Confrontation With Idol Worship at Ikare

One day, idol worshippers armed with their charms, cutlasses, and other harmful objects in Ikare and its environs confronted Moses Orimolade and his followers. Moses Orimolade prayed and stretched his staff towards them. Suddenly, fighting broke out among them and they faced and attacked each other. Some died while others sustained serious injuries. The news of the fight spread through the town and its environs. The King of the town summoned his Chiefs and the idol worshippers. They sent delegates to the District Officer in Kabba, informing him that the Christians had rioted in the town and killed
several people. Policemen were immediately dispatched to Ikare who arrested the Christians, and locked them up in Kabba prison. They endured and were joyful throughout the period of their incarceration. They were not afraid, for they knew their leader would implore the host of heaven to secure their release.

Moses Orimolade went to Kabba where they had been detained and began to preach the gospel throughout the city, citing reasons why the Christians that had been arrested should be released. Miraculously, the District Officer immediately ordered the release of the Christians. Upon their release, Orimolade asked them to return home and they praised God as they went, with the song below:
English 183
Blow ye the trumpet, blow
The gladly solemn sound
Let all the nations know
To earth’s remotest bound.
Chrs:
The year of jubilee is come,
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home (2ce)
Yoruba 491
Efunpe na kikan
Ipe, ihin rere
K’odun jade jado
L’eti gbogbo eda
Chrs:
Odun idasile ti de
Pada, elese pada (2ce)
In view of this resounding victory, so many people who had feared to be associated with christianity now publicly declared themselves christians and followers of Moses Orimolade.

Attempt to Install Moses Orimolade as a Chief in Ikare

Since the Christians returned from the prison in Kabba, the pagans had become very afraid to again do anything against the Christians. For some time, the followers of Orimolade did not experience any more provocation and molestation. Later, the pagans conspired with the Ijeloba masquerades seeing that their festival was near. They unanimously agreed that for Orimolade to be entrapped, they must trick and install him as the chief priest in charge of the masquerades. “Once he agrees with this, other Christians would be easily crushed”, they reasoned. On that day, Orimolade was invited to the meeting, where the chairman of the meeting informed him that Ijeloba masquerades were offering him the position of chief priest of all the masquerades in Ikare. Moses Orimolade turned down the position under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Moses Orimolade refused to accept the title and prayed for the people to experience the power of the Most High God.

Orimolade Fed Three Visitors

One fateful day, three visitors came in and asked for Moses Orimolade. His mother said he was at home, but she was pondering in her mind, “how come Orimolade, who does not travel, have so many visitors? Where does he know them from?” When Moses saw them, he told his mother to boil some yam so as to prepare pounded yam for the visitors. The mother told him that they had no yam in the house. Moses then told his mother to wash the pot, put water in it, cover it and put it on the fire. While the mother went to fetch water from the stream and before she came back, there was already yam in the covered pot which was almost ready for pounding. The mother was very surprised and asked where he got the yam from. All of them kept mute when he called his sister, Ibilola, to bring out the pot of soup in his room. It was another miracle to see that there was already cooked bushmeat, cut into big pieces in the pot and the soup had been well cooked. They only warmed it on the fire. They then served the food for the visitors and they all ate.

Moses Orimolade Fed the Christians in Ikare

Moses Orimolade told his mother that he would throw a feast for all the Christians in Ikare. His mother cried out, begging him not to do so, in view of their poor financial condition. Orimolade smiled and asked her not to worry but to get all the cooking and serving utensils ready. Though his mother continued to ponder on all these things, nonetheless, she reluctantly got the house ready. Very early the following day, it was unbelievable when people started trooping into Orimolade’s house bringing different foodstuffs from villages around them. Some brought yam, garri, and palm oil; while others brought firewood and different types of meat and fish. Individually, they stated that they had come to appreciate what Orimolade had done for them. Some minutes later, people who would cook the food came in and afterwards the Christians, friends and other relations also came. The house was full of people. Many wondered at what time Orimolade got word to these people who brought food and how they got the information to bring food for the party.

