Alabama-Northwest Florida

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.