On 13 September 2025, pilgrims from all over the United Kingdom gathered in Camberwell, South London to celebrate a milestone in the journey of the Cherubim and Seraphim Churches. The occasion was the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Church in Nigeria in 1925 and the 65th Anniversary of it being pioneered in the UK.
The congregation arrived in white African-style garments, except the choir who wore white and blue. As the worship started, it was impossible not to dance. The choir was well drilled, the musicianship off the chart, the drumming distinctly West African in rhythm. Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland; Rev Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, Moderator of the Free Churches Group and the speaker Rev Dr Hugh Osgood Past President of Churches Together in England and myself were all up and dancing. This is a Pentecostal movement untouched by western culture. It was a breath of fresh air!
One of the things that was most encouraging was the inter-generational nature of the gathering. There were lots of young people. This was no ageing congregation. Young people were already stepping up. Many of them were part of their uniformed arm of the church. We were treated to a marching display that demonstrated the discipline and commitment of those young people.
Four and a half hours later the service finished. But you didn’t want it to finish. We made our way to the bus stops full of the joy of the Lord. A day we will never forget. The founder of the movement St Moses Orimolade Tunolase who lived from 1875-1933 would be proud of the legacy he has established. We were grateful for wonderful hospitality and a truly ecumenical occasion as all the ecumenical representatives were asked to bring greeting. We pray God’s continued blessing on this movement. May the Lord continue to prosper their leaders including Special Apostle Pastor Dr Richard Fasunloye; Special Apostle Oyewole; Special Apostle John Adegoke and also Archbishop Fidelia Onyuku who helped Churches Together in England develop its relationship with the Black majority churches from the early 1990’s.