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Pigrim Holiness Church (1925–1968)
Pilgrim Holiness Church
PHC · Corporate body · 1897-1968

  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.