Early Pentecostalism in Springfield, Missouri 2017-18

Bible Quiz Alexander Vazakas Volumes 37 & 38 D. W. Kerr Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center

Published annually by The Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO 65802-1894 USA Phone: 417-862-1447, ext. 4400 Fax: 417-862-8558 Toll Free: 877-840-5200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.iFPHC.org

ISSN 0896-4395

2017-18 Vol. 37 & 38 PUBLISHED BY THE FLOWER PENTECOSTAL HERITAGE CENTER Darrin J. Rodgers EDITOR AND DIRECTOR 4 The Sparkling Fountain: Glenn W. Gohr Early Pentecostalism REFERENCE ARCHIVIST AND COPY EDITOR in Springfield, Missouri Robert E. Sears Revivals in this Ozarks city laid the foundation for ministries ARCHIVIST that made a worldwide impact. Joyce E. Lee BY GLENN W. GOHR AND DARRIN J. RODGERS ASSISTANT ARCHIVIST

Ruthie Edgerly Oberg ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR 14 A History of Bible Quiz in

Joshua D. Thomassen the Assemblies of God HERITAGE DESIGNER This ministry has promoted biblical literacy among young people for over 50 years. Wayne E. Warner FOUNDING EDITOR BY ROBERT CARTER AND RUTHIE EDGERLY OBERG

Price: $8.00

Heritage is indexed in the ATLA 24 From Macedonia to Missouri: Religion Database, published by the American Theological Library The Journey of Association, 250 S. Wacker Dr., Alexander Vazakas 16th Flr., Chicago, IL 60606 A persecuted Greek Pentecostal immigrant who became E-mail: [email protected] an Assemblies of God educator. Web: www.atla.com BY MATTHEW A. PAUGH ATLA Religion Database (RDB) is available on CD-ROM and US MARC format directly from ATLA, as well as online through five aggregators: 32 Daniel Warren Kerr: OCLC’s FirstSearch, EBSCO Thinking, Speaking and Information Services, SilverPlatter, Ovid Technologies, and Cambridge Acting Scripturally Scientific Abstracts. Microfilm of The story of the pastor-theologian who drafted the Heritage is available from Theological Statement of Fundamental Truths. Research Exchange Network (TREN), P.O. Box 30183, 5420 N. E. Glisan, BY P. DOUGLAS CHAPMAN Portland, OR 97294-3183. Heritage on CD is available from the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. 42 Fortieth Anniversary of © Copyright 2018 by the Flower Pentecostal Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Heritage Center Springfield, MO 65802-1894 The largest Pentecostal archives in the world has been preserving

and promoting the Pentecostal testimony since 1977. POSTMASTER: Send address change to Heritage, 1445 N. Boonville BY WAYNE E. WARNER AND DARRIN J. RODGERS Ave., Springfield, MO 65802-1894

2 From the Editor 53 Resources

FRONT COVER: The new Springfield offices of the Assemblies of God and the Gospel Publishing House in 1918. From the Editor: Celebrating the Hispanic Assemblies of God Centennial

By Darrin J. Rodgers

The Assemblies of God marked one hundred years of Isabel Flores (a male Mexican- American pastor) and Henry C. Ball ministry in 2014. Another important anniversary will be (an Anglo missionary) spearheaded celebrated August 1-3, 2018, in Houston—the centen- the January 1918 convention, which nial of the 1918 organizational convention of Hispanic was held in Kingsville, Texas. At the time, the Pentecostal Assemblies of God churches and ministers. movement among Hispanics was in its infancy and consisted primarily The Assemblies of God minis- John Preston, Dr. Florence Murcutt, of scattered, unorganized missions try among Hispanics emerged in Alice Luce, and others joined His- along the U.S.-Mexican border. The the midst of the Mexican Revolu- panic ministers such as Isabel Flores, convention united Hispanic Pente- tion, a decade-long civil war that be- Antonio Ríos Morin, and Arnulfo costals and laid the foundation for gan in 1910 and changed the North López. Together, they ministered one of the largest and fastest growing American social landscape. Thou- among the 300,000 refugees from segments of the Assemblies of God. sands of displaced people fled the the Mexican Revolution who lived The first superintendent of the armed conflict and social disruption along the borderlands in Texas. newly organized Hispanic work was in Mexico and sought refuge along These Pentecostal pioneers Ball—probably chosen because as the borderlands in the United States. viewed the refugees as a heaven- an Anglo he was able to navigate the These refugees, uprooted from their sent opportunity to share the gospel, difficult legal and cultural challenges families and their native land, often which they did in both word and facing the Mexican refugees. lived in squalid conditions. They had deed. Many Mexican refugees were In one such challenging circum- an uncertain legal status and, in the receptive to the gospel, and Spanish- stance, Isabel Flores was arrested in eyes of many observers, not much language Pentecostal congregations May 1918 and incarcerated in the of a future. started forming in refugee camps and Jackson County jail in Edna, Texas. While the broader American so- elsewhere. The reason for the arrest is unknown. ciety often rejected the Mexican An account published in 1966 in refugees, Pentecostals reacted differ- 1918 Convention La Luz Apostolica simply stated, ently. Countless Assemblies of God and Arrests “It was wartime, and the officer did ministers fanned out, offering food, One hundred years ago, an orga- not speak Spanish and Isabel did not shelter, and medical assistance to nizational convention was held for speak English.” Ball came to the aid those who were hurting. Anglo mis- Hispanic Assemblies of God church- of Flores and traveled to Edna, where sionaries Henry C. Ball, Felix Hale, es and ministers in the United States. he spoke with the authorities and se-

2 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 cured the prisoner’s release.1 ship was more fully realized in 1939, panic Pentecostal movement was Ball’s status as a native-born when Demetrio Bazan succeeded birthed. Today, Hispanics and other American, however, did not prevent Ball as the first Hispanic leader of ethnic minorities are helping to fuel him from also encountering prob- the Latin American District Council the continuing growth of the Assem- lems. The Assemblies of God, like of the Assemblies of God. blies of God in the United States. many other premillennial American Hispanics forged their own As- evangelicals, took a pacifist position semblies of God identity—develop- during World War I. Ball’s work with ing indigenous leaders, schools, and Darrin J. Rodgers, M.A., J.D., is Mexican refugees and his church’s governance structures—which gave director of the Flower Pentecostal pacifism caused government of- believers a voice in a society where Heritage Center and editor of ficials to view him with suspicion. they were often marginalized. Assemblies of God Heritage Ball was arrested in Brownsville, Today, nearly one quarter of As- magazine. Texas, on suspicion of being a Ger- semblies of God adherents in the man spy, but he was soon released.2 United States are Hispanic. In the last ten years, from 2006 to 2016, NOTES Development of the number of Hispanic adherents Hispanic Leaders increased from 540,431 (19.1% of Despite legal, political, and eco- all adherents) to 718,785 (22.2% of 1“Historia de los Primeros 50 Años de las Asambleas de Dios Latinos,” La Luz Apostolica nomic tensions, Ball maintained his all adherents). Hispanics accounted 50:8 (April 1966): 2. focus on helping the Pentecostal for 44% of the growth during that 2Ibid. movement among Hispanics to ma- period. The rest of the growth came 3Ball promoted an indigenous missions ture and grow. He stressed the im- from whites (11%) and other ethnic theory as early as 1918, when he wrote that portance of developing indigenous minorities (45%). Hispanic AG churches in the U.S. aimed to leaders who could serve as pastors, The vision to bring the gospel to be self-supporting and to ultimately send missionaries to their countries of origin. H. evangelists, and missionaries to suffering Mexican refugees ultimate- C. Ball, “A Report of the Spanish Pentecostal Hispanics in the United States and ly helped to transform the American Convention,” Pentecostal Evangel, December across Latin America.3 church. Those refugees became the 28, 1918, 7. This vision for indigenous leader- seeds from which a resilient His-

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 3 Rachel Sizelove, taken about the time she received the vision of the sparkling fountain. The Sparkling Fountain: Early Pentecostalism in Springfield, Missouri

By Glenn W. Gohr and Darrin J. Rodgers

ne hundred years ago, the Assemblies of God (AG) and worldview of early Pentecostals and will hopefully inspire relocated its national office and publishing house to future generations to likewise follow God whole-heartedly and OSpringfield, Missouri. Could this have been a fulfill- to believe God for great things. ment of a vision from God? Five years earlier, in 1913, Pente- costal evangelist Rachel Sizelove had a vision of a “sparkling From Azusa Street to the Ozarks fountain” in the heart of Springfield. At the time, Pentecostals Like many revivals throughout Christian history, the Pente- in the Ozarks city were struggling to establish a church, but costal movement in Springfield did not originate with prominent Sizelove’s vision foresaw rivers of living water that would flow people or in gilded edifices, but with humble, devout people from Springfield and bless all the earth. who desired to be fully committed to Christ and His mission. The decision in 1918 to purchase the former meat market James and Lillie Corum and their family were such people.2 on 434 West Pacific Street to house the national ministries of The Corum family moved from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to the AG resulted in Springfield becoming a ministry hub within Springfield in 1905. They lived in a white clapboard farm- the Fellowship. Numerous national min- house, located on East Division Street, istries developed, including educational which, at the time, was outside the city institutions, missions agencies, a retire- Sizelove’s vision limits. James initially worked as a tele- ment community, and various church graph operator for the Frisco railroad and and para-church ministries. The city’s foresaw rivers of living later as a freight office supervisor. Lil- first Pentecostal congregation, Central water that would flow lie cared for their four children—Hazel Assembly of God, flourished and doz- from Springfield and (Bakewell), Artemus, Fred, and Paul.3 ens of new churches were planted. As The Corum family had their first of 2018, 36 AG congregations exist in bless all the earth. taste of Pentecost on a rainy day in late the city, with many more in neighboring May 1907. Fred and Hazel were playing communities. on the front porch when they saw their Looking back at the history of the Pentecostal movement aunt, Rachel Sizelove, pull up to the house in a taxi. Rachel and in Springfield, early AG leaders could see the hand of God. her husband, Joseph, lived in California and had become active They sensed that the history unfolding before them would be in the interracial Azusa Street Mission, which was a focal point important to future generations. They carefully documented the in the emerging Pentecostal revival.4 history in various published and unpublished forms, and these What happened next was burned into young Fred’s mem- stories have been told and retold over the generations.1 ory: “From behind Mother’s apron, I saw Aunt Rachel step The following pages provide an overview of the events and through our doorway. Her face was aglow and her countenance people that shaped the development of the Pentecostal move- was radiant. Her hands were uplifted, and she was speaking in ment in Springfield from 1907 to 1918, starting when Rachel a heavenly language.”5 Sizelove brought the Pentecostal message from the Azusa Sizelove and the other family members sat down in the Street revival and concluding with the arrival of the national parlor. Fred remembered that they talked about a single topic: offices of the AG. The stories reveal the vibrant spiritual life “What was God doing in Los Angeles at Azusa Street?”6

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 5 Leaders of the Azusa Street Mission, 1907. Seated in front (l-r): Sister Evans, Hiram W. Smith, William Seymour, Clara Lum. Second row, standing (l-r): unidentified woman, Brother Evans (reportedly the first man to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit at Azusa Street), Jennie Moore (later Mrs. William Seymour), Glenn A. Cook, Florence Crawford, unidentified man, and Sister Prince. Florence Crawford’s daughter, Mildred, is seated in the front on Hiram Smith’s lap. Inset: Rachel Sizelove, who brought the Pentecostal message from Azusa Street to Springfield, Missouri.

The Sizeloves were baptized in the Midwest and tell them about her experi- eryone about her experience, and one of Holy Spirit at the Azusa Street Mission ence. Rachel was only in Springfield for the first people she told was her pastor. in July 1906. They had served as Free a brief time before she returned to Los The Corums were members of a Baptist Methodist evangelists since the 1890s. Angeles, where she had committed to church, where James served as Sunday However, this Pentecostal experience work at an upcoming camp meeting. But School superintendent. Lillie expected changed their lives and ministries. At she succeeded in sowing a Pentecostal her pastor to rejoice with her, but instead Azusa Street, they joined black and seed. Early in the morning, on June 1, he scoffed at her. James and Lillie were white Pentecostals who tarried at the 1907, in an all-night prayer meeting, Lil- baffled and felt hurt, so they resigned makeshift altar and prayed for each oth- lie Corum became the first known per- their membership at the Baptist church.9 er. An intense sense of God’s presence son to receive the baptism in the Holy Lillie told her neighbors and friends and love prevailed. Rachel described Spirit in Springfield.8 about her Pentecostal experience and, how the baptism in the Holy Spirit gave one by one, others also received the her a new sense of “the holy presence Early Years baptism in the Holy Spirit. For the next of God” and how the voice of the Lord The Corum family formed the nu- several years the small but growing band grew clearer while the voices of the cleus of what became the first Pente- of Pentecostals held cottage meetings in world grew distant. The Sizeloves found costal congregation in Springfield (now the Corum home and, on occasion, held spiritual depth and vitality, and they en- Central Assembly of God). When Lil- special evangelistic meetings in tents couraged others to likewise seek all that lie Corum received the baptism in the and rented halls. They did not have an God had for them.7 Holy Spirit, she discovered that she had official pastor and had not formally or- In May 1907, Rachel sensed God call a newfound empowerment to share her ganized a church.10 her to visit her siblings and mother in the Christian faith. She wanted to tell ev- The new Pentecostal flock was, at

6 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 times, mocked and threatened. They held their first tent meeting in the summer of 1907 on Center (now Central) Street, near the Courthouse, attracting large crowds of curious onlookers, including local ministers and students from Drury College. Lillie Corum recalled that a group of men who visited the tent meeting said, “Why this is a terrible thing to be doing in the name of religion. That’s no religion.” They threatened to organize a posse and run the Pentecostals J. J. Corum and Lillie with their two oldest children, Hazel (center) and out of town. Such threats by vigilantes Artemus (baby), in 1900. had to be taken seriously, as the previous year a large mob had lynched three held meetings in Springfield in 1908.16 vember 13, 1913, members elected Lillie African-American men in Springfield. The greatest assistance was provid- Corum and Gerry W. Martin to oversee Tom Thomas, a man from First Baptist ed by Pentecostals from the small town the congregation. Prior to the vote, Co- Church, defended the Pentecostals, say- of Thayer, Missouri, located 140 miles rum had served as the informal leader. ing, “No. Let them alone. If it’s not of southeast of Springfield. A remarkable In early 1914, the congregation elected God, it will soon fall through, but if it revival stirred Thayer in 1909, and the a female to serve as its first pastor—a is of God, it will stand.” Thomas’s argu- town became one of the most important Sister Sloan (her first name has been lost ment won the day, and the Pentecostals early Pentecostal revival centers in the to history). She served a short time, and were left alone.11 region. Fred Corum visited the Thayer later that year James S. “Sig” Eaton was The Pentecostal group grew slowly revival as a boy. He recalled that Mother elected to serve as the congregation’s and struggled to establish a church in Barnes, who was preaching in Thayer at second pastor.20 Springfield. At times, some of the Pen- the time, had an “Irish wit” and “would tecostals worshipped with Holiness have the crowds bursting at the seams Vision of a Sparkling congregations that welcomed them de- with laughter one minute and weep- Fountain spite their doctrinal differences.12 But ing the next.” After Barnes finished her Toward the middle of August 1913, the Pentecostals had a persistent desire sermons at the meetings, Harry Bowley Rachel Sizelove returned to visit the Co- to establish a more permanent presence gave the altar calls and, in Fred’s esti- rum family, staying for several months. in the town. mation, was speaking directly from the By this time she reported “there was In April 1911, the group erected a Lord. Numerous people ran to the altar quite a good sized assembly of baptized tent on the northeast corner of Camp- and repented of their sins, including a saints”21 at the Pentecostal church in bell and Calhoun and began holding ser- band of horse thieves and a woman who Springfield. vices. Local boys repeatedly interrupted operated a local brothel.17 While in prayer one afternoon, she the services and damaged the tent, which Three preachers from Thayer—Joe saw a vision of a “beautiful, bubbling, left it in tatters. The evangelistic efforts French, John Davis, and Joe Duke—be- sparkling fountain in the heart of the seemed to make little impact, which de- gan making ministry trips to Springfield City of Springfield.”22 The fountain moralized believers.13 around 1910. In 1911 or 1912, French sprang up gradually and began to flow Pentecostals from varied places and moved to Springfield, opened a restau- to the east, west, north, and south until backgrounds sent reinforcements to the rant, and became one of the lay preach- soon “the whole land was deluged with city. “Mother” Leonore Barnes, the leaders in the congregation. A hardened for- living water.”23 er of an influential Pentecostal mission mer sailor, he frequently testified that Afterwards, she came into the din- in St. Louis, visited Springfield several he had been very sick and died, but that ing room, and the Corum children later times between 1910 and 1912 with her God raised him from the dead during the recalled seeing “a holy glow upon her evangelistic team.14 Lula France and oth- Thayer revival. The experience of being countenance.”24 “I’ve been in the pres- ers from Joplin, Missouri, made frequent raised from the dead prompted French to ence of the Lord,” she declared, “and I ministry trips to Springfield.15 James L. completely dedicate his life to God.18 saw the Lord sounding a bugle for the Delk, a white evangelist connected with Finally, in 1912, the congregation se- angels of heaven to go and do battle for Charles H. Mason’s mostly African- cured a regular meeting place—Wood- the city of Springfield.” She reported American Church of God in Christ, also man Hall on Prospect Avenue.19 On No- that she then saw the angels come down

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 7 to battle and conquer. She said the Lord During the tent meetings held in tion: “She prayed and fasted for the city spoke to her: “I’m going to do a mighty 1911, Benedict would go to a nearby of Springfield.”35 work in Springfield that will astound grove of trees and pray all night. The Amanda’s prayers laid the ground- the world.”25 grove of trees where she prayed ended work for further advancement of This vision occurred a year before up being the same spot where the choir, God’s work. In a letter to Lillie Corum the brethren met together in Hot Springs, pulpit, and altar rail of Central Assembly she wrote: Arkansas, to form the AG in April 1914, were located when a newer sanctuary and five years before the AG moved to was built in 1957.32 … Pray, fight, hold, till hell gives Springfield. In 1915 Amanda Benedict moved to way, till the real power, the power After Rachel Sizelove identified with Aurora, Missouri, where she started a of His might, of our real God shall the Pentecostal movement, she initially Pentecostal church and passed away ten fall with such invincible force, was opposed to church structure and or- years later.33 that sin shall go down before it ganization such as was found in the AG. At her funeral, held at Central As- and the Christ that saves from sin Her views changed as she saw the fulfill- sembly of God, a lady arose and told of shall be lifted up … Our fighting ment of this vision: “But when I think of the early days of the Pentecostal outpour- force is small, but it’s gaining the vision the Lord brought before me of ing in Springfield, when a tent was set up ground. Every forward step is the waters flowing out from Springfield I on the very site where the first sanctuary hotly contended, but our flag is have to say surely the General Council at flying, our bugle is sounding an Springfield, Missouri, is of God.”26 advance to our forces; a retreat to the foe …36 Amanda Benedict: Prayer Warrior Five Boys Claimed One unsung hero in the history of Property for God Pentecostalism in Springfield is Amanda Another fascinating development in Benedict. She was not a part of the origi- the advancement of Pentecost in Spring- nal group when the Holy Spirit fell at field centers around the prayers of five the Corum farmhouse on June 1, 1907,27 boys who claimed two blocks of prop- but she came along soon after, and is re- erty for God. membered as a mighty prayer warrior. After a New Year’s Eve watchnight Educated in New York, her home service that concluded on January 1, state, she later conducted a rescue home 1915, Fred and Paul Corum, their cousin for girls in Chicago and was connected Laurel Taliaferro, and probably Claude with a faith home for children in Iowa.28 Martin and Leonard Hoy (son of Bird- She had a burden for lost souls. Amanda Benedict ie Hoy)37 started walking home toward She moved to Springfield sometime the Corum farmhouse on East Division before 1910 and met Lillie Corum while was later erected. She testified that Sis- Street, a distance of about three miles. working as a door-to-door salesperson. ter Benedict “was under a tremendous One boy suggested they could save time Amanda began praying together regular- burden night and day. The Lord put it if they took a shortcut and went across ly with Mrs. Corum, and soon she also on her heart to pray for mighty things in White City Park. received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.29 Springfield, that would make it a center White City Park was a large, fenced- A circle of three women—Lillie Corum, from which His blessings should radiate in amusement park that took up one city Birdie Hoy, and Amanda Benedict— to the ends of the earth.” She said, “I be- block, bounded by Boonville and Camp- steadfastly joined together in prayer and lieve this present assembly, the Gospel bell Avenues and Lynn and Division evangelism to build up the small group Publishing House and the Central Bible Streets. Some of the boards were loose, of believers that became Central Assem- Institute, are all here as a result of that so they would be able to crawl inside. It bly of God.30 praying in the Holy Ghost on the part of was similar to a carnival and included Amanda Benedict would fast and Sister Benedict.”34 a large roller coaster and was not being pray for days on end, until a burden was Buried in Eastlawn Cemetery, Aman- used at the time. It had a bad reputa- lifted or victory came. At one point she da’s grave remained unmarked for 82 tion because of burlesque performances, felt led to fast and pray for Springfield years. When Central Assembly held its vaudeville acts, a pool hall, and ballroom for one entire year—living only on bread centennial in 2007, a marker was erected dancing. The boys knew it was a wicked and water.31 in her memory that includes the inscrip- place, and they felt like they were cross-

8 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 the former White City Park property with the construction completed in 1949. A new four-story administration building, almost as long as a city block, attached to the printing facilities and facing Boonville Avenue, was completed in January 1962.43 A six-story distribution center was added to the Campbell side of the complex in 1972, followed by a shipping warehouse in 1980. For a period of time, the Southern Missouri District Council office also was located in that same block on a building at the northeast corner of Campbell and Boonville.

The roller coaster at White City amusement park. Central Assembly On the second block that the boys ing into the devil’s territory. God’s purposes. One of the boys looked claimed, Central Assembly erected its Fred Corum recounted the following up at the bright stars overhead and re- first frame building at the northeast cor- narrative: marked, “Just think, when the Lord told ner of Campbell and Lynn in 1920. As Abraham to look up and see if he could Central grew, its third sanctuary, built in One of the boys in the group count the stars, they were the same stars 1957, occupied the place where Amanda said, “This place is unclean.” we can see tonight.” Another boy said, Benedict prayed in a grove of trees and Another asked, “Do you “Let’s pray that the gospel will spread where the Koeppen Greenhouse once suppose it could ever belong to over all the earth and reach as many peo- stood. Central built an even larger sanc- God?” ple as there are stars.”39 tuary in 1992. Then Laurel Taliaferro, the The property did not change hands The last portion of the two-block oldest of the boys, said in faith, overnight. Several years later the first area to come into the possession of the “Let’s claim it for the Lord.” property was turned into a baseball AG was the former National Auto Sup- So the boys agreed, and park called White City Park. During the ply at the southwest corner of Boonville there beneath the stars, they knelt 1930s and early 1940s, White City Park and Lynn, where the AG ran a bookstore and started praying. was the scene of minor league baseball. for many years. One boy said, “How much Some of baseball’s greats such as Joe And God did take care of the fam- shall we claim?” Another said, Garagiola, Stan Musial, and Mickey ily who owned the greenhouse. Louisa “Let’s claim the whole block.” Owen played on this field.40 The home Koeppen, and her husband, Rudalph, Paul Corum said, “Let’s team, the Springfield Cardinals, was established the Koeppen Greenhouse at claim the other block too—from a minor league team owned by the St. the northwest corner of Boonville and Boonville to Campbell and from Louis Cardinals. White City Park closed Calhoun in the 1890s. (The greenhouse Division to Calhoun.” during World War II since eligible men was just east of the grove of trees where Fred Corum spoke up were needed for the war cause. Amanda Benedict prayed.) By 1915, and said, “We shouldn’t take At the 1945 General Council, the Louisa was a widow, and her daughter, the greenhouse at the corner of AG fellowship, recognizing the grow- Clara, and son-in-law, Russell Tuttle, Boonville and Calhoun. We sold ing needs of the national office, unani- were assisting her with the greenhouse. peaches to the people living mously authorized the construction of a Clara Tuttle and another daughter, Au- there, and they are nice people.” new publishing plant and an office build- gusta Smith, became members of Cen- Laurel said, “Why not? ing to house administrative offices.41 As tral Assembly and descendants still at- God will take care of them. Let’s it turned out, the old White City Park, tend the church.44 claim it all.”38 a choice site of five acres on Boonville When Fred Corum and his wife vis- Avenue, was available, and the AG pur- ited Springfield in 1972, they saw the In the early morning hours of the chased it for $35,000.42 transformation which had taken place New Year, the boys prayed fervently that New printing facilities for the Gos- on the land that he and his young friends the two blocks of land would be used for pel Publishing House were erected on had claimed in the new year’s prayer

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 9 meeting sixty years earlier. tieth century, when racial discord often manity and the light of God. Fred Corum wrote, dominated news headlines. One fright- The lynchings were a topic of con- ening manifestation of this discord was versation in Springfield for years to When I look on this area now the deadly melding of racism and vigi- come. How did Pentecostals in Spring- and see the General Council lantism, where white lynch mobs killed field respond to the lynchings? Did they headquarters complex, Central thousands of people—mostly African- reflect the values of Azusa Street, or did Assembly, and the district Americans, Hispanics, and other ethnic they accommodate the racism of the sur- headquarters all on this property, minorities—in the United States be- rounding society? Over one thousand I am overwhelmed. When I see tween 1880 and 1940.47 people had been caught up in the mob the presses turning out the printed Springfield was not immune to hysteria, chanting, “Hang him, hang word, and the missionaries being lynchings. On April 14, 1906, three him!” It was a sensitive issue, as many in commissioned, and the radio African-American men were killed by a town participated in the lynchings. Per- programs going to the ends of mob on the town square. The lynchings haps it would have been easier to ignore the earth, I know there is a God of Horace Duncan, Fred Coker, and Fred the issue rather than confront it. who hears our sincere prayers. Allen led to the exodus of hundreds of Fred Corum and Hazel Bakewell, in How insignificant one feels to blacks from Springfield to less hostile The Sparkling Fountain, devoted a sec- behold His mighty works that areas. The ethnic makeup of Springfield, tion to the story of Brother Geisler, who are exceedingly and abundantly to this day, reflects that horrific event. participated in the Springfield lynching. above all the five teenage boys— The African-American community in At the time, Geisler was an unsaved al- or grown folk either—could ask Springfield remembers the event much coholic. Afterward, in about 1907, he Him to do.45 like Jews remember the Holocaust.48 visited Joplin, where he encountered a Amazingly, on the same day as the Pentecostal street preacher confronting Race and Revival Springfield lynchings, on the Saturday people and asking if they had partici- The Azusa Street revival is often before Easter, William Seymour began pated in the lynching. The preacher said, noted for its interracial character. Partici- holding services at the run-down mis- “Everybody that gave their consent for pant Frank Bartleman famously exulted sion at 312 Azusa Street in Los Angeles. killing these Negroes was a murderer that at Azusa Street “the ‘color line’ It was an incredible contrast—heaven and has committed murder.”49 was washed away in the blood.”46 This came down in Los Angeles, while all Geisler followed the preacher into a was in marked contrast to the broader hell broke loose in Springfield. That day small Pentecostal mission, intending to American culture at the turn of the twen- was witness to both the darkness of hu- tell him that he was not a murderer. The preacher, however, convinced Geisler otherwise, and he repented of his sins, accepted Christ as his savior, and was baptized in the Holy Spirit. Geisler returned to Springfield and became a faithful member of the small Pentecos- tal group that became Central Assembly. Geisler’s testimony, including his repen- tance for participation in the lynching, became an often-repeated story in Cen- tral Assembly. It presumably reflected the congregation’s belief that if someone is genuinely full of God’s Spirit, there should be no room in their heart for racial hatred.50

