OUR history

“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it…” (Psalms 127:1).

It was God Himself who founded Christ Apostolic Church, First In The Americas, through Pastor Abraham “Goke” Oyedeji, here in the U.S. in 1976. The church started out with a lot of hope and a simple dream, the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. First in the Americas was the main U.S. branch of Christ Apostolic Church, World Wide, a Nigerian-based ministry, established by Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola, of blessed memory. Thanks to hard work, undaunted spirit, tenacity of purpose, and faith in God, First In The Americas has thrived in Brooklyn for over 40 years.

The church’s first meeting place, from 1976 – 1978, was at 216 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, with 7 to 12 members. As the church increased in number, God provided a small church located at 2220 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY, from 1978 to 1980. In 1980, as the church was growing in membership, it became necessary to move again. This time, the church moved to Convent Avenue and 14th Street, New York City. The church did not stay too long at Convent Avenue because a vision was revealed that God was going to work miracles and wonders through our church in Brooklyn, New York. Additionally, some highly irresistible events cropped up, which necessitated our need to leave Manhattan, quickly.

In the summer of 1982, the church moved back to Brooklyn, worshipping at 1005-07 Bedford Avenue, until fall 1984. The church continued to increase in membership, and a bigger space was needed. So, the church again moved to 43 Green Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. The church eventually relocated again to Restoration Plaza on Fulton Street. While at Restoration Plaza, on September 6, 1986, Elder Abraham “Goke” Oyedeji was ordained, and became the Pastor of the church. On that same day, three Elders and two Deaconesses were appointed in the church by the President of the Mission, Rev. J. B. Orogun, from the Christ Apostolic Church Headquarters in Nigeria. The three Elders were Alexander Adeyemi Browne (now Pastor), Elder (now Evangelist) John Sunday Adeyeye, and Elder (now Evangelist) Emmanuel Oriola Awe. The two Deaconesses were Rebecca Abiodun Oyedeji, (now Lady Evangelist), and Onatokunbo Browne.

At this time again, the membership of the church was growing by leaps and bounds. Consequently, contributions toward buying our own church were progressing. In 1988, the church purchased a property located at 3102-06 Clarendon Road, Brooklyn, New York. The property was renovated to meet the church’s needs, including a main sanctuary, the children’s section, and the community hall. After the renovation, the new building became our meeting place.

At the time, the average Sunday attendance of Christ Apostolic Church was over 400. In 1995, due to its steady growth, the church bought property located at 622 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, New York. The burning desire of the congregation resulted in generous contributions towards that noble cause. Thus, the church’s present location was purchased for $1.6 million. Over the years, approximately $1 million has been spent on renovations to accommodate our congregation, imposing and become a majestic edifice for the glory of God, and the pride of Christ Apostolic Church, Worldwide.

Lastly, First In The Americas has planted two other campuses, Mountain of Blessings in Jamaica, Queens and Mountain of Joy in Newark, NJ.

Christ Apostolic Church, First In The Americas is duly registered and incorporated in New York State, under Article 10 of the Religious Corporation Law and is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

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