United Holy Church of America
Encyclopedia
The United Holy Church of America, Inc. is a predominantly Black
Pentecostal Holiness
Christian
denomination. International headquarters are located in Greensboro, North Carolina
. The UHC of A consists of 516 churches, 17 districts, and 8 territories. The largest and the oldest district of the connectional body is the Southern District Convocation (Goldsboro, NC
).
), in 1886. It began as a regional body. In 1900 this body called itself Holy Church of North Carolina, and later, as it grew, the Holy Church of North Carolina and Virginia. In the early 1900s, the church added a Pentecostal understanding to its Holiness emphasis. In 1916, the name United Holy Church of America was adopted, and the church was incorporated on September 15, 1918.
The United Holy Church of America is an outgrowth of the great revival that began with the early outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost
, when the 120 were filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1–4).
The church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
At regular intervals during the intervening centuries, great revivals have occurred in various sections of the world. These revivals were the results of the divine energy as was experienced on the day of Pentecost.
It was during this time of revival of repentance, regeneration, and holiness of heart and life
that swept through the South
and West, that the United Holy Church of America was born. There was no desire on the part of the founding fathers to establish another denomination, but they were pushed out of organized churches because of their experience of holiness and their testimony of the Spirit-filled life.
It became necessary for these persons who held the testimony of being "saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost" to establish contact with each other for mutual edification and comfort. As as result, many independent churches were established and associations formed where people could be free to seek God, not only to be genuinely saved, but also to be "definitely sanctified."
The church was born in Method, NC, in May 1886. On October 13, 1894, in the city of Durham, North Carolina, the first convocation was organized. Those present were G.A. Mials, H.C. Snipes and S.S. Freeman, all of Raleigh, North Carolina; present also was G.W. Roberts of Durham, North Carolina, and L.M. Mason of Method, North Carolina. On October 15, 1900, a convention
was called by the Rev. C.C. Craig to meet at Durham, North Carolina, to prepare a discipline for the government
of the churches. Those present at this meeting were; H.C. Pettiford, H.C. Snipes, L.M. Mason, G.W. Roberts,
Mrs. Emma E. Craig, and Mrs. L.J. Roberts.
The church was first known as the "Holy Church of North Carolina", and later as the "Holy Church of North
Carolina and Virginia". In September of 1916, in a Convocation assembled at Oxford, North Carolina, the
name was changed to the United Holy Church of America. On September 25, 1918, the Church was
incorporated in the state of North Carolina under the name of the United Holy Church of America Incorporated.
The Southern District of the United Holy Church of America came into being in the year 1894 in the city of Durham,
North Carolina. This was the first and the largest of all the districts in the connection. It was organized by Elders
C.C. Craig, L.M. Mason, George W. Roberts, H.C. Snipes, and H.C. Pettiford, along with Mother E.E. Craig,
and Mrs. L.J. Roberts. Elder L.M. Mason was chosen as its first president. The work of the church has steadily
grown since that time into a great organization.
In June of 1920, in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bishop H.L. Fisher and Bishop G.J. Branch, along with
other general officers, met at a call-meeting of the independent group of Holy Churches in this city and nearby towns,
and after meditation and prayer proceeded to organize the churches into a district known as the Northern District
Convocation of the United Holy Church of America, Inc. Bishop G.J. Branch of Goldsboro, North Carolina was
chosen as the president of the district embracing the following states; New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Following this, in 1924, in the city of Columbus, Ohio, at the Gospel Tabernacle Church, whose pastor was
Elder John E. Harris, the Northwestern District was organized into a District Convocation by Bishop G.J. Branch,
Bishop H.L. Fisher, and Bishop J.D. Diggs, along with other General officers of the Church. Bishop J.D. Diggs
of Winston-Salem, North Carolina was chosen as its first president. Other officers were; Bishop H.H. Hairston
and Bishop S.G. McCoy. The states comprising this district were: Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia,
Western Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Eastern Illinois.
The New England District, embracing the states of the New England area, was organized in August of 1925.
Bishop J.W. Houston was chosen as the first president of this district.
The Central Western District was organized in 1930. The organizers were Bishop J.W. Houston, Elder Otis E.
Evans, Mother Addie Houston, and Mother Susie Evans.
The work of the United Holy Church on the Pacific Coast was originally known as the Union of California United
Holy Churches in 1924. In 1936, this district was known as the Pacific Coast District. The name was later
changed to the Western District. The first headquarters for the district was in Los Angeles, and later in San
Francisco. Bishop Henry Lee Fisher worked as the chief organizer of this district.
The West Virginia District was organized in 1935 through the work of Bishop J.D. Diggs after being separated
from the Northwestern District the previous year.
