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Historic Pentecostal Evangel Series: 1920s
By Ken Horn | August 25, 2008
In the Whitened Harvest Fields
As we view the reasons for the growth of the Assemblies of God in the first two decades of its existence, we must not overlook the evangelist and revival meetings. They opened cities to the Pentecostal message and helped strengthen struggling storefront churches to grow and move from the wrong side of the tracks. The Pentecostal Evangel was an important element as the revival reports blanketed the country. Here are excerpts of what Evangel readers saw “In the Whitened Harvest Fields” in January 1927.
Victory in Sacramento
We have just closed a meeting with Evang. P. C. Nelson and party, in which God blessed in a most precious way. Some 20 were saved, 5 baptized in the Spirit, and many were healed. . . . [Earlier] the Lord sent Sister Mae E. Frey to us. In this meeting 20 were saved and 18 received the Baptism of the Spirit. So many nominal churches are seeing the glorious light of the full Gospel and does our hearts good to see them leaping the denominational fences and coming over where the clover is better.—Paul H. Ralston and wife, Full Gospel Tabernacle [now Capital Christian Center]
A Pentecostal Visitation in West Monroe
We have just witnessed another great and wonderful outpouring of the precious Holy Ghost. Sunday night brought to a close a four weeks’ campaign under the ministry of Stephen van der Merwe, the South African evangelist. . . . Forty-five were filled with the blessed Holy Ghost. . . .
Seven couples, men with their wives, heads of families, were saved and filled with the Spirit. We had a baptizing on Sunday afternoon and baptized 31.—Pastor Elmer Tanner
New Colorado Assembly
On November 22 we organized a small assembly here [Grand Junction]. Several have been saved and 12 have received the Baptism as in Acts 2:4. We expect to affiliate with the General Council.—Secretary V. A. Hamilton
Power Falls at Minneapolis
Began meetings here with Pastor Lindquist. In both afternoon and night services the floor of the praying room was strewn with the slain of the Lord. Some fell off their seats under the power of God, and others could not stand on their feet but staggered and fell as waves of power and glory swept over them. . . . And the end is not yet.—Evangelist E. J. Axup
Good Results at Lancaster
We have just closed a two weeks’ meeting with Brother and Sister Tommy Anderson, returned missionaries from Bolivia. God blessed in a marked way, and night after night sinners came to the altar for salvation. During the meetings 25 came forward for salvation, and 12 received the Baptism of the Spirit. . . . Twice Brother Anderson preached in the Scotch kilts and once preached in prison garb.—Vernon G. Gortner, pastor
New Church in Indiana
Wilbur John Cox opened a mission at 711 North 2nd St., Vincennes, Ind., with a very few saints. God has been working since the beginning. They have just closed a precious revival meeting, 49 being saved, and 6 received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. They have 34 members, a Young People’s Society with as high as 75 in attendance.—District Superintendent Flem Van Meter
Old-Time Pentecost in Fort Worth
M. M. Pinson gave the message yesterday. . . . It brought a breaking up, and people poured to the altar and a time of sobbing, praying, and deep soul work followed. . . . [At night] The power began to fall all over the house, and soon the altar was filled, and still they came amid sobs and cries. Some got saved and went out after their friends. . . . There was dancing, laughter, and singing in the Spirit, mingled with shouts. At 11 o’clock we left them still praising God.—missionary Mattie Ledbetter
Topics: revival, preaching, history, Holy Spirit, salvation |
