St. Augustine's Church, Abagana, located at Amagu at the South-Western extremity of Abagana, is so far the farthest away from St. Peters Church. Before the second half of the twentieth century, Amagu was thinly populated, but the population is fairly rapidly increasing. A few of early, but not necessarily the very first converts to Christianity lived there. They include Mr. Stephen Ogbuagu, Mrs. Keziah Ogbuagu, Mr. Josiah Mmor, Mr. Zephaniah Anigbata and Mrs. Angelina Anigbata, all of blessed memory. By the 1970s some of them had become over seventy years old. They were subjected to trekking the three to four kilometer distance to St. Peter's Church for church services, early morning prayers, Friday classes, church meetings, and funeral services. They dreamed for a church at Amagu, but it did not materialize in their time except Mrs. Keziah Ogbuagu and Mrs. Angelina Anigbata, all of blessed memory. Largely because the sparseness of population at Amagu did not make that place a priority choice for locating a church. However, their children much greater in number, dreamed for a church in Amagu in their own time and worked for it, and it materialized.
Once again, it all started with the establishment of a kindergarten school, in keeping with the kindergarten centre policy of St. Peter's Church, in 1981, through the help of a committee headed by Mr. Francis Amanchukwu, Mr. Emmanuel Ezekwueche, Nwoye Mgbaji, Johnson Okafor, and Nwabuike Uwaezuoke. Sequel to the appeal through the above mentioned people, a small portion of land was made available for the establishment of a kindergarten school for Amagu children. A committee of three members, Messrs Innocent Okafor, Boniface Ezekwueche all of blessed memory, and Emmanuel Ezekwueche, was to see to the setting up of the building. Mr. Emmanuel Ezekwueche, an executive member of the A.A.P.C who would from time to time report the progress to the A.A.P.C, headed the committee. The building plan was modified and enlarged by the Vicar of St. Peter's Church, Rev. Canon I.C. Okafor, with the express intention that the building would also be used for church services for children and the elderly. All the Anglican Christians in Amagu joined in the communal effort to build the house. They donated money and building materials. St. Peter's Parish women remained the major financier till the project came to completion. Mr. Benson Anigbata did the masonry work, while Messrs Francis Akudu, Jeremiah Okonkwo, and Gilbert Okeke did the carpentry work. Within the following year, the building was completed and forms for seating were provided. On Sunday 5th September, 1982 Ven. M.C Echendu formally declared the building open both for worship and kindergarten school. He was assisted by Rev. G.C. Ubaka. The first Holy Communion was administered in the church in 1985 by Rev. J.O. Maduka. Sixty one (61) communicants participated in the Eucharist.
Unfortunately, for the next six years, no church Teacher was posted to the church. Mr. Augustine N.O. Ezekwueche, Mrs. Victoria Mmor, Mrs. Mabel C. Ezekwueche, of blessed memory, Mr. I.K. Akude, Mr. Francis Ezeanate who donated to the church its first lectern, Mrs. Phoebe Maduabuchi, Mr. Francis M. Maduabuchi of blessed memory and Mr. C.C. Muoneme of Nri then sojourning at Amagu assisted in conducting services. The kindergarten was handled by Mrs. Beatrice Okafor. However, in 1988, St. Augustine was named the patron saint of the church and it became; from that date, known as St. Augustine's Church, Abagana. It was then that the first church teacher, Mr. Temple Onwube from Mgbakwu was posted. The Parochial Church Committee was also appointed the same year under strict supervision of Rev. G.C. Ubaka. The pioneer parochial church committee members were; Boniface Ezekwueche, Alphonso Mmor, Moses Okonkwo, Jacob Mmagu, Mabel Ezekwueche, all of blessed memory. Others included: Benson Anigbata, Francis Akudu, Walter Anigbata, arid Priscilla Ogbuagu. Mr. Augustine N.O. Ezekwueche was appointed ex-officio member. The church got upper hand over the school building. Mr. Temple Onwube's stay in the church was very brief. He left the church after six months. Consequently, Mr. Augustine N.O. Ezekwuche occupied the work as the local helper. In January, 1989, the second Church Teacher Mr. Isaac .C. Umenwariri from Uga was sent to the church. He developed the church, organizing the Choir, Youth Fellowship and the Boys and Girls Brigades. The first baptism was administered in 1989 by Ven. J.O.A. Emesi; five infants and one adult were baptized. The church choir robes were sewed and launched in 1989 too. It was during that time that the church came into assessment which was paid with credits. Mr. Isaac .C. Umenwariri left the church in March, 1992, for further education. He is now a medical doctor.
