Interestingly, The Assemblies of the First Born UK began with a vision shared by men. These men traveled across the sea. They sought a better life. But they realized God had a plan for them. This plan involved redeeming lost souls.
Brothers Thomas Cooper and Charles Wright first came to England together in 1954. Hubert Maxwell also arrived and lived in Nottingham. Cooper worshipped with others. Then he decided to hold a prayer meeting in Derbyshire. He contacted Maxwell. Maxwell and his wife joined the prayer group. It grew. Cavendish Hall in Derbyshire was rented for worship.
Around the same time in London, Bro Charles Wright felt led to start prayer meetings at his home. The others in Derby contacted Wright. Wright and other brethren from London regularly attended services in Derby. There was significant growth. People showed interest in the work. Eventually, a meeting in Birmingham led to the official establishment of the church. It formally launched in Derby in 1961. Pastors Cooper, Maxwell, and Wright led with their wives support. Later, Pastor Tilman Harris, Pastor Chambers, then Pastor Alan Bell joined them.
Elder Jeremiah Bryson, the General Overseer from Jamaica, was invited. The Assemblies of the First Born in the United Kingdom became official. The work progressed well. A decision was made. Pastor Wright was appointed as the General Overseer for the UK. He was assisted by Pastor Chambers.
From 1961 to 2017, Bishop Charles Samuel Wright served as the General Overseer.
The first officers of the Assemblies of the First Born UK included Mr. Harricot, Tilman Harris, Thomas Cooper and Herbert Maxwell. Also Charles Wright and Cornelius Williams. The list continues with Mr. Whittick, Mr. Anglin, Simeon Chambers, Mr. Headley, Allan Bell and Mr. White. Some of these men have passed away.
The Church of the First Born grew nationally. It spread throughout the country. The Lord blessed the work not only in the UK. In 1982, Overseer Wright was called to America. Evangelist I Richards, who had moved to New York, started a church. He wanted to affiliate with the Assemblies of the First Born UK.
This led to the launch of the First Assemblies of the First Born church in the United States. It was placed under Pastor Meakley’s leadership. Later, Overseer Wright met Pastor Canute Cohen. He felt led to invite Cohen. Cohen took responsibility for the church in Remsen Avenue. His church in White Plains, New York, also affiliated with the Assemblies of the First Born UK. Evangelist Richards later moved to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Florida. He started the work there.
The Assemblies of the First Born church now has churches throughout the UK and in the USA. The Church of the First Born believes in strength and courage. They are not afraid. They are not dismayed. The Lord is with them wherever they go. This is based on Joshua 1:9. Remember this as you pass by the Church of the First Born.