“Bethel, the house of God.” It’s a name that echoes with profound meaning and a rich history. This very building, where you stand now, is a testament to faith and resilience, a story of transformation from a forgotten space to a vibrant community center. Once known as the Church of St Columbas, it was a beautiful building designed by James Brook in 1868-69. It became a Grade A listed building, a jewel of London’s architectural heritage, but it was also a reflection of the community it served.
Standing here, on the bustling Highgate Road, you might not imagine that the place was once in ruins. In 1979, the church building was abandoned and neglected. But God, through a group of dedicated individuals, had a different vision. In 1969, Apostle Ayo Omideyi received a divine mandate from God to establish a Christ Apostolic Church in the UK. It was a monumental task, particularly for a man reluctant to reside in a foreign land. However, in unwavering obedience, he arrived in London in 1973 and founded Christ Apostolic Church (Bethel) UK, the first such church in Europe and America.
The church began in a small bedsit at Finsbury Park, with his brother, the late Superintendent Pastor O Omideyi, as the sole member. The church expanded rapidly, moving to larger premises at 52 Priory Road, Haringey London, and then to the Campsbourne Baptist Church. But a larger space was needed. The church, struggling with declining comforts, embarked on a journey of faith to find permanent premises. As the church prayed for a church building, a dream revealed to the Apostle the promise of a large church facility, assuring him that, “this is the place I have prepared for you. I will give it to you in its time.”
The church received an ultimatum from an estate agent to make a payment within two weeks. On June 4, 1980, the church officially took occupancy of the Church of St Columbas building, becoming the headquarters of Christ Apostolic Church (Bethel) in the UK. The journey was not without its challenges. They faced a difficult task of refurbishing the building, but with unwavering faith they surmounted every obstacle. The congregation, made up mostly of self-financing students, gave up their holiday jobs to work on the project. God, in His faithfulness, provided the necessary resources, inspiring the congregation’s carpentry skills, electrical knowledge, and plumbing abilities.
By October 1980, the church building was dedicated for worship. The restoration was not confined to the building. It extended to the community itself, with the church actively participating in various outreach programs.
So when you see the church today, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey it has taken. This beautiful structure is a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and the unwavering love of God, serving as a beacon of hope for the community. It’s a place where faith finds its voice, community finds its strength, and hope finds its home.