Globalization and Ecclesiastical Architecture in Nigeria

Globalization cuts across all areas of human endeavor including ecclesiastical architecture. This study examined the influence of globalization on the evolution and development of ecclesiastical architecture in Nigeria with a view to identifying the areas of impact throughout the three phases of church building development. The area of study was Lagos State because of many reasons. The data were collected through literature, interview and field case study approach. The study identified that the first phase of its development (1845-1929) was dominated by foreign input as the established Churches were by foreign Missions that had absolute financial and construction activity control. The second phase was a mixture of both indigenous and foreign inputs as construction industry in Nigeria was still undergoing a formative stage. African Independent Churches evolved and Pentecostalism emerged as collaboration between the indigenous precursors and foreign partners. The theology had an impact on the establishment of church buildings. The third phase borrowed from foreign industrial buildings to accommodate her congregation as the Church witnessed the unprecedented population explosion and economic empowerment. This paper concludes that globalization has had its own positive influence on the evolution and development of ecclesiastical architecture in Nigeria