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Formed through the merger of several smaller Holiness denominations—many of which had undergone multiple name changes over the years.

Origins (1897–1900):
The foundation of the movement began in 1897 with the creation of the International Holiness Union and Prayer League by Rev. Martin Wells Knapp and Rev. Seth C. Rees in Cincinnati, Ohio. This organization was committed to promoting holiness and revivalism through literature, missionary associations, and evangelistic efforts. By 1900, the name was changed to the International Apostolic Holiness Union to emphasize a return to apostolic Christianity.

Expansion and Structure (1900–1913):
As the movement grew, it expanded its reach by establishing missions, churches, rescue homes, and schools. Missionaries were sent to various regions across the globe, including Africa, India, Japan, the West Indies, and South America. In 1905, the organization adopted the name International Apostolic Holiness Union and Churches, reflecting its shift toward a more defined denominational structure. By 1913, it became known as the International Apostolic Holiness Church.

Mergers and Growth (1919–1922):
Significant growth occurred through a series of mergers. In 1919, the Holiness Christian Church, which originated in Pennsylvania in 1882, merged with the International Apostolic Holiness Church to form the International Holiness Church. This was followed in 1922 by the addition of the Pentecostal Rescue Mission of New York (founded in 1897) and the Pilgrim Church of Pasadena (founded in 1917), at which point the name Pilgrim Holiness Church was adopted.

1. Origins (1897–1900):

   • The International Holiness Union and Prayer League was founded in 1897 by Rev. Martin Wells Knapp and Rev. Seth C. Rees in Cincinnati, Ohio.
   • It aimed to promote holiness and revivalism, including literature, associations, and missions.
   • In 1900, the name changed to International Apostolic Holiness Union to reflect a return to apostolic Christianity.

2. Expansion and Structure (1900–1913):

   • Revival efforts led to missions, churches, rescue homes, and schools.
   • Missionaries were sent globally (Africa, India, Japan, West Indies, South America).
   • In 1905, the name changed to International Apostolic Holiness Union and Churches, signaling a shift toward a denomination.
   • In 1913, it became International Apostolic Holiness Church.

3. Mergers and Growth (1919–1925):

   • In 1919, the Holiness Christian Church (originated in Pennsylvania, 1882) merged with the International Apostolic Holiness Church, forming the International Holiness Church. Additional mergers followed:

     • Pentecostal Rescue Mission (New York, 1897) in 1922.
     • Pilgrim Church (Pasadena, 1917) also in 1922; the unified name became Pilgrim Holiness Church.
     • Pentecostal Brethren in Christ (Ohio, 1924).
     • People's Mission Church (Colorado Springs, 1899) in 1925.

4. Leadership and Governance (1926–1958):

   • Rev. Winfred R. Cox and Rev. Seth C. Rees were elected superintendents in 1926.
   • Governance evolved with a single general superintendent (1930), later transitioning to a broader General Board and multiple superintendents (1958).
   • Key leadership included Rev. Rees, Rev. W. L. Surbrook, Rev. L. W. Sturk, and Rev. William H. Neff.

5. Organizational Development (1930s–1950s):

   • Offices for missions, Sunday schools, education, and publishing were established.
   • Terminology changed (e.g., “assemblies” became “conferences” in 1942).
   • The Pilgrim Pension Plan and educational institutions (like Owosso College) were developed.

6. Later Growth and Merger (1958–1966):

   • The church expanded international representation and changed some department names (e.g., Foreign Missions to World Missions).
   • In 1966, the Pilgrim Holiness Church and the Wesleyan Methodist Church agreed to merge, forming what would become The Wesleyan Church.

The Alliance of the Reformed Baptist Church of Canada was formed in 1888, started by Baptist ministers in the Maritimes who had strong spiritual experiences. It was influenced by the Holiness Revival, which focused on living a holy life and spiritual renewal. The church grew quickly in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, expanding from 8 to 66 churches between 1888 and 1913, and growing from 540 to 1,899 members.

In its early years, the Alliance focused on evangelism and starting new churches. Many ministers were ordained to serve across the region. In 1901, Ella Hadassah Kinney Sanders became the first woman in Canada to be ordained by the church. However, the Alliance also faced criticism from traditional Baptist groups who disagreed with its teachings.

Although the Alliance grew at first, it later struggled to keep its momentum, especially as new churches like the Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene emerged. In 1966, the Alliance joined with The Wesleyan Methodist Church.

In 1880 a movement known as Holiness Bands originated in California under the leadership of Rev. J. W. Swing. This body was later known as The Holiness Church. These were a missionary people having work in Peru, and in Palestine. This church, led by its General Superintendent, Fred K. Wells, was received into membership of the Pilgrim Holiness Church during the General Conference of 1946.

The Missionary Bands of the World, initially known as the Pentecost Bands, were an evangelistic movement that emerged within the Free Methodist Church in the late 1880s. Founded by Vivan Dake, these bands focused on sending young, unmarried men and women to preach the gospel in various locations, including the American Midwest, West, and South. They played a significant role in the Holiness movement.

In 1882, Vivan Dake, a Free Methodist minister, organized the first Pentecost Band in Mankato, Minnesota. Three years later, in 1885, Dake formally established the Pentecost Bands in Parma, Michigan, marking a significant step in the movement’s development. In 1895, the Pentecost Bands separated from the Free Methodist Church, leading to the creation of a new organization known as the Missionary Bands of the World. This organization would officially adopt that name in 1925. Later, in 1958, the Missionary Bands of the World merged with the Wesleyan Methodist Church, bringing with them mission fields in India, Jamaica, and other international locations.

Merger between The Pilgrim Holiness Church and The Wesleyan Methodist Church of America was proposed at various times, and was voted upon by the General Conferences of the two bodies in 1958 and 1959, failing to pass in the Wesleyan Methodist General Conference by a margin of a single vote. In 1962, the General Conference of The Pilgrim Holiness Church took action expressing renewed interest in union with The Wesleyan Methodist Church. In 1963, the General Conference of The Wesleyan Methodist Church took like action, instructing its Committee on Church Union to pursue its work with all due diligence. On June 15, 1966, the Thirty-Second General Conference of The Wesleyan Methodist Church adopted The Basis for Merger and Constitution, and subsequently the annual conferences and local churches ratified the action. On June 16, 1966, the Twenty-Fifth International Conference of The Pilgrim Holiness Church also adopted The Basis for Merger and Constitution. Thus the formation of The Wesleyan Church was authorized. The General Board of The Pilgrim Holiness Church and the General Board of Administration of The Wesleyan Methodist Church cooperated in planning the uniting General Conference, and in preparing the new book of Discipline for its consideration. On June 26, 1968, The Pilgrim Holiness Church and The Wesleyan Methodist Church of America were united to form The Wesleyan Church.