Moses Orimolade Crossed River Ojawiri

Moses Orimolade informed his followers that the harvest was ripe in distant townsand cities and he was going out to preach the gospel of salvation to the people. He took his walking stick and did not carry any luggage with him. Many people did not want him to go, as they wept and escorted him. He was carried on a manual cart since he could not walk long distances. Before leaving home, his followers had arranged for a Nupe man who knew how to
swim to carry Orimolade across River Ojawiri. This Ojawiri is between Ayere and Ogidi. Anytime a bridge was constructed on this river, it would be swept off,
especially during the rainy season, when the river was at its fullest. On getting to the river, the Nupe man had told them he would carry Moses Orimolade
on his back and swim across the river. This was the rainy season when the river was at its fullest. Moses Orimolade got down from the stretcher and standing on his feet, he directed them all to close their eyes while he prayed. At the close of the prayer, the people echoed “Amen” and opened their eyes and they were stunned to see MOSES ORIMOLADE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THERIVER, without the assistance of the Nupe man or any other person.
Many rejoiced at this great miracle of God which they had all witnessed and others started weeping, especially the nursing mothers who thought they would no longer see him. They heard him singing his usual song, “By the Bank of River Jordan”. He never looked back as his followers bade him farewell.

Missionary Work of Moses Orimolade Outside Ikare

In 1916, Moses Orimolade left Ikare on his missionary journey throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria. He visited a village called Irun. He wrestled with evil forces, principalities and powers of darkness. He preached the word of God to them, and destroyed the temple of one of their gods known as Osijora.
From there, he went on to another place known as Ogbagi where he again preached the word of God and put the powers of darkness to shame. He returned to Ikare with his disciples and taught them the song below:
The Saviour had installed me King
I am delivered from the hand of Satan
After a short stay, he again left Ikare with his gospel team to Akungba; from there he went to Oke where he met them celebrating the masquerade festival. He preached to them the undiluted word of God, telling them that only God Almighty is to be worshipped as the creator. Many believed the word of God and were converted. Moses Orimolade went from Kiran to Merri, through Ipele, Ifon, and Owo. He performed many miracles in all these places and opened their eyes to the only hope of salvation, Jesus Christ. Anywhere he went, people always knew that a wonderful man had entered the town.

Owo

The news of Orimolade had spread through the towns and villages around Ikare; when he got to Owo, people thronged to see him, singing and praising the Lord. He went to the C.M.S Church where Canon D.A. Fawehinmi was the Vicar-in-charge. The Canon refused to grant him audience to preach during the church service except at the end of the service. As soon as Moses Orimolade mounted the pulpit, the glory of God shone and there was great manifestation of the power of the Almighty. The congregation was astonished at his knowledge of the Bible. The Canon was happy and expressed regret that he did not
allow Orimolade to preach during the service. Orimolade prayed for them, and many experienced the manifestation of the power of God.

Ifon

When Moses arrived at Ifon, as usual, several miraculous events were recorded. The news spread to the adjourning towns up to present day Edo State. A Chief who was an Urhobo man, living at Ifon, was jailed for three years but had not spent up to two weeks in the prison when Orimolade arrived at Ifon. When the people saw the miracles that were being performed by the Lord through Orimolade, the relations of the Urhobo chief approached Orimolade for prayer for the release of their kinsman. Orimolade granted their wish and prayed to God to set the man free from prison. At exactly 12noon the following day, the District Officer (D.O) in charge of that area visited the prison at Ifon and saw this Urhobo man. The District Officer (a white man) asked questions concerning the Urhobo Chief. After examining his case, the District Officer instructed the prison official to release him. When the man got home and saw his people, there was great joy and the news spread round the town that the prisoner whom Orimolade prayed for the previous day, had been released. Orimolade thereafter left Ifon for Benin City.

Benin City, Itsekiri and Ida

Orimolade arrived in Benin City where he saw how human sacrifices were made in worshipping the god of the city. Orimolade explained to them the evils of idolatry and human sacrifices. He preached on how this practice was an abomination in the sight of God. Citing relevant quotations from the Bible, he taught them that God was against the shedding of human blood. From Benin City, he went to Itsekiri land. Though wizardry and witchcraft were rampant here, Orimolade, through the power of God, conquered them all. With many miracles performed, he declared to them the truth in the worship of Almighty God
through His Son, Jesus Christ. Many were converted and they all experienced the power that was in the blood of Jesus Christ. He left Itsekiri land for Ida, where he preached the gospel of Christ. All the powers of darkness bowed down before him. Many diseases and illnesses were instantly cured
through the power of his prayers. He left Ida for Lokoja.

