How many churches do you know that trace their roots back to the day of Pentecost? Here at First United Church of Christ Apostolic we celebrate a rich history. The church’s story is deeply connected to key events in Christian history.
First United Church of Christ Apostolic sees its origins in the day of Pentecost. The doctrines of the apostles are woven into the church’s identity. It all started in Jerusalem in A.D. 33. The Book of Acts says that 120 disciples experienced the prophecy of Joel. Ephesians 2:20 says the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.
The apostles were great contenders for the faith. All except John were martyred for Christ. Post-apostolic Church Fathers preached within two generations of the apostles. Clement of Rome Justin Martyr and Ignatius of Antioch were among them.
Religious men influenced American spirituality. Martin Luther George Whitefield and John Wesley came to the forefront. They were part of the Protestant Church Movement.
The American Methodist and Holiness Movements had a significant impact. They ushered in the Pentecostal Movement. It began in Topeka Kansas in 1900 by Charles F. Parham. First United Church of Christ Apostolic traces its roots to this revival.
The Pentecostal Movement gained momentum in 1906. 312 Azusa Street in Los Angeles became its spiritual center. African-American preacher William J. Seymour led the way. The Azusa Street Revival spread far and wide. People of all backgrounds experienced the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues and spiritual gifts were common.
The Oneness Movement originated in 1913. A camp meeting in Arroyo Seco California defined it. The movement emphasized Jesus Name baptism and the oneness of God. Rev. R. E. McAlister proclaimed that the apostles baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. They did not invoke Father Son and Holy Ghost.
Several churches are offspring of the 20th-century revival. The Church of God in Christ Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and others were part of it. The United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic also emerged.
In 1934 the Church of God in Christ #6 was established in Baltimore. Monroe R. Saunders became an elder there. The Rehoboth Church of God in Christ Jesus Apostolic followed. Bishop Randolph A. Carr founded it in 1947. God had revealed baptism in the name of Jesus Christ to him. Elder Saunders became Bishop Monroe R. Saunders Sr. in 1957. He was a member of the Board of Bishops until 1965.
Bishop Monroe R. Saunders Sr. Bishop Sydney A. Dunn Bishop John S. Watson and Bishop Raymond Murray established the United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic in September 1965. They served as its first Board of Bishops. The church was incorporated in Washington D.C. A Board of Bishops directs it with a Presiding Bishop as its leader. These men laid the foundation for a vibrant organization. Today there are churches across the United States and in other countries.
Bishop Monroe R. Saunders Sr. founded the First United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic in November 1965. It was located on Copley Road in Baltimore. In the late 1970s the church moved. The new headquarters was on Baltimore National Pike.
Bishop Saunders Sr. served as spiritual leader and Presiding Bishop. He led from 1965 until 2004. He was honored as Chief Apostle in perpetuity. His eldest son Bishop Monroe R. Saunders Jr. was elected and installed as Presiding Prelate.
Since its beginning in 1965 the First United Church of Christ Apostolic has seen no major changes. It maintains the call to worship God through Jesus Christ. Members strive to be lights in a dark world. They live according to the law of the Spirit.
The First United Church of Christ Apostolic believes faith must be accompanied by works. Believers demonstrate Christ’s image. They lift the fallen visit the sick and comfort the feeble-minded. They share the Gospel and await the return of Jesus Christ.