From a humble beginning in Bodo City to a thriving Territory spanning Rivers and Bayelsa States
The Apostolic Church, Maritime Territory, covering both Rivers and Bayelsa States, began in Bodo City, in the present Gokana Local Government Area. This was the outcome of the visit of Pastor Noah Evans, a British missionary from Calabar.
The Church experienced tremendous growth through the move of the Holy Spirit, using dedicated servants of the Most High God as instruments. Missionaries from the UK including Pastors Joseph Philips, D. C. Hopkins, D. H. Macgill, George Perfect, I. J. Vaughan, L. J. Darry, G. P. Selby, R. J. J. Lewis, W. R. Chiver, G. H. Williams, and G. G. Weeks.
From Nigeria, the Lord used great ministers including Pastors E. E. Okon (the first National President), C. E. O. Mfon, O. A. Essien, E. N. O. Ene, Henshaw, E. E. Etta, J. U. Udom, J. Thomas, M. M. Anyachor, and O. E. Kalu.
Indigenous pioneers included Pastors N. V. Bobah, R. V. Gbarato, M. K. Nyiedah, B. Faara-Vigo, F. N. Philips, A. E. George, M. A. Pirah, P. B. Isaac, and A. F. Barabe. The UK missionaries carefully trained these indigenous leaders and later handed over the leadership of the Church to them.
The vision was fully received in Bayelsa in 1982, extending the reach of the Maritime Territory to cover both Rivers and Bayelsa States.
The Field, now recognized as a Territory, has had five indigenous leaders (Field Superintendents/Territorial Chairmen):
The Apostolic Church Maritime Territory has recorded remarkable progress over the years. Presently, the Territory comprises:
With prophetic and divine revelations from God, there remains a strong faith and conviction that The Apostolic Church, Maritime Territory, shall continue to expand and experience tremendous growth and prosperity in the years to come.