Charles Parham’s Influence Early Springfield Pentecostals traced their roots to Azusa Street through Ra- Central Assembly’s first building at the corner of Campbell and Calhoun. chel Sizelove. There was an earlier un- successful effort to establish a Pente-

10 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 costal church in Springfield, however, made in 1906 by Henry G. Tuthill, a leader in Charles Parham’s Apostolic Faith Movement. Tuthill held a series of revival meetings in the hall over the Brooks Furni- ture Store. The services began on March 26, 1906, less than a month before the Azusa Street revival would start in Los Angeles. The meetings, Tuthill wrote in a local newspaper article, “are noted for the power of God manifested in them in pentecostal showers.”51 Tuthill failed to attract a following in Springfield. Corum and Bakewell, in The Sparkling Foun- tain, stated that Sizelove held “the first Pentecostal meeting in Springfield” in 1907.52 They were apparently unaware of Tuthill’s earlier efforts. Gospel Publishing House employees, including executive officers, shortly It should not be surprising that Par- after the move to Springfield in 1918. (L-r): Walter Loomis, Mrs. Warren, ham’s group attempted to start a church Delpha Henegar, Anna Crumbie (E. N. Bell’s stepdaughter), Cecile Knox, in Springfield. Parham played a signifi- Nellie Rowlands, J. W. Welch (general chairman), E. N. Bell (editor of the cant role in Pentecostal history and was Christian Evangel), Harry Thaw, Stanley Frodsham (general secretary and the earliest and most prominent Pen- associate editor), Mr. Brown (son), and Mr. Brown (father). tecostal pioneer in the region. In 1901, students at his Bethel Bible School in have alienated Springfield Pentecostals revival at Azusa Street and did not want Topeka, Kansas, began speaking in who were positively impacted by Rachel to be identified with the controversies tongues, which he identified as the “Bi- Sizelove and the Azusa Street revival.54 surrounding Parham. ble evidence” of the baptism in the Holy Third, Parham allegedly had a moral Spirit. Parham, through his Apostolic failing and, by the summer of 1907, most The Move to Faith Movement, had between 8,000 and of his followers had left him.55 Springfield in 1918 10,000 followers in 1906. The bulk of It is significant that Springfield Pen- As World War I came to a close, the his followers were in Kansas, Arkansas, tecostals, in their historical self-under- small band of Pentecostals in Springfield Missouri, and Texas.53 standing, largely ignored Parham and remained united in purpose, yet without Several possible reasons exist why traced their lineage directly to Azusa a permanent church building of their Parham’s group did not make an impact Street. In a 1934 article, Fred Corum own. All this changed in 1918 when re- on Springfield. First, Parham held to wrote extensively about Azusa Street inforcements came. The national office several controversial doctrines, includ- and its place in Pentecostal history but of the AG, then located in downtown St. ing annihilationism (the belief that God omitted any reference to Parham. While Louis, needed a larger place for its min- will destroy the wicked rather than allow Parham claimed to be the founder or istries and printing operation. them to endure eternal conscious tor- “projector” of the Pentecostal move- After outgrowing earlier facilities in ment) and British Israelism (the belief ment,56 Corum undercut Parham’s claim: Findlay, Ohio, and St. Louis, Missouri, that the lost tribes of Israel migrated to “It cannot be said that anyone person is AG leaders began looking for a new lo- Europe). These positions marginalized the founder” of the Pentecostal move- cation. Having received a gift of about Parham among other evangelicals and ment.57 When Church of God in Christ $3,600 for expansion purposes in the Pentecostals. evangelist James L. Delk ministered in spring of 1918, AG leaders searched for Second, in October 1906 Parham Springfield in 1908, he also distanced a building in St. Louis but found nothing repudiated the Azusa Street revival and himself from Parham, noting in a local suitable.59 its leader, William Seymour, who was newspaper that he “was not connected to Having learned of low real estate a former student of Parham. Parham’s the apostolic faith.”58 Early Springfield values in Springfield, Chairman J. W. critique included theological, racial, and Pentecostals emphasized their roots in Welch and E. N. Bell went to investigate power issues. This repudiation would the interracial and doctrinally orthodox the possibilities. With the assistance of a

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 11 The Assemblies of God National Leadership and Resource Center. local police officer, Harley A. Hinkley, Avenue in 1949, and the offices moved pastor was also a woman, Sister Sloan, they found several buildings which had to a new administration building adjoin- although little is known about her. promise for future development. Officer ing the printing plant in 1962. Since that Second, there were strong voices Hinkley personally escorted the men as time, the Assemblies of God national of- seeking to bridge racial divides within they looked at several buildings on or fice has continued to expand. early Pentecostalism. The Pentecostal near Commercial Street. “Finally the message emerged from an interracial men settled on a building at the southeast Lessons from History revival at Azusa Street, during an era of corner of Pacific and Lyon, which then Several themes emerge from these racial discord, and came to Springfield, housed a wholesale grocery company.”60 vignettes about the early Pentecos- a city that had been rocked by the lynch- Welch and Bell were impressed with tal movement in Springfield. First, the ings of three black men. Springfield the building, and the policeman referred Holy Spirit empowered women to serve Pentecostals embraced their roots in an them to the owner, C. O. Sperry, who of- in leadership roles. Rachel Sizelove interracial revival at a time when racial fered the building for sale for $3200— brought the Pentecostal message from separation was expected. They desired to which was $200 more than the men were Azusa Street to Springfield. The first follow God’s will more than they desired willing to pay. They were adamant that person to be Spirit-baptized in Spring- to be popular. they would not pay more, and the own- field under her ministry, Lillie Corum, Third, early Pentecostals in Spring- er stayed firm on his offer. Amazingly, gathered a flock and served as the first field sensed that they were part of God’s when members of the Commercial Club unofficial pastor of what became Cen- unfolding divine plan. They witnessed heard about the situation, a number of tral Assembly of God. The first elected the fulfillment of two highly improbable the local businessmen pitched in money visions—that a sparkling fountain of liv- to help the AG be able to purchase the ing water would flow from Springfield to building.61 It was obvious they wanted the ends of the earth, and that White City the AG to move to Springfield. After Park would be dedicated to God’s work. Welch and Bell conferred with the Exec- Fourth, the intensity of the spiritual utive Presbytery, J. Roswell Flower was lives of the early Springfield Pentecos- authorized to oversee the move which tals set them apart from the world and was completed in June 1918.62 from other Christians. They encouraged The original two-story building had full consecration to Christ and His mis- 45 by 65 feet of floor space. The ground sion, they practiced biblical spiritual floor was used for the printing opera- gifts in a way that pointed people to tion. Rooms on the second floor were Christ, they viewed prayer as an essen- readily adapted for offices without the tial part of their lives, and they learned need for remodeling. Adjoining property to become dependent on God. was purchased later to permit expansion When Rachel Sizelove visited the of the plant. Growth came so rapidly Corum family in 1907, she knew that she that additions were made to the origi- was following God’s leading. However, nal building on five occasions until by The June 1934 issue of Word and she could not have imagined that she the late 1940s it became apparent that Work which told about Rachel was helping to lay the foundation for the larger facilities were needed.63 The print- Sizelove’s vision of the sparkling national offices, schools, and countless ing operation moved to 1445 Boonville fountain. ministries of the Assemblies of God, a

12 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 12 42 fellowship that would play a significant Corum and Bakewell, 126. Menzies, 261. 13Ibid., 158-159. 43Ibid. role in spreading the gospel to the ends 14Ibid., 168-169. 44Dorothy Watson, telephone interview by of the earth. 15Ibid., 124, 143. Glenn Gohr, March 7, 2015. 45 16“Show Boy Evangelist to Conduct Robert C. Cunningham, “An Unforgettable Meetings,” Springfield Daily Republican, New Year’s Prayer Meeting,” Pentecostal March 29, 1908, 4. Evangel, December 31, 1978, 10-11. Glenn W. Gohr, 46 17 Frank Bartleman, How Pentecost Came to M.Div., is the Corum and Bakewell, 128-133; Harry E. Bowley, “The Great Ozark Mountains Revival,” Los Angeles: The Story Behind the Azusa Street Reference Archivist Assemblies of God Heritage 2:2 (Summer Revival (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing 1982): 1, 3. House, 2017), 94. at the Flower 47 18Corum and Bakewell, 134-140, 169-170. Amy Louise Wood, Lynching and Spectacle: Pentecostal Witnessing Racial Violence in America, 1880- 19L. F. Martin, undated history of Central Heritage Center. 1940 (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Assembly of God, 2-3. Press, 2009), 3. 20 Ibid., 4. Gerard J. Flokstra, Jr., “The History 48Kimberly Harper, White Man’s Heaven: of Central Assembly of God, Springfield, The Lynching and Expulsion of Blacks in the Missouri,” 1983. Southern Ozarks, 1894-1909 (Fayetteville, AR: 21Fred Corum, “A Sparkling Fountain for the University of Arkansas Press, 2010). Whole Earth,” Word and Work 56:6 (June 49Corum and Bakewell, 125-126. The identity Darrin J. Rodgers, 1934): 12; Sizelove, “A Sparkling Fountain of the street preacher in Joplin is unknown. for the Whole Earth.” M.A., J.D., is However, street preaching was a common 22Ibid. method of evangelism used by Parham’s director of the Apostolic Faith Movement. Parham himself 23Ibid. Flower Pentecostal was reported to have preached to hundreds of 24Corum and Bakewell, 179. people on the streets of Joplin. The Apostolic Heritage Center. 25Ibid. Faith (Houston, TX), December 1905, 13. 50 26Corum, “A Sparkling Fountain for the Whole Corum and Bakewell, 125-126. Earth,” 12; Sizelove, “A Sparkling Fountain 51Henry G. Tuthill, “Apostolic Faith Revival,” for the Whole Earth.” Springfield Daily Republican, March 28, 27Corum and Bakewell, 113. 1906, 5. 52 28Lillie Corum, “How a Handmaiden of the Corum and Bakewell, 111. Lord Kept the Army in Rank,” Word and Work 53James Goff, Fields White Unto Harvest: NOTES 56:7 (July 1934): 2. Charles F. Parham and the Missionary Origins 29Ibid., 1. of Pentecostalism (Fayetteville, AR: University of Arkansas Press, 1988), 169-170. Parham 30Corum and Bakewell, 164. had many followers along the Kansas-Missouri 1 The most significant account of the early 31Ibid., 163. border, with churches in Joplin, Missouri, and Pentecostal revival in Springfield is: Fred Galena, Baxter Springs, and Keelville, Kansas. 32George O. Wood, “Assemblies of God T. Corum and Hazel E. Bakewell, The 54Goff, 101-104, 153. Parham regularly Sparkling Fountain (Windsor, OH: Corum & Springfield History,” video, accessed March 5, 2018, https://vimeo.com/102969428. The distinguished himself from other Pentecostals Associates, 1989). The account, authored by by repudiating Azusa Street and emphasizing two participants in the revival, siblings Fred grove of trees where Amanda Benedict prayed is also the spot where a young George O. Wood his doctrine of annihilation. See, for instance: Corum and Hazel Corum Bakewell, was largely St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 7, 1912, 2. based on earlier writings. Fred Corum (1900- (who later became general superintendent 1982) was a graduate of Drury College (A.B., and also served for a time as interim pastor 55Howard A. Goss and W. Fay Carothers 1922) and Harvard Law School (L.L.B., 1926; of Central), after finishing his paper route, gathered many former Parham supporters J.D., 1969). He had a law practice in the Boston would practice preaching when the sanctuary into their new organization, which carried area for over 55 years. Hazel Bakewell (1897- was under construction. the Apostolic Faith name until 1910 or 1911, 1990) was a graduate of Central Bible Institute 33The Daily Advertiser (Aurora, MO), April when it was renamed Church of God in Christ. (1926) and Southwest Missouri State Teacher’s 25, 1925; The Daily Advertiser (Aurora, MO), The group apparently disbanded in 1914 when College (1932). She lived in Springfield for April 27, 1925; Amanda Elizabeth Benedict, most of its leaders joined the AG. most of her life and taught piano. certificate of death #12224. Missouri State 56Goff, 106. 2Windows into Central’s 100 Years of Ministry Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 57 1925. Corum, “A Sparkling Fountain for the Whole (Springfield, MO: Central Assembly, 2007), 8. Earth,” 1. 3 34Stanley H. Frodsham, “The Romance of Corum and Bakewell, 1-2. 58“Show Boy Evangelist to Conduct Meetings.” 4 the Gospel Publishing House,” Pentecostal Ibid., 1. Evangel, April 9, 1927, 3. 59William W. Menzies, Anointed to Serve 5 Ibid. 35Linda Leicht, “Prayer Warrior’s Testimony (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1971), 122. 6Ibid. Leads Man on a Mission,” Springfield News- 60“Unsung ‘Builder’ of City Reaches End of 7Rachel Sizelove, “Autobiography: A Sketch Leader, June 9, 2007, 2C. 36Corum and Bakewell, 166. Long Trail,” The Daily News (Springfield, MO), of My Life,” unpublished manuscript, 1925; June 19, 1949, D-1. Corum and Bakewell, 1-2, 54-63. 37 Ibid., 194. 61 8 Ibid. Rachel Sizelove, “A Sparkling Fountain for the 38Ibid., 190-191. 62Edith L. Blumhofer, The Assemblies of Whole Earth” N.p.: n.p. [193?]. tract; Corum 39 and Bakewell, 2, 113-121. Ibid., 191. God: A Chapter in the History of American 9 40Susan Atteberry, “Memories from Baseball’s Pentecostalism, Volume 1 (Springfield, MO: Corum and Bakewell, 122. Gospel Publishing House, 1989), 239. 10 Past,” Springfield Leader & Press, June 9, Ibid., 122-127. 1983, 1C. 63Menzies, 123. 11 Ibid., 124-125; Windows into Central’s 100 41Menzies, 261; General Council Minutes, Years of Ministry. 1945, 27-29.

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 13

A History of Bible Quiz in the Assemblies of God

By Robert Carter and Ruthie Edgerly Oberg

or over 50 years, teenagers in countless Assemblies of and NBC television networks with Allen Ludden (later of Pass- God (AG) congregations have hit buzzers, lit lights, and word fame) and Robert Earle as the quizmasters.3 That show Fdug deep into their memory banks for answers in a true spawned dozens of local television quiz programs for high battle of brains. Unlike many quiz or game shows, the focus is schools, some of which continue to this day. “Quiz bowl” or on Scripture. “scholar’s bowl” is widely played as a school activity much Bible Quiz has been a part of AG Christian education since like sports teams. the early 1960s. Teams of quizzers strive to memorize portions Owing to the popularity of quiz programs in the broader cul- of the New Testament each year, and then recall answers based ture, many church youth groups began having their own infor- on those verses under pressure of time and mal quiz matches as aids in gaining biblical competition. Teen Bible Quiz became a knowledge. Ralph Harris, first director of national Assemblies of God ministry in Bible Quiz is a the National Christ’s Ambassadors (C.A.) 1963, followed in 1975 by Junior Bible Department, recalled that district youth Quiz for elementary school children. proven, effective leaders requested formulation of a standard Bible memorization has always been means to instill for the Bible quiz competitions that were a core discipline in Assemblies of God God’s Word into the springing up among local churches.4 In Christian education. Children and youth next generation. 1960, responding to these appeals, the C.A. have frequently memorized Bible verses Department published a standard rule book in Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and study guide for use in local churches, children’s church, Christ’s Ambassadors —Doug Clay Action in Acts. The study guide, which in- (now National Youth Ministries), Mis- cluded suggested questions and a chapter- sionettes (now National Girls Ministries), by-chapter analysis of the book of Acts, and Royal Rangers. This commitment to planting Scripture in was written by Nicholas Nikoloff, chairman of the Department the hearts and minds of young people arises from the convic- of Bible at Central Bible Institute and former general superin- tion that the Word is God is divinely inspired and authoritative tendent of the Assemblies of God in Bulgaria. This early rule in faith and life. book allowed for participation by quizzers between the ages of 12 and 19 and encouraged competition between local churches Teen Bible Quiz in sections, culminating in a final quiz at the district level.5 The C.A. Department noted positive responses to the release Origins of Action in Acts in its report to the 1961 General Council and Assemblies of God Bible Quiz has its roots in a similar began making plans to expand the program.6 When Owen Carr effort by Youth for Christ (YFC), an evangelical ministry to became the national secretary of the C.A. Department in 1962, young people.1 YFC had been holding local, regional, and na- it fell to him to begin the process. In an interview, he recalled, tional teen talent and Bible quiz competitions since about 1949 when Youth for Christ leader Jack Hamilton started a high I was the district youth director—they called them school “Bible Club” in Kansas City.2 That competition, in turn, D-CAP [District Christ’s Ambassadors President] back was based in large part on popular television quiz shows from then—in Kansas from 1953 to 1958, and a number of the 1950s and 1960s. The game format is similar to the pro- the districts had Bible Quiz. Then in 1962 I became gram, G.E. College Bowl, which ran for many years on CBS head of [what became known as] the National Youth

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 15 Department, and I said, “This sion of the General Council, during a the generation coming of age in the 1960s should be a national program.” night when youth ministries were fea- was experiencing pressure to accom- Before that, each district picked tured at the biennial convention. modate to the values of the surrounding their own book of the Bible and A large electronic scoreboard stood society. In addition, leaders were aware wrote their own questions, had behind the quiz teams, and a crowd of that other revival movements that started their own rules, and it was not about 5,000 looked on as Lee Shultz— strong seemed to fall back into spiritual organized at all.7 who later became the announcer and complacency and worldliness—some- producer of the “Revivaltime” radio thing that Assemblies of God leaders In 1963 the C.A. Department re- broadcast—presided as the quizmaster. wanted to avoid. ceived permission from the executive Carr recalled that Shultz unwittingly In 1963, the C.A. Department called presbytery to take quizzing beyond the became the person that the crowd sided for a national youth convention, some- district level and conduct national com- against—thanks to an incident early in thing that had not been done in almost petitions.8 The first book chosen for the championship game. twenty years. This youth convention study was Luke, and the first national “Early in the game, the moderator would include anointed preaching, prayer, a Teen Talent search, and the national Bible Quiz tournament. The stated purpose of the convention was to

Strike at the heart of our youth with a challenge to perpetuate Pentecost by a personal experience—to challenge them to a life of dedication, a life of self- sacrifice, and seeing the work of God carried forward with Pentecostal fervor.15

A primary goal of the Bible Quiz Contestants, quizmaster and judges are in place for the final competition of program from its beginning was “the the national C.A. Teen Bible Quiz teams, August 1965. revitalization of the next generation of leaders within the Assemblies of God.”16 quiz tournament, using questions from ruled one of the students incorrect, and Believing firmly in the power of Scrip- writer Stan Walters, took place at the the young man said, ‘I’d like to chal- ture to transform lives, C.A. leaders 1963 General Council in Memphis, Ten- lenge that.’ The crowd hushed, and the sought to implant the Word of God in nessee.9 Initially the ministry’s name judges then ruled that he was correct. Ev- the coming generation of students. Bible was Teen C.A. Bible Quiz. It has also erybody cheered, and from then on they Quiz was one of the tools they used to been called Bible Quiz and Teen Bible were all cheering for the kids against that accomplish this goal. Quiz (TBQ). mean old quizmaster,” Carr said.12 The first national championship The first national champions were Early Writers, Buzzers, and Books tournament included eight teams, each from Bouldercrest Assembly in Atlanta, In the early years, the challenge of of which had won its regional champi- Georgia.13 The congregation went on to writing questions for official competi- onship.10 It was strictly a single-elimi- win the title two more times in the 1970s tions fell to several different writers. nation bracket playoff, or sudden-death and continues to be active in Bible Quiz During the 1960s and 1970s, writers in- tournament, where each team is imme- as Evangel Community Church in Snell- cluded Donald F. Johns, Kermit Jeffrey, diately eliminated from the competition ville, Georgia.14 G. Raymond Carlson, Anthony Palma, after one loss.11 Most of the quiz matches Verne MacKinney, George O. Wood, these players had experienced prior to The Motivation Behind George Edgerly, and Brenton Osgood. the national competition took place be- the Ministry Several of these writers also prepared fore a handful of spectators in a Sunday As the Assemblies of God looked the study guides for teams to use in their school room. Now they were competing toward its fiftieth anniversary in 1964, personal study and church practice. Edg- for the opportunity to quiz in the final there was concern that the church’s erly began writing the individual quizzer match, to be held during a plenary ses- growth was beginning to slow and that study guides in 1975, and he continued

16 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 to do so until 1999. Students of that era associated Edgerly’s name with national Bible Quiz, which earned him the title “Father of Bible Quiz,” although he was not directly involved in its beginnings. Electronic buzzer systems were not readily available in an affordable, portable form in the 1960s. To assist churches in determining which quizzer was first in responding to a question, in the 1960 Action in Acts study guide, the national C.A. Department included hand-drawn instructions for creating a simple bell/ buzzer device using materials roughly totaling $7.00 from Sears & Roebuck stores.17 In this system, quizzers raised their hands (covered with a colored glove) when they pressed a manual buzzer. The task of determining which quizzer was first to the buzzer fell to a specific judge. In 1970, a portable device called “The Judge” became widely popular among quiz teams. “The Judge” was a briefcase with red and green lights on the front and cables attached to buzzer pads coming out either end. The device became synonymous with Bible Quiz itself. Except for the replacement of the Gospel of Luke with the Gospel of Mark, the Scripture material has remained relatively consistent for more than 30 years—a Gospel or Acts in one year, alternating with two or more epistles in the next, over a nine-year cycle.18 Books In the beginning years of Bible Quiz the C. A. Department distributed covered in the current nine-year cycle this diagram for creating a simple handmade bell/buzzer device for are: 1) Acts; 2) Galatians, Ephesians, Bible quizzing. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon; 3) Mark; 4) I and II Corinthians; 5) John; ings in odd-numbered years and met Dome. National quiz meets have been 6) Hebrews, I and II Peter, Jude; 7) Mat- separately in even-numbered years. In held across the country from California thew; 8) I and II Thessalonians, I and II 1986, when Teen Talent became Fine to Maryland. Timothy, Titus, I, II, and III John; and 9) Arts Festival, the festival played host to Quizzers experience their first taste Romans and James. both events. However, both ministries of competition in their local church With this schedule, it is not unusual experienced such growth that by the among members of their own team. They for a quizzer to finish his or her quizzing mid-1990s they returned to their origi- then have opportunity to hone their skills career having memorized thirteen to fif- nal practice of holding separate events against other teams in their section as teen books of the Bible in their entirety. on different dates.19 The 1997 national each team prepares for the annual district Bible Quiz finals in Indianapolis was the quiz tournament. Teams then advance Competitions last to be held in conjunction with Gen- from district competition to regionals. The National Bible Quiz tournament eral Council. It was located at suburban The top four teams in each of the eight and Teen Talent continued to be held in Lakeview Temple, several miles away regions are invited to the national tour- conjunction with General Council meet- from the main Council site at the RCA nament, in addition to eight wild-card

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 17 Members of the 1963 Bible Quiz championship team from Bouldercrest AG, Atlanta, Georgia (l-r): Ronnie Pruett, Pastor Eugene Gustafson and Mrs. Gustafson (coaches), Rusty Laurens (in front), Scott Laurens, Mrs. Brenda Gregg, Barbara Gregg, and George Bates. teams from across the entire nation, lead- volved at the ministry’s peak in the which covers roughly a single chapter ing to the event’s unofficial nickname of 1990s, according to Bernie Elliot, who each month of the season, with no re- “The Final 40.” The national tournament has been involved in the Bible Quiz view of the previous month’s material, now runs for five days, with several ad- ministry since coaching his first team in easier questions, and no end-of-season ditional events such as a “quoting bee,” 1977 at a small church near Syracuse, playoffs. The new league, first used na- where contestants must quote a verse (in New York. He has served as the Bible tionally in 2014, has already resulted in later stages, two or three) perfectly in a Quiz National Coordinator since 1999.21 new teams in many churches. set time span that decreases as the event Bible Quiz now numbers more than During almost all of its history, Bible moves toward its end. 600 teams. While an increasing number Quiz eligibility rules restricted teams While the Scripture portions have re- of extracurricular activities have cut into from churches outside the AG. While mained largely the same, the questions participation from the ministry’s peak, non-AG churches were allowed to quiz for competition have become increas- that trend has reversed in recent years. in local and sectional meets, they could ingly difficult.20 In the early days, an an- Bible Quiz leaders have been working to advance only as far as district playoffs. swer which came from two consecutive promote the ministry by holding coach They were later allowed to go to regional verses was considered quite challeng- seminars at youth conventions, Bible finals tournaments. That policy ended in ing. Today, a question which requires a Quiz retreats, and outreaches at camps 2016 when Atlanta Tamil Church (Nor- quizzer to perfectly quote a seven-verse across the nation. Elliot also guest lec- cross, Georgia) became the first non-AG section is not unheard of at Nationals, tures in AG colleges and universities team to compete at the national finals. and it is usually answered correctly by to promote biblical literacy through the a handful of elite quizzers—though it is ministry of Bible Quiz.22 This outreach Recognition and Awards done at a high speed which tests the abil- has been an important means of promot- Over the years, several Assemblies ity of judges to clearly hear each word ing the ministry, as many AG youth min- of God colleges and universities began as quizzers attempt to finish within the isters are unfamiliar with Bible Quiz. to offer scholarships to top quizzers at 30-second time limit. It is a feat which In an effort to increase participa- the district, regional, and national levels. still inspires huge applause from fans tion and to get as much thorough Bible An endowment fund was established to gathered to watch two teams battle it knowledge to as many teens as possible, provide additional scholarships for top out for the championship, even as eas- National Youth Ministries has added teams at the national Bible Quiz finals; ier questions did in that first 1963 title competition levels specifically for mid- those scholarships can be applied to any match in Memphis. dle-school students, with less material institution of higher learning and may Participation increased through the covered at a time. Likewise, a new “Ex- accumulate over multiple years. Quizz- years, with more than 1,000 teams in- perience League” has been established ers with multiple appearances at the na-

