Cherubim and Seraphim Church @100: The Path Ahead

Published By Jerry Adesewo On Jul 28, 2025

Cherubim and Seraphim Church @100: The Path Ahead

Jerry Adesewo

As the Cherubim and Seraphim Church celebrates its centenary, the spiritual world pauses to reflect on a movement that began with divine fire, grew amid trials, and has endured through generations. This is not just the story of a church, it is the legacy of a people who dared to seek God in their own voice, language, and rhythm. It is the story of Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase, and of a spiritual identity that has outlived colonialism, modernism, and schisms.

100 Years Before: A Nation in Waiting, A Man on Assignment

Before 1925, the Nigerian religious environment was largely dominated by foreign missionary institutions. Though Christianity had gained roots, its modes of worship, dress, and structure remained largely Western and alien to the indigenous believer. The yearning for a faith expression that resonated with African spirituality and identity grew stronger.

Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase, born around 1879 in Ikare, Ondo State, rose as an unlikely vessel. From a young age, he was set apart by a divine call and spiritual gifts. Though he struggled physically, reportedly unable to walk until adulthood, his spiritual gait was unwavering. Gifted in prayer, visions, and prophecy, Orimolade carried a burden for the souls of men and a passion for pure worship.

The pivotal moment came with the spiritual experience of Christiana Abiodun Akinsowon in 1925. Her trance and prophetic calling, which many initially dismissed, found validation in Orimolade’s spiritual insight. He began a revival that would become the Cherubim and Seraphim Church—marked by white garments which symbolizes purity, a commitment to fervent prayer, and the full embrace of spiritual gifts.

100 Years After: Growth, Glory, and Growing Pains

Today, the Cherubim and Seraphim Church stands tall as one of the most recognized indigenous African-initiated churches. Its branches have spread across Nigeria, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The church has birthed many sons and daughters who continue to serve in prophetic ministries, apostolic callings, and music ministry across the world. The white garment has become a symbol of spiritual heritage and African identity in worship.

However, alongside the blessings of growth came the pain of division. From the late 1920s and through the decades, internal leadership struggles, doctrinal disagreements, generational gaps, and issues of succession began to emerge. The initial unity between Saint Moses Orimolade and Christiana Abiodun Akinsowon became strained. Their followers gradually split into factions—each claiming legitimacy to the founding vision.

Over time, the church fragmented into several sects, including:

The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (ESOCS)
The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (CSMC)
The Cherubim and Seraphim Society
The Cherubim and Seraphim Praying Band
Cherubim and Seraphim, Agbo Jesu, and more.

Each of these factions-maintained core worship expressions but developed distinct administrative and liturgical nuances. While this fragmentation posed challenges to the unity of the movement, it also revealed a deeper need for reconciliation and restoration in the spirit of the founder.

Yet, even amid division, the unshaken spiritual foundation has kept the fire burning—through vigils, prayer mountains, prophetic worship, and the tireless faith of millions.

The Mandate Continues: A Call to Renewal

What does the centenary say to us today?

It calls us to revisit the original vision—a church rooted in holiness, humility, service, and prophetic fire. It invites all Cherubim and Seraphim adherents, regardless of denomination or camp, to seek reconciliation and unity. As Jesus prayed in John 17:21, “That they all may be one…”

It challenges today’s youth and future leaders of the church not to merely wear the garment, but to walk in the spirit of purity and power that defined Orimolade’s ministry. In a world increasingly driven by materialism and performance, the Cherubim and Seraphim Church must return to the simplicity of faith, prayer, holiness, and service.

The Benefits of Staying in the Ancient Path

Despite the many challenges, the fruits of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church(es) remain evident:

A strong intercessory tradition through prayer bands and vigils.
Rich worship music and hymnology inspired by divine revelation.
A prophetic voice that still speaks boldly in the public square.
An authentic model of African Christianity rooted in scripture.

Indeed, the words of Saint Orimolade still echo: “Ijo mimo yi ko ni baje l’oruko Jesu”—This Holy Church shall not perish, in Jesus’ name.

A New Century Beckons: Walking the Ancient Path in a Global World

As the Cherubim and Seraphim Church steps into its second century, it does so not merely as a historic movement, but as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness through time. The path ahead is filled with promise—but also with responsibility. To remain relevant and faithful in a rapidly changing world, the church must take bold yet humble steps.

Here are key actions the church must embrace moving forward:

Pursue Genuine Unity Across Factions
The divisions of the past must give way to reconciliation and purposeful collaboration. While administrative autonomy may remain, the Church must commit to a spirit of unity in doctrine, intercession, and mission. “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…” (Psalm 133:1)
Embrace Technology for Evangelism and Discipleship

In a digital age, the Church must expand its reach through online platforms, media ministry, and digital discipleship. The voice of the prophets must not be silent in global spaces where youth are listening—on social media, podcasts, streaming, and beyond. It is encouraging to say, some are already doing this.

Ensure Diligence in Leadership Appointment

The process of selecting pastors, prophets, evangelists, and spiritual leaders must be prayerfully and scripturally grounded. It must prioritize character over charisma, calling over popularity, and maturity over ambition. This is how we preserve the integrity of the altar and prevent strange fire.

Invest in the Next Generation

The youth are not just the future; they are the present. Their energy, innovation, and spiritual hunger must be harnessed. Leadership development, mentorship, and inclusion in decision-making are crucial to keeping the fire burning for another century. The church can no longer ‘hide’ things from her children, or we lose them to the new generation churches.

Return to the Simplicity of Holiness and Prayer

No matter how advanced the tools become, the Church must never abandon its core strength—prayer, fasting, holiness, and the prophetic mandate. These are not outdated traditions; they are timeless weapons.

Champion Social Relevance through Community Engagement

Just as Orimolade addressed both spiritual and societal needs, the Church today must engage in education, healthcare, humanitarian efforts, and justice. A faith that only prays but does not serve is incomplete.

Let the Cherubim and Seraphim Church arise afresh—clothed not only in white garments but in renewed purpose. Let it lift its voice in the marketplace of nations and say, “We are a holy people, walking in the ancient path, yet called to transform the present.”

As the book of Jeremiah reminds us: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls…” (Jeremiah 6:16)

May the next 100 years of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church shine brighter than the former. Amen.