Organization of the Catholic Apostolic Church in the United Kingdom

Background. The Catholic Apostolic Church, also known as the Irvingian Church, originated in London around 1831. Edward Irving, a clergyman of the Church of Scotland, is credited as the forerunner and prophet of the movement, though he died in 1834. The movement was associated with the Albury Conferences (1826–1830) at Albury Park, Surrey, which focused on unfulfilled prophecy and the Apocalypse.

Organization. The church was organized in 1835 with a fourfold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors. On 14 July 1835, six people were formally separated by local pastors to their higher office in the universal church to complete the number of twelve apostles. This occurred six months after Irving's death, marking the formal establishment of the apostolic structure.

Albury Connection. Albury, Surrey, is a village in the Borough of Guildford. The Catholic Apostolic Church building in Albury is a Grade II* listed structure located by the Sherbourne brook. The area was historically significant for the movement due to the Albury Conferences held at Albury Park, which influenced the theological development leading to the church's organization.