Statutory Declaration of Association of Churches (PDF)

7/21/2019 Statutory Declaration of Association of Churches (PDF)

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G

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

County of Philadelphia

INTERNATIONAL

S.S.

AND

GENERAL OVERSEER OF THEUNITED APOSTOLIC HOLINESS ASSEMBLIES

)))

We, the undersigned declarant(s), on this ,desiring to form Integrated Auxiliaries and Conventions or Associations of Churches andOrdaining certain ministry leaders in order to faithfully discharge the duties ofmaintaining such Church associations under the authority of United ApostolicHoliness Assemblies International and Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, GeneralOverseer of The United Apostolic Holiness Assemblies International, hereby organizeaccording to the following statute declaration(s) and article(s)

I. ASSOCIT{TION OF THE UNITED APOSTOLIC HOLINESS ASSEMBLIESINTERNATIONAL

We, the declarant(s)Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson, andMissionary Juanita Grant declare, affirm, manifest, and recognizethe formation of anew association Church under the governing authority of the United Apostolic HolinessAssemblies International and Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, General Overseer of theUnited Apostolic Holiness Assemblies International.

The new Association Church shall be called, Voice of Truth Apostolic HolinessChurch.


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II. GOVERNING AUTHORITY

Under the exclusive governing authority of the United Apostolic Holiness Assemblies

International and Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, General Overseerof the United

Apostolic Holiness Assemblies International that it's Pastor, Congregants, Elders,Deacons, Mothers, etc. shall submit to and be governed in accordance with God's Word,the Holy Bible, as well as the Canon, Apostolic Covenant, and Doctrine of the UnitedApostolic Holiness Assemblies International and other governing documents whichmay from time to time be prescribed by the General Overseer of the United ApostolicHoliness Assemblies International.

III. SCOPE OF POWERS

The Association Church, Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church, acting through its

Pastor, Elder(s), and any they may from time to timeappoint, and shall be authorized to

conduct Church activities and functions deemed necessary to the proper operation of theChurch. Such activities shall include, but not be limited to, opening financial accounts,such as bank accounts (whether checking, savings, etc.), as well as brokerage or otherinvestment accounts, the purchase, lease or rental of church meeting facilities, as well asnecessary office facilities, the purchase, lease or rental of church office equipment,musical instruments, sacerdotal accouterments, and any and all other forms of property,both real and personal, vehicles, equipment, supplies, implements or tools deemednecessary to the proper operation of the Church, the purchase of insurance, theremuneration or compensation of the Church's minister(s) such as its pastor(s) and otherministers, the distribution of tangible and intangible gifts or benevolent charities, as well

as any othernecessary and appropriate financial transactions, the association Church

acting through its governing body, for the initiation, promotion, expansion andcontinuation of this ministry. Current appointed and authorized Banking Checking orSavings Account Signatories for this association Church, Voice of Truth ApostolicHoliness Church are as follows:

Authorized Banking Signatory #1: Apostle Larry Jerome RiversAuthorized Banking Signatory #2:Mother Maggie Wilson

IV. TAX EXEMPT STATUS

Pursuant to 26 U.S.C$

508(cX1)(a):(a) New organizations must notifii Secretary that they are applying for recognition ofsection 501(c)(3) status Except as provided in subsection (c), anorganization organizedafter October 9,1969,shall not be treated as an organization described in section50l(c)(3)Specifically section 508(cX1Xa), which reads,(c)Exceptions(1 )Mandatory exceptionsSubsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to-


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(A)churches,their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churchesANDln reference to the Internal Revenue Code Publication 557 and IRC Publication section501(c)(3), our association Church, Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church formally

declares that this is a MANDATORILY TAX EXEMPTEDCHURCH and as such, are

ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS as Defined by bothIRC Publication 557 and 501(c)(3), rmhich states the following, IRC PUBLICATION557;"Organizations Not Required To File Form 1023Some organizations are not required to file Form 1023. These include:Churches,Interchurch organizations oflocal units ofa church,conventions or associations of churches,or integrated auxiliaries of a church,such as a men's or women's organizalion,religious school, mission society, or youth group.

