The Mother Church of Northern Nigeria

Faith. History. Heritage.

A legacy of the Church Missionary Society (C.M.S.) established in the ancient plains of Wusasa, Zaria.

Established 1929

A Century of Christian Witness

The story of St. Bartholomew's began when the Church Missionary Society (C.M.S.) was invited by the local authorities to move outside the ancient walls of Zaria city. This led to the founding of the Wusasa mission.

The cathedral building itself was constructed in 1929, using traditional local materials—mud, cow dung, and grass—designed to withstand the heat of the savannah. It is recognized as the oldest surviving physical building constructed as a church in Northern Nigeria.

"It is a living monument where the walls breathe the history of early missionaries and the pioneers of Northern Nigerian Christianity."

Historical Timeline

  • 1929: Foundation stone laid using traditional Hausa architecture.
  • 1930: Dedicated on Easter Sunday, April 20.
  • 2006: Visited by HRH Prince Charles (now King Charles III).
  • 2007: Inaugurated as a full Diocese of the Anglican Communion.
Architectural Legacy

The Historic Buildings of Wusasa

The Old Cathedral

Constructed with thick earthen walls that keep the interior cool in heat and warm in cold. Features the iconic "Zanko" (decorative horns) typical of Hausa royal buildings.

St. Luke's Hospital

Founded alongside the church, this historic facility produced the first Northern Nigerian medical doctor, pharmacist, and pediatrician.

The Mission Tombs

Located on the church grounds, these graves hold the remains of the early C.M.S. missionaries who gave their lives to establish the faith in the region.

Liturgical Life

Sunday Mattins

07:00 AM (Hausa)

Holy Eucharist

09:30 AM (English)

Evensong

05:00 PM