United Holy Church of America

For the Methodist denomination in the conservative holiness movement, see United Holiness Church of North America.

United Holy Church of America
The emblem represents the unity of the church and all believers. The circles represent the Church's connectedness without beginning or ending. The triangle represents each member of the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit who are equal in substance, power, and wisdom. The cross represents the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Classification	Protestant
Orientation	Holiness-Pentecostal
Polity	Episcopal
General Presiding Prelate	The Most Reverend Greg K. Hargrave
General Vice President	The Right Reverend Kenneth White
General Second Vice President	The Right Reverend J. Derrick Johnson
Associations	Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America, Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Mount Calvary Holy Church of America
Region	United States, Caribbean, Africa
Headquarters	Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.
Founder	Bishop LM Mason
Origin	1886 (founded), 1918 (incorporated) Method, North Carolina
Congregations	est. 516
Members	50,000+
Official website	uhcainc.org

The United Holy Church of America, Inc. (UHCA) is the oldest African-American Holiness-Pentecostal body in the world. It was established in 1886. It is a predominantly black Pentecostal denomination, with the international headquarters is located at 5104 Dunstan Road in Greensboro, North Carolina. The UHCA consists of an estimated 516 churches, 17 districts, and 8 territories. The largest and the oldest district of the connectional body is the Southern District Convocation (Goldsboro, North Carolina).

History

At irregular intervals during the intervening centuries, great revivals have occurred in various sections of the world. Those revivals and any others of substance are the result of divine energy being poured out in unfettered measure to the people of God as it was experienced on the Day of Pentecost.

Toward the end of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century, a great revival took place in this country. It was during this time of refreshing that repentance, regeneration, and holiness of heart and life were preached with tremendous results. The revival fires that swept through the southern part of the United States and over to the West Coast also created the fervor and inspiration that brought The United Holy Church of America, Inc., into existence. Originally, there was no desire on the part of the founders to establish another denomination, but they were forced out of organized churches because of their experience of holiness and their testimony of the Spirit-filled life.

It became necessary for these persons who had testimonies of being saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit to have continuing contact with each other for mutual edification and comfort. As a result, many independent churches were established and associations formed where people could feel free to seek God not only to be genuinely saved, but also to be definitely sanctified.

On the first Sunday in May 1886 in the village town of Method, North Carolina, a suburb of the capital city of Raleigh, North Carolina, a company of men met—among whom were Brothers L. M. Mason, G. A. Mials, Isaac Cheshier, and H. C. Snipes (who were all from Raleigh).

This meeting was conducted by the Rev. Cheshier and was the first of its kind in the state of North Carolina and the Southern United States. This meeting gave birth to what is now known as The United Holy Church of America, Inc.

On October 13, 1894, in the city of Durham, North Carolina, the first convocation was organized. Those present were G. A. Mials, H. C. Snipes, and S. S. Freeman-all of Raleigh, North Carolina; also present were G. W. Roberts of Durham, North Carolina, and L. M. Mason of Meth-od, North Carolina. On October 15, 1900, a convention was called by the Rev. C. C. Craig to meet at Durham, North Carolina, to prepare a discipline for the government of the churches. Those present at this meeting were H. C. Pettiford, H. C. Snipes, L. M. Mason, G. W. Roberts, Mrs. Emma E. Craig, and Mrs. L. J. Roberts.

The church was first known as the "Holy Church of North Carolina" and later as the "Holy Church of North Carolina and Virginia." In September of 1916, a Convocation assembled at Oxford, North Carolina, and the name was changed to The United Holy Church of America. On September 25, 1918, the Church was incorporated in the state of North Carolina under the name of The United Holy Church of America, Incorporated.

District organizations

The Southern District of The United Holy Church of America came into being in the year 1894 in the city of Durham, North Carolina, which later became the official headquarters of the Church. This was the first and the largest of all the districts in the connection. It was organized by Elders C. C. Craig, L. M. Mason, George W. Roberts, H. C. Snipes, and H. C. Pettiford along with Mother E. E. Craig and Mrs. L. J. Roberts. Elder L. M. Mason was chosen as its first president. Since that time, the work of the Church has steadily grown into a great organization.

