A HISTORY OF CHERUBIM AND SERAPHIM CHURCH IN ODIO, EKET LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, 1959-2004

This study, “A History of Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Odio, Eket local government Area, 1959-2004”, explores the origin, establishment, development, theology and doctrine of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Odio, Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The Cherubim and Seraphim Church as an African independent Church has tried to make Christianity more meaningful and more relevant to the community as conveying its teaching through traditional means, while preserving and practicing all the essentials of the Christian faith. This study adopts the descriptive and analytical methods, utilizing both primary and secondary sources to investigate the history and development of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Odio, Eket Local government Area. Primary sources were obtained through interviews with the Church leaders, Elders and members, selected for their extensive knowledge of the history of the church. Findings in this study reveals that the Cherubim and Seraphim Church is believed by many not to worship God. On the contrary, it holds the same basic doctrinal beliefs as the 'Orthodox' Churches. The Church is essentially based on biblical theology. The study concludes that, the Church is a fascinating and complex religious body, despite its controversial nature. It has attracted followers and despite the views of its critics, the Church remains steadfast in its belief with its members remaining devoted.