The Head of the Canada Diocese has responded to the misconceptions circulating about the inception of Celestial Church of Christ in Canada. V/S/E Adeoba has made a clarification to set the record straight against the misinformation being spread by some individuals. He believes that understanding the true history of the Church will help the congregation know the origins of the Church in Canada.
In a comprehensive press statement released through the Canada Diocese media department, V/S/E Adeoba explained the importance of understanding the Church’s history in Canada. He stated, “It is imperative that the world understands the rudiments of the Church’s history in Canada.”
Let’s set the record straight and uncover the true history of Celestial Church of Christ in Canada with a press statement below-
*Historical Timeline*
1. *Initial Presence (1988)*: The first known establishment of CCC in Canada occurred in 1988 with the formation of a Toronto Parish by Alagba Kalejaiye, in collaboration with Mr. Ayo Olubunmi. Unfortunately, this parish was short-lived and closed shortly after its inception. It began at St. Clair and Runnymede, later moving to The Kafaru’s Garage and subsequently to a location at Dundas & Quebec, where it eventually ceased operations. This information can be verified through testimonies from long-standing members, including A/V/S/E Adebambo Aina, Baba & Mama Kafaru, the Olatayo family, Alagba Onipede, Alagba Aro, and Alagba Caleb Kolawole.
2. *Re-establishment (1990)*: In 1990, VSE Rufus Adeoba arrived in Canada and found no existing Celestial Church. Recognizing the need for a church based on his spiritual messages, he reached out to the church’s Overseas Diocese Representative at that time, Baba P.H. Ajose, through his shepherd, Baba Sebioba of the CCC Elephant and Castle parish in the UK who in turn connected and contacted the late A/M/S/E Anthony Idonije Iremiren, who oversaw CCC in North America (USA & Canada). With their support, VSE Rufus Adeoba gathered known Celestials and his family to establish Ontario Parish 1 in 1991.
3. *Official Registration (1994)*: The earliest government registration records indicate that CCC officially registered in Canada in 1994 (as seen in the attached government database). While operations began prior to this registration, it is important to recognize that our church’s foundations were laid through community gatherings starting in 1988.
4. *First Pastoral Visit (1993)*: The first pastoral visit by Pastor Alexander Abiodun Bada to Canada took place in 1993, as documented on the CCC Diocese YouTube platform. During this visit, it was confirmed that only two parishes were active at that time: CCC Ontario Parish 1 and CCC Toronto Parish, which had reopened following the establishment of Ontario Parish 1.
*Conclusion*
Based on verifiable records, including government documents and testimonies from longstanding members of our community, we affirm that as of 2024, the Celestial Church of Christ has been present in Canada for *35 years*. Our first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1991 by Ontario Parish 1, marking a significant milestone in our journey, even though there are records of fellowship dating back to 1988.
We encourage all members and friends to seek accurate information regarding our church’s history and to share this clarification within your networks. Let us continue to build our community on a foundation of truth and unity.
Thank you for your attention and understanding.
In Faith and Fellowship,
*Celestial Church of Christ Diocese of Canada*
Office of Head of Diocese – Canada
*Media & Publicity*
FB: CCC Canada Diocese
IG: CCC.Canadadiocese