Lokoja

Orimolade arrived in Lokoja from Ida by canoe. When people heard his sermons and saw the miracles he performed, they all glorified the name of God.
It was in Lokoja that he healed the daughter of one Momo Giwa from illness. Through this healing, many converted to Christianity. It was this Momo Giwa he met again in Lagos. Many other people with diseases were brought to him whom he cured. His powerful sermons which many educationists and theologians could not dispute changed the hearts of many to become Christians till today.

Onitsha

Orimolade arrived Onitsha from Lokoja. He made them understand the wonderful work God was doing through his miracles. He preached the gospel of Christ. He showed them the evils in idolatry practices and told them how God was the only one that could save. Many who heard his words became children of the kingdom of God and many that were barren became mothers. He later left Onitsha for Sapele.

Sapele

When Orimolade entered Sapele, he saw that the people were neck-deep in idol worshipping. The healing of many who were sick and the miracles he performed: giving sight to the blind, instant healing of the mentally sick and making the lame walk, made his words sink deep in the hearts of his listeners.
After leaving Sapele, he went to other places like Oba, Ise and the cities of Igbira tribe. He preached the gospel of Christ in all these places and showed them the ways of God. He stayed with them for some days. From there, he visited many places like Ogori, Akunnu, Ikaramu, Daja, Iga, Uro, and Igasi. He was carried on a manual cart to Omuo. He preached the gospel to them in all these places and the evil spirits bowed to the Glory of God. He left Omuo for Kabba.

Kabba

On arrival in Kabba, he was accommodated by the Chief of the town. There were many idol worshippers in Kabba and the power of darkness reigned supreme. He encountered several attacks from agents of Satan, one of which came in the form of a tiger at night, but God gave Moses Orimolade victory. While preaching the following day, Moses Orimolade made mention of the tiger attack he encountered the previous night and all the members were encouraged by the prevalence of God’s victory over evil. It was learnt that he had not finished preaching that day when the person who turned into the tiger died. He later left Kabba for Ogidi town.

Ogidi Town

When Orimolade got to Ogidi town, he was accommodated by Elder Olupeka, a strongmember of the Anglican Church at Ogidi. Before Olupeka could say anything, the news of Orimolade’s entry into the town had spread all over. They entered the town with songs that day. Olupeka knew the fire of the glory of God was about to be lit in his town. But Olupeka advised him not to go near a particular lake because the god of this lake was the god of the town which the whole town worshipped yearly. It was believed that anyone who refrained from partaking in the celebration on account of religion stood the risk of instant death. Nobody was permitted to touch the lake or step into it except the priests in charge. While preaching the following day, Moses Orimolade extolled his listeners as to the wrongfulness of worshiping other gods. As directed by the Holy Spirit, he proceeded to the lake, where he was divinely directed to put an end to the evil influence and worship of the evil residents in the lake. Moses Orimolade got to the lake and prayed, commanding the water source to dry up.
He further instructed his followers to drain the lake and the evil fishes were exposed and killed. A large number of converts were added to his followership and that day marked the end of worshipping of the god of the lake.

Invitation to Join the Anglican Church

Reverend E. D. Sodehinde who was the Minister-in-charge of African Churches in Akoko area saw the work that God Almighty was doing through Moses Orimolade and pleaded with him to join the Anglican Church. Though Moses Orimolade was well at home with the leaders and members of the Anglican Church, he politely turned down the invitation.

Moses Orimolade Visited Iyagba Villages and Bida

Moses Orimolade moved from Gbede to Abuja, Igan and Ikasa, from where he proceeded to Egbe and finally to Bida. He preached the word of God to them in all these places and a great number was added to the Christian population. The Igunnu (Nupe masquerade) was subdued by the God of Moses Orimolade and many gave up the worship of this masquerade. Where there were no churches, he encouraged them to come together and fellowship as one. He left Bida for Jos.

Orimolade in the Northern Part of Nigeria

Moses Orimolade arrived in Jos where many miracles were performed. He stayed with them for some days, preaching and healing the sick among them. He left Jos and went on to Zaria where he lived with one Marcus Thomas at Regimo Street in Zaria. After some days in Zaria, he went to Kano and converted so many people among whom was one Mrs. Pearse. He spent about two years in the North. Despite Islamic predominance in the North, Orimolade was respected by all. Nobody could ignore the miracles he performed. After the northern missions, he now turned south, and left for Ilorin.