The Southeastern District, originally known as the Florida-Georgia District, was organized in 1948 by Bishop
G.J. Branch.
The Bermuda District, covering the entire island of Bermuda, was organized in 1921 by Bishop Henry Lee Fisher.
Associated with him in this effort were Elders Thomas Trott, C. H. Caisey and Patrick Mills, and Miss Majorie Trott.
In the early history of the Barbados District, Evangelist Rosa B. Hawkins of San Francisco, California, organized
five churches on the island of Barbados; however, these churches later joined with another Pentecostal body.
The churches in Barbados that are presently a part of The United Holy Church of America were organized by the
late Bishop Harry Townsend Gentles. He founded Mt. Olive United Holy Church in 1949, and it later became
the headquarters church for the District. Bishop Gentles brought together some independent churches and organized
new ones as well. These churches have grown into the present-day Barbados District.
The Virginia District was organized by Bishop W.N. Strobhar. Bishop Thomas E. Talley was appointed the first
president, and Bishop S. G. McCoy served as vice president. The first convocation was held in August of 1969
in Portsmouth, Virginia, and Mrs. Elsie Harris served as its first secretary.
So December 10, 1969, at Fisher Memorial United Holy Church in Durham, North Carolina, the Western North
Carolina District was organized by Bishop W.N. Strobhar and other General officers. Bishop A.W. Lawson was
appointed the first president, and Bishop N.M. Midgett was chosen to serve as vice president.
The Central Pacific District was founded in March of 2005 with Bishop Rafael Fortier, Jr., as its first president.
The district began with its headquarters in San Francisco, California.
From January 1927 to March 1975, the Church experienced a breach in its Certificate of Incorporation. Through
a Certificate of Rescission and a resolution passed at a General meeting, the Certificate of Incorporation was
amended to allow the Church to exist as a perpetual institution. The Church's corporate status as a non-profit
religious organization now exists in perpetuity. The Tenth Article of the 1918 Certificate of Incorporation was
amended to reflect this change.
In 1977, the Church experienced a division when the Southern District Convocation, located in Goldsboro,
North Carolina withdrew from fellowship with the parent body. However, in May of 2000 in the city of
Greensboro, North Carolina, the Southern District Convocation was gloriously reunited with the connectional
body at the Quadrennial Session. Today, the great connection of The United Holy Church of America, Inc., marches on.
Bishops' Council, General Board of Bishops, Board of Elders (district and general church levels), District Board of Presbytery, District Presidents, District Elders, District & General Departments of Evangelism & Extension, Missions, Ushers, Music, YPHA (Young Peoples' Holy Association), BCS (Bible Church School), Publications, and the Holiness Union . The United Holy Church is broken down into districts, sub-districts and then local churches.
Elders,
Pastors,
Licensed Ministers (Evangelists, Reverends, Ministers,etc.)
separated from the mother church in 1924 to form an organization that consecrated women to the bishopric. Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and the United Holy Church look at each other as sister organizations. The United Holy Church was one of the first churches that ordained women to become pastors and elders and later on bishops. United Holy Church's annual "Holy Convocation" is held every May. District convocations are held at their set times with in the district.
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
Pentecostal Holiness
Holiness movement
The holiness movement refers to a set of beliefs and practices emerging from the Methodist Christian church in the mid 19th century. The movement is distinguished by its emphasis on John Wesley's doctrine of "Christian perfection" - the belief that it is possible to live free of voluntary sin - and...
Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
denomination. International headquarters are located in Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the third-largest city by population in North Carolina and the largest city in Guilford County and the surrounding Piedmont Triad metropolitan region. According to the 2010 U.S...
. The UHC of A consists of 516 churches, 17 districts, and 8 territories. The largest and the oldest district of the connectional body is the Southern District Convocation (Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Goldsboro is a city in Wayne County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 37,597 at the 2008 census estimate. It is the principal city of and is included in the Goldsboro, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The nearby town of Waynesboro was founded in 1787 and Goldsboro was...
).
History
This church was organized as the outgrowth of a Holiness revival sparked by the meetings held by Isaac Cheshier at Method, North Carolina (a suburb of RaleighRaleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is the capital and the second largest city in the state of North Carolina as well as the seat of Wake County. Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's 2010 population was 403,892, over an area of , making Raleigh...
), in 1886. It began as a regional body. In 1900 this body called itself Holy Church of North Carolina, and later, as it grew, the Holy Church of North Carolina and Virginia. In the early 1900s, the church added a Pentecostal understanding to its Holiness emphasis. In 1916, the name United Holy Church of America was adopted, and the church was incorporated on September 15, 1918.
