Advancing Our Heritage from Generation to Generation
To research, discover, preserve, and tell the truth about who we are and where we came from.
Today, the Commandment Keepers Historical Society continues the work first sparked by Bishop Hill’s simple charge in 2006. What began with a conversation on a bus became a research project. The research became a book project. The book project became a vision. The vision became the Commandment Keepers Historical Society.
And the work continues—not simply to remember the past, but to ensure that future generations inherit it.
Our Story
History of the CKHS
The history of the Commandment Keepers Historical Society begins not with the establishment of an organization, but with a conversation that changed the course of one man’s life.
In December 2006, while traveling by bus from Lexington, Kentucky, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, following the annual Youth & Music Council of the House of God International, Rabbi Simcha Yohannes was engaged in a conversation about Commandment Keepers history with the late Bishop William R. Hill, Jr., Founder of Hebrew Tabernacle Pentecostal Church.
At the time, Rabbi Simcha was a member of the Holy Church of the Living God, Philadelphia, under the leadership of the late Chief Apostle, Bishop Herman C. Hinton, II. The conversation centered on Commandment Keepers history and the relationship between the House of God and the Holy Church of the Living God.
Bishop Hill then asked Rabbi Simcha if he had ever heard of the Seventh Day Baptists. Having never heard of them, Rabbi was intrigued by the apparent combination of Sabbath observance and Baptist identity. Then came the statement that would change the direction of Rabbi’s life and ministry:
“We were not the first.”
Bishop Hill followed those words with a charge that Rabbi Simcha has carried ever since:
“Go to the library when you get home, research, and come back and tell me what you find.”
That simple assignment became the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Black religious history, particularly the history of the Commandment Keepers. Rabbi Simcha began researching in 2007, determined to seek the truth of the movement’s history through careful research rather than assumption, tradition, or hearsay.
-
Dec 2006
A Conversation on a Bus
Bishop William R. Hill, Jr. tells Rabbi Simcha Yohannes, “We were not the first,” and charges him to research the true history of the Commandment Keepers.
-
2007
The Research Begins
Rabbi Simcha begins a lifelong commitment to Black religious history, determined to seek the truth through careful research rather than assumption, tradition, or hearsay.
-
2008
A Legacy Continues
Following Bishop Hill’s untimely passing, the late Bishop Preston W. Toogood of Bronx, New York, graciously helps carry the work forward, contributing invaluable oral history, insight, and encouragement during its formative years.
-
2015–2017
The Book Project Takes Shape
As the research developed, the idea of producing a book becomes more defined, and the project begins to take clearer shape.
-
2017
A Vision Reborn
Bishop Toogood’s passing becomes a decisive moment. In mourning his loss, Rabbi Simcha recognizes the work deserves an institution capable of carrying the responsibility beyond the lifetime of any one researcher. The Commandment Keepers Historical Society is conceptualized, expanding the vision from writing a book to institutionalizing the history and heritage of the movement through preservation, research, documentation, education, publication, and interpretation.
-
2017–Present
A Partnership Carries the Vision Forward
Bishop Jarius Toogood, son of Bishop Preston Toogood and a brother and dear friend of Rabbi Simcha, faithfully carries forward his father’s legacy. Together they labor to transform the vision of the Society from an idea into an enduring institution.
-
2024
Official Instagram Launch
The Society’s work enters a new public era with the launch of its official Instagram presence.
-
2026
Official Website Launch
The Society launches its official website—continuing the charge first given on a bus in December 2006.
Founder’s Legacy
Bishop Rufus Abraham Reid Johnson
The Commandment Keepers Movement and the Holy Church of the Living God
The history of Bishop Rufus Abraham Reid Johnson is best understood through the relationship between the Commandment Keepers Movement and the Holy Church of the Living God. Commandment Keepers emerged through Johnson’s preaching and religious witness as a distinctive faith and way of life centered upon obedience to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, while the Holy Church of the Living God became its organized ecclesiastical expression.
The 1936 Census of Religious Bodies provides an important contemporary record of this development. It identifies the body by its full historic name, “The House of God, the Holy Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth, House of Prayer for All People,” and states that it traced its origin to Abyssinia. The Census records that Bishop R. A. R. Johnson began preaching in the United States in 1913 and organized the body in 1914. The work was subsequently formally organized on March 10, 1918, and incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on April 4, 1918.
By 1936, the Church had expanded throughout numerous states and into the West Indies, Bermuda, South India, the Gold Coast of Africa, and Liberia. Its General Convocation, organized in New York in 1920, operated under an episcopal form of government, alongside quarterly, district, and annual conferences. The Church also maintained a system of religious education and publications, including the 24 Principles, the Guiding Star Book, Sabbath School Quarterlies, and the Latter Day Messenger.
The Census further states that the Church’s doctrine was based upon 24 principles revealed to Bishop Johnson by the inspiration of God. These principles, together with Sabbath observance, holiness, and biblical obedience, contributed to the distinctive religious identity that became associated with the Commandment Keepers.
The historical distinction is therefore clear: Commandment Keepers was the religious movement and identity that emerged through Johnson’s ministry; the Holy Church of the Living God was the organized ecclesiastical body through which that faith was governed, taught, preserved, and transmitted. The institution gave structure and continuity to the movement, while the movement supplied the religious vision and identity of the institution.
Bishop Rufus Abraham Reid Johnson
Father of the Commandment Keepers Movement
Founder of the Holy Church of the Living God
Preserved Together
Those Who Made This Work Possible
This work has never belonged to one person. Numerous elders, saints, ministers, and historians have contributed to the preservation and recovery of Commandment Keepers history.
Elect Lady Carolyn Hill
Her preservation of her and her husband’s historical materials—including Sabbath School books, history books, minute books, and other documents—provided an important foundation for the early research. She also generously shared personal experiences and memories from her years within the Holy Church of the Living God, from early childhood to adulthood, and the House of God as both evangelist and pastor.
Shepherd Mother Nellie Harris
Sister of the late Mother L. E. Dailey, her memories span decades of Commandment Keepers history, and her testimony has contributed significantly to the preservation of the movement’s living memory. Remarkably, she helped confirm the eventual name of the book project without knowing what title had already been under consideration.
Elder Cyprian LaPrince In Memoriam
He introduced Rabbi Simcha to many of the saints as a teenager, playing an important role in establishing relationships that continue to bear fruit in the historical work today.
Bishop Jarius Toogood
Son of the late Bishop Preston Toogood, and a brother and dear friend of Rabbi Simcha, he has faithfully carried forward his father’s legacy. Since 2017, they have labored together to help transform the vision of the Society from an idea into an enduring institution.
Bishop Larry S. Sherrill In Memoriam
One of three men acknowledged by the Society for preceding and contributing to this historical work.
Elder Larry Johnson
His contributions have helped expand the knowledge and understanding of Commandment Keepers history.
Bishop Robert Diaz
His contributions have helped expand the knowledge and understanding of Commandment Keepers history.
Join the Work
Get Involved
The work continues—not simply to remember the past, but to ensure that future generations inherit it. Here are a few ways to be part of it.
Support the Society
Your support helps fund research, preservation, and publication of Commandment Keepers history for future generations.
Coming SoonStay Updated
Sign up to receive news, research findings, and updates from the Commandment Keepers Historical Society.
Share Your Story
Do you have memories, documents, or photographs related to Commandment Keepers history? We would love to hear from you.
Stay Connected
Connect With the Society
Follow along and reach out—our social and contact details are on the way.
Follow the Commandment Keepers Historical Society for updates and history highlights.
Link Coming SoonHave a question or want to get in touch with the Society directly?
Address Coming Soon