Christ Apostolic Church

History

Christ Apostolic Church is an indigenous African church founded by members of Precious Stone Society (Faith Tabernacle) after separating from The Apostolic Church in 1940. The church's history is linked to its founders, namely Isaac Babalola Akinyele, Joseph Ayo Babalola, David Odubanjo, Joseph Esinsinade, and Miss Sophia Odunlami.

Before then, Christ Apostolic Church and The Apostolic Church (called Diamond or Precious Stone at that time) were found in some places in Nigeria but met mainly at St Savior's Anglican Church. The Anglican Church were opposed to the practices of the group and members of the group who are workers in the Anglican Church were forced to resign. When the Great Revival emerged in July 1930 people rejected their traditional medicines and thousands of people gave their lives to Jesus. On 23 September 1931, Pastors D.P Williams, A. Turnbull, and W.J Williams came to Nigeria and ordained the first seven Pastors of the church. Then during the crisis that occurred in 1939-1940 in the churchRetrieved from Gross Archive Division in Christ Apostolic Church that led to the emergence of two groups, the first is The Apostolic Church Nigeria led by Pastor Samuel Adegboyega while the second is Christ Apostolic Church.

Baba Abiye was one of the leaders of the Christ Apostolic Church who served as the Assistant General Evangelist of the church, working closely with Joseph Ayo Babalola during his lifetime.

Tenets

Christ Apostolic Church adopted the 11 tenets of the Apostolic Church UK and added the 12th and 13th tenets in 1940.

Leadership

• Pastor Isaac Babalola Akinyele (1943–1964) – served as the first president from incorporation until 1964.
• Pastor Jacob Soyege Bartholomew Odusona (1964–1966) – succeeded Akinyele and led for two years.
• Pastor Elijah Titus Latunde (1966–1983) – presided over the church for 17 years. Prior to his presidency, he had served as vice president under Odusona.
• Pastor John Dada Obafemi – one of the only two leaders who became president without previously serving as General Superintendent.
• Pastor Joseph Bolade Orogun (1983–1991) – succeeded Latunde. He retired following the General Executive Council’s policy on age-based retirement. An interim administration headed by Pastor E.A. Faniyan was in place between 1991 and June 1993.
• Pastor John Dada Obafemi (1993–1997) – appointed president in 1993 and retired in 1997.
• Pastor Elijah Howard Lajuwomi Olusheye (1997–2011) – succeeded Obafemi and served until December 2011.
• Pastor Abraham Olukunle Akinosun (2012–2020) – became president in 2012 and held office until 2020
• Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele (2021–present) – the incumbent president, having assumed office in 2021 till date

References

References

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4. "Babalola, Joseph Ayo, Nigeria/Ghana, Christ Apostolic Church (Aladura)". Dacb.org.
5. (30 October 2002). "The Earth Story in the New Testament". Continuum International Publishing Group.
6. "BRIEF HISTORY – The Apostolic Church Ghana".
7. (2011-05-11). "African Indigenous Churches — Chapter Eight".
8. ChurchGistAdmin. (2023-09-23). "TODAY IN HISTORY: 23rd September".
9. (2019-05-05). "Samuel Adegboyega: Pioneer of Apostolic Pentecostalism in Nigeria – HistoryVille".
10. authority. (2022-09-10). "THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THE DEATH OF APOSTLE AYO BABALOLA.".
11. Akande, Lydia Bosede. (2018-12-15). "The impact of christ apostolic church on Yoruba diaspora in the New York District". Ilorin Journal of Religious Studies.