Ilorin

When he arrived in IIorin, he lived with a man called Reverend Sodehinde, who was a known friend from Akoko area. He helped Sodehinde in prayers to get a piece of lland for the building of a church. Many miracles were performed in Ilorin. The District Officer at that time was very happy to hear the great sermons preached by Orimolade. The miracles performed in Ilorin made some people to call him “Anabi Yisa” (Jesus). He again met with Rev. Sodehinde in Lagos and they became intimate friend.

Offa

When Orimolade arrived in Offa, the news of his arrival spread like wild fire. He was followed by a great crowd all singing:
“Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah”
He sought to live with an Anglican Reverend who rejected him, but the President of the African Church accommodated him for two days after which he left for Ikirun in 1919.

Ikirun

Moses Orimolade’s visit to Ikirun was sometime in 1919, and he was housed by one Pa Abraham Alao, who was the President of the African Church in Ikirun and he spent three days preaching and healing the sick. On Sunday, he preached the sermon at the African Church, Ikirun, for about eight hours and nobody was tired or complained about his long sermon. The glory of God spread throughout Ikirun that very day; everybody was sharing the news of the great sermon. He explained to the people from the scriptures the importance of worshipping God and believing in only His Son, Jesus Christ, the
Saviour. At this time, the news of Moses Orimolade had spread to the surrounding villages.By the following day, a Monday, the Christians in Obaagun – a village very near Ikirun, sent messages to Orimolade, explaining the difficulties they were facing in building their church: anytime the building was put up, thunder usually struck it down. This had happened about three times. They believed this was the work of worshippers of the god of thunder (Sango). Moses Orimolade, accompanied by the Christians and singing the song:
“Ma koja mi Olugbala” “Pass me not O gentle Saviour”,
left for Obaagun. When they got to where the church building was at Obaagun, Moses Orimolade lifted up his eyes and prayed and stamped down the sole of his foot three times and said: “From today on, the power of darkness shall not prevail on this church building any longer”. It is on record that the church building at Obaagun was later completed. After preaching the sermon and loosing those in bondage, he returned to Ikirun.

Ogbomosho

Moses Orimolade passed through Ede to Ogbomosho where a woman despised him by using foul language because of his physical challenge. He cursed the community and left. Thereafter, everything came to a standstill; rain, crops and even the pregnant women couldn’t give birth. This caused a lot of fear and panic among the people, who dispatched a team to search and plead with him to return to the town and reverse the curse.

Ibadan

When Moses got to Ibadan, he was accommodated by the African church, whose warden was Mr. Fawole, a native of IleIfe. It was from here, he heard that the Alaafin of Oyo had taken captive the Baale of Ibadan and many of his brave men. They begged Orimolade to help them intercede with prayers. Moses Orimolade prayed for their release. That same day, there was news that the Baale of Ibadan and his men had been released, and they arrived in Ibadan the following morning. The news of Orimolade’s power of prayer spread through the town. This gave him the opportunity to work in the city. He preached the gospel and healed many of their diseases. Many who heard the words or saw the miracles performed, believed him. They were moved to hear such wonderful sermon. He later left for Abeokuta.

Abeokuta

The news of Moses’ arrival in Abeokuta quickly spread all over the city. The number of people following him continued to increase from one town to the other. During this time in Abeokuta, the Adubi war was at its peak. Oba Ademola, the Alake of Abeokutaat that time, sent for Orimolade to help him pray and immediately the spirit of the Lord entered the hearts of the warriors and they stopped the war. The King was amazed at the wonderful man of prayer. He begged him to stay with them for some more days. He was able to preach in the city and many miracles took place. The King and Orimolade became friends. Oba Ademola did his best to help his friend Moses in the spreading of the gospel. The glory of God shone mightily on Moses Orimolade and the work of God was made manifest to the people. Moses Orimolade left Abeokuta for Ifako.

