What if a church split in South Africa led to a Supreme Court ruling? The Old Apostolic Church has a unique origin story. It involves missionaries. It involves a schism. It even involves a court case.
The Old Apostolic Church’s history begins with Carl Georg Klibbe. He was a minister. Klibbe arrived in South Africa in 1889 from Australia. He was to begin mission work for the New Apostolic Church.
Klibbe’s initial efforts in Cape Town met limited success. Hearing of German settlers near East London, he moved there in 1892. This proved fruitful. The community built a church in Southernwood.
Apostle Klibbe expanded the church. He sent servants to Port Elizabeth Durban and Johannesburg. From these cities, others went to Grahamstown King Williams Town and Kimberley.
However a disagreement arose. Apostle Klibbe appointed G H W Schlapphof to the Bishop ministry in 1910. By 1912, he rescinded this appointment to a District Eldership. This led to a division between Klibbe and Schlapphof.
In 1913, while in Germany, Schlapphof received the Apostle Ministry. Chief Apostle Niehaus gave it to him. Apostle Klibbe was excommunicated. He refused to accept this ruling.
From 1913 on there were two “New Apostolic Churches” in South Africa. One was led by Klibbe. The other was led by Schlapphof. This dispute and conflict were only settled in 1926. A Supreme Court Ruling determined the outcome.
The court ruled that Apostle Klibbe differed vastly from the New Apostolic Church’s teachings. He was to continue under the name “The Old Apostolic Church of Africa”.
Apostle Klibbe died in 1931. Apostle C.F.W. Ninow succeeded him. Ninow appointed black Apostles. Apostle S Hlatshwayo was appointed in 1953. Apostle Ndovu followed in 1961.
Apostle Mqhaba retired in 1986. Apostle Vika was ordained to replace him. Apostle JJ La Kock ordained Vika at Ezibeleni.
Apostle Vika led the church. It was known as INKONZO YESISEKO SABAPOSTILE NABAPROFETI. This means FOUNDATION OF APOSTLES & PROPHETS. He led until his death in 1993. Apostle C.F. Cakatha then led the Church. He remained in charge until his death in July 2010.
In 2013, Apostle M. Mpambani was elected as the Chief Apostle. This occurred at a conference in East London. He succeeded Chief Apostle Cakatha. This is The Old Apostolic Church’s story a journey marked by faith conflict and resolution.