Here stands ESOCS Church Mount of Grace. It is a beacon of faith in Dallas. The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim has a rich history. It offers a spiritual path for many.
ESOCS began in 1925. Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase founded it. He was also known as Ajagunmokadi. The church is part of the White Garment Church movement. This movement started in Nigeria. It has now spread across the globe.
ESOCS believes in the Holy Trinity. Living a righteous life is very important. Members seek healing through faith. They practice prayer and meditation regularly. The Holy Order is a path to God. It offers a closer relationship with Him.
ESOCS has a global presence. You will find churches in Africa. Churches exist in Europe and North America. There are also churches in Asia. Members gather to worship. They sing and dance. They listen to Bible teachings. The church focuses on spiritual life. It extends to community outreach. This includes charity work. It also includes education.
In 1975, ESOCS expanded to the United States. Elder Josiah Soyemi Olugbusi sent Elder G I M Otubu to New York. He inaugurated the first ESOCS branch. It became the first Cherubim and Seraphim Church in the U.S.A. Evangelist Emmanuel Oluwafemi Famodimu played a vital role. He helped establish the church. Other elders also made immense contributions. They include Fashakin and Aaron Shomefun. Olagbaye and Samuel Alaba helped too. Sangobowale and John Odusote also contributed. Steven Famodimu and Sunday Odunuga were important. Mrs S. O. Alarape also supported the church.
In 1986, Elder Dr. G I M Otubu became the Baba Aladura. He observed work challenges for immigrants. He sent Supervising Apostle Ade Iyamu to New York. Ade Iyamu was a resident pastor. His duty was to conduct prayers. He helped the ministry grow. The church experienced growth in members. It also grew spiritually.
In 1988, a division occurred. Some wanted affiliation with Nigeria. Others did not. Those supporting the affiliation followed Ade Iyamu. They moved to a new location. The new location was on 145th Street. It was at Amsterdam Avenue in NYC. The church later moved to 155th Street. After worshiping there for a month, they needed a new place. Rabbi Chris Nwosisi found a Catholic church. It was on 138th Street. Reverend Father Tuzolo allowed them to worship there at 3:00 pm.
In 1989, Elder Ade Iyamu moved to Houston, Texas. He established a church there. Supervising Apostle General Elder Ephraim Faluoghi became chairman. He oversaw the US North Province. Special Senior Apostle Dr. John Otubu became Provincial Secretary. Special Senior Apostle Dr. Chris Nwosisi became Assistant Secretary. Special Senior Apostle John Ojo became Elder-in-Charge.
Today, ESOCS Church USA North Province has grown. It has eight branches in seven cities. The headquarters is in the Bronx, NY.
ESOCS Church Mount of Grace continues this legacy. It provides a spiritual home. It offers community and connection. It is a place to strengthen faith in God. Here, you can find solace. You can also find purpose. ESOCS welcomes all seeking a deeper spiritual life.