New York Supreme Court, 1944

In re Church of God World Headquarters, Inc.

In re Church of God World Headquarters, Inc.
New York Supreme Court · Decided February 21, 1944 · Wenzel
182 Misc. 851; 46 N.Y.S.2d 545; 1944 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 1656

Counsel

Homer Tomlinson, petitioner in person.

In re Church of God World Headquarters, Inc.

Opinion of the Court

Wenzel, J.

I have before me for approval a certificate of incorporation offered by a group of coreligionists who wish to be known by the title “ Church of God World Headquarters, Inc. ’ ’

The fact that all the incorporators but one are residents of Queens might seem to make the words World Headquarters ” a trifle grandiose, bnt these words might of course refer to the incorporators’ ambitions rather than to their present sphere of influence. The appellation “ Church of God ”, however, is one which the incorporators should not be permitted to arrogate to their own exclusive use by adoption as a corporate name. It is a generic term. Every church worthy of the name is a Church of God ” regardless of its sect or creed. We speak generally of “a House of God ” and the Church of God ” in connection with every institution of divine worship. Application denied.

Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.