Brief history of LPC CGIT
.
Brief History of Lagos Presbyterian Church Christian Girls in Training (CGIT)
Foundations and Early Establishment (1963 – Late 1960s)
The Christian Girls in Training (CGIT) of Lagos Presbyterian Church Yaba was established as part of the broader youth formation initiatives of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, which has long emphasized moral discipline, Christian education, and leadership development among young people. Following the founding of Lagos Presbyterian Church Yaba on 5 May 1963, the need to provide structured spiritual and character training for young girls in the congregation became evident.
In the late 1960s, female leaders of the church organized the CGIT fellowship, aligning it with the national Presbyterian program designed to nurture Christian virtues among girls and prepare them for responsible service within the church and society. Early matrons and women leaders of the church played a central role in guiding the young members, organizing weekly meetings, Bible studies, and practical training in leadership, discipline, and Christian service.
Growth, Active Engagement, and Leadership Continuity (1970s – 1980s)
During the 1970s and 1980s, the CGIT of Lagos Presbyterian Church Yaba grew steadily and became one of the most active youth organizations in the parish. Under the guidance of dedicated matrons, teachers, and church elders, the girls participated in regular fellowship meetings, leadership camps, and church events that emphasized spiritual growth, community service, and moral development.
The CGIT also played an important role in church ceremonies and special programs, often participating in worship services, anniversaries, and denominational youth activities within the presbytery. Many young girls trained through the CGIT program later became active members of other church societies such as the Presbyterian Young People’s Association of Nigeria and the Women’s Guild, thereby strengthening the continuity of women’s leadership within the church.
Modern Evolution and Legacy of Service (1990s – Present)
From the 1990s to the present, the CGIT fellowship at Lagos Presbyterian Church Yaba has continued to evolve while maintaining its foundational mission of nurturing Christian character among young girls. Successive matrons and church leaders expanded the program to include mentorship initiatives, leadership training workshops, and participation in broader church outreach activities.
The organization has continued to serve as a training ground where young girls learn Christian values, discipline, and service to the church. Through decades of sustained activity, the CGIT of Lagos Presbyterian Church Yaba has contributed significantly to raising generations of women who have gone on to serve the church as teachers, choir members, youth leaders, and guild officers, thereby reinforcing the long-standing Presbyterian commitment to the spiritual and moral formation of young people.