18 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 tional finals have earned scholarships remembered Brechtel interrupting him The idea was presented to the joint ranging from $4,000 to $5,000. The total and saying, “I don’t want something for committee of Church School Literature amount awarded to quizzers in 2017 was teens. And I don’t want it over just one editors and Sunday School Department $30,000.23 book of the Bible. I want a ministry that consultants, which expressed several Bible Quiz also introduced new chal- will help children learn the names of the concerns. Would promoting competi- lenges designed to take quizzers’ memo- books of the Bible, how the Bible came tion among elementary age students rization efforts to the next level. In the to be, and what it teaches. And it should introduce a “little league syndrome” to 2000s, a National Memorization Award be written to the child’s level of ability Bible study? Would memorization be was introduced, which requires that the to understand its great truths.” Edgerly accompanied by an emphasis on appli- Scripture portion in use that season be recalled responding, “That’s a great idea. cation? Would participation in quizzing quoted a full chapter at a time, with four When I find time I’ll try to develop your isolate students from other ministries of mistakes or fewer per chapter. concept.”25 the church? When that award was achieved by Just a few months later, Edgerly With these concerns in mind, the many quizzers (and even some coaches was invited to join the National Sunday committee approved the preparation of and adult officials), an even tougher lev- School Department in Springfield, Mis- a set of questions with the understand- el—the Master Memorization Award— ing that competitive quizzing between was introduced. It requires the entire churches would not be promoted by the Scripture portion to be quoted at one national office. JBQ was designed to sitting within a specified time limit and supplement the basic biblical concepts fewer than a set number of errors. For in- and doctrines taught in other children’s stance, the 2016/2017 award for quoting ministry programs rather than competing the entirety of Galatians, Ephesians, Phi- with them.26 lippians, Colossians, and Philemon had a 45-minute limit with no more than five Developing a Pentecostal mistakes. Thirty-eight quizzers achieved Catechism this distinction in 2017.24 The questions and answers for the The Discipleship Award provides Bible Fact-Pak, the source of JBQ match balance to the competitive aspects of questions to this day, was developed by Bible Quiz by encouraging quizzers to Edgerly, along with Ralph Harris and develop their Christian walk. Rather Children’s Ministries Consultant Ron than focusing on memorization or points Clark. The trio wrote more than 800 scored during quiz matches, recipients questions, covering important events, of this award must read the AG position persons, and places in the Bible, and the paper on the baptism in the Holy Spirit, George Edgerly, circa 1970. major doctrines of Christianity and the perform community service, write an es- Pentecostal movement. The doctrinal say on spiritual disciplines, and incorpo- souri. In a brief hallway conversation, questions were based on concepts from rate fasting and prayer into their regular Edgerly discovered that Ralph Harris, the Statement of Fundamental Truths, schedules, among other requirements. editor-in-chief of Church School Litera- Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible by ture, had been tossing around a similar Myer Pearlman, and Bible Doctrines Junior Bible Quiz idea. Together they brainstormed ways by P. C. Nelson.27 The Fact-Pak also in- to adapt the Teen Bible Quiz program for cluded 84 quotation questions requiring Beginnings quizzers in second through sixth grades. perfect recitation of Bible verses in the The Bible Quiz ministry grew great- Their goal was to choose a broad range King James Version (KJV). From these ly in the 1970s with the advent of an of material that would serve as a “Pen- submitted questions, 576 were chosen— elementary school version called Junior tecostal catechism” and would reinforce a number based on how many 1½ by 3 Bible Quiz (JBQ). In the fall of 1972, what the children were already learning inch cards could fit on 24 sheets of card- Bob Brechtel, an Evangelical Covenant in Sunday school, children’s church, stock for printing. Checking the ques- Church layman, came to George Edgerly Missionettes (now National Girls Min- tions for doctrinal issues was assigned to in the office where he served as Iowa istries), Royal Rangers, and vacation then-Assistant General Superintendent D-CAP to ask him about Bible Quiz. Bible school. They also wanted to make G. Raymond Carlson, who later became Edgerly told him what the Assemblies of it accessible for parents to use for Bible general superintendent.28 God had been doing since 1963. Edgerly teaching at home. Questions and answers were inten-

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 19 tionally structured to aid in understand- nations also made use of the Fact-Pak, it ing difficulty: Discoverer, Searcher, ing biblical concepts. Rather than us- continued to be printed in both KJV and Achiever and Master seals. The Master ing a question that stated, “Quote the NIV for several years. By 2010 the de- seal required 59 out of 60 correctly- seventh commandment,” the question mand for KJV became low enough that answered, randomly-selected questions asked, “Which commandment protects further production was discontinued.33 from the Bible Fact-Pak. In succeeding the sacredness of marriage,” helping The questions have seen a few minor years, two more levels of difficulty were the quizzer to understand the concept changes—mostly the updating of lan- added: Bible Quoter, which required of adultery. Even the numerical order of guage (for example, “Holy Ghost” was perfect quotation of the 95 Quotation the questions was intentional. The ques- changed to “Holy Spirit”) and adjusting Questions (increased from the original tions about Bible stories were arranged questions due to the change from KJV to 84), and Bible Excellence, requiring 571 in biblical order, and questions about NIV—but the vast majority of the origi- out of 576 correct answers completed in Bible doctrines were often followed by nal questions by Edgerly, Harris, and one sitting without a break. As of 2017, a question about a Bible story that illus- Clark are still used today. more than 5,000 people have completed trated the concept.29 The writers chose Instead of a box of red, white, and the Master Award.36 The Master Seal program made participation possible for children who did not attend a church with a JBQ program or who did not enjoy or learn well in a competitive environment. JBQ has also been able to achieve its goal of complementing other children’s ministries. JBQ questions are included in the AG’s Radiant Life Sunday School curriculum, from Primary through Pre- Teen levels. The Fact-Pak is used in children’s church gatherings and vacation Bible schools, separate from the official JBQ program. National Girls Ministries and Royal Rangers award JBQ and Bible Quiz merit badges for participation in the program. Require- ments for the badges include competing easily-understood language and defined blue (later changed to white, yellow, on a team, scoring 500 points over a quiz terms like “redemption,” “justification,” and green) cards, spiral-bound books career, three quiz-outs (accomplished “sanctification,” and “vicarious atone- are typically used today (although cards by answering six correct questions in a ment” on a third-grade reading level.30 are still available), and sets of questions given match), and earning the Searcher The first printing was completed in for practice or for competition can be seal in the Master Award program.37 The November 1975, with question cards generated online at a dedicated website, Children’s Ministries Department also of graded difficulty in red, white, and biblefactpak.com. The Bible Fact-Pak included JBQ questions in its Fire Bible blue to correspond with the American has also been translated into numerous for Kids devotional books.38 Bicentennial.31 To keep costs low, Edg- languages,34 it is used for Bible quizzing While it was agreed that the national erly printed the question cards, which in other countries,35 and it has become offices in Springfield would not promote came to be known as the “Bible Fact- part of the Bible curriculum for many JBQ quizzing between churches, noth- Pak,” on a printing press in his garage. homeschooling families. ing prevented districts from doing so. It was introduced to the District Sunday In March 1978, five teams from Min- School Directors in the March 1976 Competitions nesota, Illinois, and Iowa met at First conference.32 To curtail concerns about competi- Assembly of God in Des Moines for an In the late 1980s, as other Assemblies tions, JBQ questions were initially pro- informal quiz meet. After that meet, Dan of God ministry programs were making moted as an aid for individuals to mem- Rector of Minnesota and John Crabtree the switch in publication from the KJV orize Scripture. JBQ participants could of Illinois were asked by their districts to the New International Version (NIV), work toward Master Seal goals (now to organize JBQ on a district level; both it became necessary for JBQ to also known as the Bible Master Award), pro- district programs began in 1979.39 Many make the change. Because other denomi- gressing through four levels of increas- other districts followed suit, with each

20 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 into the minds and hearts of countless young people. Quizzers who are now in their 60s testify that much of what they learned in their quiz experience has stuck with them throughout life. For many, the lessons learned in Bible Quiz solidified their commitment to God and to the church. Bible Quiz also gives young people an opportunity to develop a positive at- titude during stressful times. They learn how to handle both victory and defeat in a supportive environment. Quizz- ers must learn how to process emotions and persist through difficulty, often using their own anxiety and the tension of Quiz team from Bethel Assembly, Quincy, Illinois at a special quiz meet in competition to their benefit. Learning Des Moines, Iowa, March 1978. to be gracious to a winning opponent in a match or to a quizmaster who has district writing its own rules based on ness in providing a basic introduction ruled an answer incorrect helps to build Teen Bible Quiz. In 1980, George Edg- to Bible doctrine in a fun and easily ac- positive behaviors in other areas of life. erly and Dan Rector wrote the first set cessible format, many non-AG churches The confidence gained from attempting of guidelines that began the process of have made it available and have par- something difficult and seeing it through standardizing JBQ meets.40 ticipated in quiz meets with Assemblies to completion prepares young people for In 1981, Dan Rector and Ken De- of God churches at the local, district, later success as they see tasks that seem voe of Wisconsin—both from the North regional, and national levels, including larger than their abilities. Central Region—organized the first re- First Baptist Church of Bowling Green, The teamwork encouraged by Bible gional meet. Other districts and regions Kentucky, which finished second at the Quiz helps youth to see the value of oth- wanted more interaction for their teams, National Festival in 2001.42 ers. A single quizzer cannot answer all leading to the first National JBQ Festi- Since its introduction, Junior Bible questions for a team; members must val in 1986, held in Rockford, Illinois. Quiz has gone on to surpass Teen Quiz learn to share the spotlight in order to The team from Forest Edge Church of in the number of participants. While re- maximize the team’s score. Social skills Columbus, Ohio, won the first national cords of participation are incomplete, gained in tedious practice sessions, on championship. The National Festival is JBQ is estimated to have more than 2,000 the long trips to meets, and in the match- still led by an independent committee teams with as many adult coaches and es themselves are invaluable for life. today, although the executive presby- quiz officials, and nearly 10,000 quizz- Quizzers often establish lifelong friend- tery of the General Council gave offi- ers in its official program. That is at least ships with those from their own team cial blessing to the festival in the mid- triple the current number of those taking and from other churches. 1990s.41 The National Festival has led part in Teen Bible Quiz.43 From sales of The memorization skills gained to additional cooperation between local, the Bible Fact-Pak in the United States, in Bible Quiz are also a major benefit. district, and national leadership and has it is estimated that over 300,000 children Training the brain to memorize and to set a standard for excellence in the JBQ have had the chance to learn the Bible in think quickly and critically has led to ministry. Approximately 80 teams attend this question and answer format.44 success outside of Bible Quiz. Quiz ex- the annual festival, which was held at perience lessens test anxiety and gives Calvary Church in Naperville, Illinois, Benefits of Bible Quiz confidence in mental abilities. Quizzers for most of the 1980s and 1990s. It has Now that Bible Quiz is approaching who perfect the art of “contesting” (pre- since been held in various locations. its 55th anniversary, we can look back senting an argument as to why a judge’s Barry Jorris has served as coordinator of on its history and see some of the ben- ruling is correct or incorrect) develop the festival since 2007. efits for those who have been involved rhetorical skills that serve them well in Junior Bible Quiz has also led to fel- in Teen Bible Quiz and Junior Bible public speaking and debate. lowship with churches outside the As- Quiz. The greatest benefit, perhaps, is Bible Quiz also provides opportuni- semblies of God. Because of its unique- that the Word of God has been implanted ties for adults to mentor quizzers. The

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 21 time invested by parents and coaches uating from Yale University and Har- ministry. For both Junior Bible Quiz and into their quizzers pays long-term divi- vard Law School,48 Rob Moore, member Teen Bible Quiz, the importance of the dends, especially when the coach is able of the Canadian parliament,49 and John coach relationship is vital to the growth to come alongside the parents and rein- Porter, former quizzer and coach who is of the quizzer. As George Edgerly was force the values being taught at home. now a vice president for IBM.50 fond of saying, “Most spiritual truth is Although winning tournaments is a better ‘caught’ than ‘taught’”54 and “It Life After Bible Quiz goal of the coach, National Bible Quiz isn’t enough to teach the lyrics of Chris- Bible Quiz participants frequently Coordinator Bernie Elliot is quick to tianity, we must also model how to carry go on to success in ministry and other state that the most successful coaches the tune.” Bible Quiz gives the oppor- careers, and many top quizzers from are those who have “a high percentage tunity for youth to become very close the early years have become Bible Quiz of students still in a strong relationship to an adult mentor who has a personal coaches, officials, and question writers, with Jesus years later.”51 Edgerly re- interest in their spiritual and intellectual continuing their involvement by men- called in 1989 that his first team in Gray, development. toring other quizzers. David Boyd was Iowa, never won a district meet. How- At George Edgerly’s funeral in 2016, a bus kid in Huron, South Dakota, who ever, he noted, “their efforts have come more than a dozen former quizzers, joined a Bible Quiz team that went to the to shake the world for Christ. One team ranging in age from late teens to mid- national finals. He now promotes JBQ member is a missionary to South Africa, 60s, took the microphone to share the in his role as the director of Children’s another to Tanzania. Two are married to lasting impact of their Bible Quiz coach Ministries and Boys and Girls Mission- pastors, and one is the wife of an Army on their lives. Similar testimonies have ary Challenge (BGMC).45 chaplain. Another is Office Coordinator arisen from quizzing programs across Bible Quiz is often a family affair, for the Africa field office in the Divi- the Assemblies of God. For over 50 with parents serving as either coaches or sion of Foreign Missions [now known years, Bible Quiz has helped to develop officials. Outside of the AG, perhaps the as Assemblies of God World Missions]. discipline and biblical literacy in count- most broadly known quizzing family is No, they never had a winner—but they less Assemblies of God youth—an in- the Wagner clan, Canadian natives who are winners.” Edgerly also mentioned vestment in the future which has yielded emigrated to Oklahoma. Competing for a 1969 letter from a helicopter pilot in eternal dividends. First Assembly of Owasso, the Wagner Vietnam that he carried in his briefcase brothers, Joshua, Jesse, and Daniel, won for many years. The pilot wrote, “Thank three national championships over four you for all the hours you spend with the Robert Carter, years and finished second in the fourth. quiz team. If it hadn’t been for my grasp a semi-retired But they are known outside of the Bible of the Bible, particularly the book of Ro- newspaper reporter, Quiz ministry for their successful run mans, I would have messed up my life a has served in on the Game Show Network program, couple of years ago.”52 various capacities “The American Bible Challenge,”46 in in the Teen and which they won the championship of the Bible Quiz in a Post-Christian Age Junior Bible Quiz second season in 2013. The family took Bible Quiz is perhaps more important ministries since their winnings—$140,000—and staged now than ever as biblical knowledge is 1986; he’s been the chief statistician crusades and missions throughout Cen- decreasing in America’s post-Christian for Teen Bible Quiz national finals tral and South America.47 culture. General Superintendent Doug since 1998. He attends Garywood Many other former quizzers and Clay believes the ministry is one of the Assembly (Hueytown, Alabama). coaches are involved in ministry all over best ways to promote biblical literacy the world, including at least four cur- among young people. “I am concerned rent members of the Executive Leader- that our children are growing up in a Ruthie Edgerly ship Team of the Assemblies of God: culture that undermines biblical values,” Oberg, an Doug Clay, Greg Mundis, Rick Dubose, Clay notes. “I encourage every church to Assemblies of and Jim Bradford, who was a two-time provide opportunities for young people God minister, is Minnesota state champion. Many are to learn the Word of God and to develop on staff at the missionaries, pastors, teachers, home- a healthy, biblical worldview. Bible Quiz Flower Pentecostal makers, and serve in scores of churches is a proven, effective means to instill Heritage Center. around the globe. Others have gone on God’s Word into the next generation.”53 She is the niece of to successful careers in secular fields, in- Bible Quiz is not merely a competi- Bible Quiz pioneer George Edgerly. cluding Rhett Laurens, an attorney grad- tion or a program—it is a mentor-based

22 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 21For several years, the national coordinator 38“Resources,” AGKIDMIN Junior Bible Quiz, of Bible Quiz was a full-time staff member accessed January 31, 2018, https://biblefactpak. NOTES of National Youth Ministries in Springfield, com/Home/About#resource. Missouri. When Elliot took the post, he based 39Dan Rector, “The History of the Junior Bible his work out of his suburban Pittsburgh home, Quiz Festival.” Essay, [ca. 2015]. Flower 1 Art Deyo, “Celebrating 70 Years of Youth For though he does not see much of it. Appearances Pentecostal Heritage Center. Christ,” accessed January 29, 2018, https:// at invitational tournaments, speaking 40 www.yfc.net/images/.../YFCs_History_by_Dr._ opportunities at churches and ministerial Ibid. Art_Deyo_-_Final_Version.pdf. meetings, and numerous other efforts keep 41Edgerly, “The Beginnings of Junior Bible 2Steve Asmuth, “Fine Arts, ‘Teen Talent’—A him on the road as he promotes both the teen Quiz.” History,” July 24, 2009. Typed manuscript. and Junior Bible Quiz ministry. Elliot, with his 42Larry Mullins, telephone interview by Ruthie wife Jeannie alongside to serve as a de facto 3“‘GE College Bowl’ Set for 10th Season on Oberg, January 17, 2018. assistant director, has now served longer than 43 TV,” Schenectady (NY) Gazette, August 8, any other national Bible Quiz director. Bernie Bernie Elliot, telephone interview, March 1967, TV Section, 12. Elliot, telephone interview by Robert Carter, 30, 2017. 4Ralph W. Harris, “History of the National March 30, 2017. 44“The Buzz,” Friday, June 12, 2015. Flower C.A. Department,” [197?]. Typed manuscript. 22Bernie Elliot, e-mail to Ruthie Oberg, January Pentecostal Heritage Center. 5Action in Acts. 17, 2018. 45David Boyd, e-mail to Ruthie Oberg, 6“Report of the Christ’s Ambassadors 23Bernie Elliot, telephone interview by Ruthie February, 14, 2018 Committee,” General Council Minutes, 1961, Oberg, January 16, 2018. 46Rita Sherrow, “Owasso Brothers on ‘American 74. 242017 Bible Quiz Nationals [program] Bible Challenge’ Well-prepared for Game 7Owen Carr, telephone interview by Robert (Springfield, MO: National Youth Ministries, Show Thursday,” Tulsa (Okla.) World, April Carter, April 25, 2017. 2017). 30, 2013, accessed April 26, 2017, http://www. tulsaworld.com/scene/tv/owasso-brothers- 8 25 “Notes For Our D-CAP’s,” October 1962; George Edgerly, “The Beginnings of Junior on-american-bible-challenge-well-prepared- Capsule, August 1963. Bible Quiz.” Typed manuscript, [ca. 2012]. for-game/article_d7b2d3ef-9990-5874-8ed9- 9“National Bible Quiz Finals - Official Question Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. f7d65b921384.html. 26 Writers,” accessed January 31, 2018, http:// Ibid. 47Tyler O’Neil, “Okla. Brothers Win American www.biblequiz.com/history/nationals/ 27George Edgerly, oral history interview by Bible Challenge; to Donate $140,000 Winnings question_writer.htm. Ruthie Oberg, February 29, 2016. to Missions,” The Christian Post, May 24, 10 Leland G. Shultz, “Teen Quiz Tournaments 28George Edgerly, “The Beginnings of Junior 2013, accessed April 26, 2017, http://www. Encourage Bible Study,” Pentecostal Evangel, Bible Quiz.” christianpost.com/news/okla-brothers-wins- March 1, 1964, 16. american-bible-challenge-to-donate-140000- 29George Edgerly, “Feedback on JBQ to Wayne 11“Nationals, 1963,” accessed February 1, 2018, winnings-to-missions-96626/. Murray,” no date. 48 http://biblequiz.com/history/nationals/1963/ 30 “Rhett H. Laurens,” accessed January 26, main.htm Ibid. 2018, http://www.lawyerdb.org/Lawyer/Rhett- 31 12Owen Carr interview. George Edgerly interview. Laurens/. 32 49 13“The Winners,” C.A. Herald, November Edgerly, “Feedback on JBQ to Wayne “The Honourable Rob Moore,” Members 1963, 8. Murray.” of Parliament, accessed May 25, 2017, http:// 33 www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/ 14“National Champions,” Biblequiz.com, Edgerly, “The Beginnings of Junior Bible Quiz.” The remaining stock of KJV materials members/Rob-Moore(17210)/Roles; “Harper accessed April 21, 2017, http://biblequiz.com/ Moves 10 in Cabinet Shakeup,” CBC News, history/nationals/team_champions.htm. were given free to missionaries requesting them, with the cost of shipping being paid by Boys January 19, 2010, accessed April 25, 2017, 15 C.A. Day Committee Minutes, [196? (pre- and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC). http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-moves- 1963)]. 10-in-cabinet-shakeup-1.761446. 34Edgerly, “The Beginnings of Junior Bible 16 50 C.A. Day Committee Minutes, [196?]; Quiz.” The Fact-Pak has been translated into Bernie Elliot, telephone interview, March “National Youth Conference,” C.A. Herald, French, Russian, Swahili, Spanish, Portuguese, 30, 2017. December 1963, 28. Mandarin Chinese, Lithuanian, and Braille, 51Chuck Goldberg, The BQ Interviews: Top 17Action in Acts. among others. Coaches Reveal Their Secrets for Getting Teens 18This was originally an eight-year cycle before 35Ibid. Into the Word! (Springfield, MO: National Youth Department, A/G Teen Quiz, 1997), 23; the additional books were included. 36 “Bible Master Awards,” AGKIDMIN Junior Bernie Elliot, e-mail to Ruthie Oberg, January 19 Jesse Segrist, “Fine Arts Festival: Fifty Years Bible Quiz, accessed January 31, 2018, http:// 19, 2018. of the Arts in Ministry,” Assemblies of God kidmin.ag.org/ministries/juniorbiblequiz/ 52 Heritage 33 (2013): 52. jbqbiblemaster. The Master Award does not George Edgerly, “Quizzers Shaking the World for Christ,” Pentecostal Evangel, April 16, 20Bernie Elliot, telephone interview by Robert have an age limit. Many adults have earned the award alongside their children. 1989, 19-20. Carter, March 30, 2017. TBQ used the King 53 James Version until the 1994-1995 season, 37“Girls Ministries Merit Requirements,” Doug Clay, e-mail to Darrin Rodgers, January when it switched to the New International accessed January 31, 2018, http://rmdc. 30, 2018. Version. TBQ and JBQ currently use the 2011 org/files/Missionettes/Reviews/Merit%20 54Edgerly, “Feedback on JBQ to Wayne New International Version. Badges%20Combined.pdf Murray.”

