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Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa's Life
Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa was a former carpenter who was born in Dahomey (now Benin) in 1909. He founded the Celestial Church of Christ in 1947 and held the highest position until his death in 1985. -
Samuel's Divine Revelation
Founder of the Celestial Church of Christ, Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, received a divine revelation on this day during a solar eclipse. He then became incline to pray, heal the sick, and raise the dead. -
Founding of the Celestial Church of Christ
The Celestial Church of Christ became an African Initiated Church, which was founded by Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa in Porto-Novo, Benin -
The Celestial Church of Faith Begins to Spread
Moving to Lagos, Nigeria, Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa establishes the creation of the Constitution, structure, and scriptural foundations of the religion. From here on, the religion begins to spread rapidly throughout Nigeria then the world. -
Official Recognition and Authorization
In this year, the Republic of Dahomey (currently called Benin) officially recognized and authorized the Celestial Church of Christ. -
Evangelistic Campaign Begins
Starting in 1976, the Celestial Church of Christ begins an evangelistic campaign in the former colony of the French West Africa. Branches will then be founded across the world (United Kingdom, USA, Germany, etc). -
Death of Founder Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa
Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa dies in 1985, leaving difficulties with succession due to his hegemonic doctrine. These disputes threaten to split the religion, leading to large setbacks. -
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Samuel's First Successor
Alexander Abiodun Adebayo Bada succeeded Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa after his death in 1985. Facing numerous problems with succession, Alexander held this position until his death on September 8th, 2000. -
Adoption of the Internet
From the late 1990s and onwards, the Celestial Church of Christ begins using the Internet to keep the branches of the church in touch with each other and Nigeria, the headquarters of the religion. -
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Samuel's Second Successor
After the death of Alexander Abiodun Adebayo Bada, Philip Hunsu Ajose briefly led the religion until his death in 2001. -
Number of Believers Hits a Milestone
In 2001, the Celestial Church of Christ becomes the second largest church in Benin with branches across the world -
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Samuel's Third Successor
After a large dispute over Bada's successor, Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa eventually became the head of the church and maintains his position to the present date -
Celestial Church of Christ Miracle Land Parish Opened
A local parish, branch of the Celestial Church of Chirst, on 2009 Howard St. was opened in 2004. It is one of the modern branches founded in the USA, specifically Chicago.