These orgarizations are exempt automatically ifthey meet the requirements of section

501(c)(3)." IRC Publication Section 501(c)(3) Definition of "Churches":Churches.Although a church, its integrated auxiliaries, or a convention or association of churches isnot required to file Form 1023 to be exempt from federal income tax or to receive taxdeductible contributions, the orgarization may find it advantageous to obtain recognitionof exemption.We, the declarant(s) Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson'Missionary Juanita Grant, declare, Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness ChurchDOES NOT find it 'advantageous' to 'obtain recognition of exemption' from the InternalRevenue Service as we respectfully retain and declare our sovereign right to remain a Tax

Exempt Churchas prescribed and described above and because the First Amendment of

The Constitution of The United States of America clearly states, "Congress shall make nolaw respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; orabridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably toassemble, and to petition the govemment for a redress of grievances."We DECLARE and AFFIRM that we, "The Church" are AUTOMATICALLYconsidered TAX EXEMPT from Federal lncome Tax, Property Tax and that ALL Titheand Offering contribution(s) shall be considered Tax Deductible pursuant to law.

V. DECLARATORY STATUTE AS DEFINED. PURSUANT ANDPRECENDENTED THROUGH LAW

We, the declarant(s) Apostle Larty Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson, andMissionary Juanita Grant, declare, affirm and recognizethe definition of this DeclaratoryStatute of Church Establishment and Tax Exempt Status, as defined by Black's LawDictionary 5th Edition which states the following, "Declatatory statute:One enacted for the purpose of removing doubts or putting an end to conflicting decisionsin regard to what the law is in relation to a particular matter. It may either be expressiveof the conlmon law, 1 BI.Comm. 86; In re Ungaro's Will, 88 N.J.Eq.25,1A2A.244,246, or


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may declare what shall be taken to be the true mearring and intention of a previousstatute, though in the latter case such enactments are more commonly called "expositorystatutes. " McMahon v. Maddox, Tex. Civ.App., 297S.W .3 I 0,3 12.A statute enacted to put an end to a doubt as to what is the common law, or the meaningof another statute, and which declares what it is and ever has been. Nelson v. Sandkamp,

227 Minn.T77, 34N.W .2d640, 642"VI. DISTINCT LEGAL EXISTENCE

This affidavit serves to fulfill28 USC i 1746 regarding sworn declarations under penaltyof perjury.We, the declarant(s) Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson, andMissionary Juanita Grant, declare and affirm under the penalties of perjury therecognized and distinct lawful existence of the Voice of Truth Apostolic HolinessChurch as a bona fide Association Church of the United Apostolic Holiness AssembliesInternational.

\.II. RECOGNIZEp CREED AND FORM OF WORSTITP

We, the declarant(s) Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson, andMissionary Juanita Grant, declare, affirm that Voice of Truth Apostolic HolinessChurch has a recognizedcreed and form of worship through our faith in Jesus Christ.We believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, inHis miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodilyresurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return inpower and glory.

VIII. FORMAL CODE OF DOCTRINE AND DISCIPLINE

We, the declarant(s) Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson, andMissionary Juanita Grant declare, affirm and recognizeThe Apostle's Doctrine, asGod's Only Plan of Salvation for the Human Family.

The basic and fundamental doctrine of this Church shall be the Bible standard of fullsalvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the name of the LordJesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initialsign of speakirg with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.

We also believe and practice three ordinances:

1. Water Bartism - by Immersion, In the Name of Jesus Christ, after repenting of one'ssins and receiving the Gift of Salvation.

2. Holy Communion - (the Lord's Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ'ssuffering and death for our salvation. We believe in partaking of the Bread, which


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represents Christ's Broken Body, and in partaking of the Wine, or Juice, which representsChrist's Shed Blood.

3. Foot Washins - We follow the example and command of our Lord and Savior JesusChrist, and it is a divine institution. It is well to follow His example and wash one

another's feet; thus manifesting the spirit of humility.

IX. ASSOCIATION CHURCH - LITERATURE QF ITS OWN

We, the declarant(s) Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson, andMissionary Juanita Grant, declare and affirm that this Statutory Declaration Affidavitand its various statements of Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church's faith,doctrines and ordinances shall be publically known and will serve as literature of its ownaccord.

x. ESTABLTSHED PLACE(S) OF WORSHIP. REGULARCONGREGATION(S)

AND REGULAR RELIGIOUS SERVICES

We, the declarant(s) Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson, andMissionary Juanita Grant, declare and affirm as a fellowship of believers, that Voiceof Truth Apostolic Holiness Church holds regular services for the empowerment andspiritual equipping for the benefit to the Body of Christ, at the church huilding that wepresently occupy,Iocated at2812 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania19133. We also affirm and declare that the specific meeting places of worship may varyto locations such as a leased or owned buildings or house, public property, meeting halls,restaurants, coffee shops, radio communications, conference call, cell phone

conversations, onlinewebinar(s), forums and all forms of digital communications (such

as but not limited to website dornains) that allow for the gathering of members of "TheChurch".

