NOVEMBER-THE MONTH OF GLOBAL MEGA CHURCHES
by Daniel Breakforth
Several highly notable Christian church buildings, have their anniversaries of dedication celebrated in November. Some of the most prominent are the 4 major basilicas in Rome.
Major Basilicas in Rome:
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran This basilica is the cathedral church of the Pope as the Bishop of Rome and is considered the “mother and head of all churches in the world”. The anniversary of its dedication by Pope Sylvester I in 324 AD is celebrated annually on 9th November.
Basilica of Saint Peter Located in Vatican City and considered the most famous church in Christendom, the current structure was dedicated on 18 November 1626, after over a century of construction. It was built over what Catholics consider-the traditional tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle.
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls This major basilica, built over the grave of Saint Paul, was also originally constructed by Emperor Constantine. After being destroyed by fire in 1823, it was rebuilt and consecrated by Pope Pius IX in 1854.
Presently considered the largest in use Church auditorium facility in the world, Glory Dome (Dunamis International Gospel Centre): This 100,000-seat capacity auditorium, one of the world’s largest, was dedicated on 24 November 2018. Built in less than 4 years, It is pastored by Dr Pastor Paul Idoko Enenche of Nigeria. The Church is located along the Airport Road in Nigeria’s capital the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T)
Faith Arena (formerly Faith Miracle Centre, Upper Adesuwa, G. R. A Benin City, Edo State (Church of God Mission International): A large auditorium often referred to as a “stadium church,” it was dedicated on November 2, 1986 some 3 years before Our Lady of Peace Basilica, after 3 years of construction
It sits close to 10,000 worshippers and is considered Africa’s first stadium Church. The project was led by the Church Founder and Pioneer Pastor, Archbishop Benson Andrew Idahosa.
International Gospel Center (Word of Life Bible Church): The 25,000-seater headquarters was officially dedicated on 19 November 2000, in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.The project led by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, a protege of Benson Idahosa, lasted about 5 years
Fargo Gospel Tabernacle (Assemblies of God): A report on the dedication of this building was featured in the November 29, 1930, issue of The Pentecostal Evangel.
Various local assemblies (The Church of Pentecost): The Church of Pentecost has dedicated numerous local church buildings and other facilities, such as the Damongo Skills Acquisition center (a prison facility fully funded and built by the church) inaugurated on November 5, 2025.
The Ark (Living Faith Church Worldwide): This is perhaps the most prominent upcoming dedication. Initially Scheduled for November 29, 2025 but later postponed, The Ark is a 109,345-seat capacity auditorium located in Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria, and is considered to be the largest indoor church arena on the planet. The project is a legacy project of Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, another protege of Benson Idahosa.
The Ark is now scheduled for dedication in 2026 and it will definitely not be a surprise if its dedication is scheduled for the month of November considering the gargantuan level of work still to be done and the fact that the Church prefers to focus on Shiloh, the peak of her yearly activities in the month of December. On dedication, the project would have lasted a little over 5 years.
Do you know any other major church facilities regardless of the denomination, completed/dedicated in the month of November?
Kindly indicate in the comment section.
