HISTORY

The United Holy Church in Bermuda is the outcome of a cottage meeting held at the home of the late Mrs. E.C. Williams, North shore, Pembroke East, Bermuda, on April 10, 1921. Those responsible for this meeting were Elder Thomas N. Trott and wife Evang. Hattie Trott, then known as Bro. and Sis. Trott, natives of Hamilton Parish, Bermuda. Having been converted, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Ghost in Philadelphia P.A., U.S.A. they felt the need of returning to Bermuda to share with their people their new found joy. Their witness to the fact that God had saved them from sin and was keeping them living holy, sound like a new doctrine to the people who gathered at the cottage meetings. Yet, as time went on, a desire was created for a similar experience in the hearts of unconverted, religious leaders and members of other denominations.

With Bro. and Sis. Trott, was Sis. Anna Holmes of U.S.A. These Spirit filled Missionaries sang so fervently that many who came to see them “carry on” were captivated by their earnestness. Even the children were interested in the meetings and were taught many of the songs and choruses. Very soon it was evident that the Lord’s approval was on these services, consequently a series of meetings were arranged and conducted in the B.G.C. Hall, North Shore, better known as Black’s Hall, and kindly loaned by the late Mr. George Morris. Many A.M.E. Ministers associated themselves with the movement, some of the outstanding being the late Rev. T.A. Baber, Rev. J.S. Johnson, Rev. R.J. Stovell and Rev. Charles Ratteray. From the Anglican Church came Bro. C. H. Caisey. As a result of these meetings many souls were saved, and those already converted experienced a deeper life in God.

In the month of June of the same year, the missionaries Bro. and Sis. Trott and Sis. Holmes felt led of the Lord to return to America. On June 8, a great farewell meeting was held in Black’s Hall which culminated in another great farewell gathering at the dock where leaders and converts cheered so enthusiastically that the authorities inquired “what means all this ado”. And this was not the end. The “Converts Band of Pilgrims”, as they were then called, boarded a motor boat and accompanied the ship as far as the “Two Rock Passage” waving and shouting goodbye. They returned to glorify God for what they had heard, seen and felt during the stay of Bro. & Sis. Trott.

Following the departure of the missionaries, meetings were held in Stovell’s School with Bro. C.H. Caisey and Bro. Joe Trott, leaders, the converts having been left in their care. From Stovell’s School the meetings moved to a place hired from Mr. David Swan. On October 10, 1921 the first Pentecostal Church was set in order, with Bro. C.H. Caisey as leader assisted by Bro. Joe Trott. This Church was called “The Converts Mission”. This little group was invited to become affiliated with the Church of God of Cleveland, Tennessee. After much prayer the leaders decided to write our pioneers (Bro. & Sis. Trott) for a decision. As secretary and leader of the Converts Mission, Bro. Caisey received a reply to affiliate themselves with credentials from Bishop H.L. Fisher, President of the United Holy Church of America with Headquarters in Durham, North Carolina thus becoming the First Pentecostal Minister and Pastor in Bermuda. The church was later renamed the “HOUSE OF PRAYER”.

In 1969, Elder Heber Smith was installed Pastor. After the passing of Elder Heber Smith in 1983, Evangelist Calvin Armstrong assumed responsibility of leadership and in 1986 was appointed Pastor. In May 1998, at the General Convocation, General Headquarters, Greensboro, N.C. Elder Armstrong was consecrated a Bishop in the UHC of America, Inc. In July, 1998 at the Annual District Convocation, Bishop Armstrong was appointed President of the United Holy Church of Bermuda, Inc. In July 2002, The House of Prayer withdrew its membership from the United Holy Church.