Heritage
Emmanuel Church, Isonyin
Emmanuel Church is the historic Anglican church where Isonyin Grammar School held its first religious activities on March 23, 1956. The church's own story stretches back to the first Christian converts of Isonyin in the 1890s.
Beginning of an organised church in Isonyin
A foundation of faith
Israel Orebanjo ensured that the new church was nurtured and built upon a sound foundation. As a leader and founder, services were held in his house at first. Later a booth was improvised under his direction.
The notable and worthy part played in the development of Christianity at Isonyin by the late Joseph Odumosu of Ijebu-Ode cannot be forgotten. His first contact with Isonyin Christians was incidental. At the Church Missionary Society Bookshop in Lagos in 1894, Israel Orebanjo went to purchase copies of the ABD book. Joseph Odumosu observed the quantity of the book purchased by Israel Orebanjo and was evidently amazed. His curiosity led him to enquire who Orebanjo was, from where he came and for whom the books were meant. Two weeks after their fortuitous meeting in Lagos, Odumosu — accompanied by Olusoga and Kogbe, alias "Welli we" — came to Isonyin. The Christians were greatly and obviously cheered by this visit.
Thereafter Odumosu, Kogbe, Odunewu and Adebogun came regularly from Ijebu-Ode to Isonyin to preach at Sunday services and to encourage the Christians.
For nearly four years, between 1894 and 1897, the infant church at Isonyin had its foundation securely laid. It already had a teacher, a meeting place for communal services and a strong core of able, talented leaders.
The booth, which was a wooden structure with a thatched roof, could no longer accommodate the growing number of church members. They planned to start building a new church in early 1898.
Various challenges were faced from 1898 until they commenced building towards the end of that year. During the building process, more challenges were faced, but to the glory of God the church building was completed in 1901 and was dedicated by Rev. R. A. Coker, the Superintendent of Ijebu-Ode Church District.
The church later became the seat of Ijebu North East Archdeaconry and presently Isonyin Archdeaconry.
First baptisms
The first set of Christians from Isonyin baptised
Thirteen members from Odosenlu were also baptised; their names were not recorded.
Leadership
Priests and teachers who have served at Emmanuel Church, Isonyin
| Name | Period | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Banjoko | 1896 – 1897 | Teacher |
| Mr. I. B. Ogunmefun | 1897 – 1907 | Catechist |
| Rev. I. B. Ogunmefun | 1907 – 1922 | — |
| Rev. S. A. Sobande | 1922 – 1926 | — |
| Rev. D. A. Oduwusi | 1927 – 1928 | — |
| Rev. D. A. Ogunbanjo | 1929 – 1933 | — |
| Vacant | 1933 – 1936 | — |
| Rev. D. A. Olaitan | 1937 – 1947 | — |
| Rev. I. F. Ekundayo | 1948 – 1949 | — |
| Rev. S. A. Oduwale | 1949 – 1953 | — |
| Rev. D. A. Olugbile | 1954 – 1957 | — |
| Rev. I. I. Ipinmoye | 1958 – 1963 | — |
| Rev. J. O. Olojo | 1965 – 1976 | — |
| Ven. R. A. Osisanwo | 1977 – 1980 | — |
| Ven. E. O. Dosumu | 1980 – 1991 | — |
| Ven. E. O. J. Sokale | 1991 – 1992 | — |
| Ven. J. O. Fowowe | Jan 1993 – Aug 1993 | — |
| Ven. S. O. Oluwatosin | Aug 1993 – 1999 | — |
| Ven. J. O. Bamgbose | 1999 – 2005 | — |
| Ven. J. R. Olowomeye | 2005 – 2013 | — |
| Ven. Dr. E. B. Dairo | 2013 – 2020 | — |