History of the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God

The Late Right Reverend William Thomas Phillip (1893-1973) one of the greatest religious leaders of this Christian era was thoroughly convinced in 1912 that holiness was a system through which God wanted him to serve. He was called to the ministry in 1913. Though his initial literary training was limited, he committed himself to the inevitable. He dedicated his life to God without reservation to perform the task for which he felt he had been chosen and went on to become one of the greatest religious literary and church leaders of his day.

The spirit led him to go to Mobile, Alabama where he began evangelical work on March 16, 1916 he organized the Ethiopian Overcoming Holy Church of God (an all-black organization).

The Church was locally incorporated on July 14, 1920. Realizing that God's message was to all people, the name of the church was later changed on April 1, 1941 the church was incorporated in the State of Alabama as the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God.

The church spread to many parts of the United States and into foreign territories. Bishop Phillips led the church successfully for 57 years. He passed away on November 30, 1973 and Bishop Jasper Roby served as the National Presider until May 2000. In June 2000, Bishop George W. Ayers Ph.D. was voted by the Executive Board as the National/International Presiding Prelate. His position was reaffirmed in June 2002 and he presently serves.

The Church has purchased property, which shall be used to expand the physical plant of the Body in facilities for relief, education and recreation. The church presently has missionaries serving Western, Southwest and Southeast Africa.

The Church publishes youth literature and a quarterly magazine, THE PEOPLE'S MOUTHPIECE.
It also publishes the Manual of the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God and a Members Orientation Guide.

The local churches are united under districts which are governed by overseers and district or diocesan bishops selected and approved by the National Presiding Prelate and/or Board of Bishops.

The Annual Pentecost Meeting convenes annually (June 1-10) and consists of bishops, overseers, pastors. missionaries, mothers, convention leaders, evangelists and laypersons, delegates and visitors.

The Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God is set up on the foundation laid by Jesus Christ and the Apostles.

We believe that the work that Christ began must be continued to bring mankind to complete reconciliation with God.

The church must seek out and provide the message of love to the lost. It is the responsibility of the church to disseminate the apostolic spirit and life to as many as possible. We have been charged to teach and preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God to all people. Ministers, missionaries and laypersons have, therefore, dedicated their lives to objectives that will accomplish this goal.