In June of 1920, in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bishop H. L. Fisher and Bishop G. J. Branch, along with other General officers, met at a call meeting of the independent group of Holy Churches in this city and nearby towns, and after meditation and prayer-proceeded to organize the churches into a district known as the Northern District Convocation of The United Holy Church of America, Inc. Bishop G. J. Branch of Goldsboro, North Carolina, was chosen as the president of the district, embracing the following states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

Following this, in 1924, in the city of Columbus, Ohio, at the Gospel tabernacle Church, whose pastor was Elder John E. Harris, the Northwestern District was organized into a District Convocation by Bishop G.J. Branch, Bishop H. L. Fisher, and Bishop J.D. Diggs, along with other general officers of the Church. Bishop J.D. Diggs of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was chosen as its first president. Other officers were Bishop H.H. Hairston and Bishop S.C. McCoy. The states comprising this district were Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Eastern Illinois.

Mount Sinai Holy Church of America separated from the mother church in 1924 to form an organization to create gender equality in episcopal ordination.

The New England District, embracing the states of the New England area, was organized in August of 1925. Bishop J.W. Houston was chosen as the first president of this district.

Mount Calvary Holy Church of America split from the United Holy Church in 1929 to form their own holiness Pentecostal body.

The Central Western District was organized in 1930. The organizers were Bishop J.W. Houston, Elder Otis E. Evans, Mother Addie Houston, and Mother Susie Evans.

The work of The United Holy Church on the Pacific Coast was originally known as the Union of California United Holy Churches in 1924. In 1936, this district was known as the Pacific Coast District. The name was alter changed to the Western District. The first headquarters for this district was in Los Angeles and later in San Francisco. Bishop Henry Lee Fisher worked as the chief organizers of this district.

The West Virginia District was organized in 1935 through the work of Bishop J.D.  Diggs after being separated from the Northwestern District the previous year.

The Southeastern District, originally known as the Florida-Georgia District, was organized in 1948 by Bishop G.J. Branch.

The Bermuda District, covering the entire island of Bermuda, was organized in 1921 by Bishop Henry Lee Fisher. Associated with him in this effort were Elders Thomas Trott, C.H. Caisey, and Patrick Mills, and Miss Majorie Trott.

In the early history of the Barbados District, Evangelist Rosa B. Hawkins of San Francisco, California, organized five churches on the island of Barbados; however, these churches later joined with another Pentecostal body. The churches in Barbados that are presently a part of The United Holy Church of America were organized by the late Bishop Harry Townsend Gentles. He founded Mt. Olive United Holy Church in 1949, and it later became the headquarters church for the district. Bishop Gentles brought together some independent churches and organized new ones as well. These churches have grown into the present-day Barbados District.

The Virginia District was organized by Bishop W. Strobhar. Bishop Thomas E. Talley was appointed the first president and Bishop S.G. McCoy served as vice president. The first convocation was held in August of 1969 in Portsmouth, Virginia, and Mrs. Elsie Harris served as its first secretary.

On December 10, 1969, at Fisher Memorial United Holy Church in Durham, North Carolina, the Western North Carolina District was organized by Bishop W.N. Strobhar and other General officers. Bishop A.W. Lawson was appointed the first president and Bishop N.M. Midgett was chosen to serve as vice president.

From January 1972 to March 1975, the Church expected a breach in its Certificate of Incorporation. Through a Certificate of Rescission and a resolution passed at a General meeting, the Certificate of Incorporation was amended to allow the Church to exist as a perpetual institution. The Church’s corporate status as a non-profit religious organization now exists in perpetuity. The Tenth Article of 1918 Certificate of Incorporation was amended to reflect this change.

Tensions exploded during the extended Quadrennial Session of 1976-1977, leading to Bishop J.A. Forbes and the Southern District Convocation to withdraw from the United Holy Church of America. The Southern dissidents, along with sympathizing people from various districts, gathered in Raleigh at the Memorial Auditorium in 1978, where the Original United Holy Church International, Inc. was chartered.

Several churches in and around Henderson, North Carolina, and one in Zebulon, remained loyal to the United Holy Church of America, Inc. They later comprised the district that became known as the Southern District-Henderson.

