Southern (Intl. Apostolic Holiness Church)

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.