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 23 Alexander Vazakas portrait, circa 1940s. From Macedonia to Missouri: The Journey of Alexander Vazakas

By Matthew A. Paugh

hen Pentecostals look for inspiration from their his- Early Life in the Ottoman Empire: tory, they usually turn to the stories of the preach- Father’s Conversion and Its Aftermath ers, evangelists, and revivalists who have shaped Alexander Aristides Vazakas was born March 19, 1873, in W 1 their character. The movement has often neglected the impact Monastir, Turkey, to Aristides and Argyri Jeanellis Vazakas. of educators upon its identity, but these men and women have Located in southwestern Macedonia, Monastir existed as a city had a long-lasting influence. Dr. Alexander Vazakas represents of “competing nationalisms.” Its populace consisted of numer- one such teacher whose legacy continues to reverberate among ous overlapping ethnic groups, including Albanians, Bulgari- leaders of the Assemblies of God (AG). ans, Serbs, Slavs, Turks, Vlachs, and, of course, Greeks, such as Vazakas’s remarkable journey led him from Macedonia Vazakas and his family. Totaling approximately 50,000 people and, ultimately, to Springfield, Missouri, where he served as in the late nineteenth century, Monastir’s population encom- a professor at Evangel College. In his passed about 11,000 Muslims and 5,200 full life of ninety-one years, Vazakas Jews.2 The young Vazakas thus received served as a linguist, publisher, mission- Vazakas served as exposure to numerous cultures and lan- ary, Young Men’s Christian Association a linguist, publisher, guages during his formative years. (YMCA) secretary, mentor, philosopher, Vazakas’s ethnically diverse home and college professor. He spoke no less missionary, Young city thrived in the late 1800s as part of the than a dozen languages and taught college Men’s Christian Ottoman Empire. Due to the construction courses in at least eight of them. Association (YMCA) of roads and railways, it became an eco- Vazakas’s story connects with the AG secretary, mentor, nomic, cultural, and administrative center on several levels. His Spirit baptism expe- in the Balkans, and European countries rience in the early 1890s predates the To- philosopher, and began to open their diplomatic offices peka and Azusa Street revivals by at least college professor. there. Twelve consuls resided in Monastir a decade. After immigrating to the United between 1878 and 1913, and it took on the States, Vazakas ministered and mentored moniker “city of consuls.”3 among pastors in the Greek Original Apostolic Church, which One of these consuls changed the course of the Vazakas the AG recognized as its Greek Branch in 1953. Finally, in his family’s life. Alexander’s father Aristides practiced medicine later years, he became a member of the AG and taught at Evan- in Monastir, and the British general consul became his patient. gel where he influenced AG laity and clergy, including a young The elder Vazakas developed a friendship with the consul. One man named George O. Wood, now the former general super- day, the consul, a member of the Church of Scotland, asked intendent of the AG. From prison cells to the classroom, from Aristides if he had read the New Testament. Alexander recalled the Ignatian Way to the hallways of the academy, Alexander that the question caused his father embarrassment because “he Vazakas lived a life that combined a commitment to Spirit-led had studied almost everything else except that.” Aristides went living and academic rigor. home and began reading the New Testament.4

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 25 Reading the biblical text kindled Then, he died.8 “And my eyes are still going strong.”11 an excitement in Vazakas’s father, and As a result of legal complexities, he could not keep it to himself. He be- Alexander’s mother proved unable to “Formative Experiences”: gan talking to his patients about the in- secure claims to Vazakas family estates, Conversion and Acts sights he gleaned from Scripture. The and the government reportedly took pos- 2:4 Outpouring family home that doubled as his medi- session of the properties. With inheri- Vazakas completed his contract with cal office became a gathering place on tances gone, Mrs. Vazakas attempted to Metzger around the same time his sister Sundays for those who wanted to hear take over her husband’s medical prac- Eugenia graduated from high school. about “the wonders of the New Testa- tice. She saw patients in his office for She accepted a position as a teacher and ment.” The Sunday lectures attracted four years before another appropriately undertook responsibility for supporting Greek-speaking individuals from vari- licensed physician moved to the area.9 the family. This allowed Alexander to ous nationalities.5 Now that the family lacked an in- continue his own education. He moved With Aristides Vazakas’s fervor for come source, Alexander inherited the to Thessalonica, Greece, and enrolled in the New Testament came persecution. As burden to provide for his mother and high school. During these years, Vazakas the authorities gained awareness of the siblings. “Being left destitute,” Vazakas had what he called the “formative expe- meetings at the Vazakas household, they wrote, “I started my teaching career at riences” of his life.12 became suspicious. Even owning a New twelve [years old] in the Vardar Valley.” In Thessalonica, Vazakas connected Testament outside the official Ortho- Vazakas moved to an isolated area out- with the British general consul who had dox Church channels could be deemed side the town of Struminitza and became introduced his father to the Greek New illegal. Vazakas’s father found himself a tutor for the children of a German sta- Testament. After attending the consul’s in and out of prison for his Christian tionmaster named George Metzger. He church, Vazakas remarked, “For the proselytizing.6 sent his earnings back home to Monastir first time, I felt the presence of the Holy On at least one occasion, Alexander to support his mother and siblings. Spirit in a public meeting.”13 When he became a target of mistreatment due to Although he missed his family, went back to his room at the high school, his father’s activities. Near Alexander’s Vazakas developed a friendship with his Vazakas felt a “heavy conviction.” The schoolhouse lived two Turkish bandits employer. Metzger had studied archeol- overwhelming realization of his sinful- who opposed Christianity. As Alexander ogy and linguistics. Between the two of ness drove him to despair. He began to and a friend walked home from school, them, Metzger and Vazakas realized they beat his head against the stone wall and one of the bandits began throwing stones knew ten different languages. Together longed to die. Then, Vazakas declared, and yelling insults at them. Alexander they traveled the countryside, discussed “Christ revealed himself to me as the and his friend ran to a nearby Christian’s the nuances of languages, and even one who died for sinners, even the worst home and hid themselves in a trunk until dreamed of writing a dictionary with ten of sinners, and therefore for me. I saw a they deemed the threat had passed.7 different columns for their ten different vision of Jesus who said to me, ‘My boy Shortly after this altercation, Alex- languages.10 I love you. I died for you.’”14 ander’s mother appeared at the school During his time tutoring the Metzger This conversion experience, his first and made a dreadful announcement to children, Vazakas received word that formative experience, changed Vaza- her eight-year-old son: “We must leave an American family had moved to Mo- kas’s perspective on the New Testament. at once and go to Prilep, where your fa- nastir to continue the Christian work his Prior to his conversion, Scripture func- ther is dying.” On his way to settle an father had started. This news provoked tioned as a useful tool for learning new estate following an uncle’s death, Al- Vazakas’s interest in the English lan- languages, but now he felt compelled exander’s father encountered brigands guage. He read daily from the English to share it with others. Vazakas recalled who attacked him and left him naked New Testament and found the meaning going “up and down” Thessalonica’s and wounded in the snow. A shepherd of the words in his Greek Bible. Metzger portion of the Via Egnatia, the road that discovered him and somehow sent word opined that reading “that book” amount- the Apostle Paul traveled on his second to Alexander’s mother. Mother and chil- ed to a waste of time. He even warned missionary journey (Acts 16-17).15 He dren made the thirty-mile trek to Prilep Vazakas that the small print would ruin told business owners and anyone else where they found their husband and his eyesight. Later in life, Vazakas re- who would listen about his salvation father battling pneumonia. His condi- flected on his use of the New Testament: experience. tion deteriorated quickly, and a recent “I have found it valuable linguistically Within days, Vazakas had his sec- imprisonment exacerbated his decline. not only for the study of English, but ond formative experience. Proprietors Looking at his wife, Aristides cried out, for every other language. It has been my who heard Vazakas’s conversion story “My lioness, take care of the children.” basic study all these years.” He added, shared the account with a monk named

26 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 Barnabas. Barnabas lived in Giannitsa, a city about thirty miles from Thessa- lonica. Intrigued by the teenager’s testimony, Barnabas sent for Vazakas and invited him to Giannitsa to tell about his conversion. Vazakas readily accepted the invitation.16 When he arrived, Vazakas discovered that Barnabas had assembled a large crowd of apprentices and business owners. Vazakas related his conversion story, and when he finished, he prayed the words of Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (KJV). According to Vazakas, as soon as he spoke those words, “the power fell like bolts of lightning.” Barnabas began to “shout at the top of his lungs, ‘Eureka! I have found it!’” Young apprentices The Vazakas family, circa 1908. Standing (l-r): George(?) Theodoroff (son started “to weep and cry and ask for help of Eugenia), Eugenia Theodoroff (sister), and Alexander Vazakas. Sitting in to get saved.” Business owners who had front (l-r): Aristides (father) and Argyri (mother) Vazakas, and a sister (either not spoken to each other in years offered Aphrodite or Chryssa). forgiveness to their enemies and “vowed loyalty to Christ.” For his part, Vazakas cover if “any such thing ever happened and he covered his room and board ex- “found himself unable to speak except as in this country!”19 penses by sawing wood for the college the Spirit gave utterance.”17 furnace, pitching hay, milking cows, and The commotion became so loud that Initial Journey to America: gardening.24 During the summers, he townspeople gathered to see what had Early Education and traveled to classmates’s hometowns to transpired. Vazakas went to the balcony “Faith Adventure” preach and share experiences from his and addressed the crowd. The “words Traveling from Thessalonica through homeland.25 flowed like the water of a fountain” with France and England, Vazakas eventu- In his third year at Tabor, Vazakas “no effort or thought,” Vazakas recalled. ally boarded a boat for North America.20 underwent “a spiritual upheaval.” Vaza- For “several hours” he expounded God’s He disembarked in Canada and took a kas originally came to the United States word and explained the “whole plan of train to Chicago, arriving around Sep- with the goal of ascertaining if people in salvation.” The next day Barnabas took tember 15, 1892. In Chicago, he sought America had spiritual experiences like to the streets. The priest read from Acts out Paul Theodoroff, his future brother- those he had at his conversion and with 2:4 and announced, “This is what hap- in-law, who was enrolled at McCormick Barnabas in Giannitsa. However, he real- pened to us last night!”18 Theological Seminary.21 Theodoroff and ized that his ambitions had changed. He In the days following the events Vazakas’s sister Eugenia married and now desired to “get all the degrees pos- at Giannitsa, Vazakas began to suffer became naturalized citizens in 1893.22 sible.” Then “a crushing burden” came ridicule. The derision arose from “that At Theodoroff’s urging, Vazakas de- upon him. He sensed God summoning group who called themselves evangeli- cided to matriculate at Tabor College in him to abandon his ambitions and go to cals.” The evangelicals in Thessalonica Tabor, Iowa. “some obscure place” to help people find disparaged his conversion testimony, but Graduates of Oberlin College found- God. In his journal, Vazakas wrote, “Nil after his Acts 2:4 experience in Giannit- ed Tabor College in 1853.23 Vazakas nisi te, Domine” (i.e., “Nothing but you, sa, they became his “avowed enemies.” spent three years at the coed school O Lord”). Nevertheless, he had a heavy Amid “the bitter persecution” at the hand which was associated with the Congre- heart when he considered leaving the of evangelicals, Vazakas determined to gational Church. He paid his tuition by place he had grown to love. Many years travel to the United States in order to dis- teaching French and German classes, later, Vazakas declared, “I have not for-

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 27 Vazakas ministered to Greek immigrants through A. B. Simpson’s Gospel Taber- nacle. He provided the immigrants with lessons in the English language and gospel messages in the Greek language. The church basement served as Vazakas’s living quarters.31 While in New York, Vazakas applied and received acceptance to New York University (NYU). After reviewing his Tabor coursework, NYU allowed him to continue his studies exactly where he had left off before starting his “faith adventure.” He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1904.32 Vazakas then continued his education and graduated from Union Theological Seminary in 1906.33 Alexander Vazakas (center) sitting outside with two priests from the Vazakas desired to go even further in Greek Orthodox Church during the time he worked with the YMCA in his scholastic pursuits and enrolled in a the early 1920s. graduate program at Columbia Univer- sity. During these years, one of the more gotten the pain of that surrender to go America to help initiate their rebellion. bizarre episodes in Vazakas’s personal where? I did not know. To do what? I did The Turks determined that Vazakas “was life unfolded. On March 6, 1908, Vaza- not know. Like Paul’s call to Macedonia, the big shot,” and despite his protest, kas appeared before New York Supreme I heard, ‘Come over and help us!’”26 they took him into custody. Accord- Court Justice Frederick E. Crane with a So Vazakas left behind his ambitions ing to Vazakas, they pledged to release petition for a marriage annulment. Evi- of obtaining further degrees and his him if he would surrender his American dently, while ministering in Athens in dreams of becoming a college teacher, citizenship, but Vazakas refused. As a 1898, Vazakas married Luise Zenia, a and he departed for Greece. Before leav- result, Vazakas recounted, “I was sen- woman “twice his age.” According to ing, he preached in Topeka and Chicago tenced to die.” Vazakas’s testimony, Zenia offered to and acquired enough funds to pay his While in prison, he befriended an Ar- teach him German. After a few lessons, fare to New York, where he attended a menian. A boy would occasionally come Zenia hypnotized him, and five days Christian and Missionary Alliance Con- to provide food for Vazakas’s friend later he realized he had married her. vention conducted by A. B. Simpson. An and other Armenian prisoners. The Ar- Vazakas attested that he escaped his new “old lady” at the convention offered him menian friend instructed the boy to go wife’s influence by coming to the United sufficient money for his trip to Greece.27 straightaway to the American consul and States and that he had not seen her until Back in Greece, Vazakas devoted tell them that an American had mistak- she unexpectedly appeared in New York himself to pastoral and evangelistic enly been imprisoned. “Almost immedi- the prior year. She urged Vazakas to re- work in Athens and Piraeus for two ately,” Vazakas remembered, “the consul turn to Greece with her, but when he de- years.28 He returned to the United States arrived,” and after forcing the Turks to clined, she departed alone.34 In the end, for a brief period and became a natural- admit their mistake, the consul secured the judge refused to decree an annulment ized citizen on June 26, 1899, in Sidney, Vazakas’s release and helped him board due to insufficient evidence.35 Iowa.29 Then, he departed again for Eu- a boat direct to Piraeus, where he con- Although he did not realize his hopes rope, where he continued his ministry as tinued his “faith adventure” for two for receiving an annulment, Vazakas an evangelist. more years.30 continued to seek God, and during that A trip to minister in Constantinople same year, he associated with a Christian almost ended tragically. When Vazakas Back to America: group operating a Manhattan Bible train- arrived in the city, Turkish officials dis- Scholastic Endeavors ing school. Attending one of the group’s covered his passport and citizenship pa- and YMCA Work prayer meetings, Vazakas felt “trans- pers. Authorities had recently uncovered Vazakas felt God calling him to go ported to another realm.” “Suddenly,” an Armenian plan to revolt. Evidently, back to the United States, so in 1902, he narrated Vazakas, “my vocal chords the Armenians awaited a leader from traveled to New York City. For one year, were under the impulse of the blessed

28 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 Holy Spirit and words—wonderful volved an exchange with Greek Ortho- Willamette University, a private liberal words—poured from my lips. They were dox Archbishop Chrysostomos of Smyr- arts college in Salem, Oregon. On his unknown and unintelligible to me, but I na. The Archbishop sought to minister to way to commence his new teaching as- knew they were words which glorified the Greek army during the Occupation signment, Vazakas passed through San God.” Others at the meeting told Vaza- of Smyrna between 1919 and 1922. In Francisco and met “some Greeks who kas that he had experienced “the baptism a meeting with the Archbishop, Vaza- regularly in a private house had religious with the Holy Spirit.” Vazakas now had kas suggested that they distribute Greek meetings intended for a deeper spiritual a name for the phenomenon that he had New Testaments to the soldiers. Vazakas life.” Vazakas wrote, “Of course, such encountered more than a decade earlier recalled, “That really started something! things appeal to me so strongly.” with Barnabas the monk back in Giannit- ... The Greek Orthodox Bishop and the Thus, during his years at Willa- sa, Greece.36 Greek Protestant preacher were working mette, Vazakas spent several vacations Vazakas’s spiritual fervor did not together.”41 “near these Greeks who were seeking detract from his academic studies, and As he helped with reconstruction ef- a deeper spiritual life.” He prayed and he graduated with his Master of Arts forts in Greece following the War, Vaza- studied the Bible with them, but he also in Philosophy from Columbia in 1911. kas suffered an injury that resulted in a mentored their leaders and encouraged His master’s thesis explored “the will punctured lung. Because of his rebuild- them to pursue education. Vazakas re- to live.” He compared solutions offered ing work and his wound, the Greek gov- ferred to these San Francisco Greeks as by German philosopher Arthur Scho- ernment purportedly knighted Vazakas, “Primitives” because they incorporated penhauer, English philosopher Thomas and he became “Sir Alexander.”42 While “in the early thirties” as the “so-called Hobbes, and the Apostle Paul. He con- recuperating from his injuries, Vazakas ‘Primitive’ plus another word ‘Apos- cluded that Paul offers the most helpful traveled to southern France, and in Nice, tolic’ church.”47 In fact, this association solution with his emphasis on “the denial he met Ida Alleman. Vazakas married of Greeks became known as the Hellenic of self and the embodiment of that which Alleman on March 26, 1925, in Paris Protogonos Apostolic Ecclesia, or the represents the highest type of love, the before returning to the United States.43 Greek Original Apostolic Church.48 love of Christ.”37 Vazakas arrived in New York on April Once he arrived at Willamette, Vaza- During his time in New York, Vaza- 21, 1925.44 kas began teaching in September 1927, kas established a language school to Vazakas made his way to Chicago, and his wife Ida joined him in January teach English to immigrants and other where his first order of business in- 1928.49 He taught an array of courses. languages to English speakers. At the volved completing his doctoral studies. For example, his schedule for the Fall same time, his brother Alfred instituted He submitted his dissertation entitled 1941 semester included nine classes a similar school in Chicago. Following “The Greek of Acts 1:1-15:25” to the with sections in Latin, German, French, the completion of his thesis, the brothers New Testament Department at the Uni- Spanish, Greek, and Comparative Lit- switched locations. Alfred came to New versity of Chicago in September 1927.45 erature.50 He later added courses in Rus- York, and Alexander headed to Chica- The project combined his passion for sian.51 Just as he learned to read English go. In addition to running the school in languages and for Scripture. The faculty by comparing it to his Greek New Tes- Chicago, Vazakas established a printing approved the dissertation, and Vazakas tament, Vazakas continued to use the press. He published language textbooks graduated with his Doctor of Philoso- New Testament as a textbook for student and printed Christian tracts in Greek.38 phy degree the following spring. He had translation exercises.52 At one point, Vazakas himself wrote now obtained all the degrees that had Vazakas also focused on extracur- and published a textbook called Greek- filled his ambitions at Tabor. He thought ricular and spiritual activities on cam- English Grammar and Conversational he had surrendered all those aspirations pus. He sponsored the Spanish Club and Methods.39 when he followed God’s call to Macedo- the International Club, and he moder- When the United States entered nia, but “God gave me the desires of my ated debates. In addition, Mrs. Vazakas World War I in 1917, Vazakas put his heart,” observed Vazakas.46 became active as a regular participant at teaching and publishing endeavors on social events and sponsor of the French hold. He joined the YMCA and served as Professor Vazakas: Club. The college community sought an international secretary for France. His Teaching Around out Vazakas for his opinion on European charge included ministering to service the Country political developments due to his wide personnel west of Paris. After the war, With his dissertation completed, the travels and knowledge of cultures and Vazakas became a secretary in Greece.40 fifty-four-year-old Vazakas accepted a languages. Along with regularly speak- One of Vazakas’s most memorable position as Professor and Chair of the ing in chapel, Vazakas served as a faculty recollections as YMCA secretary in- Department of Modern Languages at mentor for the Devotional Club, the Col-

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 29 lege Wesleyans, and Intervarsity Fellow- went by various names including Inter- as a star” simply because they “stand ship. Moreover, he preached frequently cession Bible Training School, Interces- thundering behind a pulpit,” but within numerous Salem, Oregon, churches, sion City Biblical College, and Southern out proper study, they would proclaim especially among the Methodists.53 Wesleyan Biblical College.58 Vazakas “empty words and perform empty deeds His reputation as a scholar and stu- served the institute for one year, and dur- from an empty head.”60 As always, Vaza- dent supporter helped Vazakas become a ing that time, his wife Ida died after an kas emphasized both the head and the well-respected professor at Willamette. extended illness on October 26, 1953.59 heart. Spiritual fervency and academic “In Dr. Vazakas,” a school newspaper Following his wife’s death and his rigor could function together. article began, “the student body has a one-year stint in Florida, Vazakas re- genuine friend.” The writer went on to located to Overland Park, Kansas. Be- Later Years: Interactions describe Vazakas as “understanding, ginning the fall semester of 1954, he with the AG sympathetic, gentle, and very polite held a wide-ranging post as Professor While on his first Christmas break at with a sense of humor, subtle and philo- of Philosophy, Philology, Theology, KCCBS, Vazakas traveled to San Fran- sophical.” The professor walked briskly and Languages at Kansas City College cisco, California, where he had spent across campus wearing a Panama hat many past vacations. Over the past year, and kindly greeting passersby. The he had regularly corresponded with Nelle write-up ended with the conclusion that Reeder, one of his former students. A “Dr. Vazakas may rightly be considered 1942 graduate of Willamette, Nelle stud- a perfect gentleman.”54 ied Spanish under Vazakas and worked After seventeen years teaching in as a high school teacher in Rainier, Or- Oregon, Vazakas sensed God beckon- egon. Nelle met Vazakas in California, ing him to return to Greece. Just as he and they wed on December 23, 1954. had helped after the First World War, Rev. Nick A. Tounger performed the Vazakas desired to assist the rebuilding wedding ceremony at the Hellenic Pro- efforts in the aftermath of World War II. togonos Apostolic Ecclesia (the Origi- Vazakas retired from Willamette at the nal Greek Apostolic Church) in San end of the 1943-1944 academic year, Francisco. This church represented the and he set out for Greece. He preached outgrowth of the Greek home gather- there for one year, but when civil war ings designed “to seek a deeper spiritual erupted between the Greek government life” that Vazakas first encountered on army and communist insurgents in 1946, his way to Willamette in the late 1920s. Vazakas returned to the United States.55 By this time, however, the network of He could not help but go back to churches to which Tounger’s congre- teaching. In 1946, at age seventy-three, gation belonged had received recogni- Vazakas joined the faculty of Bethany tion as the Greek Branch of the AG by College in Lindsborg, Kansas, as a Pro- General Secretary J. Roswell Flower on fessor of Modern Languages.56 An af- Dr. Alexander Vazakas addressing August 14, 1953. Rev. Tounger held cre- filiate of the Swedish Lutheran Church, a philosophy class at Evangel dentials with the AG, and his congrega- Bethany promoted a large missions College, Springfield, Missouri, circa tion identified as an AG church.61 Thus, department in which Vazakas took par- 1963. his nuptials to Nelle represent Vazakas’s ticular pride. He called their missions first verifiable encounter with the AG.62 program “magnificent” and “world fa- and Bible School (KCCBS), an institu- After the wedding, Vazakas’s bride, mous.” In order to prepare missionaries, tion associated with the Church of God who was thirty-eight years younger Vazakas added Italian to his teaching (Holiness). Vazakas expressed frustra- than him, returned to Oregon to finish repertoire.57 tion with ministry students at KCCBS her teaching contract, and the groom Vazakas taught at Bethany for six who would show up late or miss class resumed his instructional duties at KC- years, and then, he departed Kansas to altogether. They claimed that “doing the CBS. The newlyweds reconnected in become dean of a small holiness institute Lord’s work” or “a burden of prayer” July of 1955 in Overland Park and em- in Intercession City, Florida. Opened in prevented them from coming to class. barked on a three-month honeymoon 1939 by the Household of Faith Mis- The seasoned professor called such ex- to Europe. Upon their return to Kan- sion, a Wesleyan Holiness denomination cuses “flimsy.” These preachers, Vaza- sas, Vazakas served at KCCBS until founded by Osie England, the school kas asserted, thought they would “shine May 1957.63

30 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 The summer gave rise to another in- with atomic armaments,” Vazakas ob- Pentecostal who welded the life of the teraction between Vazakas and the AG. served, “but what will save humanity is mind with the life of the Spirit and chal- The Greek Branch of the AG invited love, confidence, and faith.”70 lenged others to do the same.76 For these the professor to join them for their an- In his old age, Vazakas inspired reasons and more, Alexander Vazakas’s nual convention from June 30 to July 7, younger faculty members. As a twenty- story in all of its complexity deserves 1957, in San Jose, California. Vazakas two year old, Dr. Stanley M. Burgess to be heard and retold among Pentecos- served as the evening speaker for their was just beginning his career when he tals today. gathering. Gust A. Harbas, Secretary of became a Professor of History at EC. He the Greek Branch, reported, “Because of quips that Vazakas turned “aging into Images provided courtesy of the Al- his broad education and anointing of the saging” as he invested in future genera- bright College Archives. Holy Spirit, the convention was greatly tions. Burgess retains fond memories blessed.”64 of Vazakas as a “kind and gentle man” Vazakas brought his combination of upon whom one could “deeply sense the Matthew A. Paugh scholarship and anointing to Evangel Spirit of God.” A “high caliber teacher,” (M.Div., AGTS) College (EC) in the fall of 1958 when, Vazakas combined academia and spiri- is the pastor of at age eighty-five, Vazakas came to the tuality and did not sacrifice one for the St. Paul’s United fledgling AG liberal arts school as As- other. Because of this, Burgess declares, Methodist Church sistant Professor of German and Phi- “Students adored him.”71 in Oakland, losophy.65 Dr. Thurman Vanzant, who Among the EC students that Vazakas Maryland. served as head of the EC Department impacted was Dr. George O. Wood, the of Religion and Philosophy, remembers former general superintendent of the AG “excitement among the small, close-knit and 1962 EC graduate. Wood took Vaza- faculty and students that a new faculty kas for several philosophy courses and NOTES member with a Ph.D. had been added.”66 two years of German. Fifty-five years At that time, EC, which opened in 1955, later, Wood still quotes Vazakas in ser- 1 struggled “to attract persons with ad- mons and articles. One of Wood’s “take- Monastir is the present-day city of Bitola, the Republic of Macedonia. 67 vanced degrees” to its faculty. aways” from studying under Vazakas 2Dimitar Bechev, Historical Dictionary of the Because of his advancing age, Vaza- includes the differentiation between “‘in- Republic of Macedonia (Lanham, MD: Scarecrow, kas did not participate in faculty meet- formational’ or cognitive knowledge and 2009), 26-27; Stevan K. Pavlowitch, A History of the Balkans, 1804-1945 (New York: Routledge, 72 ings nor attend extracurricular activities. ‘relational’ or affective knowledge.” 1999), 146. 68 He focused on teaching. He and his Vazakas helped Wood to understand that 3Dalibor Jovanovski, “Redrawing State Borders: wife Nelle lived on the EC campus, and “the doorway to the Kingdom is through Prosperity to Poverty in Ottoman and Post-Ottoman Bitola (Monastir),” in Wealth in the Ottoman and she assisted him in the classroom. Nelle relationship” and that “cognitive knowl- Post Ottoman Balkans: A Socio-Economic History, had obtained her bachelor’s degree from edge is worthless in the Christian realm ed. Evguenia Davidova (New York: I.B. Tauris, 2016), 202. Willamette and a master’s degree from without affective knowledge.”73 4In this article, I rely heavily upon Alexander A. Drury College, and she received certi- When Vazakas died in his home on Vazakas’ unpublished autobiography, which is fication to teach French, German, and the EC campus at age ninety-one on Feb- preserved at the Albright College archives in the personal papers of his nephew, Byron Vazakas, Spanish in Oregon. As a result, Vazakas ruary 25, 1965, he left behind a legacy who was a nominee for the Pulitzer Prize for joked that EC benefitted from “two for that has important lessons for Pentecos- Poetry, 1947. Alexander Aristides Vazakas, planned the price of one.”69 tals. First, the narrative of his conversion autobiography, folder 32, Byron Vazakas Papers, Albright College, Reading, Pennsylvania. Vazakas As in his prior appointments, the and Spirit baptism in the early 1890s wrote, “The introduction of this marvelous book campus community sought Vazakas’s demonstrates that, although the classi- into my father’s life through this Scottish gentleman was revolutionary.” wisdom regarding world events. In his cal Pentecostal movement is rooted in 5Ibid. Alexander remembers that his father would later years, Vazakas enjoyed listening the early-twentieth-century Topeka and often say, “Just think! Other nations who have to Russian broadcasts on his shortwave Los Angeles revivals, the spiritual gifts studied the translation of this book which was written originally in Greek have become great, prosperous, radio. After hearing speeches from So- and manifestations associated with Pen- and wonderful, and we to whom these treasures of viet Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev, tecostals, including speaking in tongues, heaven were originally revealed know nothing of it.” Vazakas used a student newspaper inter- never fully “lapsed” in Christian his- 6“The Pentecostal Professor from Thessalonica,” Pentecostal Evangel, September 2, 1962, 6. view to encourage Evangelites to know tory.74 Second, warranted or not, Pente- 7Vazakas, autobiography, folder 32. other’s “language, history, and anthro- costalism has developed a reputation for 75 pology” in order to “understand them.” espousing an “anti-intellectual ethos.” Continued on page 51 “The greatest risk in the world now is Vazakas stands as an early example of a

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 31 D. W. Kerr, portrait, circa 1920s. Daniel Warren Kerr: Thinking, Speaking and Acting Scripturally

