06/13/2026
123 Years Ago, Today... 1903-2026
On June 13, 1903, A.J. Tomlinson joined The Holiness Church at Camp Creek in the home of W.F. Bryant in Cherokee County NC. R.G. Spurling was the pastor of the congregation that would take the name Church of God in 1907. Tomlinson recalled, “I had already searched and investigated many movements until my faith in them had completely exhausted. I seemed to be like a ship at sea with no rudder by which it should be controlled…. When I understood fully that they meant to stand for the whole Bible rightly divided and take the New Testament as their only rule of faith.
A.J. Tomlinson spent the night of June 12 in the Bryant home. He awoke early the following morning and climbed to the top of the mountain behind their home to pray. The spot where he prayed is where the Place of Prayer marker now stands. Arising from prayer, he was moved by the Spirit to action. He returned to the Bryant home for the meeting.
Reflecting on that June 13, 1903 meeting, Tomlinson stated, “I learned more about the organization at this time, and when I understood fully that they meant to stand for the whole Bible rightly divided and take the New Testament as their only rule of faith and practice, it appealed to me, and I became very much interested at once. I poured in the questions and Bible answers were given which perfectly satisfied all of my inquiries. I then said, ‘This means that it is the Church of God.’ To this they assented. Then I ventured to ask if they would be willing to receive me into the church with the understanding that it is the Church of God of the Bible. They were willing and soon proceeded in regular order. I took the obligation with deep sincerity and extreme sacredness never to be forgotten.”
At that June 13 meeting, a careful study of the New Testament order of government was made. A.J. Tomlinson became one of the church’s most formidable leaders, beginning here as pastor. In 1906, Tomlinson became the General Moderator for the Church.
40 years as General Overseer - 1903 - 1943.
*Maud Church was established in 1929
97 Years Serving Maud.
We Remember and Honor Who We Are....
Pastor Garcia