Praying Band C&S Celebrates 100 Years, Honoring Saint Moses Orimolade’s Legacy

The Praying Band of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church (Ijo Ita-Balogun) has announced a grand centenary celebration, marking 100 years of spiritual leadership and evangelism grounded in the teachings of Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the church headquarters, Akitan Street, Mushin, Lagos, on Monday, April 28, 2025. Church leaders, members, and dignitaries gathered to reflect on the journey of the Praying Band and unveil plans for the centenary year.
Representing the Supreme Head of the Church, His Grace Baba Aladura (Engr.) F.A.O. Eneogwe J.Pil (Spiritual Moses III), Special Apostle Z.A. Ogunleye of the Central Executive Council spoke on the origins of the movement. He emphasized that the Praying Band was birthed from the divine inspiration of St. Moses Orimolade, who led a vigorous evangelistic movement across Nigeria in the early 20th century. Formed in December 1925, the Praying Band was established to support St.Moses Orimolade in prayer and spiritual duties, becoming the first formal prayer group within the Cherubim and Seraphim Church.

“Today we remember how a humble yet powerful movement, rooted in prayer, fasting, and evangelism, transformed into a spiritual force that has withstood the test of time,” he said.
He detailed the contributions of early Praying Band members, Leader E.A. Davies, H.A. Phillips, A.B. Lawrence, C.B. Olumuyiwa, D.K. Dow, J.A. Phillips, and J.O. Adefope, who were chosen from the original seventy disciples. These pioneers, he noted, were spiritually gifted and materially blessed, laying a strong foundation for what has become a global Christian movement.

Elder Ogunleye explained that despite challenges in the organisation, the group retained the name "Praying Band" and evolved into "The Praying Band of the Sacred Society of the Cherubim and Seraphim." It was led by Elder Ezekiel Akindele Davies, the oldest and most visionary among the early members. He reaffirmed the church's unwavering commitment to its core spiritual disciplines: faith healing, evangelism, Bible study, fasting, prophecy, prayer and principles laid down by St. Moses Orimolade. “Our foundation is based on unshakable faith in God, prayer without ceasing, and service to humanity. The world today needs the timeless values Saint Moses taught more than ever,” he added.

Elder Ogunleye also raised concerns about the "serious adulteration" of original C&S practices by some newer, commercially motivated groups, urging a return to the authentic spiritual heritage of the church. He emphasized that the centenary is not just a celebration of longevity, but a recommitment to the sacred calling and spiritual excellence that have defined the Praying Band for the past century. He called on all members to honor the legacy of their spiritual forebears and recommit to spreading the gospel and nurturing the next generation of believers.

The briefing also celebrated the church’s expansive growth from modest beginnings to a vast network of constituent churches and districts across Nigeria and overseas. It highlighted the church’s impact on education, youth development, and the structured liturgical worship introduced under leaders like St. Hezekiah Akinola Phillips, fondly remembered as the “Foundation of Liturgy.”

Among its enduring legacies is the introduction of Shiloh Worship, a special prayer program for expectant mothers, job seekers, and the sick which originated with the Praying Band and has now been widely adopted across the global Cherubim and Seraphim community.

Planned centenary events include a nationwide revival crusade, church growth seminars, remembrance services for departed members, corporate social responsibility projects, a grand musical concert, and an anniversary thanksgiving service.

In his closing remarks, Elder Ogunleye reaffirmed that the Cherubim and Seraphim Church was not established by human will but by divine ordination through Jesus Christ. He urged members to remain steadfast, describing the church as a “surviving band” divinely established by God. 
Quoting hymns and scripture, he encouraged the faithful to protect their spiritual inheritance: “We are heirs to the throne of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and we must not throw away our heritage.” “As we celebrate 100 years of grace, let us renew our vow to walk in the steps of our fathers,men and women of prayer, faith, sacrifice, and service,” he added.

Present at the briefing were several prominent church figures, including Vice Baba Aladura L.A.V.O. Osinowo; Special Apostle (Prof.) J.O. Adebanjo, Chairman of the Centenary Planning Committee, Special Apostle Apo,and Special Apostle E.P.O. Samuel.
The centenary celebrations promise to be a season of deep reflection, joyful thanksgiving, and renewed spiritual vigor for one of Nigeria’s most historic Christian movements.