By P. Douglas Chapman

aniel Warren Kerr (1856-1927) possessed an indomi- Township, Hancock County, Ohio. She was the youngest of table ministry spirit.1 He was slight in stature and rath- nine children born to Paul Frederick Zeller (1820-1903) and Der shy, a man of few words who seldom indulged in Christina Barbara Koener Zeller (1819-1896). Her family was laughter, yet he stood as a giant among early Pentecostal lead- also active in the Evangelical Association. For more than forty ers.2 Kerr may be best-remembered for his pioneering leader- years, her father preached in German language congregations ship in the Assemblies of God, throughout Ohio and Michi- including his work in drafting gan.9 D. W. and Mattie were the Statement of Fundamental Kerr may be best-remembered for married on February 4, 1886.10 Truths. However, in his life- his pioneering leadership in the To this union were born two time, Pastor Kerr served the children, Jesse Zeller Kerr Lord within four evangelical Assemblies of God, including his (1887-1970) and Christine denominations. He functioned work in drafting the Statement of Idele Kerr (1891-1975). as a pastor, teacher, church Fundamental Truths. Kerr was licensed by the Il- planter, educator, conference linois Conference of the Evan- coordinator, musician, admin- gelical Association in 1886, istrator, missionary ambassador, fund-raiser, theologian, and spending the next four years ministering in rural Illinois.11 In apologist. Despite these enormous contributions, very little has the early 1890s the Evangelical Association experienced a de- been written about the life and ministry of this humble man who nominational split over the office of the bishop. Rather than join did so much for the cause of Christ.3 sides in the dispute, the Kerrs withdrew from ministry in early 1891, departed Illinois and returned to Mt. Cory, Ohio, Mattie’s Ministry in the Evangelical Association hometown.12 Daniel Warren Kerr was born May 13, 1856 in Potter Town- ship, Centre County, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of Ministry in the Christian And nine children born to Daniel (1802-1871) and Rebecca Rishell Missionary Alliance Kerr (1809-1865).4 His family was devoted to the Lord, with a In 1894, the Kerrs began an eighteen-year partnership with long history of ministry in the Evangelical Association, a small A. B. Simpson and the Christian and Missionary Alliance Wesleyan denomination with German-American roots, begin- (CMA) to promote the speedy evangelization of the world, ning in 1806.5 where D. W. served as a pastor, evangelist, and conference In 1874, Kerr graduated from the Cumberland Valley State speaker. Their association with the CMA proved to be a benefi- Normal School.6 By 1880, he was living and working on a farm cial relationship for all parties—the Kerrs’ ministry flourished in Florence, Illinois with his sister Susan Kerr Reifsnyder and in ways previously unimaginable, and the scope of the CMA her family.7 In March 1883, D. W. enrolled at North-Western was greatly expanded. Formerly, the Kerrs’ ministry was con- College in Naperville, Illinois, where he studied for the minis- fined largely to the western wilderness and central farmlands try and met his future wife.8 of Illinois; now they would be engaged in ministry across the Matilda “Mattie” Zeller was born in July 1860, in Union industrial heartland of America. Formerly, they were employed

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 33 in circuit ministry among small isolated their Beulah Park ministry was the Sum- five official conventions” throughout congregations; now they would min- mer Home and Bible School, which was Ohio in 1902.29 ister before thousands. Formerly, they conducted over a three-month period. labored in relative obscurity; now they “Designed as a retreat for rest, Chris- The Missionary Church would serve side-by-side with national tian fellowship, Bible study and spiri- Association church leaders. tual help,” the school offered three daily Though no longer affiliated with the lectures on important Bible topics.16 The Evangelical Association, Kerr retained a Ministry at Beulah Park Kerrs took an active role in this Bible passion for ministry within the German- The focal point of the Kerrs’ minis- school, teaching Bible classes and train- American community. He joined thir- try within the CMA was Beulah Park, in ing in practical ministry.17 teen other men, all of German extraction, Cleveland, Ohio, located on the shores to establish The Missionary Church As- of Lake Erie. For at least sixteen sum- Regional Ministry sociation, in 1898.30 Kerr had an active, mers, “Father” and “Mother” Kerr were As a result of his ministry at Beulah fourteen-year association with the Mis- fixtures there and served in a variety of Park, D. W. was invited to minister in sionary Church, speaking at their con- leadership roles. D. W. was a frequent some of the largest CMA conventions ventions and services, dedicating their speaker, Bible teacher, leader of prayer across the Northeast and Midwest. He churches, and joining them in ministry at meetings, and a beloved member of was a featured speaker and frequently Beulah Park.31 the renowned “Ohio Quartette.”13 Mat- sang with the Ohio Quartette in New tie taught women’s Bible studies, led York City,18 Pittsburgh,19 Cleveland,20 Pastoral Ministry worker’s meetings, conducted testimony Columbus,21 Indianapolis,22 Chicago,23 Amid all these activities, Kerr also services, coordinated children’s class- and the premier CMA convention con- served as a pastor of several CMA con- es, ministered to young people and led ducted annually in Old Orchard, Maine.24 gregations and mission stations. From prayer meetings.14And of course, each Additionally, he routinely participated in 1894 to 1899, he led the Alliance Mis- convention concluded with a great mis- convention tours throughout Pennsylva- sion in Findlay, Ohio and hosted several sionary service, in which thousands of nia,25 Ohio,26 Indiana,27 and Kentucky.28 Alliance conferences.32 The Kerrs then dollars were raised for global missions.15 As an example of his travel schedule, moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana to assume Another important component of Kerr participated in “a series of twenty- leadership of that mission.33 They faith-

Alliance leaders and workers at Old Orchard, Maine, August 1900. Members of the Ohio Quartette are seated together in the second row from the top, on the right (l-r): E. L. Bowyer, James M. Kirk, D. W. Kerr, and D. W. Myland.

34 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 fully led Sunday services, Friday prayer meetings, hosted Alliance meetings, and participated in a county-wide Sunday School conference.34 In 1901, the Kerrs moved to Day- ton, Ohio to pastor the Alliance Taber- nacle.35 “Brother and Sister Kerr have been hard at work,” their state superintendent wrote. “New people, hungry hearts from many of the churches here are fed. Drunkards and harlots have been brought into the kingdom.”36 In the autumn of 1908, D. W. and Mattie relinquished their duties in Dayton and moved back to Findlay, Ohio.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit Reports of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Apostolic Faith Mis- sion on Azusa Street in Los Angeles, stirred the hearts of many within the CMA. The annual convention at Beulah Park in the summer of 1907 was a scene The Ohio Quartette. (L-r): E. L. Bowyer, Prof. James M. Kirk, Rev. D. W. of great expectancy and anticipation. Myland, and Rev. D. W. Kerr, circa 1900. As the Kerrs were side-by-side in the prayer room, seeking more of God, they ever known before we had received God, the Kerrs did not attend.45 Having “came through to a beautiful baptism of this glorious Baptism.”42 That ministry experienced the pain of separation from the Holy Spirit, speaking and singing in would be found within the Pentecostal two religious affiliations, Kerr ques- other languages, as the Spirit gave them community. tioned whether “spiritual liberty could utterance.”37 be maintained with another group.”46 For the next five years, the Kerrs pro- Ministry in the Nevertheless, the quality of his reputa- claimed the message of Holy Spirit bap- Assemblies of God tion was well-known within the newly- tism and empowerment in many cities, The springboard for the Kerr’s formed General Council, and Kerr was including Chicago, Cleveland and To- “larger places of ministry” was found in invited to join the Executive Presbytery, ronto.38 In early 1911, D. W. conducted Cleveland, Ohio, when the Christian and a position he held through 1925.47 an evangelistic tour of the West Coast. Missionary Alliance Church elected D. There he participated in Pentecostal W. Kerr as its pastor in October 1911.43 General Council Ministry ministry with William H. Durham, Frank The congregation eagerly desired the As a member of the Executive Pres- Bartleman, George and Carrie Judd work of the Holy Spirit, and many re- bytery, Kerr served on several commit- Montgomery, and George B. Studd.39 ceived the baptism, accompanied with tees for the General Council: the Con- Embracing the Pentecostal experi- speaking in other tongues. The follow- ference committee, November 191448; ence led to a separation from the CMA.40 ing year, 100 voting members of the the Resolutions committee, 1916, 1917, “Some of our friends who had stood by Cleveland congregation unanimously 1918 and 192049; the Nomination com- us threatened to starve us out,” Mattie adopted a doctrinal position in favor of mittee, 1917 and 191950; the Foreign later wrote, “because we had dared to ac- the Pentecostal experience as described Missions Committee, 1920 and 192151; cept the Pentecostal Baptism ... we were in Acts 2:4 and changed their name to the Home Missions Committee, 192152; soon dropped from the conventions, and The Pentecostal Church of Cleveland. a committee on business regulations in were compelled to seek other places of Pastor Kerr subsequently resigned from 191853; and the Doctrinal Committee for ministry.”41 However, their ministry the CMA.44 the Gospel Publishing House in 1921.54 It was far from over. “Many larger places When the Pentecostal delegates met was also reported in 1923 that he “made of ministry were opened to us,” Mattie in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and organized a trip of 17,000 miles and had visited wrote, “a larger ministry than we had the General Council of the Assemblies of seven different District Councils” while

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 35 General Presbytery standing on the steps of the Stone Church, Chicago, Illinois, September 1919. First row (l-r): J. Roswell Flower, S. A. Jamieson, E. N. Bell, J. W. Welch, J. T. Boddy, Stanley H. Frodsham, Ellis Banta. Second row (l-r): Frank Gray, J. R. Kline, John Goben, David McDowell, Robert A. Brown, Joseph Tunmore, F. A. Hale. Third row (l-r): O. P. Brann, E. R. Fitzgerald, E. N. Richey, John Coxe, D. W. Kerr, R. J. Craig, C. O. Benham, A. P. Collins, and T. K. Leonard. doing deputational work for the General contribution to the Statement of Funda- tism in the Holy Ghost.”59 And because Council at the request of the Chairman.55 mental Truths: of his important role in defining these Perhaps his most significant contri- doctrines, his other theological writings bution came in 1916, when he served on This shy, somewhat retiring are helpful in interpreting the original the committee that drafted the Statement individual, hardly the image of version of the Fundamental Truths.60 of Fundamental Truths.56 Although the a great contender for the faith, committee also included E. N. Bell, S. had already compiled a quantity National Speaker A. Jamieson, T. K. Leonard, and Stan- of notes, and was well prepared Numerous ministry opportunities ley H. Frodsham, William Menzies indi- for his assignment even before he abounded for D. W. Kerr within the cates that Kerr was the primary drafter arrived at the Council. Because Pentecostal community. Between 1914 of this document: “Each member of the of his careful preparation, the and 1925, Kerr crisscrossed the conti- committee contributed to the eventual committee was enabled to furnish nent, preaching at camp meetings, mis- committee report, but the greatest contri- the Council with a statement of sionary conventions, district councils bution came from D. W. Kerr, pastor in faith in a relatively brief span of and revival services. He ministered in Cleveland, Ohio.”57 Kerr had spent much time.58 twelve states and four Canadian prov- of the time during the previous year inces, speaking in many of the most “poring over his Greek Testament” and During the 1918 Council, Kerr played prominent Pentecostal congregations of had even wavered somewhat at one point a central role in defending the “distinc- his day.61 At several General Councils, on the question of the Oneness issue. tive testimony” that tongues operates as the national leadership looked to him Menzies further expounds on Kerr’s the “initial physical sign” of the “Bap- for biblical wisdom and pastoral guid-

36 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 ance on a wide range of topics.62 listing their future missionary offerings. Lectures” at the Gospel School (Findlay, In 1923, Kerr was appointed by the Gen- OH) and the Mount Tabor Bible Train- The Pentecostal Missionary eral Council’s executive presbytery to ing School (Chicago, IL).76 Late in life Conferences the post of Missionary Field Secretary he had administrative duties at the Gos- In 1918, Pastor Kerr was elected and assigned the task of conducting mis- pel School and Winnipeg’s Central Ca- chairman of the Second Annual World- Wide Missionary Conference, an inter- denominational Pentecostal event that attracted broad support.63 The Latter Rain Evangel, described Kerr’s sterling cre- dentials in the following manner:

The new chairman ... is a world-wide missionary from his innermost being to his very finger tips. The church of which he is pastor is without doubt the foremost church in Pentecost in sacrificing for missions. He touched the keynote of their success when he made this statement: “That church will become a missionary church whose pastor is a missionary, and Students and faculty of Southern California Bible and Missionary Training I am a missionary at home, but I School, Los Angeles, California, circa 1920. Identified are: D. W. Kerr (2nd live my life in the world around, row, 5th from left); Mattie Kerr (2nd row, 6th from left); Wesley Steelberg and am glad to devote all my (back row, 2nd from left); Willard Peirce (back row, 6th from left); and energies in that direction.”64 Christine Kerr Peirce (back row, 7th from left).

One of the conference attendees was sionary conventions across the country.69 nadian Bible Institute.77 equally enthusiastic over Kerr’s selec- According to E. N. Bell, “[Kerr] is at his In 1919, he resigned the pastorate tion, noting that he was pastor of the best in a Missionary Convention, since of The Pentecostal Church to teach full- “Banner Missionary Church of the Pen- his heart is in missions and since he is time at the Pacific Bible and Missionary tecostal movement,” a church where, as an experienced hand at holding such Training School in San Francisco.78 In he himself says, they make “a business conventions.”70 addition to his ministry among the thir- of missions.”65 ty-five daily students and a much larger Over the next five years, Kerr would The Bible Schools class of evening students,79 Kerr also serve as the chairman of this annual Mis- Training and equipping persons for taught a Sunday afternoon Bible class sionary Conference, introducing some ministry was a passion for D. W. Kerr.71 at Glad Tidings Pentecostal Assembly in innovations to the Pentecostal mission- He was a fixture at the Beulah Park Oakland, where his son-in-law, Willard ary movement.66 He developed a mis- Summer Home and Bible School.72 For Peirce, was the pastor.80 sionary prayer calendar containing daily a time, he served the CMA as a member Upon completion of the winter term prayer suggestions, a daily list of coun- of the Committee on the Missionary In- in San Francisco, the Kerrs and Peirces tries to pray for, a complete list of Pente- stitute.73 He taught short-term classes at moved to Los Angeles in May 1920 to costal missionaries, maps of the various the Bluffton Bible School (OH) and the assume leadership of the Southern Cali- continents, and a variety of Scriptures, Fort Wayne Bible School (IN).74 Once fornia Bible and Missionary Training poems, and pithy comments.67 Drawing he experienced his personal Pentecost, School where they served for the next upon his experiences in the CMA, Kerr teaching opportunities opened for him two years.81 About fifty students were introduced the missionary pledge offer- at the Rochester Bible Training School enrolled that first year; they engaged in ing concept to Pentecostals in the early (Rochester, NY) and the Beulah Heights significant “practical work” by conduct- 1920s.68 Conference participants were Missionary Training School (North Ber- ing services in churches, missions, hos- encouraged to complete a pledge card, gen, NJ).75 He presented “Special Bible pitals and on street corners; distributing

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 37 First faculty and student body of Central Bible Institute in front of Central Assembly of God, Springfield, Missouri; 1923. Front (l-r): unidentified woman with a baby, unidentified, Miss Ruth Campbell, D. W. and Mattie Kerr, Willard Peirce, Mother Josephine Peirce, and Miss Helen Atkinson. Second row (l-r): three unidentified, Mrs. Arthur Graves, Hazel Corum (Bakewell), two unidentified, and Carolyn Larsen (Unruh). Third row (l-r): two unidentified, Billie Mahaney (Long), four unidentified, Dr. Lilian Yeomans, Adele Boatwright (Carmichael), and Mrs. Lily Babcock. Fourth row (l-r): four unidentified, Mary Watkins (Blaich), Myer Pearlman, and Richard Babcock. Fifth row (l-r): four unidentified and Finis Dake. Sixth row (l-r): unidentified, Arthur and Jenny Wilson. Seventh row (l-r): unidentified, Roy Smuland, and four unidentified. Eighth row (l-r): five unidentified. tracts; and engaging in soul winning.82 sermons published.87 tions where hundreds found Christ and In 1922, Kerr helped to establish On April 2, 1927, the strain of his grew in faith. The missionary confer- Central Bible Institute (CBI) in Spring- many labors overtook him and D. W. ences which they planned, promoted, field, Missouri. He wrote a series of ar- Kerr died at the age of 70 in Spring- and preached, introduced thousands of ticles published in the Pentecostal Evan- field, Missouri. His wife Mattie moved people to the worldwide work of Christ gel which carefully outlined the biblical to Cleveland, Ohio, and continued to ad- and raised untold thousands of dollars justification for a centrally located Bible vance their life’s work—preaching88 and for missionary evangelism at home and school.83 “The purpose of Pentecos- writing,89 until her death on February 2, around the world. The Bible schools they tal Bible schools,” Kerr wrote, was “to 1946. Both are buried in the Riverside established have trained tens of thou- cause people to get God’s viewpoint of Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, where sands of students for a life of service in things and to impart the same to oth- their bodies await the resurrection of the church and the world. And as prima- ers.”84 Kerr served as CBI’s principal for the saints. ry drafter of the Statement of Fundamen- its first two years.85 From this distance, it is impossible tal Truths, D. W. Kerr helped to lay the In the remaining four years of his to calculate the full influence and impact theological foundation for the Assem- life, despite declining health, Kerr did of the life and ministry of Daniel Warren blies of God. Brother Kerr once wrote not slow down. He continued as a fac- Kerr and his beloved wife, Mattie Zeller that Spirit-filled Christians should “learn ulty member at CBI and resumed his Kerr. This much is known: The churches to think, speak, live, work and die scrip- work on the Missionary Committee.86 they faithfully shepherded in Illinois, turally.”90 He was the living embodiment He wrote a book and had many of his Indiana and Ohio were soul-saving sta- of this Pentecostal philosophy.

38 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 spelling, which is Kerr. In the 1860 Census and Missionary Alliance XXXI:14 (September on the tombstones for D. W. Kerr’s parents, the 5, 1903): 193; “Beulah Park Convention,” P. Douglas spelling is Kerr. So far as I can ascertain, D.W. Christian and Missionary Alliance XXX:17 Chapman serves as always spelled his surname Kerr. (July 25, 1908): 282; Christian and Missionary Family Care Pastor 5Sylvester C. Breyfogel, Landmarks of the Alliance XXXVI:23 (September 2, 1911): 360; at Chapel Springs Evangelical Association (Reading, PA: Eagle “Report of the Beulah Park Convention,” Assembly of God Book, 1888): 62-63, 67; Ammon Stapleton, Alliance Weekly XXXVII:2 (October 14, 1911): 27; Donna Stratton, “Beulah Park Convention,” (Bristow, Virginia) Annals of the Evangelical Association of North Alliance Weekly XXXVIII:24 (September 14, and is an adjunct America and History of the United Evangelical 1912): 398; Carrie Judd Montgomery, Under faculty member Church (Harrisburg, PA: Publishing House of the United Evangelical Church, 1900): 65, 71- His Wings: The Story of My Life (Oakland, at University of Valley Forge. He 72, 86, 90, 95, 244-245, 249-250, 252, 263, California: Office of Triumphs of Faith, 1936), holds a Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and 277-278, 280, 286, 289-290, 301, 303. Kerr’s 187. Lifelong Education from Michigan father and two uncles, Jacob Kehr (1805-1861) 14“Report of the Beulah Park Convention,” State University. and David Rishel (1817-1847), were ministers. Alliance Weekly, 27; Montgomery, Under His Two of his mother’s sisters were married to Wings, 187; Carrie Judd Montgomery, “Days Evangelical ministers of prominence: Susan of Service and Blessing,” Triumphs of Faith NOTES Rishell (1811-1900), to Bishop William W. 30:9 (September 1910): 194; “Report of the Orwig (1810-1889) and Sarah Rishell (1816- Convention at Beulah Park, Ohio,” Christian 1892), to John Kreamer (1817-1886). Alliance and Foreign Missionary Weekly, 1 Daniel W. Kerr was affectionately called D.W. 6Catalog, Cumberland Valley State Normal 229; “The Ohio Convention,” Christian and or Brother Kerr by his ministerial associates. School, 1873-1874 (Philadelphia: Charles A, Missionary Alliance, 193. In the interest of conserving space, I shall from Dixon, 1873): 14. 15A. B. Simpson, “The Beulah Park time to time use this appellation, with the same 71880 United State Census, Florence, Convention,” Christian Alliance and Foreign respect they accorded him. Stephenson County, Illinois (Washington, Missionary Weekly XV:9 (August 28, 1895): 2 Carl Brumback, Suddenly ... From Heaven: A D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1880): 20. 136; “The Ohio Convention,” Christian and History of the Assemblies of God (Springfield, Missionary Alliance XXI:7 (August 17, 1898): 8Kimberly Butler, Archivist, North Central MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1961): 205. 156; “Beulah Park Convention,” Christian College (Naperville, IL), E-mail to the author, and Missionary Alliance XXIII:12 (August 3Edith L. Blumhofer, The Assemblies of June 17, 2014. 19, 1899): 189-190; “The Ohio Convention,” God: A Chapter in the Story of American 9“Obituaries,” Bluffton News, November 14, Christian and Missionary Alliance, 193. Pentecostalism, Volume 1 - To 1941 (Springfield, 1896; “Union Township’s Octogenarian Pioneer 16 MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1989): 204, 209, D. W. Myland, “Ohio Convention,” Christian Passes Away,” Bluffton News, September 17, 235-236, 316-318; Brumback, 78, 80, 90, 94, and Missionary Alliance XXXI:3 (June 20, 1903. 178, 194, 204-205, 220, 222-223, 234, 235; C. 1902): 39. 10 E. Jones, “Kerr, Daniel Warren,” in The New “Boys and Girls Abroad,” North-Western 17Ibid.; “Beulah Park,” Christian and International Dictionary of Pentecostal and College Chronicle, February 1, 1886, 9; Missionary Alliance XXVIII:3 (July 20, 1907): Charismatic Movements, rev. ed., ed. Stanley Hancock County Marriage Records, February 34; “Beulah Park Home and Bible School,” M. Burgess and Eduard M. van der Maas 4, 1886, 98. Christian and Missionary Alliance XXXIV:10 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 820; 11John George Schwab, History of the Illinois (June 4, 1910): 464. Paul L. King, Genuine Gold: The Cautiously Conference of the Evangelical Church 1837- 18“The New York Convention,” Christian Charismatic Story of the Early Christian and 1937 (Harrisburg, PA: Evangelical Press, 1937): and Missionary Alliance XX:11 (March Missionary Alliance (Tulsa, OK: Word & Spirit 55-56, 62, 244; “Boys and Girls Abroad,” 16, 1898): 252; “Convention Reports from Press, 2006): 61, 68, 71, 90-92, 112-113, 129, North-Western College Chronicle, 9; Stapleton, Nyack Heights,” Christian and Missionary 133, 157, 168-169, 272, 318, 327; Gary B. Annals of the Evangelical Association, 575; Alliance XXI:10 (September 7, 1898): 223, McGee, “This Gospel Shall be Preached”: Mattie Z. Kerr, “Valleys and Mountain Peaks,” 225; President’s Report of the Christian & A History and Theology of Assemblies of Pentecostal Evangel, June 20, 1931, 1, 7. Missionary Alliance for the Year 1905-6 (New God Foreign Missions to 1959 (Springfield, 12Schwab, 66. York: Christian and Missionary Alliance, 1906): MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1986): 63- 13 135. 67, 118-121; William W. Menzies, Anointed “Report of the Convention at Beulah Park, 19 to Serve: The Story of the Assemblies of God Ohio,” Christian Alliance and Foreign F. H. Senft, “Pennsylvania State Convention,” (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, Missionary Weekly XVII:11 (September 11, Christian and Missionary Alliance XX:24 (June 1971): 70, 108, 118-119, 129, 139-141, 173; 1896): 229; D. W. Kerr, “The Bible,” Christian 16, 1898): 568; F. H. Senft, “Conventions Lewis Wilson, “The Kerr-Peirce Role in A/G and Missionary Alliance XIX:9 (August 25, in Western Pennsylvania,” Christian and Education,” Assemblies of God Heritage 10:1 1897): 201; “Beulah Park Convention,” Missionary Alliance XXVIII:9 (March 1, (Spring 1990): 6-8, 21-22. Christian and Missionary Alliance XXI:2 1902): 125. (July 13, 1898): 40; A. B. Simpson, “Beulah 20 4Early sources from the nineteenth century use George B. Alldridge, “Cleveland Park Convention,” Christian and Missionary the Germanic spelling of the surname, which Correspondence,” Christian Alliance and Alliance XXIII:12 (August 9, 1899): 189- is rendered as Kehr, rather than the Anglicized Foreign Missionary Weekly XII:23 (June 190; “The Ohio Convention,” Christian and 8, 1894): 630-631; “Conventions in Ohio,”