However, on May 8, 2000, during the Quadrennial Session of the General Convocation in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina, the Southern District Convocation was gloriously reunited with the connectional body of The United Holy Church of America, Inc. The Reunification Service was presided over by Bishop J. Delano Ellis, who also designed the Bishop’s Seal and stole. In addition, Presiding Prelate Bishop Odell McCollum appointed the inaugural General Board of Bishops which included Bishops Ralph Houston, Ralph Love, Elijah Williams, Kenneth Robinson, Elroy Lewis, Jesse Jones, Albert Augson, M. Daniels, James Bellamy, George Thornton, John Wright, and Harry Cohen.

The Kentucky District was founded by Elder Anthony Tucker in 1998. Elder Tucker was appointed as first vice president of the Kentucky District by Bishop Odell McCollum in 2000. Elder Tucker was consecrated Bishop in 2004 and was appointed the first president of the Kentucky District. In May 2016, the Kentucky District was consolidated into the West Virginia District and Bishop Tucker was appointed as the district president.

The Central Pacific District was organized in March 2005 with Bishop Rafael Fortier Jr. However, the convocation was not consummated due to his demise before the first convocation. In February of 2007, the General Administration determined that the work should continue under the leadership of Bishop Kenneth O. Robinson until it was dissolved by the General Board of Bishops in May of 2009. In February of 2010, Elder Emory B. James was granted permission to begin a Convocational Fellowship under the name “Central Pacific Convocation Fellowship.” In 2016, the Central Pacific District was officially organized as a Convocation in The United Holy Church of America, Inc. Bishop Emory B. James became its first district.

Church emblem

The church emblem was designed by Bishop Norris N. Dickerson, former President of the Bermuda District. Bishop Dickerson originally designed the logo in 1971 in connection with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Bermuda District. In preparation for the 100th anniversary of the General Church, the Centennial Committee issued a request for submission of a logo for the United Holy Church of America, Inc. The design offer by Bishop Dickerson was chosen from among those submitted. The emblem represents the unity of the church and all believers. The circles represent the Church's connectedness without beginning or ending. The triangle represents each member of the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are equal in substance, power, and wisdom. The cross represents the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Church colors

The colors of purple, gold, and white were selected during the Centennial celebration as the official colors. The late Clara Washington Bowens, wife of Bishop Joseph T. Bowens, suggested the colors. Bishop Bowens served as President of the United Holy Church of America, Inc., during the Centennial Celebration. Symbolically, Purple is associated with royalty and represents the royal priesthood of all believers, Gold, a precious metal, represents nobility, and white represents the purity of the saints and the church.

Church anthem

The Right Reverend Thomas E. Talley wrote the lyrics to the United Holy Church Anthem, which is sung to the tune of "We're Marching To Zion".

Affirmation of Faith

The beliefs of the United Holy Church of America are written in its Affirmation of Faith. It is structured in a call and response format (the leader of the reading is bolded). It is often recited in various churches as part of the order of worship and all national and international gatherings. It was revised in May of 2022.

• We believe in the Father, who is God Almighty–
  • The Creator of all things and the preserver of light and life.

• We believe in the Son, who is Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son.
  • He was human and divine, truly lived, suffered and died, rose again from the dead, ascended on high, and is coming again.

• We believe that Jesus was sent by God to reveal God to us.
  • That whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

• We believe in the Holy Ghost, who was sent from God the Father and the Son.
  • That the Holy Spirit convicts and converts sinners, dwells in the believer, keeps the believer from the power of sin and leads him to the Father through His son, Jesus Christ.

• We believe the Bible is the Word of God, given by inspiration through Holy Men–
  • That in the Bible, God seeks to reveal His will to us as we seek to respond to God's revelation.

• We believe that the union of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost is revealed through His Church.
  • That all believers are united into one body, the Church.

• We believe that Christ is coming back for His Holy Church without spot or wrinkle.
  • That without Holiness in spirit, soul and body, no one shall see the Lord.

Districts

The United Holy Church of America, Inc., is divided into 17 separate districts to efficiently oversee its functions and ministerial outreach. Out of these, 13 districts are found in the Continental United States, illustrating the church's extensive presence and strong foundations throughout different areas of the country. These local districts are strategically located to cater to various communities, offering spiritual direction, companionship, and communal assistance to members in their particular regions.

