Christianity was first brought to Okrika from Bonny in May 1878 by an indigene, Chief Atorudibo Fubarada — formerly a Juju Priest of the local deity "Odobiri". After converting his friend Chief Inyanaobitamuno George, the movement eventually reached other prominent figures, crucially including Chief Ilalamaoku Ije Ogan.
Following the persecution and relocation of Chief Atorudibo to George Ama, Chief Ilalamaoku Ije Ogan became the new champion and rallying point for Christians in Okrika. Emboldened by his faith, he ordered the destruction of his household idols and publicly defied superstitious beliefs. One prominent belief was that "Fenibeso" (Okrika's god of lightning and thunder) abhorred the use of corrugated iron sheets, threatening the lives of those who used them.
Chief Ogan damned the consequences, hiring a carpenter from Brass, George Nicol Oruwari, to construct the first house in Okrika with a corrugated iron roof, wooden floor, doors, and windows. This house served as the first sanctuary for organized Christian worship in Okrika. As the congregation outgrew the house, Chief Ogan allocated land for a larger mud-and-wattle chapel that seated 700 worshippers.
Chief Ogan died in November 1879, giving dying instructions for a Christian burial devoid of traditional sacrifices — an unprecedented move for a man of his stature. The seeds he planted survived, and in 1881, Bishop Ajayi Crowther signed an Agreement with King Ibanichuka in Chief Ogan’s house to secure Christianity in Okrika.
In 1896, King Ibanichuka was deported by British Marines for refusing to grant free access to the hinterland rivers. Amidst the chaos, traditionalists falsely accused the family of Chief Ogan of reporting palace secrets to the missionaries, supposedly aiding the British. Facing severe persecution, the family moved first to George Ama and ultimately to Ogan Ama, led by Pa Samuel Ukwuije Ogan.
A devout Christian, Lay Reader, and preacher, Pa Samuel oversaw the erection of a small thatch house in his compound to serve as a church in 1896. This became the new focal point for Christians fleeing persecution. In 1912, the church was formally christened St. Agnes Church by Rev. Max A. Cole.
1896
First church building (thatch) erected in Pa Samuel Ukwuije's compound following the exodus from Okrika Island.
1902
Services temporarily halted by Ven. Dandeson Crowther to stop the drain on St. Peter's Okrika; members crossed by canoe every Sunday.
1912
New church built at Amaogbo. Christened St. Agnes Church by Rev. Max A. Cole. Anthony Ockya appointed to oversee it.
1923
A new mud-block structure with corrugated iron sheets donated by Chief Solomon Irebu Ogan was constructed.
1967 – 1969
Biafran War. The community survived intense crossfire. The people vowed to build a modern church if God spared them.
1971
Foundation stone for the present modern church laid by Bishop Yibo Alalibo Fubara (his first official assignment as Bishop).
1980
New church completed and dedicated to God by Rt. Rev. Yibo Fubara (his last official duty before retiring).
1984
St. Agnes elevated to Parish status, inaugurated by Bishop Elenwo.
2001
Planted the "New Covenant Church" on the mainland, later christened St. Mark's Church.
2006
St. Agnes formally inaugurated as Ogan Ama Deanery by Bishop Tubokosemie Abere in the presence of the Governor of Rivers State.
2020
Hosted the second session of the 6th Synod — the final Synod of Bishop Abere's episcopacy. The church roof was sponsored by Arc. Peter M. Ogan and an Events Center was erected by Dame Dr. Gladys Charles Ogan for the occasion.