Moses Orimolade at Ifako and His Return to Ogbomosho

He arrived Ifako from Abeokuta and stayed with Elder J.K. Coker. Meanwhile, the news of what happened at Ogbomosho quickly spread throughout the town because the woman who despised him died before the following morning. The pregnant women in labour could not deliver and neither dew nor rain came from heaven. The news of what Orimolade was doing in the other cities had also filtered into the town.Great fear descended on the Ogbomosho people. The King of Ogbomosho sent an emissary to go and bring Orimolade back. They set on their journey to Ibadan but were told that Orimolade had left for Abeokuta. On getting to Abeokuta, they were told he had left for Ifako and it was at Ifako that they finally caught up with him. They met him in Ifako in Elder Jacob Kehinde Coker’s house. They (people from Ogbomosho) apologized and pleaded their ignorance and accepted their guilt. They equally appealed to Elder Coker to lend his voice. Elder Coker intervened and appealed to Moses Orimolade to consider their pleas and for the fact that the erring woman had died. Orimolade accepted their pleas and followed them to Ogbomosho. At Ogbomosho, Orimolade prayed for God’s forgiveness of their sins and restoration of normal life. God hearkened to his prayer with a twelve (12)-hour rainfall, from 4:00pm till the following morning, and thirty-seven (37) babies were delivered before dawn. Among the children delivered that day was one J. K. Akinde who was born into a Moslem family and grew up to become an Islamic scholar. He

later converted to christianity and became an Evangelist and one of the strong pillars of the Cherubim and Seraphim church in Ogbomosho. Elder J. K. Coker, having heard of the big and successful revival of God in Ogbomosho, dispatched three teachers of the gospel to Ogbomosho to take care of the needs of the church of God. Orimolade and his entourage returned from Ogbomosho to Coker’s house in Ifako. His ministration took him to Ojokoro where he met Reverend Oguntolu who on hearing his preaching was impressed and thereafter took him to his house. They became friends. Orimolade told him that Ojokoro will be his habitation to which he replied, “The earth is the Lord’s and its fullness”. Orimolade later moved back to Ifako to Coker’s house.

Moses Orimolade Visits Lagos (Saturday, July 12, 1924)

The news of Moses Orimolade’s stay with Elder J.K. Coker in Ifako and his deeds had spread his fame all over and around Lagos. There was an epidemic outbreak in Lagos and at the same time, speculations and fears that Lagos Island was sinking; therefore Orimolade was invited to Lagos and he went.
On getting to Carter bridge, Orimolade sang the song, “E fun’pe naa kikan…”, blessed and prayed. God answered his prayer; the epidemic stopped. His prayer that God should protect Lagos and save it from sinking was also answered. The CMS church members in Lagos at this time were happy and gave glory to God. He knew his kinsman, Mr. Olumodeji, lived in Lagos, and he was the Sexton at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Ebute–Ero. Orimolade stayed there with this kinsman, Olumodeji, the Sexton and he was praying for people and consecrating waters which brought signs and wonders. The head of the church at the time was Rev. T. A.J. Ogunbiyi who advised Orimolade to be charging fees for the consecrated water, an advice which Orimolade did not take to, saying, “freely we have been given, freely shall we give”. This reply did not go down well with Rev. Ogunbiyi and he became uncomfortable, and therefore requested Orimolade to leave. Orimolade went back to Ifako, to his friend, Coker, on 11th September, 1924.

Second Visit to Lagos

Moses Orimolade went back to Lagos on Saturday, 20th December, 1924. He did not return to Anglican Church at Ebute-Ero, but went to 10, Balogun Square, Lagos. The house belonged to Elder J.K. Coker, his friend at Ifako, who gave him a room on the
ground floor. In this house also was a man called Shepherd. Orimolade stayed with this man and continued his ministration. People were trooping in for prayers and they experienced signs and wonders. With these exploits, other clergymen and theologians were
disputing his knowledge and authority. Attempts were made on his life. An evil plan was hatched through a church warden called Samuel at a Sunday service which Orimolade was invited to, but God miraculously delivered him. Thereafter, Samuel, the church warden, slumped after the service; they applied first aid to no avail. Doctors were sent for, and he was pronounced dead. They sent for Orimolade who was nicknamed “Prophet of Mount Jordan”, (Baba Oke Jordani) because of his song, to help in bringing him back to life. When he got there, many who had heard of him, knew he could bring the man to life and many despised and doubted, saying how could a man that had been pronounced dead by the doctors be brought back to life when Orimolade was not Jesus. Moses lifted up his eyes and prayed that God should show His glory to the people. Then said to the man three times, “AWAKE! AWAKE!! AWAKE!!!” (This in Yoruba language meant SOJI! SOJI!! SOJI!!!) and immediately the man opened his eyes and rose up. From thereon, Samuel was nicknamed “AWAKE” (SOJI). Within a short time, news of this event spread all over Lagos and many people left their churches to join Orimolade. Mr. Samuel (a.k.a Soji) also left and became one of the members of Orimolade’s group.