Another Church Teacher Mr. (now Ven.) David E.G. Okpalaononuju from Uga was posted to the church in April, 1992. The tempo of development was made going. Within the space of time, he stayed here, the following developments took place:
Mr. (now Ven.) David .C. Ezeobi from Nanka succeeded him in that month. He made the church organizations alive and church services more lively. A gigantic pulpit was donated by Chief Eugene Udeozor. The pulpit was cited and blessed by Ven. J.O.A. Emesi. Dr. & Mrs. Christian M. Ezekwueche also renovated the church. In 1994, the women organized what was then called Otu-Ofu-Obi cultural dance. The cultural dances were embraced by many of the members. Arrangement was made in 1995 to carpet the central passage of the church as well as the chancel with rug. He left no stone unturned in the payment of assessment. He left for training in August, 1995.
The church was again administered by Mr. Augustine N.O. Ezekwueche till in January, 1996. Mr. (Now Rev.) Patrick .C. Chinwuko from Awka resumed work in the church as a resident Church Teacher on 14th January, 1996. It was during that time that the arrangement to carpet the central passage of the church as well as the chancel came through. Fund raising was organized the same year to build Church Teacher's house. The fund raise was successful. The project took off in November, 1996. He left the church in the hands of Mr. Augustine N.O. Ezekwueche in January, 1997.
On the 30th day of March, 1998, Mr. (Now Rev. Dr.) James Nweke from Ifite-Ogwari was posted to the church. The Women General meeting of St. Augustine's Church released money for the purchase of Brass band set for the Boys and Girls' Brigades. A maxitone brand of trumpet was bought later. The church Teacher's house project was brought to ceiling stage.
Another church Teacher Mr. (now Revd.) ThankGod Chukwudi Nwankwo from Owerre-Ezukala arrived the church on Friday 7th May, 1999. History was made on 30th April, 2000 when a precise number of sixty five (65) boys and girls were enrolled into 168th Anambra Company of the Boys' and Girls' Brigades, St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Abagana. Patrons and Patronesses were also enrolled. The patrons and patronesses gave sponsorship fund which made the brigade enrollment a reality. A complete Public address system was bought with the sponsorship of the St. Augustine's Women General Meeting. Instrument bought included: one loud speaker, one horn speaker, 60 watts Amplifier, three wireless microphone, and 55 AH motor battery. The church compound was fenced in 2001.
On Monday, 12th January, 2004, Mr. & Mrs. Sunday A. Ike from Eziagu were posted to the church. Mrs. Ngozi Ike was the first Ochiora now known as Nneora posted to the church. Before their arrival, the leadership of the women wing rested squarely on the hands of Mrs. Mabel C. Ezekwueche of blessed memory and Mrs. Victoria J. Mmor. Mr. & Mrs. Sunday A. Ike served in the church between Monday 12th January, 2004 and Wednesday 17th January 2007. It was within this space of time that a set of Gospel band, and a generating plant (Honda Elemax) were bought. The Girls' Guild constructed and donated to the church, 700 gallons tank for domestic use in the Church Teacher's house. Again, the women beautified the Church Teacher's house with carpet and curtain. The church won 1st position, two consecutive times in the Abagana Archdeaconry vicarage inspection and got her parish assement ratio reduced in 2006.
The current Church Teacher (now Rev.) Chukwudozie Okonkwo from Ufuma took over from Mr. & Mrs. Sunday A. Ike on Wednesday 17th January 2007. He was inspiring and a visionary Church Teacher. The church grew in membership, physically, and spiritually. Six people were converted to the church including those from heathenic background. Evangelical activities, including follow-up/interactive Bible teaching, monthly Bible study during martins, weekly prayer meeting, Birthday/Anniversary celebration, seminar, revival were introduced. The night vigil, mid-week prayer, Friday /Monday classes and Sunday worship were done with wide spectrum. On Sunday 5th February, 2007, the Church Teacher Arthur Chukwudozie Okonkwo introduced the use of weekly bulletin in the Church services which he sponsored for one year. The sponsorship of the bulletin has gone into the hands of charitable faithful within and outside the Church. Then on Sunday 11th February, 2007, the Church was grouped into three zones with Patron Saints. The zones include: St. Luke, St. Mark and St. Matthew. The house-to-house evangelism of the church raised the moral of many worshippers especially the men. Ten men were received into the Fathers’ fellowship in 2007. On Sunday 28th December 2007, the church formed what might be called St. Augustine's Family Meeting. The body was formed to be a family affair with wider spectrum stretched from Evangelism to other church functions and responsibilities to encourage membership and development of the church. The first cash harvest was held in the church on Sunday 9th and Sunday 30th December, 2007 The result of the cash harvest was enthusiastic.
It was during the tenure of Mr Authur C. Okonkwo, that St Augustine's Home and Abroad Women General Meeting bought a Bus for gospel evangelism. At this juncture, it must be said that our women are very focused and pushful in tackling projects in the church. They are indeed, pillars of progress. The bus both served St Augustine's Anglican Church Abagana and Abagana Archdeaconry.