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 39 Christian and Missionary Alliance XXV:1 31Mrs. J. E. Ramseyer, “German Convention 1912 convention at Beulah Park. (January 6, 1906): 12. at Groveland, Ill,” Christian and Missionary 42Ibid. 21 Alliance XXXI:19 (October 10, 1903); “Linn D. W. Myland, “Convention Notes,” Christian 43“Who and Where,” Alliance Weekly XXXVII:6 Grove,” Decatur (IN) Democrat, 8; “Obituary,” and Missionary Alliance XIX:22 (November (November 11, 1911): 94. Don and Christine Christian and Missionary Alliance XXIV:22 24, 1897): 161; I. H. Patterson, “Convention in Groves, Seeds of Faith (Lyndhurst, OH: First (June 2, 1900): 370-371; Stratton, “Beulah Park Columbus.” Christian and Missionary Alliance Assembly of God, 2011): 7-8. Convention,” Alliance Weekly, 398. XXIV:13 (March 31, 1900): 208. 44 32 Groves, 7-8. 22 Alldridge, “Cleveland Correspondence,” G. N. Eldridge, “Indiana and Kentucky,” 45 Christian and Missionary Alliance XXIII:1 Christian Alliance and Foreign Missionary Glenn W. Gohr, “Who’s Who at Hot Springs,” (June 3, 1899): 12; D. W. Kerr, “Report of Weekly, 630-631; Fort Wayne News, April 27, Assemblies of God Heritage 34 (2014): 29. The Pine Lake Convention,” Christian and 1899, 3; “At Home,” Christian Alliance and 46Wilson, “The Kerr-Peirce Role in A/G Missionary Alliance XXIII:9 (July 29, 1899): Foreign Missionary Weekly XVI:1 (January Education,” Assemblies of God Heritage, 140-141; “Linn Grove,” Decatur (IN) Democrat 3, 1896): 19; D. W. Kerr, “Note From Ohio,” 6-8, 21-22. Christian and Missionary Alliance XIII:2 XLIII:27 (September 14, 1899): 8. 47General Council Minutes, April 1914, 5. (January 1, 1899): 59. 23“The Alliance Work in Chicago,” Christian Although Kerr’s ministerial file lists his date 33 and Missionary Alliance XXI:20 (November G. N. Eldridge, “Indiana and Kentucky,” of joining the AG as November 25, 1914, he is 19, 1898): 468; “The Chicago Convention,” Christian and Missionary Alliance, 12. included on the ministerial list published just Christian and Missionary Alliance XXIII:9 34“Fine Program Prepared,” Fort Wayne after the April 1914 founding convention and (November 11, 1899): 380; “Chicago Evening Sentinel, December 23, 1899, 11; published before the November 1914 General Convention,” Christian and Missionary “Gospel Teachers,” Fort Wayne Evening Council. Alliance XXX:16 (July 18, 1908): 267. Sentinel, December 28, 1899, 2; “Convention 48General Council Minutes, November 1914, 9. 24 Ends,” Fort Wayne Evening Sentinel, December A. B. Simpson, “Editorial Correspondence,” 49General Council Minutes, 1916, 4; General 30, 1899, 2; “Among the Churches,” Fort Christian Alliance and Foreign Missionary Council Minutes, 1917, 6; General Council Wayne News, July 7, 1900, 5. Weekly XIII:8 (August 24, 1894): 170; “Old Minutes, 1918, 2; General Council Minutes, 35 Orchard,” Christian and Missionary Alliance “Convention,” Hamilton Evening Democrat 1920, 35. XXI:7 (August 17, 1898): 156. 16:26 (January 20, 1902): 8; George A. Murray, 50General Council Minutes, 1917, 10; General 25 “Let the People be Assembled,” Latter Rain F. H. Senft, “Pennsylvania State Convention,” Council Minutes, 1919, 15. Christian and Missionary Alliance XX:24 (June Evangel 1:2 (November 1908): 2. 51General Council Minutes, 1920, 35; General 16, 1898): 568; “Conventions in Pennsylvania,” 36F. W. Meminger, “Late Field Superintendent Council Minutes, 1921, 60. Christian and Missionary Alliance XXII:4 Meminger’s Report – Ohio,” Christian and 52 (March 1, 1899): 113; Senft, “Conventions Missionary Alliance XXXI:4 (June 27, 1902): General Council Minutes, 1920, 49. in Western Pennsylvania,” Christian and 53. 53General Council Minutes, 1918, 9. Missionary Alliance, 125. 37 Christine Kerr Peirce, as quoted in Brumback, 54General Council Minutes, 1921, 58. 26“At Home,” Christian Alliance and Foreign Suddenly ... From Heaven, 79-80. Mattie 55General Council Minutes, 1923, 61. Missionary Weekly XVI:1 (January 3, 1896): Z. Kerr, “How I Received My Baptism,” 56 19; David Wesley Myland, “Convention Tour Pentecostal Evangel, September 5, 1931, 8-9. Menzies, 118-120; Glenn W. Gohr, “The Historical Development of the Statement of in Ohio” Christian and Missionary Alliance 38“Chicago Convention,” Christian and Fundamental Truths,” Assemblies of God XXXIV:5 (February 4, 1905): 77; W. F. Missionary Alliance XXX:16 (July 18, 1908): Heritage 32 (2012): 62-63; General Council Meminger, “Touring Ohio,” Christian and 267; W. A. Cramer, “Cleveland Convention,” Minutes, 1916, 4; J. Roswell Flower, “Historic Missionary Alliance XXX:7 (May 16, 1908): Christian and Missionary Alliance XXX:1 Record of the Growth of the Assemblies of 117. (April 4, 1908): 17; George A. Murray, “Toronto God” [notes for Church Orientation class 27Eldridge, “Indiana and Kentucky,” Christian Convention,” Bridegroom’s Messenger 2:26 at Central Bible College], 1950, 7; Gary B. and Missionary Alliance, 12; Kerr, “Pine (November 15, 1908): 4. McGee, “Historical Background” in Systematic Lake Convention,” Christian and Missionary 39 William H. Durham,” The Work of God in Los Theology, rev. ed., ed. Stanley M. Horton Alliance, 140-141; “Linn Grove,” Decatur (IN) Angeles,” Pentecostal Testimony 1:8 (1911): 11. (Springfield, MO: Logion Press, 2007), 21; Democrat, 8. 40 L. William Oliverio, Theological Hermeneutics 28 By 1912, the CMA was in crisis over the Eldridge, “Indiana and Kentucky,” Christian gift of tongues. For three different perspectives in the Classical Pentecostal Tradition: A and Missionary Alliance, 12; William Davidson, on this crisis see A. W. Tozer, Wingspread: Typological Account (Leiden: Brill, 2012), 89. “Work in Kentucky,” Christian and Missionary A. B. Simpson: A Study in Spiritual Altitude 57Menzies, 119. Alliance XXVII:16 (October 19, 1901): 221. (Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications, 58Ibid. 29“Conventions in Ohio” Christian and 1943),133-134; Brumback, Suddenly ... From 59 Missionary Alliance XXVIII:9 (March 1, Heaven, 88-97; Charles W. Neinkirchen, A. Brumback, Suddenly ... From Heaven, 222- 1902): 122. B. Simpson and the Pentecostal Movement 223; Oliverio, 89.; Glen Menzies, “Tongues as the ‘Initial Physical Sign’ of Spirit Baptism in 30Walter H. Lugibihl and Jared F. Gerig, The (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1992): 81-96. the Thought of D. W. Kerr,” PNEUMA 20:2 Missionary Church Association: Historical 41Kerr, “How I Received My Baptism,” (Fall 1998): 175-189. Account of Its Origin and Development (Berne, Pentecostal Evangel, 8-9. The Kerrs’ last 60 IN: Economy Printing Concern, 1950): 29-30. known participation in a CMA event was the Glen Menzies and Gordon L. Anderson, “D.

40 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 W. Kerr and Eschatological Diversity in the Christian and Missionary Alliance XXXII:25 5; D. W. Kerr, “Heart Talks on Bible Schools: Assemblies of God,” Paraclete 27:1 (Winter (July 31, 1909): 153; “Beulah Park Home The Purpose of Bible Schools,” Pentecostal 1993): 8-16. and Bible School,” Christian and Missionary Evangel, May 27, 1922, 5. 61For specific documentation of all his travels, Alliance, 464. 84Kerr, “Heart Talks on Bible Schools: The see my unabridged paper, “Daniel Warren 73President’s Report of the Christian & Purpose of Bible Schools,” 5. Kerr: A World-Wide Missionary,” presented Missionary Alliance for the Year 1905-6, 85E. N. Bell, “Council Bible School Now at the 44th Annual Meeting of the Society for 139-140. Certain,” Pentecostal Evangel, June 10, 1922, Pentecostal Studies, March 13, 2015, 16-18, 74“Obituary,” Christian and Missionary 3; E. N. Bell, “Our Pentecostal Bible School,” 23-24. Alliance, 370-371; “The Bible Training School Pentecostal Evangel, July 8, 1922, 4. 62 General Council Minutes, 1916, 3; General at Fort Wayne. Ind.,” Christian and Missionary 86“A Year of Blessed Progress,” Pentecostal Council Minutes, 1917, 5; General Council Alliance XXIV:16 (April 22, 1905): 253; “The Evangel, November 13, 1926, 5. Minutes, 1918, 8, 12, 13; General Council Special Church Notices,” Fort Wayne News, 87 Minutes, 1919, 14, 16; General Council September 16, 1905, 3. D. W. Kerr, Waters in the Desert, (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, Minutes, 1925, 62. 75 Marion Meloon, Ivan Spencer: Willow in 1925); Advertisement, Pentecostal Evangel, 63 This Missionary Conference was independent the Wind (Plainfield, NJ: Logos International, September 26, 1925, 16; D. W. Kerr, “Rivers Of of, but collaborated with, the General Council 1974): 22-24; Lillian M. Jewett, “Beulah Living Water,” Pentecostal Evangel, June 23, of the Assemblies of God. In the 1920s it was Heights Convention,” Christian Evangel, June 1923, 14; D. W. Kerr, “Our Family Physician,” absorbed into the General Council of the 15, 1918, 12. Pentecostal Evangel, October 20, 1923, 4-5; Assemblies of God. 76“The Gospel School,” Christian Evangel, D. W. Kerr, “A Thanksgiving Night Message,” 64Reiff, “Business Sessions of the Conference,” September 19, 1914, 4; “Mount Tabor Bible Pentecostal Evangel, November 24, 1923, 3; Latter Rain Evangel 10:9 (June 1918): 18. Training School,” Weekly Evangel, November D. W. Kerr, “The Relation of the Holy Spirit to 65Stanley H. Frodsham, “The World Wide 17, 1917, 16. Christ and His People,” Pentecostal Evangel, Missionary Conference,” Christian Evangel, 77Minutes of the Central District Council June 28, 1924, 2-3, 5; D. W. Kerr “This He Said June 1, 1918, 2-3. [4th] (Dayton, Ohio, May 8-10, 1923), 4: To Prove Him,” Pentecostal Evangel, October 18, 1924, 4; D. W. Kerr “Present Triumphs 66 Advertisement, Manitoba Free Press, Winnipeg, Zella H. Reynolds, “The Third Missionary And Future Prospects,” Pentecostal Evangel, Conference,” Christian Evangel, November October 17, 1925, 27. 78 November 1, 1924, 3, 5; D. W. Kerr, “Scriptural 16, 1918, 2; Stanley H. Frodsham, “The Fourth “Pacific Pentecostal Bible School,”Christian Holiness,” Pentecostal Evangel, December 13, Missionary Council” Pentecostal Evangel, Evangel, September 6, 1919, 8; D. W. Kerr, 1924, 5; D. W. Kerr, “The Mind of Christ,” October 18, 1919, 1, 4; Stanley H. Frodsham, “Report From The Bible School Department,” Pentecostal Evangel, January 17, 1925, 2-3; “The Recent Great Convention in Springfield, Triumphs of Faith 39:12 (December 1919): 284- D. W. Kerr, “The Practice of The Presence of Mo.,” Pentecostal Evangel, October 16, 1920,1, 285. This school became known as Glad Tidings God,” Pentecostal Evangel, February 14, 1925, 3-6; “Good Things Said at The Recent Council,” Bible Institute and later Bethany University. 2-3; D. W. Kerr, “Meekness and Lowliness in Pentecostal Evangel, October 15, 1921, 2; “The 79Ira F. Surface, “Glad Tidings Bible Training Practical Life,” Pentecostal Evangel, May 23, Missionary Conference in Springfield, Mo.,” School,” Triumphs of Faith 40:8 (August 1920): 1925, 2-3; D. W. Kerr, “The Evangelization Pentecostal Evangel, May 5, 1923, 13. 188. of The World,” Pentecostal Evangel, October 67 Stanley H. Frodsham, “Missionary Prayer 80“Pentecostal,” Oakland (CA) Tribune 17, 1925, 4-5. Calendar,” Christian Evangel, June 28, 1919), LXXXXI:7 (February 21, 1920): 6; 88Frank L Peddie, “Thriving Mission,” 4; “Missionary Prayer Calendars,” Christian “Pentecostal,” Oakland (CA) Tribune, Pentecostal Evangel, June 23, 1928, 13; “Camp Evangel, August 9, 1919, 4. LXXXXI:21 (March 6, 1920): 4. Meeting Opens,” Findlay Morning Republican 68 Frodsham, “The Recent Great Convention 81“Announcement,” Triumphs of Faith 40:4 XLII:225 (July 23, 1928): 2; “Revival at the in Springfield, Mo.,” Pentecostal Evangel, (April 1920): 96; W. C. Peirce, “Announcement,” Capital City,” Pentecostal Evangel, April 5-6; Stanley H. Frodsham, “More About the Triumphs of Faith 40:8 (August 1920): 192. 27, 1929, 12; William E. Booth-Clibborn, Tenth General Council,” Pentecostal Evangel, This school is now Vanguard University of “Decisions for Christ Reach the Thousand October 13, 1923, 3, 8. Southern California, located in Costa Mesa. Mark,” Latter Rain Evangel 22:6 (March 1930): 69 17-18; “Forthcoming Meetings,” Pentecostal “Missionary and Bible Conventions,” 82“The Southern California Bible School,” Evangel, March 22, 1930, 13; Martha M. Pentecostal Evangel, March 17, 1923, 12. Pentecostal Evangel, April 30, 1921, 11; Wuokila, “Detroit, Mich.,” Pentecostal 70E. N. Bell, “Springfield’s Good Convention,” “The Southern California Bible School of Evangel, January 6, 1934, 13. Pentecostal Evangel, June 6, 1923, 4. Los Angeles,” Triumphs of Faith 41:5 (May 89Kerr, “Valleys and Mountain Peaks,” 71For greater details of Kerr’s academic 1921): 119. Pentecostal Evangel, 1, 7; Mattie Z. Kerr, influence see: Wilson, “The Kerr-Peirce Role in 83D. W. Kerr, “Bible Schools,” Pentecostal “Proving God as Healer,” Pentecostal Evangel, A/G Education,” Assemblies of God Heritage, Evangel, April 1, 1922, 4; D. W. Kerr, “Bible July 18, 1931, 6-7; Kerr, “How I Received My 6-8, 21-22. Schools: Bible Schools are Necessary,” Baptism,” Pentecostal Evangel, 8-9. 72“The Ohio Convention,” Christian and Pentecostal Evangel, April 15, 1922, 4; D. 90Kerr, “Heart Talks on Bible Schools: The Missionary Alliance, 193; “Beulah Park W. Kerr. “Heart Talks on Bible Schools: Purpose of Bible Schools,” 5. Convention,” Christian and Missionary Present Day Bible Schools Based on the Alliance, 282; “Beulah Park Convention,” Bible,” Pentecostal Evangel, April 29, 1922,

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 41 42 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 Fortieth Anniversary of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center

By Wayne E. Warner and Darrin J. Rodgers

he Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (FPHC) plays Vision for an Archives a unique role in the Assemblies of God (AG) and the Planning for an Assemblies of God archives began in ear- Tbroader Pentecostal movement. Over the past forty nest during the early 1970s. Those involved in the initial dis- years, the FPHC has developed into the largest Pentecostal ar- cussions probably could not foresee the expansive Center that chives in the world. Located in the Assemblies of God national exists today. But it was a beginning. Much of the credit can be office in Springfield, Missouri, the FPHC has become an im- given to the late William W. Menzies, who served at the time as portant hub for Pentecostal history and research, preserving and a professor at Central Bible College. promoting Pentecostal testimonies and identity so that future In 1968, when the Assemblies of God was six years away generations can know the works of God. from its sixtieth anniversary, the Executive Presbytery commis- The Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center originated as a vi- sioned Menzies to write a new denominational history. The ex- sion in the late 1960s in the mind of a young Assemblies of God ecutives knew Menzies and respected the fact that he had grown scholar, William W. Menzies, who was writing his dissertation up in a pastor’s home, was a graduate of Central Bible College on the history of the Assemblies of God. Many first-generation and Wheaton College, and had just completed a doctorate in Pentecostals were still alive, yet materi- History at the University of Iowa.1 Men- als documenting Pentecostal history were zies’ new book, Anointed to Serve,2 was difficult to find. Menzies realized that the Over the past forty introduced at the 1971 General Council heritage and testimony of Pentecostals in Kansas City. For many years colleges would be lost, unless intentional steps years, the FPHC has used it as the standard history of the AG. were taken to create an archives. developed into the The need for an archives surfaced dur- Finally, in 1977, after years of dis- largest Pentecostal ing Menzies’ research. He experienced cussion in committees, the Assemblies difficulty sorting through various file cab- of God Archives was established. From archives in the world. inets in the Pentecostal Evangel office, small beginnings, great things developed. the Office of Information, and Central Assemblies of God Heritage magazine Bible College. He was being more than was founded in 1981, the name of the archives was changed to charitable when he wrote that he had spent two months in the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center in 1997, its museum opened Assemblies of God “Archives”—ten years before there was an in 1999, and its online research center went live in 2000. official archives.3 Today, the work of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Cen- While archival resources were lacking, Menzies was able to ter is more necessary than ever. With each passing year, Pen- interview first- and second-generation pioneers such as J. Ro- tecostals become further removed from the important themes, swell Flower, Ralph Riggs, E. S. Williams, Noel Perkin, Gayle people, and revivals that shaped the movement. The FPHC pre- Lewis, James Hamill, Bert Webb, Frank Boyd, Aaron A. Wil- serves and promotes these voices from history, which hopefully son, and others. Menzies wrote that their “vantage point scans will inspire new generations to embrace the Pentecostal testi- the Pentecostal Movement from its beginnings.”4 mony as their own. Menzies’ difficulty finding historical materials prompted

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 43 him to push for the establishment of archival records accessible to the pub- sions service in South Africa. an official archives—not only for the lic for historical research, analysis, and An Archives Advisory Committee preservation of important documents, other approved uses.”9 (later Advisory Board) was created and but also to provide access to future included Harris Jansen, director; Pam researchers. Debut of the Assemblies Eastlake, archives assistant; Delmer It was another three years, January of God Archives Guynes, AGGS executive vice presi- 1974, before the Archives Study Com- Finally, in 1977, the Assemblies of dent; J. Calvin Holsinger, Evangel Col- mittee was formed to study the need God Archives opened its doors. The ar- lege professor; Gerard Flokstra, Central and make a report. General Superinten- chives initially was placed under the Bible College librarian; Verna Flower, dent Thomas F. Zimmerman appointed administration of the Assemblies of God headquarters research secretary; and Ju- National Director of Publications Lee Graduate School (AGGS), which had leen Turnage, director of the Office of Shultz to serve as chairman. Two other opened just four years earlier and was Information (later called Office of Public committee members appointed were located on the fifth and sixth floors of Relations). General Secretary Bartlett Peterson and the Gospel Publishing House Distribu- New space for the archives, including Menzies. Assemblies of God Research tion Center. a small walk-in vault, was constructed in Secretary Grace Carroll was named as a It seemed logical to join the archives early 1978. A policy manual to steer the resource person.5 with the new school. Having a research new ship on its course was also created. Menzies visited or contacted 13 facility would help AGGS in its appli- Minutes of the May 9, 1978 Archives other church groups, seeking informa- cation for accreditation, and students Study Committee revealed a broadening tion about their archives and how they would benefit by having easy access to vision for the archives. Assemblies of were organized. When the committee the archives. Ownership of the materials God materials would always be the core presented its report to the Board of Ad- in the archives, however, would remain collection, but the committee then made ministration in March 1974, it opened with the denomination.10 up of of Guynes, Jansen, Eastlake, and with an arresting statement: “With each The Assemblies of God Archives was Holsinger began thinking beyond the passing year of time it becomes more located adjacent to the AGGS library on denomination and encouraged collecting apparent that we must preserve the story of the Pentecostal revival out of which the Assemblies of God movement was born.”6 The committee’s next report cited the importance of acting as soon as possible: “We are at a point in time when certain information and materials are still available. There is however, an urgency in obtaining materials before they slip away from us.”7 Assemblies of God Archives, May 1978. Emily Johns (seated at desk). The Board of Administration ac- Standing (l-r): Delmer Guynes (AGGS executive vice-president), Thomas cepted the report and recommended it F. Zimmerman (general superintendent), Harris Jansen (archives director). to the Executive Presbytery, June 12, Pamela Eastlake (assistant archivist) is seated at a microfiche reader. 1975, which gave the proposal a green light to establish the Assemblies of the fifth floor. The archives would re- materials from the broader Pentecostal God Archives for the then 61-year-old main in this location until 1997. Harris field.12 They were thinking outside the denomination.8 Jansen, as director of Research Services box and helped lay the foundation for The archives was not to become a for AGGS, had oversight of the Cordas what would become the largest Pente- collection of miscellaneous old things C. Burnett Library and the archives.11 costal archives in the world. locked in a damp cellar, but it was to Pam Eastlake, who was reared in The school administration kept a become an active facility as evidenced nearby Central Assembly and had train- close watch over the archives, ensuring by the mission: “1) Insuring that records ing and experience in the archival field, that expenses remained under its annual of the Assemblies of God having endur- was hired as archives assistant (title $35,000 budget.13 ing value are collected and preserved. 2) later changed to archivist). Emily Johns Eastlake was assigned the major Providing historical documentation for served as a part-time secretary, a posi- task of surveying and gathering docu- evaluation of the continuity of purpose tion she held until she and her husband ments from the Headquarters depart- of the Assemblies of God. 3) Making Greg began preparations for World Mis- ments and organizing nearly 65 years of

44 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 the Assemblies of God story. With her Having witnessed the early Pentecostal audio rather than video, and many were archival training and denominational revivals and the development of the As- conducted on the road. Warner inter- background, she became the key person semblies of God, he had a deep sense viewed men and women in nursing who developed the methods of organiz- of the importance of preserving histori- homes, auditoriums, apartments, church- ing materials that would guide future ar- cal materials for future generations. He es, hotels, in a Missouri home with 75 chives employees and researchers. realized that history and identity are in- chiming clocks, and once while sitting tertwined. Flower championed the cause on the front porch of a Charleston, West The 1980s: Significant of history, raising money and the stature Virginia, house while the interviewee’s Expansion of the archives. In 1997, four years after construction crew was building a house When Jansen transferred from the ar- Flower’s 1993 retirement, the archives next door. chives to direct AGGS extension educa- was renamed Flower Pentecostal Heri- Early in his career at the archives, tion in 1979, Eastlake assumed respon- tage Center, in honor of the Flower fam- Warner added two staff archivists who sibilities of the day-to-day operations of ily. After the museum was dedicated in proved to be faithful, invaluable mem- the archives until the summer of 1980, 1999, he loved to walk through the ex- bers of the team. Joyce Lee began work when the Headquarters Board of Ad- hibits, view the videos, and reminisce at the archives in 1986, and Glenn Gohr ministration invited Wayne Warner to about many pioneers he knew as a child began in 1987. Both were previously on become the first full-time director. War- and in his early ministry. staff at the Assemblies of God Theologi- ner left his book editing job at Gospel A second important event for the ar- cal Seminary (AGTS, formerly Assem- Publishing House and moved from the chives happened in 1981. At the General blies of God Graduate School) library. fourth floor to the director’s office on the Council held in St. Louis, General Su- Lee and Gohr became standard fixtures fifth floor. At the time, Warner and East- perintendent Thomas F. Zimmerman in- at the archives, developing in-depth lake were the only two staff members of troduced attendees to the new quarterly knowledge of the archives and of AG the archives. Assemblies of God Heritage. It was only history. Today, over 30 years later, they The year 1981 proved eventful for a four-page duotone periodical, but it continue to work at the FPHC. the archives, which included an admin- caught on. The number of pages gradu- istration change. The Board of Adminis- ally increased, and color was added in The 1990s: Modernizing tration moved the archives from AGGS 1999. Former country singer and evan- the Archives to the oversight of the denomination’s gelist T. Texas Tyler graced the first all- An important period of progress at General Secretary, Joseph Flower. The color cover. More than one reader said the FPHC came when George O. Wood archives remained on the fifth floor—but they put everything else aside when Her- was elected as General Secretary in 1993. began answering to the general secretary. itage arrived in their mailboxes. Dr. Wood, the son of missionaries, loves This change facilitated a closer working Wayne Warner also launched an oral Pentecostal history and brought new relationship between the archives and history project in 1981. He realized that ideas for moving the Center to a more the various departments within the de- most people will not write their memoirs adequate location, raising funds for the nomination. Among the positive changes but, if given a chance, they will con- new facility, and replacing microfilming were better funding, newer technology, sent to sit down to record an interview. with digitization. The FPHC owes much and more generous travel and person- Warner drew inspiration from AGGS to Dr. Wood for his active leadership to nel budgets. professor Del Tarr, who recorded video modernize the archives. The archives quickly became a desti- interviews of Pentecostal pioneers as One of the first new projects taken on nation for the small but growing number part of his communications class. War- by archives staff under Wood’s oversight of Pentecostal historians. Edith Blum- ner sat down with numerous pioneers was production of the biennial In Memo- hofer, Gary McGee, Stanley Burgess, and recorded over 700 hours of oral his- riam booklet, which includes the names Grant Wacker, and Vinson Synan were tory interviews. Interviewees included and photos of Assemblies of God min- among the earliest Pentecostal scholars Alice Reynolds Flower, Bert Webb, isters who died during the previous two to spend time in the archives. Since then, Ralph Harris, Frank Boyd, Irene Pearl- years. The booklets, which are distrib- countless students, church leaders, and man, Josephine Williams, Everett Phil- uted to surviving family members and at researchers have utilized the resources lips, Harriet Schoonmaker Bryant, and General Council meetings, honor those of the FPHC. numerous others. Most of these people who devoted their lives to building the Joseph Flower was a major contribu- are now with the Lord. These priceless Church through the Assemblies of God. tor to the success of the archives. As interviews are preserved in the archives The FPHC took over publication of the general secretary, he served in the same vault and are available on DVD. booklets in 1995. In prior editions, the role as his father, J. Roswell Flower. Most of Warner’s interviews were booklets included names without pho-

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 45 Meet the Director tos. It is a large task—FPHC staff mem- going to be relocated to a 5,000-square- bers contact surviving relatives of the foot area being vacated by World Mis- approximately 800 deceased ministers sions on the second floor of the adminis- From Law to Grace each biennium in an effort to obtain pho- tration building, near the main entrance. When Darrin Rodgers became tographs and other historical materials.14 Archives staff began brainstorming director in 2005, he was no stranger The most visible sign of change and and doing research about how they could to the Heritage Center. While a stu- progress for the archives came in the late utilize the space. They settled upon a dent at AGTS (1996-1998), he spent 1990s. AGTS moved in 1997 to its new plan to create offices, a research room, hundreds of hours researching Pen- building on the Evangel University cam- an audiovisual room, and an interactive tecostal history in the FPHC. He pus, which left the archives alone on the 3,000-square-foot visitors center includ- went on to earn his juris doctorate fifth floor of the Distribution Center. Be- ing a store-front chapel. from the University of North Dakota cause World Missions was going to take The archives hired a company that School of Law and worked in law over the entire fifth and sixth floors, the specialized in building museum exhib- for the State of North Dakota. How- archives would have to move. its, Lynch Industries, to help develop and ever, he continued to research and With executive approval, the ar- construct the museum. Lynch’s credits write about his true passion—Pente- chives began looking for a new location. included exhibits at the Billy Graham costal history. Suggestions included moving into the Center (Wheaton, Illinois) and the New In 2004, he accepted a position at former headquarters and printing build- York Stock Exchange. Fuller Theological Seminary, where ing at 434 West Pacific Street, about After two years of making plans he worked at the McAlister Library three blocks away. It seemed like a great with Lynch, raising money, and work- and the David du Plessis Archives, concept, as figures like E.N. Bell, John ing with a local architect and construc- a large Pentecostal research collec- Welch, Stanley Frodsham, and J. Ro- tion workers, Lynch shipped the exhibits tion. He quips that he “moved from swell Flower had labored in that historic to Springfield in two semi-trailers. The law to grace.” In 2005, Assemblies building. But the building was dilapidat- beautiful Flower Pentecostal Heritage of God leaders asked Rodgers to ed and disconnected from the headquar- Center—with its offices, research room, move back to Springfield and lead ters complex. vault, and interactive museum—was the Heritage Center. Other property was available but dedicated on January 19, 1999. The nothing seemed to fit the special needs Center’s new name—honoring J. Ro- Building Bridges of an archives. In the meantime, approv- swell and his family—had been adopted While driving with his posses- al was given to build in the GPH print- two years earlier when the fundraising sions from California to Missouri, ing area an 800-square-foot climate- campaign was launched. Flower family Rodgers relates that he asked God controlled vault with compact moveable members participated in the dedication, if there was a special purpose for shelves. The vault was large and beauti- which was followed by an open house him to fulfill at the Heritage Center. ful compared to the small, overflowing and banquet. After years of delays and “Somewhere in New Mexico,” he vault in the previous location. hard work, the dream of a world-class recalled, “I sensed that God wanted However, suitable space for the ar- Pentecostal archives, research center, me to do two things: first, encour- chives office and research room could and museum finally became reality. age Pentecostals to rediscover the not be located, to the disappointment of worldview that motivated the Move- archives staff. The archives moved to The 2000s: New ment’s pioneers; and second, build temporary space on the second floor of Leadership, Growth, bridges.” “As I prayed and traveled the administration building. During this and Building Bridges the next couple of days, I sensed that time, Brett Pavia was hired to fill a new After serving at the helm of the ar- these bridges should be built—not position, Coordinator of Special Proj- chives for 25 years, Wayne Warner re- just across the generations—but also ects. Pavia was responsible for a mas- tired in August 2005. Assemblies of across the denominational, ethnic, sive digital scanning project, the launch God leaders selected Darrin Rodgers, social, and linguistic divides within of a new website in 2000, designing each a law-trained Pentecostal historian and the Pentecostal movement.” issue of Heritage, and other computer- archivist, to serve as the third director The impression of the impor- related assignments. of the Heritage Center. Rodgers was tance of building bridges stuck, and A new day dawned when Assistant already well-known in the archives of- Rodgers has focused his leadership General Superintendent Charles Crab- fice. Ten years earlier, while a student at at the Heritage Center on preserving tree surprised the archives committee AGTS, he had spent hundreds of hours and sharing the Pentecostal testimo- with exciting news—the archives was doing research at the FPHC for his book, ny from across the various divides within the Pentecostal movement.

