Created by God to serve
All we have we offer to you
As we are we come to you
Creator and our Sustainer,
Look upon us and bless us
Father unite us together
Make us vessels of honour. Amen
ORIN DAOSISI REMO
Anglikan Daosis’ ti Remo
T’Olorun da lati sin
O’un ta ni la mu wa fun O
Ba se ri be la se wa
Eleda, Atofara ti
B’ojuwole bukun wa
Baba se wa lokan soso
Se wa lohun elo ola. Amin.
