What began as the Apostolic Movement in the early 1800s evolved into what we see today as the Rocklands Old Apostolic Church. It stands as a testament to faith. This place of worship has a rich history.
The Rocklands Old Apostolic Church’s roots trace back to a group of about 40 people in Albury England. They gathered in the 1820s. Farmers, ministers and even the head of the Bank of England sought deeper understanding. They wanted a profound exploration of prophetic outpourings.
Edward Irving of the Church of Scotland studied prophecies. He believed apostles and prophets would be ordained again. This restoration was needed for the Church to reach its full potential.
Following the calling of Apostle Cardale eleven more apostles were ordained. Prophets and evangelists also joined. Irving became a bishop in the Catholic Apostolic Church. Note that “Catholic” here means universal not Roman Catholic. Prophecies arose in Germany and England but church officials rejected them.
In 1832 the ordained apostles created “The Great Testimony”. It called for Christian unity. It stated that apostles and prophets were restored and the Lord’s coming was near. The document affirmed the Holy Trinity. It concluded with the Gloria Patri. This practice continues today. The sacrament of Holy Sealing was reintroduced. The first sealing occurred in a London cathedral in 1847.
Initially known as “Gathered Under Apostles” the church became the Catholic Apostolic Church. It wasn’t founded by one person. People like farmers in Germany were used by God’s Spirit to revive the Church. After 1834 it expanded worldwide. The world divided into twelve areas linked to Jacob’s sons. An apostle was assigned to each area. The Catholic Apostolic Church faced challenges. The death of Apostle Woodhouse in 1901 almost ended it. Successor apostles weren’t ordained.
German apostles continued ordaining new apostles. This ensured the Church’s survival and expansion particularly in Africa. Key events led to the church’s establishment in Africa. Apostle Preuss was ordained in Germany in 1863. Evangelist Niemeyer went to Australia in 1883 becoming an apostle there in 1886. Niemeyer sent Evangelist Klibbe to Africa in 1889 to establish the Church. Klibbe was ordained as Apostle for Africa on July 8 1893.
Evangelist Klibbe started his work in Bellville. He struggled to communicate in German. He found success among German settlers in “Berlin” Eastern Cape.
The Rocklands Old Apostolic Church made progress. The first sealing occurred in Southernwood in 1893. By 1911 there were 13 congregations in major cities. Klibbe’s letters from 1895 to 1908 described hardships during the Anglo Boer War.
Apostle Klibbe settled on a farm near East London. In 1908 he met with European apostles. Newspapers reported favorably on these events. He moved to Queenstown in 1909 and Johannesburg in 1910.
Under Klibbe’s leadership the Church grew. He established its foundation amidst challenges. In 1911 the Church had 13 communities. The first African conference took place in April 1927. CFW Ninow and W Campbell were ordained as apostles in 1928. Apostle EFW Ninow followed in 1931. Klibbe died on May 22 1931.
After 1931 more apostles were ordained for Africa. The Apostolate formed in 1984. The Church grew to two million members expanding into neighboring countries.
A hymn collection “Sing Emmanuel” was approved in 1987. The Rocklands Old Apostolic Church created a welfare network and funeral fund. In 1995 the Conference of Apostles divided the Church into provinces. Contact was made with the Apostolic Movement in Europe.
The first service outside Africa occurred in London in 1997. Congregations formed in Australia, New Zealand, America and Canada. The first sealing outside Africa took place in London on November 2 1997. The Church expanded into the Netherlands and Belgium. The first European sealing occurred in Arnhem on September 23 2001.
Over time the Church underwent name changes. From the Apostolic Movement to the Catholic Apostolic Church. It became the Apostolic Church then the New Apostolic Church Africa. Finally it was named The Old Apostolic Church of Africa. The “of Africa” suffix was later dropped.
Today the Rocklands Old Apostolic Church continues its mission. Its history shows resilience and growth. It remains a beacon of faith for its members.