In January 2010, Mr. Authur C.C. Okonkwo handed over to Mr. C. Ogaraku and his dear wife, Mrs. Josephine Ogaraku -Nneora. Mr. Ogaraku was an energetic missioner. He separated the old church compound with fence that enclosed the teachers' quarters with an iron gate to match. He also attached a structure to the St. Augustine's Chapel which included the toilet and the bathroom for men and women. He also beautified the church building harbour flowers. He made the church service lively, wonderful, enjoyable and heavenly just like his predecessor. This attracted many worshipers from far and near. Just at the peak of his evangelical work, he was transferred from St. Augustine's Church to St. Faith Pro-Cathedral Church Awka in September 2013. Before he was transferred, he was ordained a deacon in July 2012, and the ceremony took place at St. Augustine's Anglican Church Abba. His dear wife, Mrs. Josephine Ogaraku - Nneora was very supportive.
The abrupt transfer of Revd. Ogaraku and his family to St. Faith Pro-Cathedral Church Awka brought about his successor, Revd. Samuel C. Ifejiagwa. Revd. Samuel C. Ifejiagwa was full fledged Priest in St. Augustine's Anglican Church Abagana. He came in with his dear wife Mrs. Josephine Ifejiagwa (NNEORA). When he came in, a lot of the congregations were owing the church. Some debts were as a result of the purchases made during the Harvest and Bazaar thanksgiving. He recovered those debts by way of calling people who were owing the church during the Church service, and he made sure they paid their debts in the course of the service. He also introduced and enforced cash and carry sales of the Harvest and Bazaar proceeds, in order to discourage and prevent people from owing the church.
It was during his tenure that the entire church hall was decorated with tiles. And this added beauty to the Church. During his tenure, he championed and executed the water bole-hole project at the parsonage. However, he was on September 2016 transferred from St Augustine's Anglican Church Abagana to Isuoniocha Anglican Church and the transfer was abrupt too.
Revd. Samuel C. Ifejiagwa was succeeded by the present Vicar of the Church, Revd. Canon Basil Orji and his dear wife, Mrs. Mary Nkechinyere Orji (Nneora).
This couple arrived St. Augustine's Church on 3rd September 2016. Two weeks after their arrival, they opened an International School known as "Wisdom International Nursery and Primary School", the first of its kind in Amagu Abagana. The School is currently in Primary 4 with a population of over 75 pupils. The school is known for its outstanding performance in Mathematics, Computer, International languages and hand craft.
The vicarage compound which used to be as quiet as grave yard is now bubbling with life as school children keep warm and lively. They have raised the vicarage wall which was in dwarf form, they have also lightened up the vicarage premises to ward off hoodlums and thieves.
Augustine Ezekwueche family donated a brand new 3800 gen-set at his 90 years birthday.
Not only this, Revd. Canon Basil Orji and Mary Basil Orji has given St. Augustine a serious face lift both spiritually and physically. They have injected life into the church within just one year and some 4 months of their stay. Our prayer is that they be given some time to deposit all they have in stock for St. Augustine.
In October 201 7, a graduate church teacher in the person of Obinna Muogbo was posted to St. Augustine. Obinna is musical and he has revived singing and choir in St. Augustine.
We cannot forget Chinyere Emecheta and her activities in the children's ministry. She has remained consistent with others gifted in the children's ministry. St. Augustine's EFAC is about the most vibrant in Abagana Archdeaconry. The A.Y.F. is also waxing stronger and stronger courtesy of Frank Nnaji and his group.
We salute Ven. Gibson Nebolisa who was overseeing the activities of St. Augustine as the Vicar for some years now, until we were pronounced a parish.
We salute all the members of St. Augustine living or dead, who have impacted on the life of St. Augustine and sustained this church from infancy to this period we have attained a parish status. God bless all of you. The church was inaugurated as a Parish on Sunday, 18th February, 2018 by by His Lordship Rt. Revd. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, Ph.D. now His Grace, Most Revd. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim Ph.D, Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Bishop, Diocese of Awka
On 29th September 2020, Ven. Samuel and Nneora Love Asaa from Uruogbo village Enugwu-Ukwu arrived to St Augustine's Church Parish as the Vicar. He replaced Rev. Canon Basil and Nneora Mary Orji.
They continued with the perimeter fencing of adjoined land which was purchased by the Church. The School building was renovated (Roofing, Replacement of broken ceiling and flooring of broken ground). We are grateful to the following persons: Late Chief Sam Onuorah and his family who assisted in the renovation of the Church and His highness, Sir, Napoleon Onyechi (Oba Odezuligbo Abagana) & Lady Azuka Onyechi (Ivom Oduenyi Abagana) for their fatherly contributions. We thank the Parochial Church Committee and the Women Ministry for assisting in the payment of the teachers’ salary and provision of needed school items such as white boards, sporting wears, chairs etc. and the general maintenance of the school building. We are indebted to good spirited individuals who have helped in the running of the school, especially the newly constituted school management Committee.
The church has produced two priests, Ven. Fr. Frank Mmor (ordained in 2006) and Rev. Jeff U. Ifechukwudebelu (ordined in August 2021).