The Church of God Prophecy

What if I told you this unassuming building, The Church of God Prophecy, holds a piece of a global story? A story that spans over 135 countries and connects over 1,500,000 people? Here in St. John’s, Antigua, The Church of God Prophecy stands not just as a local place of worship, but as a testament to a complex and fascinating history. The Church of God of Prophecy, often referred to as COGOP, traces its roots back to a humble gathering in 1886. Richard Spurling, a Baptist minister, yearned for a return to the simplicity of the New Testament, a unity based on faith rather than man-made creeds. This desire led to the formation of the Christian Union, a small group that laid the foundation for what would become a global movement. Fast forward to 1903, and a pivotal moment occurs at the Holiness Church at Camp Creek, near the Tennessee/North Carolina border. Enter A.J. Tomlinson, a former Quaker with a passion for restoring the Church. He joined the fledgling movement and quickly became its driving force. The movement grew, spreading through North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. In 1907, they adopted the name “Church of God”. A.J. Tomlinson, now the general overseer, had a pivotal experience in 1908: a baptism of the Holy Ghost. This solidified the Church’s place within the burgeoning Pentecostal Movement. The Church of God of Prophecy here in Antigua, like its counterparts across the world, believes in the Bible as the inspired and infallible word of God. The Church of God Prophecy in Antigua is part of the Leeward Islands region, overseen by Bishop Glenville L. D. Ferris Sr. Bishop Ferris, an Antiguan native, has a remarkable journey within the Church. From youth director to Sunday school teacher, from church treasurer to his first pastorate in 1976, just three years after his conversion, his dedication is evident. He served as district overseer of Antigua, then Regional Presbyter, and was ordained Bishop in 2004. In 2018, he assumed his current role as Regional Overseer. He even serves as treasurer of the Antigua & Barbuda Evangelical Alliance, a testament to his commitment to the broader Christian community. The Church of God Prophecy, here in St. John’s, is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a vibrant thread in a tapestry woven across the globe, a story of faith, perseverance, and the enduring power of the human spirit seeking connection with the divine. It represents a legacy that started with a small group’s yearning for a return to the basics of their faith and has blossomed into a worldwide fellowship.