HOW CHRISTIANITY PENETRATED YORUBA LAND

 Christianity in Yoruba land began in Ibadan. In the 18th century, Ibadan was an economically sound, fast developing and religiously tolerant town. It was a war camp and as a result, war-chiefs, their families, army and slaves from different parts of Yoruba land immigrated to the city. The collapse of the Oyo empire also caused an influx of people and they came with different cultures and norms. 

The worship of the traditional gods was common place because these deities were tied to practical economic or political purposes. There Islamic influence as well had come from the Nothern towns like Ilorin, all coexisting with the purpose of economic freedom.  By early 19th century, the Protestant churches in Europe had begun to campaign against slave trade because it directly oppose the philosophy of love as preached by the gospel. They then began to strenthen missionary societies and this was how Africa became exposed to Christian evangelism and Ibadan seemed like a good place to start for David Hinderer and his team.

When they arrived in 1851, Hinderer was only allowed into the town after the Ifa Oracle was consulted. Being a town that recognized the economic benefit of religious tolerance, the Oracle responded with tidings of good fortune and he was warmly recieved. They were apportioned some land in the Kudeti hillside and this was the base for a church, a mission house and a school.

David Hinderer and his team were friendly, persuasive and focused. Many locals loved them and before long, their congregation grew. Today, almost 200 years later, is the St. David's Cathedral named after David Hinderer. The church was also involved in other activities like teaching converts to read the bible, learn catechism and educating children, spearheaded by Anna Hinderer, the wife of David Hinderer