History
1948 – In a world recovering from the devastating after-effects of the 2nd World War; the Windrush ship docked in England full of men emigrating from the Caribbean Commonwealth who disembarked onto English soil for the first time. Lured by the propaganda and promises of better wages and brighter futures, they answered the call for labour issued by the British Government.
1950s – Apostolic Churchgoers migrated to England; many intended to temporarily work in the UK before returning to home soil. The UK proved hostile to these new arrivals and the native Churches often closed their doors to the newcomers’ charismatic style of worship. However, undeterred by the frosty welcome, early pioneers like Brother Azariah Gayle, held Church services in the front room of his terraced home in Harlesden, London, so early worshippers could band together in Christian solidarity.
This fledgling group was ambitious and raised funds to rent St. Peter’s Hall in Stonebridge, London.
1955 – Saw the arrival of Brother Richard Henry Wray from Jamaica, and he joined the inaugural Church services in Deacon Gayle’s home.
Pastor Robinson later affiliated with Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, which was founded by Bishop Sydney Alexander Dunn in Handsworth, Birmingham, in 1955. Like Beulah’s humble beginning, Bethel United also started their Church in the front room of a residential house.
1961 – Brother Rufus George Anderson, arrived from Jamaica and was ordained as a Minister at Beulah Apostolic Church, Willesden.
1966 – Elder Robb left Beulah and Minister Rufus Anderson was ordained as an Elder responsible for leading the Willesden Church.
1971 – Beulah separated from Bethel First United Church of Jesus Christ, Apostolic (UK), following some doctrinal differences. However, both Churches continued to fellowship with each other after the split.
1972 – Beulah Church re-established itself under Bishop Anderson and became a national organisation with Churches in Bedfordshire, the Midlands, and Greater London.
1972 – Beulah affiliated with the Church of God in Christ (Apostolic) and hosted the International Youth Congress. Foreign delegates came from as far as the United States.
1972 – Bishop Coleman from the United States of America, developed a Bible Study curriculum that was adopted and taught by Bishop Anderson, for which the successful student alumni received formal accreditation.
1973 – The Manchester branch joined Beulah Apostolic Church following the leadership and guidance of the Reverend Handel Linton supported by his wife Evangelist Esme Linton.
1974 – The Shepherd’s Bush branch was welcomed into the Beulah family under Elder Lamy and his wife Mother Lamy, and Minister Grant and Deacon Henry.
1977 – Arson destroyed Beulah’s Stonebridge Church. A single Bible recovered unscathed from the smouldering rubble, gave Beulah hope & they moved rto St Michael’s Church, Wembley.
1978 – Around one year after the devastating Stonebridge fire, Beulah Apostolic Church purchased the Evangelical Church building on Church Road in Willesden.
1979 – Beulah, Acton was founded and led by Elder Lanford Gregory. This branch moved several times under Elder Gregory & Mother Gregory’s leadership: 1979 – London Bridge, 1989 – Tottenham, and finally in 1999 – Edmonton.
1994 – Bishop Rufus Anderson passed away and was succeeded by Overseer Gregory. While Elder Richard Wray was ordained to lead the Willesden branch.
1998 – Pastors Donald Deidrick, Luton, & Keith Linton, Manchester; were appointed as Overseers.
2002 – Overseer Gregory was consecrated as Bishop of Beulah Apostolic Church.
2016 – Beulah’s Willesden headquarters refit was completed after almost 3 years of major works, during which they rented space at St Michael’s Church, Wembley. Elder Headley Dunkley was appointed as interim Pastor, following the death of Elder Wray that same year. The dedication service for the renovated Church covered 3 days when attendees signed and recorded messages in a Dedication book.
2022 – (April) Overseer Keith Linton from Manchester was consecrated into the office of presiding Bishop of Beulah Apostolic Church. The inauguration service, held at Bethel Convention Centre, was officiated by Dr Evan Nepaul and attended by Bishop Emeritus Lanford Gregory who later passed away in FEB 2023.
2022 – (July) Bishop Linton, supported by Minister Kay Dawkins and Sister Cameron, appointed a talented batch of around 20 new Ministers, Evangelists, Missionaries, and Deacons from across the Beulah Church at the national annual convocation in Beulah’s London headquarters.
