In 1969, the Lord commanded Apostle Ayo Omideyi to set up Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the U.K.  This seemed a daunting task especially at a time when he was not eager to live in a foreign land. However in obedience to the word of God, he arrived in London in 1973. In January1974 he set up Christ Apostolic Church (Bethel) UK the first Christ Apostolic Church in Europe and America. By God’s Divine help the church started in a bedsit at Finsbury Park with his brother, the late Superintendent Pastor O Omideyi, being the first member.

The brothers were very enthusiastic about this mission, putting all their time, effort, money and resources into the spiritual and physical growth of the church. Pastor Toluwase, Evangelist Mahama and many others later joined them. Within a few months of its birth, the church grew too big for the bedsit and they moved to larger premises at 52 Priory Road, Haringey London.

With God working in their midst, the news of this first CAC in the UK spread, and the church membership rapidly increased, and yet again they had to look for larger premises.  In 1976 this led the church to renting Campsbourne Baptist Church. However in 1979, Campsbourne could no longer accommodate them, and they were compelled to hold the church services in the Apostles residence, at 136 Haringey Road, where they had to hold two services on Sundays. Like Joseph, little did Apostle Omideyi, and his flock realise that the scripture ‘everything works for good for those who love the Lord, who are called after His purpose…” (Rom 8:28) was about to be fulfilled

God remained faithful at a time when comforts were declining - the mortgage of that building was paid off miraculously within a year!. The church continued to pray for a church building and in a dream, God revealed to the Apostle the promise of a large church premises and assured him that, “this is the place I have prepared for you.  I will give it to you in its time.”  

Although Apostle Omideyi had no inkling as to the location of the building he had seen in his dream, or how they would acquire it, he kept his eyes firmly fixed on God’s promise.  Later on in 1979 he heard that a derelict church building in East London was for sale  When the Apostle and his brother came to view the St Columbas Church building, he immediately recognised it as the one God had shown him in his dream.  He was however sceptical as to how they would acquire it because the church had no more than £100 in her account!. Then, the Lord, miraculously spoke through the estate agent: “There are other groups who are interested in this building - artists, architect, etc but if you want it, I’ll make sure you get it.”  The Apostle and his brother were astounded by his words. Remembering God’s promise, they decided to proceed with the negotiations towards acquiring the building regardless of the seeming inhibitions.  God assured them that he would not allow the building to be used for any other purpose because “this place is His house; a house of prayer for all nations…”.

He sought financial help from CAC’ Council of Elders in Nigeria but he was unsuccessful. On his return to London, the Lord assured him the He would provide the required finances. After one year of negotiations over how they would acquire the building, the estate agent gave them an ultimatum of two weeks in which to make the payment.

However, the Lord commanded the Apostle to write a letter to the London Diocesan Fund instructing them to give him the keys to the St Columbas Church, a grade 1 listed building at 215 – 223 Kingsland Road London E2 8AN, and inform them that he would make payment within one year.  Indeed, “the promise of the Lord is yes and amen!”  Miraculously, two days afterwards, the Diocesan Fund agreed to this offer and telephoned the Apostle to collect the church keys! Praise God!!!,

On June 4 1980, the church officially took occupancy of the premises as the headquarter of Christ Apostolic Church (Bethel) UK.

Why the name "Christ Apostolic Church (Bethel)"

CHRIST

Is the name of the Son of God, The Messiah who has been with God from the beginning and who came to the world as “Jesus” in order to save His people from their sins. 

Christ is the only way to God and is the risen Jesus; conquering, all powerful, and caring Lord of all. 

While the name ‘Jesus’ depicts His payment of the penalty of death for human sins, the name ‘Christ’ shows the triumphant power of His resurrection and the promises and power which His resurrection brings within the reach of all His believers. 

APOSTOLIC

Apostolic depicts our use of the techniques used by the Apostles in Acts of the Apostles and as revealed by the Holy Spirit from time to time.

Apostles are those set apart for the gospel of God (the gospel concerning His Son) which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy scriptures (ROM 1:1 - 2.) 

They are also essentially “witnesses to the Resurrection of Christ” (ACTS 1:24-26 ) 

They are also skilled master builders of God’s field and buildings.

Peter the foremost of the Apostles, built on that Rock and that Stone which the other builders rejected – the very stone that has become the Head of the corner. Paul also continued laying the foundation (1COR.3:9 – 15 ) We must therefore build as the Apostles built with due care and attention. 

CHURCH

A church is an assembly of sinners in various stages of being spiritually cleansed coming together in order to claim the forgiveness for which Christ died and rose.

Drawing near God by Grace, being taught and learning, route by route the narrow way that leads to God’s Kingdom (MATT.7:13-14) 

The Church is a combination of ‘God’s fellow workers’ (Ministers), ‘God’s field’. ‘God’s building’, and ‘God’s temple’ (the congregation ) 1COR 3:9:16. MATT.21:13  says it in a more literal sense, -  it is  a “House of prayer for all the nations” and as Jesus himself said is it not written that my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations?” (MARK 11:17)

In a nutshell Christ Apostolic Church (Bethel) UK is an assembly of people, meeting together for prayer and fellowship in the presence of God the Almighty Father , through Christ Jesus, His Son, using the  Holy Spirit method as ordained by Christ and practiced by the Apostles

BETHEL

At Bethel, Jacob met God who changed his name from Jacob to Israel and further more, in response to his request, made him an everlasting promise.  When the promise had been fulfilled, Jacob returned to Bethel to worship Him in thanksgiving. The Bethel is an addendum to link the Old Testament promise with the New.. This then suggest that, anyone making a vow before the Lord in this church, is heard and answered in the same way.