The Church of Christ With The Elijah Message – Established Anew 1929 is a restoration-based Christian church headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Our roots trace to the original Church of Christ organized by Joseph Smith Jr. in 1830 and continued through the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), which preserved the early teachings and the mission to build the Lord’s house on the sacred Temple Lot in Independence.
In 1929, Apostle Otto Fetting, then of the Temple Lot organization, reported angelic visitations from John The Baptist, the forerunner of the Lord, (Malachi 4:5–6, Matthew 11:9–11, 14). Fetting preached that the messenger was delivering divine instructions to prepare the Lord’s Church for His coming. The Elijah Message work was later continued through William A. Draves. Brother Draves called for the Church to be established anew, restoring its name, authority, and mission according to the pattern of Christ and His apostles.
Our movement also reflects the witness of David Whitmer, one of the Three Witnesses of the Record Of The Nephites, whose 1887 work An Address to All Believers in Christ emphasized a return to the original gospel found in the Bible and the Record Of The Nephites, calling believers to uphold simplicity and divine authority in the Church of Christ. We encourge anyone interested in the history of the restoration movement to read the above work by Whitmer.
Scriptures We Uphold
The Church holds the Holy Bible (King James Version), the Messages delivered through the angel, John The Baptist and the Record of the Nephites as sacred scripture. The Record of the Nephites, a sacred history of God’s dealings with the ancient peoples of the Americas, stands as a second witness of Jesus Christ and His everlasting gospel. It connects the ancient church to the restored faith of today, affirming that God continues to speak and work among His people in preparation for Christ’s return.
Our Beliefs
- Faith in Jesus Christ: Emphasizing repentance, baptism by immersion, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands.
- Restored Priesthood Authority: Upholding the authority and ordinances of Christ’s true Church as restored in modern times.
- Preparation for Christ’s Return: Living holy lives, spreading the gospel, and gathering God’s people to Zion.
We Are Not Mormons
While there is information out there that suggests our church shares early historical connections with the Latter‑Day Saint movement, we are not affiliated with the Mormon Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints). Due to some failures of Joseph Smith Jr, other leadership of their time, and the apostasy of the church of that time, our ministry differs in doctrine, practice, and authority:
- We uphold only the Bible, the Record of the Nephites, and the Elijah Messages as scripture.
- We reject teachings such as polygamy, eternal marriage practices, baptism for the dead, and church hierarchy claims unique to Mormonism.
- Our focus is on restoring the original Church of Christ as established by Jesus, following the pattern of early apostles, rather than following later innovations.
The Church of Christ With The Elijah Message continues to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, restore His Church in truth and authority, and prepare His people for His coming.
About Bro. Eddie Lee
Bro. Eddie Lee was born and raised in rural Vicksburg, Mississippi, during the Jim Crow era. Growing up in a devoted Baptist family, he was instilled with strong values of hard work, respect, and dedication to church and community. From a young age, Eddie showed a love for Scripture, often called upon in Sunday school to read aloud. At the age of 12, he experienced a profound spiritual revelation while reading Malachi 4 in the Old Testament, a moment that illuminated his understanding of the coming of Elijah the Messenger.
His spiritual journey deepened through a series of life experiences, including service in the military, injury, and recovery, which led him to Chicago in search of a deeper relationship with God. Eddie explored many denominations, from Apostolic and Pentecostal to Holiness and Full Gospel churches, always seeking greater understanding and revelation of God’s Word.
His path led him to the Church of Christ With The Elijah Message, where he discovered the angelic visitation of John the Baptist and the messenger’s covenant. After a powerful personal encounter with God while reading The Angel’s Message, Bro. Eddie Lee received confirmation of the truth of the message, solidifying his calling to ministry.
Mission & Message
The core mission of Bro. Eddie Lee is to declare, warn, and awaken the world, especially America, by preaching the gospel, bringing deliverance and redemption, and restoring mankind to the original foundation taught by Christ.
Guiding Principles Bro. Eddie Lee is guided by the call to walk humbly before God, to love his neighbor as Christ loves, and to be found faithful in fulfilling his divine calling when Christ returns.
Vision for the Future Bro. Eddie Lee envisions a ministry that reaches every corner of the earth, preaching and teaching to prepare a nation for deliverance and readiness for the Second Coming. Through broadcast and outreach, he seeks to awaken hearts, spread the gospel, and fulfill God’s purpose on a global scale.
About Bro. Nathaniel Hunt
Bro. Nathaniel Hunt was born on July 18, 1971. He came to know Jesus Christ in April of 1990 and accepted Him as the Lord of his life. Shortly after, in September of 1991, Bro. Norman Lyles shared that the Lord had given him a dream or vision of laying hands on Nathaniel to ordain him as an elder in the church. Bro. Hunt later received confirmation of this calling and was officially ordained that same month.
He first became involved with the Church of Christ With The Elijah Message through the invitation of a young lady who was his girlfriend at the time. What began as a casual visit soon became a personal journey of faith, as Bro. Nathaniel grew deeply interested in the Word of God and continued attending services on his own.
Mission & Message
Bro. Nathaniel understands the core mission of the church as proclaiming: “Let the message of the Gospel of Christ go to the ends of the earth” (Msg. 78:8). Bro. Nathaniel is committed to preaching the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ, bringing souls to salvation, and uniting believers under the teachings of Christ.
Guiding Scripture
Matthew 28:18-20 serves as Bro. Nathaniel’s guiding Scripture: the Great Commission emphasizes carrying the Gospel to all nations, teaching obedience to Christ, and baptizing in His name, a foundational principle for the ministry.
Vision for the Future
Bro. Nathaniel’s vision is to see the church and its broadcasts grow in Christ, delivering the pure, unadulterated Gospel that reaches the lost and brings souls to Jesus. Through this work, he seeks to expand the impact of the ministry and strengthen the global mission of spreading Christ’s message.
About Bro. Immanuel Murphy
Bro. Immanuel Murphy was born and raised in the Church of Christ With The Elijah Message, the only church he has ever known. From an early age, he recognized the hand of God upon his life. At the age of 10, he began experiencing dreams that drew him closer to the Lord, and in 1990, he gave his heart fully to Jesus.
He was baptized in 1992, beginning his lifelong journey of faith. Like many young people, Bro. Immanuel experienced seasons of rebellion, running from his calling throughout his teenage years and into his twenties. Around the age of 32, after exploring ministry opportunities with other churches, he returned to the Church of Christ, eager to serve and fulfill God’s purposes for his life.
Through experiences in various ministries, Bro. Immanuel gained clarity and revelation about his true calling. Today, his ministry is rooted in service and flexibility, supporting the core mission of the Church: spreading the gospel, warning the world, and winning souls for the Lord. Whether cleaning floors, teaching a Bible study, or serving as a scribe, Bro. Immanuel approaches every task with humility and readiness, truly a “Swiss Army knife” in the service of God’s Kingdom.