The All Souls’ Chapel evolved with the Obafemi Awolowo University itself. It is to be recalled that the University, then known as University of Ife, started in the premises of the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Ibadan. The congregation of the Present All Souls’ Chapel also began there under the auspices of the Student Christian Movement (S.C.M.). That body, consisting of both staff and students, formed the nucleus of the Church. The leadership of the Movement also galvanized the congregation during the relocation of the University to its permanent site in Ile-Ife.
In the tradition of the young University at that time, there was a very close link between the University and the Church. Indeed, the first Head of Department of Religious and Philosophy, Prof. H. J. Davies, was also the first chaplain of the congregation, and the Chapel Committee inaugurated in 1963 had much input from the University. The University Assembly Hall served as the congregation’s place of worship. From its inception, the congregation drew its membership from diverse denominations including major Churches like Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and so on. In later years the Chapel would build on this original diversity to associate more with the Churches known as Churches of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) group. A major task of the Church in the early years was to build and maintain doctrinal and liturgical unity within the composite congregation. In the course of the University’s movement from Ibadan to its permanent site in Ife, the Faculty of Arts, including the Department of Religions and Philosophy, was one of the first to arrive here. The close link between the Church and the University continued. It was in this context that the Chapel secured, after a long search for space, the use of the Agric Foyer from April 1969 to November 1986.
Concerning its governance, the Chapel remained indebted to the University for a long time even on arrival at Ife. It was not until 1971 that Chapel Committee (UPCC) was set up, “to coordinate the activities and programs of the Chapel on behalf of the University”. This meant that direct relationship and control by the University became remote. Indeed, it is on record that it was the UPCC that ultimately led the Chapel to be independent of the University control and limited the interference from the Department of Religions Studies.
The UPCC was a precursor to the Chapel Council, although it held sway till 1985 when it was dissolved, only to assume the new name, “Chapel Council” under the Chairmanship of Prof. A. A. Ademosun. It was during his tenure (1985-1988) that the Chapel moved in November, 1986 to the present premises in the University’s “Religious Centre”. To date the Chapel has had 7 Chaplains, 2 Acting Chaplains and 2 Assistant Chaplains. The Chapel is governed by a constitution approved by the congregation.
(As amended and approved by the Congregational Meeting of Sunday, 18th July, 2010).
The Chapel is registered in accordance with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Decree No. 1 of 1990 (now Companies and Allied Matters Act Cap. C20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004).
The aims and objectives of the Chapel are:
a) Provide a forum for spiritual fellowship as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ
b) Bring people together to worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness
c) Preach the Gospel and teach the Word of God, win souls for Christ, motivate believers to stand firmly in the faith, believing in the Holy Bible as the inspired, infallible and authoritative Word of God, and
d) Promote the ordinances of the Church which is the body of Christ through Church services, Holy Communion, Baptist, Confirmation, Bible study, Prayers, Vigils, joining of persons in Holy Matrimony, etc.
Membership of the Chapel consist of all persons who believe in the ONE TRUE GOD, eternally existing in three Persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – and who confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior
Outline of the Chapel Constitution
Preamble:
PART A – THE CHAPEL
1. Binding Force of the Constitution
2. Name of the Chapel
3. Incorporation’
4. Motto
5. Aims and Objectives
6. Membership of the Chapel
7. Chapel Roll
PART B – THE CONGREGATION
8. Establishment of the Congregation
9. Membership of Congregation
10. Congregational Meetings
11. Fellowships, Associations, etc
PART C – THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
12. Establishment of the Trustees
13. Common Seal
14. Functions of the Trustees
15. Qualifications of Trustees
16. Tenure of Office of Trustees
17. Vacancy on Board of Trustees
PART D – THE CHAPEL COUNCIL
18. Establishment of the Chapel Council
19. Membership of the Chapel Council
20. Election of Chapel Officers
21. Appointment of Chairpersons of Chapel Committees
22. Appointment of Heads of Service Units/Bodies
23. Admission of Presidents of Fellowships
24. Bye-Election
25. Resignation from Office
26. Removal from Office
27. Functions of the Chapel Council
28. Committee System
29. Chaplain to Oversee Designated Committees
30. Chapel Service Units/Bodies
31. Functions of Council Officers
PART E – THE CHAPLAINCY
32. Establishment of the Chaplaincy
33. Appointment of the Chaplain
34. Duties of the Chaplain
35. The Assistant Chaplain
PART F - MISCELLANEOUS
36. Power to Accept Gifts, etc
37. Financial Provisions
38. The Chapel Calendars
39. Amendment
40. Citation
41. Commencement
42. Interpretation
APPENDIX A – (Section 28) – MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF COMMITTEES OF CHAPEL COUNCIL
(i) Finance and General Purposes Committee (F&GPC).
(ii) Chapel Building and Maintenance Committee (CBMC)
(iii) Chapel Services Committee
(iv) Evangelism and Counselling Committee
(v) Welfare Committee
(vi) Choir Affairs Committee
(vii) Sunday School Committee
(viii) Harvest Thanksgiving Committee
(ix) Bible Study Committee, and
(x) Prayer Committee
APPENDIX B – (Section 30) – MEMBERSHIP AND OTHER DETAILS OF CHAPEL SERVICE UNITS/BODIES
(i) Guild of Ushers;
(ii) Guild of Chapel Keepers;
(iii) Lay Readers’ Fellowship, and
(iv) Fellowship of Ministers
APPENDIX C – (Section 33) – PROVISION FOR THE INDUCTION OF CHAPLAIN/ASSISTANT CHAPLAIN
