1999 - July
The Church of Body Modification was officially founded by visionary artist and pioneer, Steve Haworth. His vision sought to explore the profound spiritual connection between mind, body, and soul through the transformative power of body modification. Along with Steve, Becki Buelow helped lay the foundational elements of the CoBM and, as the first President, Beki was in charge of the organization as a whole. During this time, while attending the Long Beach Tattoo Convention, John Gomes became the first minister of the Church of Body Modification.
2001 - November
The inaugural CoBM website went live at https://uscobm.com, creating an essential online space for members and interested individuals to connect, learn, and delve deeper into the philosophies of body modification and spirituality.
2008 - January
Chris Carter was appointed the third President of the Church of Body Modification. His predecessor, Rick Frueh, continued his commitment to the CoBM as a member and served on the Board of Advisors.
2008 - July
The CoBM achieved a landmark milestone by becoming officially registered and recognized as both a nonprofit and religious organization. This formal recognition solidified its legal standing and underscored its long-held validity as a true spiritual body.
2011 - March
The Church of Body Modification proudly became an Associate Corporate Member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP at https://safepiercing.org). This significant affiliation underscores CoBM's commitment to safety, professionalism, and community within the wider body modification world.
2011 - May
The Church of Body Modification refined its core messaging, releasing updated versions of its Mission Statement and Statement of Faith, alongside its newly established Vision Statement.
2013 - July
The Church of Body Modification received significant mainstream exposure, appearing in an episode of National Geographic's acclaimed series, Taboo. This marked a notable moment for the CoBM, bringing its mission to a wider global audience. https://vimeo.com/83312499
2018 - December
To solidify its brand and provide a more direct online presence, CoBM's primary website URL was officially moved to https://churchofbodmod.com. This transition streamlined access and reinforced the church's identity.
2020 - January
As the new decade began, the Church of Body Modification proudly celebrated having over 5,000 registered members in 24 different countries worldwide. This milestone underscored the growing international reach and diverse community united by the CoBM's mission.
2025 - June
The Church of Body Modification proudly celebrates its 25th year, marking a quarter-century of dedication to its mission of exploring the profound connections between mind, body, and soul through modification. This milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of its community.
2004 - January
Rich Frueh takes over as CoBM President.