The
Church of God By Faith, Inc., was founded in 1914 in Jacksonville,
Florida. The founders were:
Crawford
Bright
Elder John Bright
Aaron Matthews, Sr.
Nathaniel Scippio
Hubert
Steadman became the first Executive Secretary and Editor for the Sunday
School literature and various inspirational publications.
Our
founders created the "Church" (which refers to an assembly of people,
not a building) for the expressed purpose of glorifying God in the
beauty of "Holiness." Needless to say, this came after the founders
themselves were "saved." They had a desire for others, as well,
to seek the quality of life and character which is set before Christians
as an ideal guide and moral obligation.
Thus, this
bonding or coming together and consequent formation of the "Church of God
By Faith, Inc." was to serve as a basis whereby "believers" could be
encouraged, educated in the word of God, strengthen, sustained,
spiritually grow, and be unified in an environment where the Spirit of
Christ is truly active.The name itself, (Church of God), gives glory to
the Lord, which is due unto His name. And "Faith" was the tool indicative
of the trust, confidence, reliability, and steadfastness that they so
wholeheartedly placed in the unseen power of God. Hence, the "Church"
was materialized from the perceptional thought of foresighted,
endeavoring, spiritually led and blessed individuals: diligently acting on
one of many promises of the Lord.
The first
Assembly Meeting of the Church was held in 1917 at White Springs,
Florida; after which, missions were set up in various places. Palatka, FL
was known as the "headquarters" of the group in 1919. A General Assembly
was held in Alachua, Florida in 1922 where the leading elders drafted a
charter, which is now known as the "Church of God By Faith,
Inc."
The General
Assembly was moved from Alachua, FL to Ocala, FL in December 1941. In
1987, we began going annually to Atlanta, GA where the meetings are still
held.