The Church of God, headquartered in Anderson, Indiana, began in 1881 as a movement emphasizing unity and holiness. Leaders such as Daniel S. Warner and Mary Cole were not interested in denominational hierarchies and formal creeds, but in trusting solely in the Holy Spirit as their overseer, and in the Bible as their statement of belief. Their aim was to promote primary allegiance to Jesus Christ and transcend denominational loyalties. The message proclaimed by D.S Warner was holiness, non-sectarianism: and the unity of God’s people. They believed that a holy life was possible for those who had been sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Redemption by Christ, meant righteous lives, and the ability and duty to be in harmony and fellowship with one another. The message of unity and holiness was appealing to blacks because it provided for interracial worship and a movement more inclusive than other religious groups. The Church of God in Gary, Indiana, joined the reformation in 1917 led by led by Ministers Henry L. Garrett, John L. Leonard and Mrs. M. Etta Alexander. They conducted their meetings in homes, barber shops; and preached on street corners. Uniting in one accord, their first church was in a storefront at 1745 Washington St. and in 1920 this body was incorporated as a part of the “Church of God Reformation Movement”. The following people were recorded as leaders of that first group.