Could a simple mustache divide a church? At the Apostolic Christian Church, this seemingly trivial matter sparked a major schism. The Apostolic Christian Church, rooted in the Anabaptist tradition, traces its origins back to Samuel Heinrich Froehlich’s conversion in 1832 Switzerland. The first American Apostolic Christian Church emerged in Lewis County, New York, in 1847. From there, the church spread, primarily across the Midwest, drawing members from Amish and Mennonite communities. In 1917, the church formally adopted the name “Apostolic Christian Church.” Yet, the early 20th century brought internal conflict. A dispute over European customs, specifically the wearing of mustaches, led to a division between 1901 and 1911. This wasn’t the only division. Another schism occurred in 1932, originating from a letter by European elders urging stricter adherence to traditional practices. This resulted in the formation of the Christian Apostolic Church and later, the German Apostolic Christian Church. The Apostolic Christian Church of America, however, moved away from German language preaching. Interestingly, this language shift wasn’t the primary cause of the division, contrary to popular belief. Over time, more divisions emerged within the Apostolic Christian Church, leading to various branches, each with its own interpretation of traditions and practices. The Apostolic Christian Church, despite its divisions, maintains core beliefs like credobaptism, closed communion, and the holy kiss. Their worship traditions include a capella singing in some branches and the wearing of head coverings by women during services.
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