XI. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF THE YOUNG

We, the declarant(s), Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson, andMissionary Juanita Grant ,declare and affirm the practice of instructing the young inthe ways of the Lord.

xII.We, the declarant(s) Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson, and,Missionary Juanita Grant, declare and affirm under the penalties of perjury, that ifA member of Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church desires to become an ordainedminister, that they must have their house in Godly order as described in l't Timothychapter Three. 1't Timothy chapter Three shall serve as a guide to being qualified forordination here at Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church. Ordination shall be


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prescribed only by the discretion of authorized Church personnel such as Apostle LarryJerome Rivers, and by the laying on of hands and with the anointing of oil by theElder(s).

XIII. MANDATORY EXEMPTION FROM FILING ANNUAL INFOR]VIATION

RETURNS TO THE INTERNAL RB,VENUE SERVICEWe, the declarant(s) Apostte Larry Jerome Rivers, Mother Maggie Wilson, andMissionary Juanita Grant, declare and aff,rrm under the penalties of perjury thatpursuant to 26 U.S.C $ 6033(3XAX1-- - 3), which states,(3) Exceptions from filing(A)Mandatory exceptionsParagraph (1) shall not apply to-(i)churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations ofchurches,(ii) any orgarization (other than a private foundation, as defined

in section 509 (a))described in subparagraph (C), the grossreceipts of which in each taxable year are normally not morethan $5,000, or(iii) the exclusively religious activities of any religious order.

That our Association Church, Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church and it'ssubsequent Corporation Soler "The Office of the General Overseer and HisSuccessors, A Corporation Sole", are MANDATORILY exempted from filing annualinformation retums to the Internal Revenue Service.

xrv. ORGANIZATTON OF ORDAINEp MINISTER(S) AND ORDATNEDMINISTER(S) SELECTED AFTER COMPLETINGPRESCRIBED STUDIES

We, the declarant(s) Mother Maggie Wilson, and Missionary Juanita Grant, asCongregant Witnesses of Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church, declare andaffirm under the penalties of perjury, that Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, has completeda competent amount of biblical studies and is hereby ordained and appointed as Pastorand General Overseer of the Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church.

XV. AUTHORIZATION

We, the declarant(s) Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, MotherMaggie Wilson, and

Missionary Juanita Grant, declare and afflrrm the formation, organization andoperation of, Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church as an association Church, ofthe United Apostolic Holiness Assemblies International is hereby petitioned for andauthorized by we, the household heads, attesting by our signatures, hereunto, underpenalties of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on this l't day ofMuy,2014.


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Signature

Pursuant to 28 USC S 1746,I, Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Certifr under penalty oflperjury that all the foregoing information and statement(s) made above are true to the bestof my knowledge.

Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaCounty of Philadelphia

^,,,Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on tttirJ d)UUauy olfliJ-- ,2014by Apostle Larry Jerome itir"rr, proved to me on the basis of satitfu.tof*ffitt.e to bethe person(s) who appeared before me.

(Seal)

My commission Expires {rtfi,4 D, ,W

NOTARIAL SEALMINDI LEOIIARD

Notary PublicPHILADELPHIA CITY, PHILADELPHIA CNTY

My Commrssion Expires l,llay 12,201t1

o^r", sf t fidPursuant to 28 USC $ 1746, I, Mother Maggie Wilson, Certify under penalty of perjurythat all the foregoing information and statement(s) made above are true to the best of myknowledge.

Commonwealthof Pennsylvania


Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on thir,* av offIAfu-,2014by 'lMother Maggie Wilson, proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be theperson(s) who appeared before me.

NOIARIAL SEALMINDI LEONARI]

Notary PublicPHILADEI.PHiA CITY PHILADFLPI1IA CNTY

My Cci-rnissron Exprres May 12, 2016My Commission Expires

(Seal)

Signature ,*", sfsftul


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Pursuant to 28 USC Q 1746,I, Missionary Juanita Grant, Certifu under penalty of perjurythat all the foregoing information and statement(s) made above are true to the best of myknowledge.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania


subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on tr,i, =so ^y d ln/i* ,2014by Missionary Juanita Grant proved to me on the basis of satisfa"ttty "iia-""-8lto be theperson(s) who appeared before me.

hlt'tlt Ltwr,t*Notary Public (Seal)