46 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 Northern Harvest: Pentecostalism in about 1,000 people came to the events result of that meeting, Wood developed North Dakota.15 surrounding the collection dedication, a relationship with COGIC Presiding Rodgers brought with him a passion held at AGTS, Central Bible College, Bishop Charles E. Blake, they spoke for collecting Pentecostal treasures from and the AG national office.16 Patterson at the other’s national events, and they across the various denominational, ra- and the FPHC have collaborated on vari- brought AG and COGIC leaders togeth- cial, national, and linguistic divides. ous COGIC historical projects, includ- er to fellowship and minister on various Rodgers led the FPHC to augment its ing two symposia and the 2015 dedica- occasions. very strong collections relating to the tion of a historical marker at the site of The FPHC did not become the larg- Assemblies of God USA and early North the COGIC’s founding in Lexington, est Pentecostal archives in the world American Pentecostalism by intention- Mississippi. overnight. Over the years, people have ally seeking materials that document Patterson was excited about the given the FPHC individual items (such various groups that are under-represent- broader implications of the archival rela- as books, tracts, diaries, or photographs), ed in the history books. Rodgers has a while others have deposited collections passion for building bridges that has both small and large. led him to develop relationships with The list of people whose personal pa- Hispanics, African-Americans, and Na- pers now reside at the FPHC reads like tive Americans, among others, within a Who’s Who of the Pentecostal world. the Assemblies of God and other Pen- The list includes AG church leaders tecostal fellowships, which has resulted Thomas F. Zimmerman and G. Raymond in the donation of numerous collections Carlson; educators Grant Wacker, Wil- at the FPHC. liam W. Menzies, Gary McGee, and J. Some treasure-hunting expeditions Robert Ashcroft; Foursquare leader Jack proved to be humorous. Rodgers vis- Hayford; and Fellowship of Christian ited Jellico, Tennessee, where he met Assemblies historian Henry Jauhiainen. with Jerome Walden, the retired General Various important African-American Overseer of the Church of God Moun- Pentecostal collections, representing tain Assembly (CGMA), a small historic the Church of God in Christ and vari- Pentecostal fellowship with churches ous Oneness churches, have also been located primarily in Appalachia. Walden deposited at the FPHC. Trinity Broad- offered to place his collection of historic casting Network placed its sizeable “C. CGMA publications at the FPHC, but M. Ward Library” at the FPHC. The ar- only if Rodgers first preached an im- chives of several schools—Central Bible promptu sermon, right there in Walden’s Darrin Rodgers, director of the College, Bethany University, and Patten office. He did, and now the FPHC has a Flower Pentecostal Heritage University—have also been deposited significant CGMA collection. Center, Mother Mary P. Patterson at the FPHC. One of the most interesting and of the Church of God in Christ; and Since 2005, the FPHC’s collection enduring relationships has been with Byron Klaus, former president of has grown significantly. The number of Mother Mary P. Patterson, widow of J. the Assemblies of God Theological catalog records in the FPHC’s online O. Patterson, Sr., who served as presid- Seminary at the dedication of catalog has grown from 50,000 to over ing bishop of the Church of God in Christ a historical marker for Bishop 120,000, including materials in over (COGIC) from 1968 to 1989. Patterson Charles H. Mason near the Holmes 140 languages. In recent years, over wanted to place her husband’s personal County Courthouse in Lexington, ten percent of new acquisitions have papers in a professional archives that Mississippi, October 16, 2015. been in non-English languages, includ- specialized in Pentecostal history, so she ing many materials documenting the reached out to Rodgers in 2007. tionship, stating that she wanted to send work of various national churches in the Patterson visited Springfield and was a signal that the AG and COGIC should World Assemblies of God Fellowship. In impressed by the FPHC’s facilities and develop a closer relationship.17 And that February 2018, the top ten non-English staff. She particularly loved that nearly is exactly what happened. Two COGIC languages in the FPHC holdings were: everyone she met at the AG national of- leaders who spoke at the collection dedi- Spanish (1,927); Swedish (653); French fice took time to pray with her. She de- cation—Bishop Lemuel Thuston and Dr. (581); German (489); Finnish (264); posited the Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. David Daniels—visited with AG general Portuguese (181); Russian (172); Ko- Collection at the FPHC in 2010, and superintendent George O. Wood. As a rean (143); Chinese (128); and Norwe-

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 47 gian (122). Collecting materials telling the stories of Pentecostals from across the world is essential if church leaders and scholars are to better understand the big picture of what God has been doing through the Pentecostal movement. The Assemblies of God and the broader Pen- tecostal movement have been growing most rapidly in the United States among immigrants and non-Anglos; worldwide, the greatest growth has been outside the Western world.18

Continuing to Preserve and Promote the Pentecostal Testimony Much of the success of the FPHC is due to the behind-the-scenes work of dedicated archivists who have subject- matter expertise and technical catalog- Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center Staff. Front (l-r): Alice Harris, Meaghan ing and archiving skills. Joyce Lee, who Collier, and Catherine McGee. Back (l-r): Darrin Rodgers, Joyce Lee, Robert served as Archivist from 1986 until her Sears, Ruthie Oberg, and Glenn Gohr. retirement in 2013, oversaw the cata- loging of all materials. She continues collection of Pentecostal treasures in org), which was redeveloped in 2007. to work part-time. Her successor, Bob two primary locations. Items that are The website has become an indispens- Sears, brings to the FPHC several de- most important or frequently-accessed able tool for researchers, featuring its cades of experience as a library director are stored in its 800-square-foot climate- online catalog, as well as free access to and a longtime passion for Pentecos- controlled vault in the AG national of- over 350,000 pages of Pentecostal pub- tal history. fice. The FPHC also stores materials in lications, which are searchable by index Glenn Gohr started at the FPHC in a 4,500-square-foot secure cave in the and by full-text searches. The FPHC 1987 as an Archival Assistant and now Springfield Underground—a sprawling blog (https://ifphc.wordpress.com) has is Reference Archivist. He also oversees system of secure warehouses built in old received nearly 500,000 page views, the photograph and audiovisual col- mining tunnels left by a limestone min- featuring “This Week in AG History” lections and is copy editor of Heritage ing operation. The cave is an ideal loca- columns and other articles. The most magazine. He is the resident expert on tion for preservation of materials—it has popular article to date features a 1971 Springfield Pentecostal history and— constant temperature and humidity and sermon from David Wilkerson: “Don’t quite literally—knows where the bodies is tornado-proof. Let Your Pentecostal Fire be Replaced are buried. He is known for his tours of These Pentecostal treasures are by the Fire of Indignation.” local cemeteries. made accessible to researchers in sev- The FPHC also helped in 2011 to William Molenaar succeeded Brett eral ways. For those who want to do in- spearhead the formation of the Con- Pavia in 2007 and served as Digital depth historical research, nothing beats a sortium of Pentecostal Archives (www. Archivist until 2015. He oversaw the visit to the FPHC. Those unable to visit pentecostalarchives.org), which makes digitization of about 400,000 pages of Springfield may purchase photocopies accessible digitized publications from Pentecostal periodicals and the continu- of materials for a nominal fee through various Pentecostal archives and de- ing development of the website. Sharon the FPHC’s reference services. The nominations, including the Assemblies Rasnake served as a very capable office FPHC staff has assisted countless schol- of God, Church of God (Cleveland, TN), administrator from 2001 until her retire- ars, students, church leaders, and people Church of God of Prophecy, Internation- ment in 2012. Others who served for in the pew. al Church of the Foursquare Gospel, In- shorter periods of time also contributed Another important way that the ternational Pentecostal Holiness Church, greatly to the success of the FPHC. FPHC makes its materials accessible and others. The FPHC preserves its extensive is through its website (www.iFPHC. Assemblies of God Heritage maga-

48 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 zine, now in its 38th year of publication, today. It is easy to be swamped by pre- has seen over 100 issues published since vailing popular worldviews, which can NOTES 1981. The quarterly magazine, which color one’s interpretation of Scripture. had grown to about 2,000 subscribers Knowledge of church history—learn- 1 under Wayne Warner’s editorship, in ing from the wisdom of those who lived Menzies’ dissertation was titled, “The Assemblies of God, 1941-1967: The 2007 became an expanded annual publi- in other times and places—can liberate Consolidation of a Revival Movement” (Ph.D. cation, sent to all AG ministers plus sub- Christians from fashions and winds of diss., University of Iowa, 1968). scribers. It is the only Pentecostal history doctrine, and it can also inspire Chris- 2William W. Menzies, Anointed to Serve: magazine of its kind. The publication tians toward great things. The Story of the Assemblies of God (Gospel promotes the heritage and identity of the Assemblies of God leaders recog- Publishing House, 1971). Assemblies of God and also publicizes nized the spiritual value of history when 3Ibid, 11. the work of the FPHC. they established the Flower Pentecostal 4Ibid. The FPHC museum has remained Heritage Center in 1977. They under- 5Board of Administration Minutes, March 6, largely the same since 1999, although a stood that the Pentecostal movement 1974, 4; Glenn Gohr, “A Silver Anniversary few new exhibits have been added. Lou- would have a limited future if the Pente- for the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center,” Assemblies of God Heritage 22:3 (Fall 2002): ie, the puppet who served as Assemblies costal testimony is not transmitted to the 4-9; Lee Shultz, telephone interview by Wayne of God evangelist Dan Betzer’s sidekick next generation. Warner, August 27, 2002. since 1954, went into retirement and be- Forty years later, the Flower Pente- 6Archives Study Committee’s report to the came a permanent display in the FPHC costal Heritage Center has become the Board of Administration, March 1, 1974. museum in 2012. Several new displays largest archival repository of Pentecostal 7Archives Study Committee’s report to the were placed in the museum in celebra- historical materials in the world. Church Board of Administration, February 11, 1975. tion of the AG’s centennial in 2014, and leaders, scholars, and people in the pew 8Executive Presbytery Minutes, June 12, 1975, 23. a rotating exhibit area is slated to open in have entrusted their Pentecostal treasures 9“AGGS Houses Archives in New Facilities,” 2018 at the rear of the museum’s E. N. to the Center’s dedicated archivists, who Pentecostal Evangel, February 12, 1978, 30. Bell Chapel. make these materials accessible to re- 10Ibid. AGGS was renamed Assemblies of God searchers online, by mail, and in person. Theological Seminary in 1984. 11 The Spiritual Value Hopefully, these Pentecostal voices from Ibid. of History across the chronological, linguistic, na- 12Archives Study Committee minutes, May 9, It is appropriate that the namesake of tional, and denominational divides will 1978; Archives Advisory Committee minutes, March 20, 1979. the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center inspire new generations to embrace the 13According to Dollar Times the buying cared deeply about Pentecostal history. Pentecostal testimony as their own. power of that $35,000 in 1978 is now worth J. Roswell Flower wrote a widely-dis- $138,942.67 in 2018. tributed booklet about the Fellowship’s 14The In Memoriam booklet began publication history, he taught the standard Assem- Wayne E. Warner in 1959 as a four-page list of the names of blies of God History and Polity course served as director deceased ministers from the previous biennium. 15 at Central Bible Institute, and he planned of the Flower Darrin J. Rodgers, Northern Harvest: Pentecostalism in North Dakota (Bismarck, to write a denominational history book Pentecostal ND: North Dakota District Council, 2003). that he was unable to complete before Heritage Center 16“Personal Papers of Bishop J. O. Patterson, his death. He also lived much of the from 1980 to 2005. Sr. Deposited at FPHC,” Assemblies of God 19 history. He is retired and Heritage 31 (2011): 73. Even at a young age, Flower recog- lives in Springfield 17Ibid. nized that history has spiritual value. He with his wife, Pat. 18Darrin J. Rodgers, “Global, Diverse, and was 25 years old when he published the Growing,” Assemblies of God Heritage 34 following brief admonition in the Chris- (2014): 2-3. tian Evangel (the predecessor of the Darrin J. Rodgers 19David Ringer, J. Roswell Flower: A Brief Pentecostal Evangel): “Every Christian has served as Biography (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2016). Flower’s booklet, The Origin and should study Church history alongside director of the Development of the Assemblies of God, went of his Bible. If we knew more Church Flower Pentecostal through six editions from 1938 to 1954. His history we would go astray less in our Heritage Center research and class notes were deposited at the interpretation of the Word of God.”20 since 2005. He lives FPHC. 20 This observation by a revered As- in Springfield with Christian Evangel, October 18, 1913, 8. semblies of God pioneer remains true his wife, Desiree.

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 49 CONNECT to the history of PENTECOST Introducing the Azusa Street Series

The Pentecostal Blessing How Pentecost Came to Los Angeles Experience the same rousing call to revival Feel a renewed connection to early believers that led to Azusa with Joseph Smale’s sermon with this eye-witness account of the Azusa series, recently recovered after 110 years. Street Revival by Frank Bartleman.

To find out more about these and other Spirit-Empowered Classics, visit MyHealthyChurch.com/SpiritEmpoweredClassics.

1.855.642.2011 • MyHealthyChurch.com 50 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 Continued from page 31 / From Macedonia to Missouri: The Journey of Alexander Vazakas

8Ibid.; “Pentecostal Professor,” 6; Nelle Reeder Springfield, IL. 31Vazakas, autobiography, folder 31, folder 33. Vazakas, unpublished notes on Alexander Vazakas, 23Vazakas, autobiography, folder 33; James Patrick 32Henry M. Brown, ed., General Alumni Catalogue of folder 39, Byron Vazakas Papers, Albright College, Morgans, John Todd and the Underground Railroad: New York University: College, Applied Science, and Reading, Pennsylvania. Biography of an Iowa Abolitionist (Jefferson, NC: Honorary Alumni, 1833-1905 (New York: General CONNECT to the 9 Nelle Vazakas, notes. McFarland & Company, 2006), 63. Dubbed “the Alumni Society, 1906), 142. 10Vakazas, autobiography, folder 32. Vazakas daughter of Oberlin,” Tabor College, like its “mother” 33Catalogue of the Officers and Students of the Union described Metzger, the stationmaster, as “a perfect school, devoted itself to progressive causes, such Theological Seminary in the City of New York, 1906- gentleman and scrupulously honest”; however, “he as abolition. Tabor, Iowa, also boasted “the world’s 1907 (New York: Union Theological Seminary, 1907), could swear in seven different languages, mostly shortest standard gauge” railroad line. It ran 8.79 15. According to Vazakas, autobiography, folder 31, history of PENTECOST miles from Malvern, Iowa, and resulted from the at his wife.” he chose Union because the American that continued successful efforts of the Tabor community to prevent 11 his late father’s work in Monastir had attended there. Ibid. Tabor College from relocating; see Otha B. Wearin, 34 12 Ibid. Vazakas moved to Thessalonica because his “The Tabor and Northern Railroad,” The Annals of “Says Woman Hypnotized Him,” Brooklyn older brother lived there. Iowa 38 (1966), 427-430. Daily Eagle, March 7, 1908, 1. This marriage is 24 further corroborated by a June 6, 1900, passport Introducing the Azusa Street Series 13Ibid. His wood sawing work garnered fifteen cents per application “for a person claiming citizenship through hour. The college president also allowed Vazakas to 14Ibid.; Nelle Vazakas, notes; “Pentecostal naturalization of husband or parent.” Louise Vazakas use his property to raise pigs and sell them to market. completed the approved application in Athens. The Professor,” 6. The proceeds from this venture equaled the amount 15 information matches Alexander’s immigration and Nelle Vazakas, notes; “Pentecostal Professor,” 6. As needed for Vazakas to pay for his brother Alfred’s citizenship date. Louise was born in Germany in he roved along the road, Vazakas met several English fare to the United States; see Vazakas, autobiography, 1849. See Passport Application for Louise Vazakas, ladies who had rented a waterfront café and repurposed folder 33. Vazakas may have become involved National Archives and Records Administration, it to host worship services for British sailors serving with the Hephzibah Faith Missionary Association, Emergency Passport Applications (Issued Abroad), at the port of Thessalonica. Worshipping at this a holiness denomination based in Tabor, during 1877-1907, roll 17, vol. 28: Egypt to Portugal. chapel, Vazakas heard electrifying singing, and his years at Tabor College. Vazakas attended the Vazakas does not mention Louise or this episode in he witnessed fervent prayer and testimonies. The Association’s 1917 convention in Elmira, NY; see his autobiography or notes. worship encounter intensified Vazakas’s hunger for “Hephzibah Association Closes Its Convention,” God; see Vazakas, autobiography, folder 32. Elmira Star-Gazette, September 15, 1917, 7; T. F. 35“Vazakas Can’t Lose Hypnotic Greek Wife,” Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 27, 1908, 22; The 16Vazakas, autobiography, folder 31. Besides Murphy, ed., Religious Bodies, 1936: Denominations - Statistics, History, Doctrine, Organization, Work, New York Supplement Containing the Decisions of serving as a priest, Barnabas had also established the Supreme and Lower Courts of Record of New a watchmaking business United States Census Bureau (Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1936), 565. Vazakas, York State, vol. 109 (New York: West Publishing, 17Ibid.; Nelle Vazakas, notes; “Pentecostal Professor,” autobiography, folder 33 notes interactions with the 1908), 568-570. 7. Vazakas also tells of the property owner, who was founder of the movement George Weavers and his 36“Pentecostal Professor,” 6; Vazakas, autobiography, known as a gambler and drunkard. When he heard son-in-law and successor Leonard Worcester. The folder 31, folder 33; Nelle Vazakas, notes. the uproar, he came to mock, but then, “as if struck Hephzibah Association became part of the Church 37 by lightning,” the man starting running around the of the Nazarene in 1950. See “Our Global Church,” Alexander A. Vazakas, “The Solution of the Will room. He screamed, “What have you done to me? I The Church of the Nazarene, accessed May 5, 2017, to Live: A Comparative Study” (master’s thesis, see hell before me. Come and help me, or I am lost!” http://www.nazarene.org/sites/default/files/essentials/ Columbia University, 1911), 48, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University in the 18 docs/Our-Global-Church-En1.2.pdf. Vazakas autobiography, folder 31, folder 33. One City of New York. One of Vazakas’s professors cannot miss the echoes to the day of Pentecost and 25Vazakas, autobiography, folder 33. at Columbia was John Dewey, the philosopher, Peter’s words, “This is that” (Acts 2:16, KJV). 26Ibid. Vazakas graduated from a “preparatory course” psychologist, and educational reformer. 19 Ibid., folder 33. Vazakas carefully points out that at Tabor in 1895; see H. A. Simons, “Graduates from 38Vazakas, autobiography, folder 33. While he was the scorn did not derive from the Greek Orthodox Fremont County Schools, 1895,” Fremont County a student at Tabor, Vazakas earned enough money Church. In fact, referring to the Greek Orthodox, Sun, June 20, 1895, 6. through his various jobs to pay for Alfred’s journey Vazakas wrote, “The people in that church were my 27 to the United States. Tragically, Alfred died in friends, always eager to hear God’s word.” Vazakas, autobiography, folder 33. Along the way to Greece, Vazakas stopped in Keswick, England, and New York on December 31, 1912, as a result of 20As the two-week ocean passage neared its end near participated in a Higher Life Conference. pneumonia. Vazakas moved Alfred’s widow and three Newfoundland, the weather became tumultuous, and 28 sons to a Chicago apartment, but a fire destroyed the motors began to malfunction. Passengers and Vazakas, autobiography, folder 31, folder 33; the apartment complex a few weeks after their crew expressed concerns about their safety, but Sixteenth Annual Report of the Greek Evangelical arrival. Alfred’s wife and children left and moved when Vazakas’s cabin mate’s wife came to find her Union (formerly “Alliance”) (Smyrna: Greek to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, before settling in Reading, The Pentecostal Blessing How Pentecost Came to Los Angeles husband, she encountered Vazakas singing hymns. Evangelical Union, 1898), 5. Pennsylvania. Alfred’s oldest son was the poet Byron Experience the same rousing call to revival Feel a renewed connection to early believers She became angry at how calm he seemed when 29U.S. Passport Application for Alexander A. Vazakas, A. Vazakas. that led to Azusa with Joseph Smale’s sermon with this eye-witness account of the Azusa their lives were endangered. February 28, 1914, in National Archives and Records 39“Death Takes Scholar, 91,” Springfield News- 21D. C. Marquis, General Catalogue of the McCormick Administration, General Emergency Passport Leader, February 27, 1965. series, recently recovered after 110 years. Street Revival by Frank Bartleman. Applications, 1907-1923, vol. 140: Rheims to Turkey; Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church, 40 Sidney is the county seat of Fremont County, which “Overseas Secretaries,” Association Men, September Chicago, Illinois (Chicago: Rogerson Press, 1900), 1917, 565; Columbia Alumni News, October 4, 129. includes Tabor. 30 1918, 77; Year Book of the Young Men’s Christian 22National Archives and Records Administration, Vazakas, autobiography, folder 33. Vazakas recalled, Associations of North America for the Year May Soundex Index to Naturalization Petitions for “I was very cheerful during my imprisonment. I was 1, 1920, to April 30, 1921 (New York: Association the United States District and Circuit Courts, singing and the presence of Christ was with me.” Press, 1921), 153. See Elizabeth Geyer, “Dr. Vazakas, Oldest Faculty To find out more about these and other Spirit-Empowered Classics, Northern District of Illinois and Immigration 41 Member, To Teach Part-Time,” The Lance, April 5, Vazakas, autobiography, folder 35. Archbishop and Naturalization Service District 9, 1840-1950 Chrysostomos was brutally killed by a mob following visit MyHealthyChurch.com/SpiritEmpoweredClassics. (M1285), microfilm serial M1285, microfilm roll 1962. Thank you to Evangel University archivist 167; Illinois Department of Public Health, “Marriage Shirley Shedd for assistance with articles from The Records, 1871–present,” Division of Vital Records, Lance. Continued on page 52