The United Holy Church of America is an outgrowth of the great revival that began with the early outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost
Pentecost
Pentecost is a prominent feast in the calendar of Ancient Israel celebrating the giving of the Law on Sinai, and also later in the Christian liturgical year commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Christ after the Resurrection of Jesus...
, when the 120 were filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1–4).
The church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
At regular intervals during the intervening centuries, great revivals have occurred in various sections of the world. These revivals were the results of the divine energy as was experienced on the day of Pentecost.
It was during this time of revival of repentance, regeneration, and holiness of heart and life
that swept through the South
Southern United States
The Southern United States—commonly referred to as the American South, Dixie, or simply the South—constitutes a large distinctive area in the southeastern and south-central United States...
and West, that the United Holy Church of America was born. There was no desire on the part of the founding fathers to establish another denomination, but they were pushed out of organized churches because of their experience of holiness and their testimony of the Spirit-filled life.
It became necessary for these persons who held the testimony of being "saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost" to establish contact with each other for mutual edification and comfort. As as result, many independent churches were established and associations formed where people could be free to seek God, not only to be genuinely saved, but also to be "definitely sanctified."
The church was born in Method, NC, in May 1886. On October 13, 1894, in the city of Durham, North Carolina, the first convocation was organized. Those present were G.A. Mials, H.C. Snipes and S.S. Freeman, all of Raleigh, North Carolina; present also was G.W. Roberts of Durham, North Carolina, and L.M. Mason of Method, North Carolina. On October 15, 1900, a convention
was called by the Rev. C.C. Craig to meet at Durham, North Carolina, to prepare a discipline for the government
of the churches. Those present at this meeting were; H.C. Pettiford, H.C. Snipes, L.M. Mason, G.W. Roberts,
Mrs. Emma E. Craig, and Mrs. L.J. Roberts.
The church was first known as the "Holy Church of North Carolina", and later as the "Holy Church of North
Carolina and Virginia". In September of 1916, in a Convocation assembled at Oxford, North Carolina, the
name was changed to the United Holy Church of America. On September 25, 1918, the Church was
incorporated in the state of North Carolina under the name of the United Holy Church of America Incorporated.
The Southern District of the United Holy Church of America came into being in the year 1894 in the city of Durham,
North Carolina. This was the first and the largest of all the districts in the connection. It was organized by Elders
C.C. Craig, L.M. Mason, George W. Roberts, H.C. Snipes, and H.C. Pettiford, along with Mother E.E. Craig,
and Mrs. L.J. Roberts. Elder L.M. Mason was chosen as its first president. The work of the church has steadily
grown since that time into a great organization.
In June of 1920, in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bishop H.L. Fisher and Bishop G.J. Branch, along with
other general officers, met at a call-meeting of the independent group of Holy Churches in this city and nearby towns,
and after meditation and prayer proceeded to organize the churches into a district known as the Northern District
Convocation of the United Holy Church of America, Inc. Bishop G.J. Branch of Goldsboro, North Carolina was
chosen as the president of the district embracing the following states; New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Following this, in 1924, in the city of Columbus, Ohio, at the Gospel Tabernacle Church, whose pastor was
Elder John E. Harris, the Northwestern District was organized into a District Convocation by Bishop G.J. Branch,
Bishop H.L. Fisher, and Bishop J.D. Diggs, along with other General officers of the Church. Bishop J.D. Diggs
of Winston-Salem, North Carolina was chosen as its first president. Other officers were; Bishop H.H. Hairston
and Bishop S.G. McCoy. The states comprising this district were: Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia,
Western Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Eastern Illinois.
The New England District, embracing the states of the New England area, was organized in August of 1925.
Bishop J.W. Houston was chosen as the first president of this district.
The Central Western District was organized in 1930. The organizers were Bishop J.W. Houston, Elder Otis E.
Evans, Mother Addie Houston, and Mother Susie Evans.
The work of the United Holy Church on the Pacific Coast was originally known as the Union of California United
Holy Churches in 1924. In 1936, this district was known as the Pacific Coast District. The name was later
changed to the Western District. The first headquarters for the district was in Los Angeles, and later in San
Francisco. Bishop Henry Lee Fisher worked as the chief organizer of this district.
The West Virginia District was organized in 1935 through the work of Bishop J.D. Diggs after being separated
from the Northwestern District the previous year.
The Southeastern District, originally known as the Florida-Georgia District, was organized in 1948 by Bishop
G.J. Branch.
The Bermuda District, covering the entire island of Bermuda, was organized in 1921 by Bishop Henry Lee Fisher.
Associated with him in this effort were Elders Thomas Trott, C. H. Caisey and Patrick Mills, and Miss Majorie Trott.
In the early history of the Barbados District, Evangelist Rosa B. Hawkins of San Francisco, California, organized
five churches on the island of Barbados; however, these churches later joined with another Pentecostal body.
