ACOJ History

A Brief History of the Church 



Founder, Bishop Harry Johnson
 

The Apostolic Church of Jesus Inc. is a continuation of the "Great Revival" that began at Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, A.D. 33, and is "…..built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ, himself being the chief cornerstone." (Ephesians 2 vs. 19-20) Although the true followers of the Apostolic Doctrine have been scarcely known, there has always been some, from A.D.33 to this present time, who have earnestly defended the doctrine and faith which was preached unto the saints of God.

The Apostolic Church of Jesus Inc is a church that has been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is a church in which the word of God is preached, ordinances are administered and the doctrine of the Oneness of God is boldly proclaimed. Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ; the receiving of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in another tongue as the Spirit of the Lord gives utterance, are emphasized as being essential to the salvation of mankind. 

Followers of The Apostolic Church of Jesus Inc. are commonly called Apostolics, Jesus only believers or Oneness-Pentecostals because of the importance we ascribe to the events which occurred on the Day of Pentecost, the 50th day after the Passover, and/or the resurrection Sunday. It is the belief of the Apostolic Church of Jesus that it is necessary for all believers in Christ Jesus to believe that these events took place and to accept them as being an integral part of the foundational standard of our faith. 

On the Day of Pentecost, the first day of the week (the Lord's Day), supernatural manifestations descended in marvelous copiousness and power. The gift of the spirit in the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus is to clothe those who would wait in Jerusalem with power from on high, was accompanied by three supernatural extraordinary manifestations. 

The sudden appearance of the Holy Ghost was manifested in three (3) supernatural stages:

1. Firstly, the disciples "heard" a sound from heaven. The sound was likened unto that of a rushing, mighty wind. It was the sound that filled the house and not a wind, an invisible cause producing audible effects. 
2. Next, the disciples "saw" eleven cloven tongues rest upon all present individuals.
3. Finally, they "spoke" in languages they were never taught,  "as the Spirit gave them Utterance." 

So great was the experience, that it spurred and awakening in many towns surrounding that region. Within a short period of time, many witnessed and became recipients of the power that was manifested on the day of Pentecost.

Supporting Scriptures:
Luke 24:28; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4

In the year 1939, the same awakening hit the state of Florida, County of Highland, and the City of Avon Park, Florida through a young man by the name of Elder Harry Johnson. The Lord began to work mightily through Elder Johnson and on December 23, 1939, The Apostolic Church of Jesus, Inc. was born, founded by the said Elder Harry Johnson. The headquarters was relocated to Altamonte Springs Florida in the year 2005, and after 69 years, The Apostolic Church of Jesus Inc is yet alive and vibrant, yet praising the Lord and earnestly defending the faith!

The Headquarters of the Apostolic Church of Jesus, Inc. has been relocated to its founding location (2008) having been presided over by six succeeding Bishops, namely John H. Lee, James Mimes, Joe T. Wimes, Gregory Johnson, Stanley C. Smith, and now Chief Apostle, Dr. Preston Rolle, Sr. 

 

"The Apostolic Church of Jesus, Inc. is yet soaring to higher heights and deeper depths in the things of God".