God's Bible School

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Reference code

US IHC EDU–BBLSCH (IHU/IAHU/IAHC)

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God's Bible School

Date(s)

  • 09/26/1900 (Creation)

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10000

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(1882-1922)

Administrative history

The Apostolic Holiness Union was organized in 1897 at the home of Rev. Martin Wells Knapp in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a response to a growing concern that key doctrines such as divine healing, Christ’s return, and global evangelism were being neglected in the broader Holiness Movement. The founders felt called to form a more permanent organization to preserve and promote the Full Gospel. In 1905, the group was renamed the International Apostolic Holiness Union and Churches. Over time, it became clear that the Union's interdenominational model was no longer effective, and by 1913 there was consensus to move toward a more structured church identity. In 1919, the Holiness Christian Church united with the International Apostolic Holiness Church after much prayer and deliberation. The merger was finalized at the quadrennial assembly at God’s Bible School in Cincinnati, and the newly combined body adopted the name International Holiness Church, reflecting their shared mission to advance the Gospel.

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In the July 21, 1900 issue of The Revivalist Martin Wells Knapp announced his plans for a “training school where the Bible will be the main book studied” and where “the Holy Ghost, its Author, will be acknowledged Superintendent and Interpreter.” That same summer at the corner of Young and Channing Streets in Mt. Auburn, the oldest suburb of Cincinnati, Knapp purchased two houses on a two-acre plot for $20,000. It was here that he opened “God’s Bible School and Missionary Training Home” as the centerpiece of his thriving ministry of evangelism, education, publication, and social outreach.

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      September 26, 1900, an eager crowd assembled onto campus and prodded their way into the packed buildings on site. Indeed, “the capacity of the buildings was taxed to the limit, and there was already a great need for additional buildings.” What attraction was generating such a stir?

      Our school’s formal dedication was about to commence! Inside the old brick mansion on Young Street, Cincinnati, excited onlookers crowded around the ornate “double-parlor” to witness the formal dedication and to hear the next day’s opening speeches.

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