Celebrating Our Spiritual Heritage
June 13th 2026
International Overseer Roger Tidwell
Across the world, members and friends of The Church of God are joining together in the annual “ARISE SHINE” celebration. This special observance commemorates a pivotal moment in the history of The Church of God that occurred on June 13, 1903. We cherish this sacred heritage and desire that its significance never fade from memory. Each year, through special services, messages, and gatherings, we pause to reflect upon what God accomplished on that remarkable day. It also provides an opportunity to share with others who may be unfamiliar with The Church of God the message of the Church and God's purpose for her in these last days.
In the early morning hours of June 13, 1903, a devoted servant of God named A. J. Tomlinson climbed a small mountain in Cherokee County, North Carolina, seeking the face of God in earnest prayer. There, upon his knees and with tears before the Lord, a divine inspiration and understanding concerning the Church of the Bible began to illuminate his heart.
After this powerful experience, he descended the mountain and joined a group of believers gathered in the home of W. F. Bryant. The purpose of their meeting was simple yet profound—to find the Church of God as revealed in the Scriptures. Through sincere prayer and a desire to know God's will, they believed that the Lord had answered their seeking hearts.
Brother Tomlinson later described what took place when he entered the meeting:
"I came back down the mountain and entered the meeting. Questions were asked, Bible answers were given. They said they took the whole Bible rightly divided as their only rule of faith and practice. I said, 'Well if you take the whole Bible rightly divided, that makes it the Church of God. Why do you want to call it the Holiness Church at Camp Creek?' They agreed with me but couldn't answer my question. Then I said, 'You have agreed that this that I have said makes it the Church of God, and will you be willing to take it and keep it the Church of God?' They said they were willing. I then asked if they were willing to take me in with the understanding that it IS the Church of God?' They said they were willing."
Brother Tomlinson continued:
"Brother Spurling took the Bible and handed it to me saying, 'Will you take this as the Word of God, believe it and practice it, obey its precepts and walk in the light as God is in the light?' I thought deeply. I remembered what a time I had on the mountain. I meant business. God meant business. Right there I gave my hand to Brother Spurling. I took the obligation with deep sincerity and extreme sacredness never to be forgotten."
The revelation, inspiration, and holy excitement experienced on that day did not end in 1903. That same spirit continues to live within the Church today. The vision that burned in the hearts of A. J. Tomlinson, R. G. Spurling, W. F. Bryant, and the others gathered in that humble home continues to inspire God's people around the world. We believe that vision remains alive because it is rooted in God's plan for His Church in these last days.
The theme “Arise Shine” is especially meaningful. It reminds us of the Church's emergence from the spiritual darkness that followed centuries of religious decline and points to the prophetic call found in Isaiah 60:1:
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee."
We believe these words beautifully reflect the Church's rising in these last days. Interestingly, a few verses later in Isaiah 60, verse 8 contains imagery that many have associated with another notable event that occurred in North Carolina in 1903—the first successful airplane flight by the Wright brothers.
Thus, in the same year and in the same state, two events took place that continue to capture our attention: the Church's rise in accordance with God's divine purpose and mankind's first powered flight. While some may view this as mere coincidence, we see the hand of divine providence at work. We believe God was moving according to His plan, preparing both the natural and spiritual world for the events that would unfold in the years ahead.
As we celebrate June 13, let us thank God for our spiritual heritage, renew our commitment to His Word, and embrace the vision that has been entrusted to us. May we continue to arise and shine, carrying the light of truth to a world in need and faithfully fulfilling God's purpose for His Church in this generation.
