The Christian sect known as 'Two-by-twos' or Cooneyites, grew out of the work of William Irvine with the 'Faith Mission' in Scotland and Ireland. Taking the Biblical injunction in Matthew chapter ten literally, with Edward Cooney, who he met in 1901, Irvine organised men and women to go out in twos, carrying no money, to preach the gospel. At a convention in Ireland in 1903 the rules of the group were set down, including a strict simplicity of lifestyle and complete rejection of current Christian doctrine and traditional worship styles. Following the convention William Irvine and two other men sailed to the United States of America to spread their gospel, while others went to South Africa, South America, China, Austria and New Zealand. Four members, John Hardie, William Carroll and his wife and Tom Turner sailed to Australia.

The group spread through the country districts of South Australia, with adherents visiting such places as Inman Valley in 1912 and Port Pirie in 1947. As the Cooneyites have no texts apart from the Bible and hymn books, and exercise confidentiality in all that they do, little is known about them.

Gill, Alan. 'Secret: and growing at a rapid rate,' Advertiser, 14 July 1984, p. 32

Lewis, James R. Encyclopedia of cults, sects and new religions, Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 1998

Parker, Doug and Helen. The secret sect, Pendle Hill, N.S.W.: D. Parker, 1982