Orimolade Moved to Agoshofin Street

During one of Orimolade’s public sermons in Lagos, an old friend of his called Momo Giwa, whose daughter he raised from the dead at Lokoja met him. They were so happy to see each other after nine years. Momo Giwa followed Orimolade to where he resided at Mr. Shepherd’s house; he saw that the place was too small for the great number of people that were visiting Orimolade for prayers. He then invited him to come and reside with him in his house at Agoshofin. It was here that Orimolade’s work in Lagos expanded. People had time for revivals and prayers. The following were a few of the many miracles performed at Agoshofin:
⧫ A masquerade (Igunnu) who tried to harm Moses Orimolade with juju collapsed and died as Moses was reciting Psalm 91 in front of him

⧫ A baby boy who swallowed a needle vomited it after Orimolade had prayed for him.
Moses Orimolade began to have more followers and faithfuls who were always present with him at every prayer meeting. Notable among them were Sarah Philips, Sabina Roberts, Isaac Adebulewo, H.A. Phillips, Adefope, J. K. Coker, among others. The fame and power of God in the life of Moses Orimolade spread through the streets of Lagos as well as his admirers and followers.

The Healing of Miss Christiana Abiodun

On 7th May, 1925, Moses Orimolade moved from 10, Balogun Square (residence of Elder J. K. Coker) to a more spacious place at Kester Lane in Agoshofin, (the residence of Momo Giwa) where he continued his spiritual work and formed a group with his admirers and followers called “Egbe Aladura”. On 18th June, 1925, Miss Christiana Abiodun went to Campus Square, Lagos to watch the annual celebration of “Corpus Christi” by the Roman Catholic Church. Fixing her eyes on the chalicecarried by the Roman Catholic Bishop, in place of the chalice, Miss Abiodun was seeing an angel. She fell into a trance. She was in this unconscious state for days. People felt she was sick and invited several people to help cure her. Amongst the ministers of God invited was Rev. T.A.J. Ogunbiyi, the Venerable Archdeacon and Minister-in-charge of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Breadfruit, Lagos, where Miss Abiodun was a member, but no one could cure her. Rev. Ogunbiyi even dismissed her situation as mere hallucination. She divinely revealed that Baba Moses Orimolade be invited. Her guardians, Mr. Hunnu Moeitte and Mrs. Malomo (a.k.a Iya Ibeji) came in the rain and pleaded with Moses Orimolade to assist in her healing. Baba Moses Orimolade went without being soaked in the rain, prayed and healed her. The narration of her spiritual experiences attracted many visitors to Saliu Court, the residence of her guardians and this made her guardians to meet and plead with Baba Moses Orimolade to take her in as his spiritual daughter. She subsequently went to stay and live with him.

NAMING OF THE CHURCH – SERAPH

As Moses Orimolade’s prayer group continued to wax stronger, many heathens who had converted alongside his followers, believed more in the efficacy of Orimolade’s prayers and the miracles he performed in the name of God. At this time, the followersof Orimolade’s prayer group were still members of various Christian denominations. However, there had been agitation among the followers that this spiritual fellowship popularly known as “Egbe Aladura” be transformed into a church. So one day, when the followers gathered as usual for prayers and Bible study, Orimolade announced that the group would become a Church but would be named by Almighty God himself. Moses Orimolade enjoined all his followers to embark on a three (3)-days fasting and prayer for spiritual directions on what the name of the church should be called. On the first day of the prayer, a certain female member stated that she saw two letters,
“SE” appear in the sky, but the rest of the word had been covered by the cloud. Moses Orimolade encouraged his followers to continue to fast and pray until there was a clear revelation concerning the name of the church. On the second day of the prayer session, another member stated that she saw the letter “RA”
written in the sky. On Wednesday, 9th September, 1925, which was the third day of the prayer and fasting, on the directives of Moses Orimolade, the revival commenced with a song –Pleasant are the Courts above (now C & S Hymn 260 – English and Hymn 212 – Yoruba):

