ABOUT COGATH
OUR HISTORY
The Churches of God and True Holiness organization was established by the late Bishop John Wesley Garlington, Sr. in December 1927.
Bishop Garlington was a great leader, organizer, and revivalist who had a vision to organize a fellowship that would win souls to Christ, promote the doctrine of the Apostles, and empower to live a lifestyle of Holiness.
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The headquarters for the Churches of God and True Holiness was first located in Buffalo, New York. Soon after the start of the organization, churches were set up in Virginia- Norfolk, Waverly, and Fredericksburg; in New York- Rochester and New York City; in North Carolina- Goldsboro, Wilmington, and Beulaville; in Ohio- Cleveland and Cincinnati; in Florida- Winterhaven, in Delaware- Milford, and in South Carolina- Sumter.
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Bishop Garlington led this organization until his death in 1943. Then Bishop Thomas Benton of Norfolk, Virginia became the presiding Bishop. Bishop Benton relinquished his pastorate role at the Norfolk church to Elder William B. Church and moved to Buffalo to oversee the organization. After Bishop Benton*s death in 1958, Bishop Frank Jackson of Winterhaven, Florida took over as presiding Bishop.
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OUR BELIEF
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WE BELIEVE that there is One God, in essence and in person. This One True God is infinite in power and intelligence, present everywhere at the same time, Holy in nature, attributes and purpose. Manifesting and revealing Himself in a divine threefold relationship as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Ghost). This One True God took upon Himself flesh in redemption and became the Son of God, Jesus Christ, according to the flesh (Romans 1:3), God with us according to the Spirit (Matthew 1:23). In Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily and we are complete in Him (Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16).
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WE BELIEVE the plan of salvation as stated in Acts 2:38; to repent (change your mind and believe on Jesus Christ), be baptized (immersed) in water in His name and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit with the biblical evidence of speaking in tongues (another language) as the Holy Spirit enables you.
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WE BELIEVE in gathering together to worship God, to fellowship one with another, to study His word and to go into the world to witness and to win the lost to Christ.
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WE BELIEVE in a bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust. We also believe in the personal imminent return of Jesus Christ.
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WE BELIEVE that God has a predetermined purpose for the life of each individual and it is our task to help you discover that purpose and fulfill it through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
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WE BELIEVE in living a holy and anointed life. That is to live your life based upon the teaching of the word of God as revealed in the doctrine of the apostles. And as you learn and apply these biblical principles to your life you will see every area of your life change for the better. And you will witness for yourself that.