Moreover, 4 districts have been set up internationally, showcasing the church's dedication to disseminating the Gospel and promoting a Spirit-filled existence beyond national boundaries. These international regions demonstrate the church's commitment to cultural diversity and its goal of sharing the message of holiness and salvation with individuals globally. The blend of local and global districts emphasizes the broad influence and cohesive mission of The United Holy Church of America, Inc.

Districts of the Continental United States

• Southern District-Goldsboro: Goldsboro, North Carolina, Southwestern and Western Virginia
• Northern District: Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, District of Columbia
• Northwestern District: Ohio, Michigan, Western Pennsylvania
• New England District: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, new Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
• West Virginia District: West Virginia, Southwestern Virginia, Northwestern North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, Kentucky
• Central Western District: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
• Western District: Arizona, Southern California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
• Southeastern District: Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee
• South Carolina District: South Carolina
• Western North Carolina District: Western North Carolina, Central Western Virginia
• Virginia District: Virginia
• Southern District-Henderson: Henderson, North Carolina
• Central Pacific District: Northern and Central California, Oregon, Washington

Overseas Districts

• Bermuda District: Island of Bermuda
• Ghana District: Ghana and the West Coast of Africa
• Barbados District: Southeast Caribbean
• Philippines: Southeast Asia

Polity and government

Ecclesiastical structure

1. Presiding Prelate/General President
2. General Vice Presiding
3. General 2nd Vice President
4. General Board of Bishops
5. Council of Bishops

General boards

1. General Board of Bishops
2. General Board of Elders
3. General Board of Trustees
4. General Adjutancy

General departments

1. General Home and International Missions Department
2. General Department of Evangelism and Extension
3. General Youth Department
4. General Bible Church School
5. Young People's Holiness Association Department
6. General Board of Education
7. The United Christian College
8. General Department of Christian Education
9. General Ushers Department
10. General Department of Preservation and Archives
11. General Music and Sacred Arts Department
12. Publications and Promotions Department
13. The Holiness Union

The official Seal of the Bishop

Current leadership

• Presiding Prelate and General President – The Most Rev., Bishop Gregory K. Hargrave
• General Vice President – Rt. Rev., Bishop Kenneth White
• General 2nd Vice President – Rt. Rev., Bishop J. Derrick Johnson

Divisions and Reunion

From January 1927 to March 1975, the Church experienced a breach in its Certificate of Incorporation. Through a Certificate of Rescission and a resolution passed at a General meeting, the Certificate of Incorporation was amended to allow the Church to exist as a perpetual institution. The Church's corporate status as a non-profit religious organization now exists in perpetuity. The Tenth Article of the 1918 Certificate of Incorporation was amended to reflect this change.

In 1977, the Church divided when the Southern District Convocation, located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, withdrew from fellowship with the parent body. However, in May 2000 in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina, the Southern District Convocation was reunited with the connectional body.

Mount Calvary Holy Church of America split from the United Holy Church in 1929 to form their own holiness Pentecostal body. Mount Sinai Holy Church of America separated from the mother church in 1924 to form an organization to create gender equality in episcopal ordination.

Past presiding prelates

1. Rt. Rev. L.M. Mason (served 1894-1901)
2. Rt. Rev. W.H. Fulford (served 1901-1916)
3. Rt. Rev. Henry L. Fisher (served 1916-1947)
4. Rt. Rev. G.J. Branch (served 1947-1949)
5. Rt. Rev. Henry H. Hairiston (served 1949-1963)
6. Rt. Rev. Walter N. Strobahr (served 1963-1980)
7. Rt. Rev. Joseph T. Bowens (served 1980-1992)
8. Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Talley (served 1992-1996)
9. Rt. Rev. Odell McCollum (served 1996-2005)
10. Rt. Rev. Elijah Williams (served 2005–2016)
11. Rt. Rev. Harry L. Cohen (served 2016–2024)

External links

• The Official Web Site of the United Holy Church Of America
• The Southern District Convocation
• The Northern District Convocation
• The Virginia District Convocation
• The Bermuda District Convocation
• The Central Western District Convocation
• The Western District Convocation
• True Glory Ministries UHC
• Littles Memorial Temple UHC
• Gospel Tabernacle UHC
• Jerusalem UHC, Reidsville, NC
• New Stoney Hill UHC, Goldsboro, NC