1.855.642.2011 • MyHealthyChurch.com 2017-18 AG HERITAGE 51 Continued from page 51 / From Macedonia to Missouri: The Journey of Alexander Vazakas

the Turkish sacking of Smyrna in 1922. He was later 3; “Intervarsity Fellowship on Thursday,” Willamette 62Nelle Reeder’s mother was Harriet Reeder, a declared a saint and martyr by the Eastern Orthodox Collegian, February 18, 1944, 5. Vazakas was also credentialed AG minister who passed away in 1951. Church. a regular speaker for community groups such as Nelle must have had something to do with connecting 42Nelle Vazakas, notes; “Vazakas Entrains on First the Chamber of Commerce and civic clubs; e.g., Vazakas more to the AG later in life. Leg of Trip to Egypt and Greece,” The Willamette “Mysticism Talk Enjoyed by Club,” Daily Capital 63Vazakas, autobiography, folder 35; Nelle Vazakas, Collegian, July 14, 1944, 3; “Dr. Vazakas’ Rites Journal, March 31, 1928, 5; “Vazakas to Speak,” The notes. Oregon Statesman, October 2, 1942, 5; “Gospel Need Slated,” Springfield News-Leader,February 27, 1965; 64 of Germans,” Daily Capital Journal, June 1, 1944, 11. Gust A. Harbas, “Greek Branch Holds Convention,” “Professor, Linguist, Editor: Teacher for 77 Years Pentecostal Evangel, November 10, 1957, 30. Dies,” The Lance, March 11, 1965, 1. 54“Introducing Dr. Vazakas,” Willamette Collegian, 65Vazakas, autobiography, folder 35, indicates he was 43Vazakas, autobiography, folder 35; Nelle Vazakas, February 4, 1938, 2. 55 not pleased with “assistant” being in his title: “All notes. The disposition of his marriage to Luise Zenia “Vazakas Entrains,” 3; Vazakas, autobiography, the past years of my teaching experience I’ve been at this time is unknown. I have been unable to uncover folder 31. a full professor, but now, after thirty years I have any divorce records. It is possible that she had died. 56“Personalia,” The Modern Language Journal 32 become an assistant professor. Why? Assistant to 44Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, (1948), 452. whom?” Despite his misgivings about “assistant,” New York, 1820-1957, Records of the U.S. Customs 57Vazakas, autobiography, folder 35. Vazakas acknowledged that he was “thrilled” to be Service, National Archives, Washington, D.C., record teaching at Evangel. 58Dick Burdette, “Intercession City . . . Last Exit to group 36, roll 3639, line 17, page 161. 66Thurman Vanzant, e-mail message to author, May 45 Yesterday,” Orlando Sentinel, May 19, 1974, C-3; Alexander Aristides Vazakas, “The Greek of Acts Jovida Fletcher, “Defunct Bible College Lives On in 10, 2017. Emphasis original. 1:1-15:25” (doctor of philosophy dissertation, Minister,” Osceola Sentinel, August 6, 1989, 3; Jovida 67Ibid. University of Chicago, 1927). Vazakas’s dissertation Fletcher, “Intercession City Founded By Pioneers 68Ibid. argues against a theory, common at the time, that the With Failed Dreams,” Osceola Sentinel, July 8, 1990, Greek in the first fifteen chapters of Acts derives from 3; Jovida Fletcher, “Minister Followed Father’s Steps 69Vazakas, autobiography, folder 35. a translation of an Aramaic original. Vazakas had All The Way To Intercession City,” Osceola Sentinel, 70“Language Teacher Covers Khrushchev’s Recent earlier written on the same subject in an abbreviated May 14, 1995, 3; Vic Reasoner, “Smith, Aaron Jacob,” form in A. A. Vazakas, “Is Acts I-XV.35 a Literal Visit,” The Lance, September 30, 1959, 1. in The A to Z of the Holiness Movement, ed. William 71 Translation from an Aramaic Original?,” Journal Kostlevy (Lanham, MD: Scarecrow, 2010), 272-273; Stanley M. Burgess, telephone conversation with of Biblical Literature 37 (1918), 105-110. Vazakas “Who was Osie England?,” Historic Intercession author, May 10, 2017. Shirley Shedd, e-mail message evidently began his studies prior to the beginning City, accessed May 5, 2017, http://intercessioncity. to author, April 21, 2017, remarks that Vazakas of World War I; see Circular of Information: The webstarts.com/the_plan.html; “The Intercession “was obviously well loved by students as the 1962 Divinity School, 1915-1916 (Chicago: The University City Schools,” Historic Intercession City, accessed yearbook was dedicated to him.” After his death, the of Chicago Press, 1916), 86, which identified Vazakas May 5, 2017, http://intercessioncity.webstarts.com/ Alexander Vazakas Memorial Scholarship fund was as Vice President of the New Testament Club. See missionaries.html. established at Evangel; the School of Theology and also Annual Register Covering the Academic Year Church Ministries continues to award it. 59 Ending June 30, 1916, with Announcements for the Obituary for Mrs. Ida A. Vazakas, Orlando Sentinel, 72 October 28, 1953, 23. George O. Wood, e-mail message to author, April Year 1916-1917 (Chicago: The University of Chicago 18, 2017. Wood states, “If our relationship with God Press, 1916), 599. 60Vazakas, autobiography, folder 35. were based on us having complete informational 46Vazakas, autobiography, folder 35. “Professor, 61Marriage certificate for Alexander A. Vazakas and knowledge of God before we could ‘know’ him, Linguist,” The Lance, also notes that Vazakas “studied Nelle Reeder, December 23, 1954, San Francisco, then we would be excluded from knowing God.” abroad at the Universities of Mexico, Athens, Paris, California, folder 39, Byron Vazakas Papers, Albright 73George O. Wood, “What Did Jesus Really Mean that Switzerland, and Madrid.” College, Reading, Pennsylvania. Tounger is listed We Must Become as a Child?,” Dr. George O. Wood 47Vazakas, autobiography, folder 35. among the credentialed AG clergy in General blog, accessed April 30, 2017, http://georgeowood. 48 Council of the Assemblies of God, Official List com/what-did-jesus-really-mean-that-we-must- See William J. Molenaar, “The American Mission of the Ministers and Missionaries of the General Field: Intercultural Ministries” Assemblies of God become-as-a-child/. Council of the Assemblies of God Revised to January 74 Heritage 34 (2014): 42. 15, 1955 (Springfield, MO: Executive Office of the Stanley M. Burgess, ed., Christian Peoples of 49“Reporter Discovers Hobbies of Faculty: New Assemblies of God, 1955), 172. According to J. the Spirit: A Documentary History of Pentecostal Members of Teaching Staff Are Revealed by Means of Roswell Flower’s Assemblies of God minister’s Spirituality from the Early Church to the Present Their Avocations,” Willamette Collegian, September letter, March 18, 1954, Tounger was added to the (New York: New York University Press, 2011), 1, 4. 29, 1927, 1; Mary Clanfield, “Society,” Willamette ministerial list in 1954. For the pastor’s involvement 75Roger R. Olson, “Pentecostalism’s Dark Side,” Collegian, January 19, 1928, 3. in the Greek Branch, see Gust A. Harbas, “Annual Christian Century, March 7, 2006, 27. 50“Whew!!! Vazakas Teaches Five Different Convention,” Pentecostal Evangel, May 3, 1959, 27; 76On welding the life of the mind and the life of the Languages,” Willamette Collegian, November 28, Gust A. Harbas, “Annual Convention of Hellenic Spirit, see Rick M. Nañez, Full Gospel, Fractured 1941, 8. Protogonos Apostolic Ecclesia,” Pentecostal Evangel, Minds?: A Call to Use God’s Gift of the Intellect May 29, 1960, 27; “29th Annual Convention of the 51 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005); Jonathan “Faculty Makes Course Changes,” Willamette Greek Branch,” Pentecostal Evangel, May 16, 1965, Collegian, November 13, 1942, 1. Olson, “The Quest for Legitimacy: American 30. The Hellenic Protogonos Apostolic Ecclesia, Pentecostal Scholars and the Quandaries of Academic 52“Linguistic Heights,” Willamette Collegian, March matching the address of the church identified Pursuit,” Intermountain West Journal of Religious 19, 1943, 3. on the Vazakas marriage certificate, is listed in Studies 4 (2012): 94-115. For these and further Assemblies of God Directory: A Complete Listing 53 lessons from Vazakas’s life, see Darrin J. Rodgers, “Wesleyans Have Interesting Meets,” Willamette by District of Churches of Evangelical, Protestant Collegian, November 13, 1931, 3; “French Club “Dr. Alexander Vazakas: Early Greek Pentecostal, Faith, Affiliated and Co-operative with the General Philosopher, Linguist,” Flower Pentecostal Heritage Meets,” Willamette Collegian, February 18, 1932, Council of the Assemblies of God to July 1, 1955 1; “Vazakas Says Europe’s ‘Sore Spots’ Overrated,” Center blog, September 1, 2016, accessed May 1, (Springfield, MO: Executive Headquarters of the 2017, https://ifphc.wordpress.com/2016/09/01/ Willamette Collegian, November 3, 1933, 1; Assemblies of God, 1955), 206. The church name “Russian Seen International Language,” Willamette dr-alexander-vazakas-early-greek-pentecostal- and date of Rev. Tounger’s credentialing indicates philosopher-linguist/. Collegian, December 3, 1943, 8; “Vazakas Tells of that the congregation was part of the Greek Original Russians,” Willamette Collegian, October 9, 1942, Apostolic Church; see also Molenaar, 42.

52 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 Resources

Heritage Annual Edition Order extra copies of the 2017-2018 edition for family and friends. Features inspiring stories about early Pentecostalism in Springfield, Missouri, Bible Quiz, D. W. Kerr, Alexander Vazakas, and more. iFPHC.org On orders of five or more, $5 each. HERITAGE MAGAZINE Heritage Annual 2017-18 750317 $ 8.00 Heritage Annual 2015-16 750315 $ 3.00 Heritage Annual 2014 750314 $ 3.00 In Assemblies of God Heritage Annual 2013 750313 $ 3.00

Heritage Annual 2012 750312 $ 3.00 Early Pentecostalism in Springfi eld, Missouri 2017-18 Heritage you can read Heritage Annual 2011 750310 $ 3.00 Bible Quiz Alexander Vazakas Volumes 37 & 38 Heritage Annual 2010 750300 $ 3.00 D. W. Kerr Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center about the pioneers, churches and innovative ministries that helped form Assemblies of God Heritage (1981-2006) CD-ROM who we are today. Its colorful This CD collection of Heritage allows users to perform full-text searches while retaining the pages, which capture the lively original layout. This product requires Adobe stories of our Pentecostal Acrobat Reader. AGH (1981-2006) CD-ROM 750480 $ 20.00 past, will inspire and evoke memories. We have been publishing Heritage since 1981. Order individual back issues of Heritage (1981-2016). It’s never too late to catch up 103 different issues available, while supplies last. $3.00 each. on the past! Back issues are available individually, in bound HISTORY IN THE MAKING volumes, on CD-ROM, and by VIDEO downloading them from the History in the Making highlights the modern- History in the Making History in the Making FPHC website. day Pentecostal revival and the formationThe Heritage of theof the Assemblies of God The Heritage of the Assemblies of God Assemblies of God in 1914. The video was originally istory in the Making highlights the story of the modern-day Pentecostal revival and the created as an orientation piece for toursH offormation the of the Assemblies of God in 1914. This compelling story shows how early Pentecostals, empowered by the Holy Spirit, dedicated themselves to Assemblies of God headquarters. It hasworship, been evangelism, andedited making disciples. History in the Making is an excellent tool for introducing people to the heritage for local church use and features new music,and mission of the Assemblies narration, of God, and is well-suited for church services, Visit our Heritage and graphics. History in the Making is anmembership excellent classes, and other church tool for understanding and sharing the historyeducation needs. of Updated: 2008 / Length: 8 minutes 50 seconds magazine website the Assemblies of God and is great for Amembership Presentation of the Website: www.iFPHC.org Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center Toll Free: 877.840.5200 1445 N. Boonville Avenue classes and other church education needs.Springfield, MO 65802-1894

© 2008 by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65802. (Updated: 2008 / Length: 8 minutes 50All rightsseconds) reserved. For personal or church use only. Unauthorized distribution prohibited.

History in the Making is available for free download at: www.iFPHC.org/Heritage http://ag.org/top/About/history_video.cfm A higher quality DVD format may be purchased for $20. Use our search engine History Video DVD 750494 $20.00 › to find articles Clearance Sale — While Supplies Last › Download articles for free Buy the original History in the Making video, which offers a more in-depth Order back issues analysis of AG history than the updated 2008 version. While supplies last. › (1999 / Length: 28 minutes) Order Heritage Products History Video VHS 750195 $19.95 $5.00 ›

Toll Free: 877.840.5200 2017-18 AG HERITAGE 53 Pentecostal Evangel The Pentecostal Evangel has always played an important role in the Assemblies of God. Through its many articles it iFPHC.org offers teaching on doctrinal issues, inspiring testimonies, and aids in documenting church growth and missionary DIGITAL PRODUCTS efforts. Whatever the research topic, the Pentecostal Evangel is one of the best places to look for theological issues and ministry trends in the Assemblies of God. Save space on your PE (1913-1969) 1 DVD+R 750486 $ 99.95 bookshelf. Save time PE (1913-1949) 10 CD-ROMs 750418 $ 139.00 $99.95 by doing text searches. General Council Minutes and Reports Save money by not having The General Council Minutes and Reports are a valuable resource for those interested in learning how the to buy originals. FPHC’s Assemblies of God handled debates on core doctrinal products are designed for issues, challenges in world missions, the establishment of national ministries, and scores of other ministry your convenience. As all of and congregational concerns. All of this and more is documented in the minutes and reports from the General our digital products use the Council. widely-used file format of Adobe GCMR (1914-1999) CD-ROM 750439 $ 20.00 Acrobat PDF, you can focus Additional Publications on CD-ROM on learning history and not on Latter Rain Evangel (1908-1939) 2 CD-ROMs 750417 $ 30.00 a new program. Each of our Word and Witness (1912-1915) and products contains 1000s of The Pentecost (1908-1910) CD-ROM 750419 $ 15.00

pages of research material on La Luz Apostólica (1965-1973) y text-searchable CD-ROMs and El Evangelio Pentecostal (1972-1992) CD-ROM 750446 $ 15.00 DVD+Rs. Recommended Our most comprehensive AG

You will need Adobe Acrobat collection with over 40,000 pages Reader 6.0 or higher to use FPHC digital products. Assemblies of God Publications: Pre-WWII FPHC digital products Move beyond the traditional starting places are Windows and Mac compatible. for research. With this DVD+R you gain access to over 40,000 pages of books, tracts, national and local periodicals, and adult and youth Christian education materials. Featured core resources include the Pentecostal Evangel (1913-1939) and General Council Minutes and Reports (1914- 1939), as well as The Apostolic Faith (Azusa Street newspaper) and other periodicals that predate the Assemblies of God. As a bonus this product includes 10 MP3 audio interviews of those who were either active in ministry or eyewitnesses to major events and personalities in the early years. If you DISCLAIMER are looking for a broad-based collection of Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center digital products primary source materials for understanding are copies of materials held in its archives. The FPHC collection, as well as these products, may contain the formational years of the Assemblies of missing or damaged pages and poor quality typeface. Every reasonable attempt was made to complete these God, look no further. collections and to use the best available copies in the AGP1 (1906-1939) DVD+R 750487 $ 39.95 creation of these products.

www.ifphc.org/products 54 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 50,000+ page collection of periodicals Recommended and books on one DVD+R Healing Evangelists This DVD contains the periodicals and books of five well-known healing evangelists that made a significant impact on the early Pentecostal movement. They include John Alexander Dowie (1847-1907), Aimee Semple McPherson (1890- 1944), Carrie Judd Montgomery (1858-1946), Charles S. Price (1887-1947), and Maria Woodworth- Etter (1844-1924). With a total count of over 50,000 pages, this DVD offers a wealth of resource material for those interested in healing ministries and the early Pentecostal movement. Healing (1881-1957) DVD+R 750488 $ 49.95

Also Available Separately on CD-ROM Theology and Local Church Ministry Leaves of Healing HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS LH (1894-1906) 6 CD-ROMs 750441 $100.00 Golden Grain GG (1926-1957) 2 CD-ROMs 750436 $ 30.00 Triumphs of Faith TF (1881-1946) 2 CD-ROMs 750433 $ 30.00 Notice: These three periodicals are available for a much lower cost as part of the Healing Evangelists DVD featured above.

Early Periodicals Confidence Confidence was an early British Pentecostal periodical PARACLETE ADVANCE PULPIT edited by A. A. Boddy, an Anglican rector who was baptized in the Spirit in 1907. Sermons and reports 1 2 3 given at the conferences and revivals held at Boddy's parish were recorded in the pages of Confidence. Paraclete (1967-1995) is a journal concerning C (1908-1926) CD-ROM 750420 $ 20.00 the person and work of the Holy Spirit that was 1published by the Assemblies of God. Its pages Word and Work contain dialogue and discussion of some of the hottest Samuel G. Otis published Word and Work to promote theological issues of the times. Pentecostal meetings and churches in the New England CD-ROM 750435 $ 20.00 area, including meetings with Maria Woodworth-Etter, Aimee Semple McPherson, and Smith Wigglesworth. Advance magazine (1965-95) played an important The issues are filled with sermons, articles, and news role in the ongoing education of church leaders. items pertaining to the early Pentecostal movement. 2 It featured articles on the work of the Holy Spirit, WW (1899-1940) CD-ROM 750434 $ 20.00 sermon ideas, and how-to articles related to local church ministry. Academic Resource 2 CD-ROMs 750465 $ 40.00

Society for Pentecostal Studies Papers Pulpit (1958-65), the predecessor of Advance, These papers were presented at the annual meetings of the Society for Pentecostal Studies from 1982- was the first Assemblies of God periodical created 2004. They consist of cutting edge scholarship on 3 specifically to address practical theology and Pentecostalism in areas such as Biblical Studies, History, leadership issues faced by pastors. Missions & Intercultural Studies, Philosophy, Practical CD-ROM 750464 $ 15.00 Theology/Christian Formation, Religion & Culture, and Theology. Advance and Pulpit Set SPS (1982-2004) CD-ROM 750490 $ 99.95 3 CD-ROMs 750466 $ 45.00

Toll Free: 877.840.5200 2017-18 AG HERITAGE 55 Youth Alive 1970-1974 750033 $20.00 iFPHC.org 1975-1979 750034 $20.00 DIGITAL PRODUCTS Youth Leader 1975-1996 (3 CDs) 750035 $45.00 These text-searchable digitized MISCELLANEOUS publications are a researcher’s Midnight Cry (Glad Tidings Tabernacle, NYC) 1911-1925 750036 $20.00 dream. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader Glad Tidings Herald (Glad Tidings Tabernacle, NYC) 6.0 or higher. Each product on this page 1927-1958 750037 $20.00

consists of a single CD unless otherwise Herald of Deliverance (North Side AG, Fort Worth, TX) 1951-1958 750038 $20.00 noted. 1959-1974 750039 $20.00

AG PUBLICATIONS Revivaltime News 1950-1954 750041 $20.00 SUNDAY SCHOOL

Adult Teacher NON-AG PUBLICATIONS 1927-1934 750003 $20.00 1935-1944 750004 $20.00 Church of God (Cleveland, TN) Evangel DVD 1945-1959 750005 $20.00 1910-1950 750495 $89.95 1960-1974 750006 $20.00 1975-1998 750007 $20.00 Church of God (Cleveland, TN) Minutes 1906-2002 750047 $19.95 WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL LITERATURE Church of God (Cleveland, TN) Publications DVD Gospel Gleaners Features all major Church of God publications from its 1928-1938 750008 $20.00 foundational years. Includes books, General Assembly minutes, 1939-1950 750009 $20.00 all known copies of the Church of God Evangel, the first 1951-1956 750010 $20.00 published songbook, and many lesser known publications. 1901-1923 750048 $49.95 Live 1956-1970 750011 $20.00 E. W. Kenyon Periodicals 1971-1980 750012 $20.00 1898-1948 750042 $20.00 1981-1989 750013 $20.00 Gospel Call (Russian and Eastern European Mission) and WOMEN’S MINISTRIES related publications 1922-1965 750043 $20.00 Slant 1957-1977 750014 $20.00 Grace and Truth (Memphis, TN, edited by L. P. Adams) 1914-1918 750044 $20.00 WORLD MISSIONS Open Bible Churches Periodicals Missionary Challenge Includes periodicals of the Bible Standard Churches and the 1944-1955 750030 $20.00 Open Bible Evangelistic Association prior to their 1935 amalgamation to form what became the Open Bible Churches. World Challenge 1920-1935 750049 $20.00 1955-1959 750031 $20.00 Pentecostal Missionary Union (Great Britain) Letters and YOUTH Minutes 1909-1928 750045 $20.00 Christ’s Ambassadors Monthly 1926-1930 750050 $20.00 Trust (Rochester Bible Training School) 1908-1932 750046 $20.00 CA Herald 1930-1941 750016 $20.00 The Pentecostal Missionary Union, Church of God (Cleveland, 1942-1951 750017 $20.00 TN), and Open Bible Churches digital products are available 1952-1961 750018 $20.00 courtesy of the Donald Gee Centre (Mattersey Hall, UK), the 1962-1970 750019 $20.00 Dixon Pentecostal Research Center (Cleveland, TN), and the Open Bible Standard Churches (Des Moines, IA), respectively. Light n Heavy The original materials are available at these repositories. 1979-1981 750032 $20.00

www.ifphc.org/products 56 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 For forty years, their voices as he tackled the difficult iFPHC.org were heard around the questions of life, and hear world on Revivaltime – the the Revivaltime choir REVIVALTIME Assemblies of God radio performing your favorite program. Through our songs. Who can forget C. M. Revivaltime products, you Ward, Dan Betzer, and can listen to C. M. Ward’s the Revivaltime choir? warmth and wit once again

Revivaltime Favorites 21 songs selected from radio broadcasts and Revivaltime choir albums from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. RTF CD 750473 $ 14.95 C. M. Ward Songs on this CD: Blessed Assurance Let Us Praise the Arise, My Soul, Arise Written in Red Almighty I’ve Just Seen Jesus Symphony of Praise In the Name of the Lord Moving Up to Gloryland You are My Hiding Place Name Above All Names The Holy City Look for Me Around the In One Accord The Lord’s Prayer Throne Yes, He Did Yes, It is Mine My Life is in You, Lord Rise and Be Healed I Will Bless the Lord He Came to Me He is Jehovah

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Revivaltime Classics Revivaltime Revivaltime Collection of 14 classic sermons Reenactment 2005 Reenactment 2003 by C. M. Ward with introductions Songs and a sermon from the Held in conjunction with the and interviews by Dan Betzer, 2005 Denver, Colorado General 2003 Washington, D.C. General his successor. Council. Council.

Revivaltime Classics Revivaltime Reenactment Revivaltime Reenactment 7 CD Set 750463 $59.95 Tape 750485 $9.95 $4.95 Tape 750469 $9.95 $4.95 Revivaltime Classics 7 Tape Set 750455 $39.95 Revivaltime Reenactment VHS 750483 $19.95 $9.95 Revivaltime Classics 1 MP3-CD 750470 $29.95

Toll Free: 877.840.5200 2017-18 AG HERITAGE 57 Spirit-Empowered Classics Ignite a renewed passion for Pentecost

SMITH WIGGLESWORTH EVER INCREASING FAITH FAITH THAT PREVAILS Stanley Howard Frodsham Sermons from Smith Discover Smith Wigglesworth’s details Smith Wigglesworth’s world- Wigglesworth, including inspiring teachings on salvation, physical heal- renowned healing ministry. truths about gifts of the Spirit. ing, and the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

SEEING THE STORY OF THE BIBLE THE LIFE OF FAITH THE SPIRIT HIMSELF Myer Pearlman explores how each Cornelia Nuzum writes This powerful study of the Holy book of the Bible relates to the theme about a life of service as a Spirit by Ralph M. Riggs can of grace and redemption. missionary to Mexico. dramatically change your life.

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Help the FPHC to share the story of the Assemblies of God

o you ever wonder what the Assemblies of God will be like in years to come? DYou’re not alone. That is why the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center aims to preserve and promote the heritage and distinct testimony of the Assemblies of God.

Do you remember C. M. Ward, Dan Betzer, and the Revivaltime choir? Was Donating your used books your life changed by a pastor, evangelist, 2 missionary, church, or Teen Challenge center? God uses people, places and Direct your used books back into ministry by events to change the course of history — donating them to the Assemblies of God Used Book for individuals and for entire nations. Clearinghouse. We in the Assemblies of God have an The Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center has inspiring heritage! You and I know this, but always accepted donations of archival materials, many people have not had the opportunity including books, but sometimes people offer collec- to learn from the wisdom of those who came tions of books outside of the FPHC’s collecting inter- before. ests. Now, in conjunction with the libraries of AGTS, Central Bible College, and Evangel University, the FPHC is able to accept donations of personal librar- There are four ways that you can help us ies for the benefit of AG ministries. The archives or to preserve and share our Pentecostal library which directs a donation to the Clearinghouse heritage with the next generation: shall have first choice of materials from that donation. Remaining books will be made available by 4WRD Resource Distributors to missionaries, overseas Bible Entrusting us with materials schools, individuals outside the U.S., and stateside non-profit organizations. 1 from your life and ministry While all materials are accepted, the following are of particular interest:

The Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center is actively seek- 1) Anything related to the Assemblies of God or ing the following materials related to your ministry and the the broader Pentecostal and charismatic movements, worldwide Pentecostal movement: including books, tracts, pamphlets, magazines, unpublished manuscripts, audio recordings, video record- • Magazines • Sermons • Photographs ings, correspondence, scrapbooks, local church histo- • Diaries • Interviews • Scrapbooks ries, and artifacts. • Books • Audiovisual Resources • Memorabilia 2) Any books religious in nature (including theology, church history, missions, biographies, commen- • Newsletters • Correspondence • College taries, etc.). Yearbooks • Tracts • Congregational Histories 3) Any academic books (in general, books with numerous footnotes or endnotes, or those published by Your contribution might be just what we need to fill gaps university presses). in one of our many collections. Contributing to the FPHC 4 endowment

You may wish to consider making a financial contribution to the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center endowment to help ensure the long-term future of this ministry of re- membrance. You can give needed support for the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center by making a gift of cash or property or simply by including the following words in your will:

I give, devise, and bequeath to the Assemblies of God Foundation, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Spring- field, MO 65802 (insert amount being given here) to be used to support the ministry of the Flower Pente- costal Heritage Center.

Bequests are free of estate tax, and can substantially reduce Supporting the Wayne the amount of your assets claimed by the government. A Warner Research Fellowship bequest can be a specific dollar amount, a specific piece 3 of property, a percentage of an estate, or all or part of the residue of an estate. You can also name the Flower Pente- Wayne Warner, former director of costal Heritage Center as a contingency beneficiary in the the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center event someone named in your will is no longer living. It is (1980-2005), is a familiar name across recommended that an attorney help in drafting or amend- the Assemblies of God. Under his leader- ing a will. ship, the Center became a leading Chris- tian archives and developed one of the largest and most accessible collections of Please contact me if you would like to discuss Pentecostal historical materials in the world. He was how you can help us to preserve and share our the founding editor of Assemblies of God Heritage and has authored or compiled eleven books and countless Pentecostal heritage with future generations. articles. Thank you for your dedication to God and to In October 2006, the leadership of the Assemblies the Assemblies of God! of God established the Wayne Warner Research Fel- lowship, an endowed program designed to encourage faculty, independent researchers, and students to use and publish from the Center’s rich holdings. The program will award research and travel grants to a lim- Darrin J. Rodgers, M.A., J.D. ited number of researchers each year whose research email: [email protected] concerning Assemblies of God history is likely to be published and to benefit our Fellowship. Have you been encouraged by Wayne’s writings or friendship? Do you appreciate our Assemblies of God heritage? By making a financial contribution to the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center Warner Fellowship, you will honor Wayne’s significant 1445 N. Boonville Ave. contribution to the preservation and understanding of Springfield, MO 65802 USA Assemblies of God history, and you will encourage scholarship in the field of Pentecostal history. phone: (417) 862-2781 • (877) 840-5200 (toll free) web: www.iFPHC.org 1445 N. Boonville Avenue Springfield, Missouri 65802-1894