The story of Christ Apostolic Church began around 1918 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, when a small group of Anglican faithful — including J.B. Sadare (later called “Esinsinade”), D.O. Odubanjo and Oba I.B. Akinyele — felt a burden to meet for prayer outside their church’s regulated services. They were soon joined by Sophia Odunlami, through whom many signs and wonders were later wrought by the Holy Spirit.
As reports of answered prayers spread, the fellowship grew and took the name “Precious Stone Society.” Their firm belief in divine healing and their stand against alcohol, gambling and other vices strained relations with the Anglican Church, and the group was eventually forced to withdraw and chart its own course of faith.
From a single prayer group in Ijebu-Ode, Christ Apostolic Church has grown into a worldwide mission. Worship remains rooted in choruses, extempore prayer and Bible teaching, carried out in African rhythm with hand clapping and dancing — a living expression of the Aladura tradition.
What began as a small prayer fellowship became, through the 1930 Ilesa revival led by Joseph Ayo Babalola and partnership with the Apostolic Church missionaries from Bradford in 1931, the Christ Apostolic Church we know today — a name adopted after the earlier titles “Nigerian Apostolic Church” and “United Apostolic Church” were set aside.
From colleges and seminaries to grammar schools and a press, CAC’s institutions reflect a Church still firmly rooted in the Word of God, remaining a place of resort for all who seek a divine solution through prayer.