The churches in Barbados that are presently a part of The United Holy Church of America were organized by the
late Bishop Harry Townsend Gentles. He founded Mt. Olive United Holy Church in 1949, and it later became
the headquarters church for the District. Bishop Gentles brought together some independent churches and organized
new ones as well. These churches have grown into the present-day Barbados District.
The Virginia District was organized by Bishop W.N. Strobhar. Bishop Thomas E. Talley was appointed the first
president, and Bishop S. G. McCoy served as vice president. The first convocation was held in August of 1969
in Portsmouth, Virginia, and Mrs. Elsie Harris served as its first secretary.
So December 10, 1969, at Fisher Memorial United Holy Church in Durham, North Carolina, the Western North
Carolina District was organized by Bishop W.N. Strobhar and other General officers. Bishop A.W. Lawson was
appointed the first president, and Bishop N.M. Midgett was chosen to serve as vice president.
The Central Pacific District was founded in March of 2005 with Bishop Rafael Fortier, Jr., as its first president.
The district began with its headquarters in San Francisco, California.
From January 1927 to March 1975, the Church experienced a breach in its Certificate of Incorporation. Through
a Certificate of Rescission and a resolution passed at a General meeting, the Certificate of Incorporation was
amended to allow the Church to exist as a perpetual institution. The Church's corporate status as a non-profit
religious organization now exists in perpetuity. The Tenth Article of the 1918 Certificate of Incorporation was
amended to reflect this change.
In 1977, the Church experienced a division when the Southern District Convocation, located in Goldsboro,
North Carolina withdrew from fellowship with the parent body. However, in May of 2000 in the city of
Greensboro, North Carolina, the Southern District Convocation was gloriously reunited with the connectional
body at the Quadrennial Session. Today, the great connection of The United Holy Church of America, Inc., marches on.
Church Affirmation of Faith
- "We believe in the Father who is God Almighty. The Creator of all things and the Preserver of Light and Life.
- We believe in the Son, who is Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son. He was human and divine, truly lived, suffered and died, rose again from the dead, ascended on high and is coming again.
- We believe that Jesus was sent by God to man. That whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
- We believe in the Holy Ghost, who was sent from God the Father and the Son. That the Holy Spirit convicts and converts sinners, dwells in the believer, keeps the believer from the power of sin and leads him to the father, through His Son, Jesus Christ.
- We believer the Bible is the word of God, given by inspiration through holy men. That in the bible, God seeks to reveal his will to man and man seeks to respond to God's revelation.
- We believe that the union of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are revealed through His church. That all believers are united into one body - the Church.
- We believe that Christ is coming back for His holy Church, without spot or wrinkle.
- That without holiness in Spirit, soul and body, no man shall see the Lord. Amen."
Districts
- Africa-Ghana District
- Barbados District
- Bermuda District
- Central Pacific District
- Central Western District
- Kentucky District
- New England District
- Northern District
- Northwestern District
- South Carolina District
- South Eastern District
- Southern District Goldsboro
- Southern District Henderson
- Virginia District
- Western District
- Western North Carolina District
- West Virginia District
- St. Lucia-West Indies District
United Holy Church of America Governance
General President, General Vice-President, and General 2nd Vice-President,Bishops' Council, General Board of Bishops, Board of Elders (district and general church levels), District Board of Presbytery, District Presidents, District Elders, District & General Departments of Evangelism & Extension, Missions, Ushers, Music, YPHA (Young Peoples' Holy Association), BCS (Bible Church School), Publications, and the Holiness Union . The United Holy Church is broken down into districts, sub-districts and then local churches.
Episcopal hierarchy
Bishops,Elders,
Pastors,
Licensed Ministers (Evangelists, Reverends, Ministers,etc.)
United Holy Church Miscellaneous Info
The United Holy Church of America has influenced many different organizations. As the oldest black holiness pentecostal body many organizations have been influenced by them. The International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) at one time during its early years wanted to merge with the United Holy Church but due to ethical and racial issues the merger never happened. Mount Calvary Holy Church of America split apart from the United Holy Church in 1929 to form their own holiness pentecostal body. Mount Sinai Holy Church of AmericaMount Sinai Holy Church of America
Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Incorporated, is a Christian church in the Pentecostal tradition. The church is episcopal in governance. It has approximately 130 congregations in 14 states and 4 countries and a membership of over 10,000. The organization's headquarters is located in...
separated from the mother church in 1924 to form an organization that consecrated women to the bishopric. Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and the United Holy Church look at each other as sister organizations. The United Holy Church was one of the first churches that ordained women to become pastors and elders and later on bishops. United Holy Church's annual "Holy Convocation" is held every May. District convocations are held at their set times with in the district.