My Commission Expires

PRESCRIBED FIRST AMENDMENTTO THE

STATUTORY DECLARATIONOF

INTEGRATED AUXILIARIES AND CONVENTIONSOR

ASSOCIATIONS OF CHURCHESANDORDINATION OF MINISTRY LEADERSHIP

UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THEUNITED APOSTOLIC HOLINESS ASSEMBLIES

INTERNATIONALAND

APOSTLE LARRY JEROME RIVERS

GENERALOVERSEER OF THE

UNITED APOSTOLIC HOLINESS ASSEMBLIESINTERNATIONAL

STATUTORY DECLARATION OF ASSIGI{MENTOF THE

OFFICE OF PASTOR


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OF THEVOICE OF TRUTH APOSTOLIC HOLINESS CHURCH

We, the undersigned declarant(s), on this l't day of Muy, in the Year of our Lord20t4, desiring to form The Office of Pastor of the Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness

Church, hereby orgarrize according to the following statutory declaration(s) andarticle(s):

I. PASTORIt is hereby appointed that Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, as Founder of the Voice ofTruth Apostolic Holiness Church. shall now be given the Office andTitte of Pastor of the Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church.

II. SUCCESSIONIt is hereby declared, and affirmed that Whereas, Apostle Larry J. Rivers founded

the Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church, he shall serve as Pastor & GeneralOverseer, for a Life Term, well or sick, and terminated at Death.Any vacancy occurring in the office of the Pastor & General Overseer shall be frlled inaccordance with the Apostolic Teaching of the New Testament and the Canons of theChurch. The Pastor & General Overseer Shall Reserve The Right To Govem All TheAffairs of the Church/Assembly, and Shall Reserve The Right to Name his Successor,and A11 other Successors Shall have Equal Authority to govern all aspects of ChurchAffairs, and to name their successors.

The Pastor & General Overseer shall legally name his successor, by amending theArticles of Incorporatioq of the Corporation Sole, to include the Name of his successor.

Signature

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C S 1746,I, Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, Pastor, Voice of TruthAposfolic Holiness Church, Certify under penalty of perjury that all the foregoinginformation and statement(s) made above are true to the best of my knowledge.


\/'iSubscribed and swom to (or affirmed) before me on tr**- ']a

^y$ tll ti t4- ,2014

by Apostle Larry Jerome Rivers, proved to me on the basis of saiirfuffifi&iOence tobe the person(s) who appeared before me.

,, j ,l/fl.tLiLti tlrrl\iL (Sear)Notary Public

N{jTARIAL SEALiYJND{ LF-ONAFD

ttolary publicPHILANE[.PHIA CiI\1 PHILADELPIiiA CNTY

M;v Comt;:rsslor-: Expires l.,4ay 12,2016

9


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II. AUTHORIZATION

We, the declarant(s), Mother Maggie Wilson, andMissionary Juanita Grant, declare the formation, organization and operation of theoffice and title position(s) of, Pastor of the Voice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church,and are hereby petitioned for and authorized by we, the household heads, and CongregantWitnesses, attesting by our signatures, hereunto, under penalty of perjury that theforegoing is true and correct. Executed on this l't day of May, 2014.

,rfnu*

Pursuant to28

U.S.C $ 1746,I, MotherMaggie Wilson, Congregant Witness, Yoice

of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church, Certifi, under penalty of perjury that all theforegoing information and statement(s) made above are true to the best of myknowledge.

Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaCounty of Philadelphia f

) 4'La','ri6' t ' "20t4ubscribed and swom to (or affirmed) before me on this,by Mother Maggie Wilson, proved to me on the basis of satisfattttyffiffie to be the

person(s) who appeared before me.

(Seal)


Notary Public

Signature ,^r",:fa lrlVoice of Truth Apostolic Holiness Church, Certifr under penalty of perjury that all theforegoing information and statement(s) made above are true to the best of my knowledge.


10


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Subscribed and sworn to (or atrinned) bef,ore me on rrr-d(a uy ot W)6*^ ,zaruby Missionary Juanita Grant proved to me on thebasis of satisfactory evidence to bethe person(s) who appeared before me.

(Seat)Notary Public

My commission Expire " [Yt A,{ A ,,lO ttfNOTARIAL SEALMINDi LEONARD

Notary PublicPHILADFLPHIA CITY, PHILADELPHIA CNTY

My Conrnission Expires May 12,2016

t1

Documents

Statutory Declaration of Association of Churches (PDF)