Literally scores of separate religious groups wear the name "Church of God" in one form or another. Most of them have originated during the latter part of the nineteenth century or the early part of the twentieth century, but some began earlier.

About the turn of this century A. J. Tomlinson of North Carolina inaugurated a movement of which he served as general overseer from 1903 to 1923. Disagreement over the form of government and a dispute over who would be Tomlinson's successor led to the dividing of the movement into several groups. Of the three main bodies two have their headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee and one in Queens Village, New York. Followers of Tomlinson claim that more than four denominations have arisen from his efforts. Since Jesus established His church more than 1900 years ago, I would be ashamed to have it said that I founded even one denomination.

Another "Church of God" has its headquarters at Anderson, Indiana and originated about 1880. It teaches much of the truth and is therefore much nearer to the New Testament pattern than the Tomlinson-originated bodies, but it is no less a human denomination. Another "Church of God" has its headquarters at Chattanooga, Tennessee and was organized in 1886 following a split among the followers of a preacher named H. Spurling. In 1922 the church was incorporated and the word "Original" was added to the name.

Still another "Church of God" has its headquarters at Stanberry, Missouri. Though formally organized only in 1865, the scattered remnants which were at that time united had roots that began as early as the latter part of the seventeenth century. This movement taught the observance of the Sabbath (the Seventh-day rest of the Law of Moses), and many of its followers, sometimes entire congregations, joined the Seventh-Day Adventist movement led by Mrs. Ellen G. White. Those who did not organized as the "Church of God." In 1933 a group withdrew from the main body and formed the "Church of God (Seventh-Day)," but in 1949 the two groups merged.

The "Church of God and Saints of Christ," composed of negro (sic) people, was founded in 1896 by William S. Crowley. Crowley claimed to have seen visions and to have received a divine commission. He, naturally, became the first "Bishop" of the church and was also known as "The Prophet." Amusingly and pathetically "Prophet" Crowley led the negro (sic) people to believe that they were descendants of the "Lost tribes of Israel."

The "Church of God in Christ" is also composed of negro (sic) people and is the largest among the groups wearing the name "Church of God." It was organized in 1897 by C. H. Manson, a negro (sic) (as was Crowley also). It is headed by a "Chief Apostle" or "General Overseer."