Pathfinders for Christianity in Northern Nigeria (1862–1940)

“With assiduous scholarly research, diligent data analysis, and refreshing critical candor, Emmanuel Egbunu does commendable justice to the lives and work of his predecessors in the service of God’s church not only in Northern Nigeria but throughout the country. May God use this testimony to the work of faith and labor of love of the pioneers to equip his church with patience, endurance, and hope in facing the battles of the present and the future.”


—Emmanuel Oladipo, Retired Director, Scripture Union International





“In this excellent historical account of the work of CMS in the Lokoja area in Nigeria between 1862 and 1941, Egbunu shows us exactly why African Christians need to write histories of their own communities. He rightly shines the light on parts of the story that could only be best told by Africans, saving them from being forever lost. Through his hard work of research and writing, he models for us the role of ecclesial leaders as both researchers and storytellers. Anyone interested in the history of Christianity in Africa, especially during the colonial era, will find this book helpful. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”


—Harvey Kwiyani, Lecturer, Liverpool Hope University





“This captivating study significantly extends our insight into the pioneering role of the Nigerian agents of CMS Anglican Church in the introduction of Christianity and Western education to Northern Nigeria, especially during the heyday of colonialism. Drawing on archival, oral, and secondary sources, Bishop Egbunu analyzes the dynamics of the mission practices and experiences of the indigenous pathfinders of Christianity at the Niger-Benue Confluence and the enduring impact of their exertions.”


—Femi Kolapo, Professor of African History, University of Guelph





“The life, ministry, and impact of the legendary Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther will for a long time continue to attract the attention of scholars, ministers, historians, linguists, and all shades of inquiring minds. Crowther remains the role model par excellence for genuine missionaries and nationalists in Africa. . . . Egbunu’s use of language in this book is lucid and simple, yet it reflects stylistic erudition and analytical depth. . . . In an age of advanced secular culture, communism, liberal theology, biblical revisionism, church decline, and radical redefinition of evangelism and how to do missions, retelling the life story of Bishop Samuel Crowther is most significant as a tonic to reinvigorate the church’s return to Christian orthodoxy and rekindle the fire of missions again, to all nations of the world.”


—Dapo F. Asaju, Professor of Theology, Lagos State University