Our History
“For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:11
The Early Days
In 1917, American missionary Henry Turnkey registered the name ‘Assemblies of God’ in Pretoria, allowing American, Canadian, and British missionaries to minister under that name.
In 1923, James Mullan committed his life to Christ in Belfast and joined the Elim Movement. He soon began evangelising and church planting, first in the Channel Islands and then in the Congo with William Burton. During a furlough in 1930, he met and married Mary Paynter, a prayerful young woman from the Elim church in Brighton. Five days after meeting, they were engaged and soon returned together to Africa.
James and Mary left the Congo in 1935 and joined Hubert Phillips at the Emanuel Mission in Nelspruit, then ministered for nine years in Tzaneen, establishing churches in Tzaneen and Pietersburg.
A Historic Turning Point
Nicholas Bhengu, who had come to the Lord in 1929, responded to an ad by Hubert Phillips in 1937 and joined the Emanuel Mission. In 1938, James’ brother Fred and Austin Chawner decided to grant autonomy to Assemblies under the AOG umbrella. This allowed the Emanuel Mission, including Bhengu and Mullan, to join.
James Mullan was tasked with proposing a church governance model. While initially favouring a central system, Scripture led him to recommend governance by the “ascended Christ ministries” of Eph. 4:11. This revolutionary approach was not adopted at the time.
A Vital Partnership
James invited Nicholas Bhengu to Tzaneen for special meetings, where they found agreement on church structure based on ascension ministries. In 1944, the Mullans moved to Port Elizabeth, ministering on beaches, streets, and public spaces until an Assembly was established.
Nicholas joined James, and their work flourished. From 1945–1964, James planted around 20 Assemblies from Cape Town to Zambia. Nicholas’s influence spread nationally, even being mentioned in Time Magazine in 1959. The growth of their ministries helped cement James’s vision of church governance within the AOG.
A Significant Warrior Joins the Fray
The Mullans met Thelma Frost in 1945. Her sister Molly married Mike Attlee, a reluctant visitor to the church. Their son Anthony was born with severe health issues. After Mike came to faith and Nicholas prayed for Anthony, the boy began to recover, bringing many to Christ.
Mike grew in faith and was later sent by James to Zambia, then in 1961 to Durban’s Moore Road Assembly. In 1964, the Coastal Assemblies of God name and constitution were adopted, enabling Assemblies to register and hold property.
The first Trustees were Mike Attlee (Chairman), Bob Williams, Ken Williamson, and Gerald Hawyes (Secretary/Treasurer). John Howe later became full-time Secretary/Treasurer in 1976, followed by Dug Watridge as Accountant in 1994.
A Refreshing Growth Period
James asked Mike to assist in Newcastle, leading to expansion into surrounding towns. Meetings were started in homes across Stanger, Eshowe, Assagay, Cowies Hill, Winston Park, and Pinetown, eventually leading to the establishment of multiple Assemblies across KZN.
From Pinetown and Hillcrest, more Assemblies were formed in Queensburgh, Bluff, Pietermaritzburg, Port Shepstone, Rosehill, and beyond.
The ‘Coast’ of Coastal Assemblies Reaches Inland
In 1972, the Constantia Kloof Assembly began. From this base, more Assemblies were planted in Pretoria (Lyttelton and Riviera), Windhoek, Kempton Park, Bloemfontein, Edenvale, Randburg, Riebeeckstad, and Cape Town.
The ‘Coast’ Extends Overseas
In 1976, Mike established a mission in the UK. Tony and Carol Robson pioneered in Bexhill-on-Sea. Though the work. Waned during political tensions, it resumed when Rod and Mercia Baard moved to London. Assemblies in Littleport and West Hampstead remain active.
A Notable Turning Point
In 1971, James Mullan appointed potential apostles: Mike Attlee, John Bond, Noel Scheepers, Trevor Yoko, and Paul Lange. Paul and Trevor stepped away, leaving three to continue the work.
Tensions
The Charismatic Movement brought excitement but also concern. CAOG celebrated Spirit baptism but opposed unbiblical practices. When the AOG constitution changed, CAOG and others withdrew.
Post AOG Days
Despite the separation, Assembly life continued. The Coastal Assemblies name gained prominence. A major milestone was the purchase of Golden Harvest, a vital centre for teaching, unity, and fellowship.
Sad Goodbyes
Nicholas Bhengu passed in 1985, James Mullan in 1987, and Mike Attlee in 1990. These men left behind rich spiritual legacies. James laid the doctrinal foundation for CAOG. Mike’s apostolic ministry impacted many.
A Time of Adjustment
After Mike’s passing, 89 brethren met in April 1990 at Golden Harvest. With the Lord’s guidance, Chris Scott, Peter Hawyes, and Malcolm Harris were appointed as interim custodians.
Their unity allowed the Fellowship to grow in peace and stability.
The Way Forward
Since 1990, new Assemblies were planted across South Africa and abroad, including Three Rivers, Greytown, Mafikeng, Vryheid, Hartbeespoortdam, Fort Lauderdale (USA), and more.
Reflections
Despite many trials, the Lord has faithfully led CAOG. The emphasis on New Testament principles – ministries, eldership, and the priesthood of believers – remains central.
Believers are encouraged to:
- Raise godly, Spirit-filled elders
- Evangelise personally
- Send labourers to establish Assemblies
- The work continues in the hope of Christ’s return
Legal Note
Current Trustees are Chris Sykes, Chris Scott, Peter Hawyes, Peter Michelle, Mike Field, and Gareth Michelle, ensuring stewardship of assets and finances.
- “Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” – Hebrews 10:3
- “See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern…” – Hebrews 8:5
- “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Cor 3:11
- “As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him…” – Col 2:6–7