English
“Pleasant are Thy courts above
In the land of light and love,
Pleasant are Thy courts below,
In this land of sin and woe,
Oh! My spirit longs and faints,
For the converse of Thy saints,
For the brightness of Thy face,
For Thy fullness, God of grace”
Yoruba
“Bugbe re ti l’ewa to
Nile ‘mole at’ ife
Bugbe re ti l’ewa to
Laiye ese at’ osi
Okan mi nfa nitoto
Fun idapo enia re
Fun imole oju re
Fun ekun re Olorun”
As the long-awaited hour seemed near, Orimolade led the prayers after shouting Hallelujah. He then faced the four corners of the world and prayed. Finally, while facing the east, he shouted in a loud voice, “JAH JEHOVAH, today this band is named ‘SERAFU’ (Seraph)”. There was thunderous shout of Halleluyah that caught the attention of the entire community. Orimolade prophesied on that day, that, this church would spread throughout the world and shall be unstoppable, and that in about fifty (50) years from then, the church would be established abroad.

Cherub

After the first naming of the church, several members including Moses Orimolade had revelations that the name of the church was incomplete. It was specifically revealed to Moses Orimolade that the angels working with him were twins, whereas he named the church after one of them instead of the duo.

On 26th March, 1926, the name “KERUBU (Cherub)” was added to the name of the church and it became Egbe Kerubu ati Serafu (Band of Cherub and Seraph).

Appointment of Patron Saint

Moses Orimolade informed the members of his newly formed church of the need to appoint the Captain/Patron Saint for the church. He thereafter directed for a three (3)-days fasting and prayer for direction on the appointment. Some of the influential members and elites of the society thought that they would be
appointed. At the end of the three days fasting and prayer, in the morning of 29th September 1925, at about 9:00am, Moses Orimolade faced the four corners of the world and at each corner, he proclaimed, Maikeli Mimo!, Maikeli Mimo! Maikeli Mimo! “Holy Michael!, Holy Michael!, Holy Michael!, You are this day chosen to be the Captain of this Band on earth”. Immediately, a great light appeared, accompanied by a great wind. With the bright light, they could not behold his countenance. Several members fell in the spirit and the presence of Holy Spirit was felt as they sang the song, which is now (C & S Hymn 91 – English; Hymn 390 – Yoruba);
“Stand up Army of Salvation
Praise the name of Jesus Christ
For the great day you’ve seen today
Is for Michael our captain
Chorus:
Holy Michael our Captain (2ce)
Guide us to the end of our life
Conquer Lucifer for us”.
“E dide omo ogun ‘gbala
Gbe oruko Jesu ga
Fun ojo nla ta ri loni
Ti Michael Balogun wa
Egbe:
Michael Mimo Balogun (2ce)
S’amona Egbe Wa Dopin
Ba Wa Segun Lusifa”

Appointment of Saint Gabriel (The Angel of Blessing)

Six years after the naming of the Holy Order and the appointment of Angel Micheal as captain, another Arch Angel, St. Gabriel, commonly referred to as the Angel of blessing, was chosen by the founder on the 20th of August 1931, as the Vice Captain. The Angels – Ministering Spirits
a. Seraphim: These are the Angels that stand above the throne of God. They have six wings each; with two they cover their face; with two they cover their feet; and with two they fly. Their primary duty is to continuously praise, glorify, honour, worship and respond to the commands of God, saying day and night, “HOLY! HOLY!! HOLY!!! LORD GOD ALMIGHTY” (Isaiah 6: 1-7). In some Christian works, the Seraphim are said to be one of the highest rank of angels, because of their proximity to God.
b. Cherubim: These are powerful angels (also with wings) guiding the throne of God (Ps. 80:1-2). Cherubim or Cherubs guide sacred things (Tree of Life – Gen. 3:24; over the Ark of Covenant on Mercy Seat – 1 Sam 4:4). The reverence for Cherubs by children of God confirms their indescribable “figure or form” (Ezekiel 10:19 – 22 & 41:18 – 20) being embroidered on temples (Ex. 26:26 – 31; 2 Chr. 3:7; 1 Kings 6:2-29).
c. Archangels: The Cherubim and Seraphim Church recognizes four Arch Angels. Michael the angel of Victory, Gabriel the angel of blessing, Raphael, angel of healing and Uriel, angel of peace. Cherubim and Seraphim do not worship angels because they are ministering Spirits and messengers who deliver the Lord’s messages to His people.