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Triumph the
Church and Kingdom of God in Christ is a revelation by God to
the late
lamented, Brother Elias Dempsey Smith, who, in 1915 became the
Apostle,
Priest, and King of the Church. January 20th is known as
Founders'
Day and is observed as Triumph's holiday in commemoration
of the
birth of the Church. On this day, we celebrate the advent of
Triumph in
all day services, feasting and gift giving.
Elder E. D.
Smith, a minister of the African Methodist Episcopal Church,
had
fulfilled the aspirations of its curriculum and, in 1897, sought a
deeper
truth. His inner soul longed for something but he didn't know what.
He asked for
a transfer to another conference thinking that a change in
scenery and
people would suffice. But it didn't. The unrest remained in his
soul. He
then resorted to a deeper study of the Bible namely, Isaiah,
Revelation,
Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Daniel in that order. Many new
interpretations, revelations, and visions were given to him on the
Scriptures.
It was during a trip across the Mississippi River in a rowboat
that a
strange phenomenon happened in the middle of the river. While
rowing
and conversing with his friend, Bro. Elisha Bailey, a fellow minister
in the AME
Church, it appeared that the boat started twirling around and
around and
around out of their control, yet the wind was still. At this
point, he
prayed to have his life spared and vowed to preach and teach
the truth as
God had and would further reveal to him.
In his
meditation he saw a vision. There appeared unto him an eagle, a lion,
and a
brown-skinned damsel, dressed as a bride adorned for her husband.
The spirit
of God told him that these were only figures of speech, but had
a divine
message. The characteristics of each symbol were revealed to him
as follows.
The truth revealed to him would be:
-
like an eagle, higher than any other religion or sectarian church
thought and nothing would ever stand between a mind in tune
with
God and the illumination of divine substance.
-
strong like the strength of a lion, mastering every previous
limited
idea by wisdom and power and not by carnal ordinances.
- like a brown-skinned damsel dressed as a bride adored for the
bridegroom, representing the church and the entire world, whom,
when he married her, holds the ability to birth all of her needs.
Some say that the Apostle also envisioned a lamb, which would
represent
the humility of man, acknowledging God in
all his ways.
This message was given to other ministers of various denominations, each
of whom became leaders of their respective organizations. They thought
the message was good, but refused to accept it, saying it was too soon.
The
message was carried to them because Triumph came to gather all sanctified
and Holy Ghost-filled persons and carry them into the glorious liberty of
the sons of God and eternal life.
Bro. E. D.
Smith journeyed to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he organized
this Church
called Triumph The Righteous Church on January 20, 1902.
According to
Triumphant historians, this concept was known as Triumph
Methodist
Church. It reigned on the earth for two years while God
continued to
prepare Father Smith for his ensuing life-giving ministry.
God was
preparing him to share with all humanity a life-giving word in the
midst of a
dying world. A new message was on the way; a message of
redemption
without bloodshed and a challenge to become the “Second Adam”
and live as
God intended for man to live in His image. It was not popular
in that day
and time. At the turn of the twentieth century much was
happening in
our history. The black man was not given a fair chance in
this
country. Many other church organizations were being birthed, yet
none with
the message that God had given Father Smith. Many talked
about
holiness and righteousness, but with an end to life, as we know it.
This time in
religious history was known as the Pentecostal Movement.
The doors of
the church were opened to the world on January 20, 1904.
The first
member of the church was Mrs. Hannah Peters. The original
message was
for the black man of that day. According to Triumphant
historians,
in 1907, Father Smith joined forces with Bishop C. H. Mason,
founder of
the Churches of God in Christ. This union lasted until 1912
when Father
Smith dismissed himself from that order. It is said that the
message of
Body Redemption, as given to him by God, was too strong
for Bishop
Mason and his followers. Father Smith then re-implemented
Triumph the
Holy Righteous Church.
The first
National Congress was held in Birmingham, Alabama in July
1915. At
this assembly Father Smith was named Apostle, Priest and King
and the name
of the church was changed to Triumph the Church and Kingdom
of God in
Christ. The first International Congress was held in Indianapolis,
Indiana in
July 1919, where over 1500 delegates registered. The meeting
lasted for
50 days.
In January
1920, Father E. D. Smith and Prince J. D. Barbar sailed to
Addis Ababa,
Abyssinia, Africa. At that time Ethiopia was ruled by
Empress
Waizero Zandita and her nephew, Ras Tafari, co-ruler.
They were
met by Ras Tafari Jerry Hapigaus with ten thousand soldiers.
Father Smith
was given the reception of a king. After a banquet, he took
ill and
complained of stomach pains. He died shortly afterwards. It is said
that he was
buried on Mount Tach La Hammount.
Father
Smith’s death produced a dramatic change in Triumph the Church
and Kingdom
of God in Christ. The supreme authority shifted from one
person to a
board of seven Bishops.
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