On August 19, 1886, R.G. Spurling preached a message calling…

On August 19, 1886, R.G. Spurling preached a message calling for reformation of the church and concluded with this invitation: “As many Christians as are here present that are desirous to be free from all men made creeds and traditions, and are willing to take the New Testament, or law of Christ, for your only rule of faith and practice; giving each other equal rights and privilege to read and interpret for yourselves as your conscience may dictate, and are willing to sit together as the Church of God to transact business as the same, come forward.” With the help of his father, Richard Spurling, who was an ordained minister, they formed the Christian Union, which was renamed Church of God in 1907.