God Found His Moses”

“God Found His Moses” A BIOGRAPHICAL AND THEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LIFE OF JOSEPH SMALE (1867-1926) by TIMOTHY BERNARD WELCH A thesis submitted to the University of Birmingham for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion College of Arts and Law University of Birmingham June 2009 University of Birmingham Research Archive e-theses repository This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder. ABSTRACT For over a century Pentecostal historiography has superficially recognised Pastor Joseph Smale as one of many individuals involved in the chain of events leading up to the 1906 Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles. However, an in-depth biographical assessment of Smale‟s unique contribution has, to date, never been attempted. Therefore, this thesis provides the first analysis of Smale as a person and as a pastor, thus furnishing Pentecostal and Baptist historiographies with important biographical and theological insights that otherwise would have remained hidden beneath the surface of the Azusa Street storyline. These research findings are also innovative with regard to the connections between CH Spurgeon and Smale, such that this thesis proposes a distinct „Spurgeonic‟ root, among the multiple roots that were intrinsic to the emergence of Pentecostalism. The primary method involved establishes a correlation of the true biographical facts, while constructing valid opportunities to accurately detect Smale‟s own „voice‟ speaking. Thus, having traced Smale‟s pastoral formation within the context of his training at Spurgeon‟s College and on into subsequent pastorates, the research explores the contextual preparation for Smale‟s anticipation for revival. James E Loder‟s model “The Logic of Transformation” is utilised as a framework for the purpose of structuring the incremental stages of Smale‟s convictional insights. Smale‟s role prior, during and after the 1905-06 revival in Los Angeles is then analysed with a view to establishing the extent of his Pentecostal life and practice. In particular, his preaching, ecclesiology and missiology are the focus of examination in light of early Pentecostalism, whilst also explaining in part Smale‟s subsequent disaffection with the Pentecostal movement. Theologically, Smale‟s roots are noted to combine during the revival period, integrating Wesleyan views of sanctification with the Spurgeonic emphasis that “The Pentecostal Blessing” would provide the impetus for intensifying sanctification and anointing for service. In conclusion, the legacy of Smale‟s ministry is recalibrated, suggesting that his „Word‟ and „Spirit‟ teaching and experiences could yet contribute a useful case study to progress ecumenical dialogue between Reformed and Pentecostal/Charismatic constituencies, and those researching the relationship between „organization‟ and „freedom‟ in the Spirit. DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my gorgeous wife and best friend Rachel and our three precious and delightful children Susannah, Frazer and Emelia With deep appreciation for their wonderful encouragement, patience, sacrifice and support throughout the Smale-Trail ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My gratitude to Professor Allan Anderson must be expressed first and foremost. He not only introduced me to the academic world of Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology, but in the course of a lecture in 2002 Allan referenced an individual called Joseph Smale, who was British, Baptist and trained at Spurgeon‟s College. This was my kairos moment. The Smale- Trail to discover more had begun! Whilst sitting in Allan‟s office in November 2002, I vividly remember our intriguing dialogue as we wondered the possible whereabouts, if any, of surviving Smale relatives or materials, which would of course necessitate a search in Britain and the USA. Allan‟s friendship, expertise and direction as my supervisor have been a consistent encouragement over the past seven years. He has also introduced me to many other scholars who have equally been as generous with their insights and constructive suggestions. Included among these, I especially acknowledge my thanks to Cecil M. Robeck Jr., Desmond Cartwright, David Bundy, Anthea Butler, William D. Faupel and Edith Blumhofer for their time at SPS conferences and for their answers to my many questions. Mel Robeck deserves further mention because in my first two years of research he graciously gave me sight of his unpublished manuscript concerning Smale and inspired me to keep searching for primary materials, adding his enthusiastic endorsement that Joseph Smale‟s life and ministry was an important story just waiting to be told. Similarly, I am indebted to British Pentecostal archivist Desmond Cartwright for his interest in my work. Des has also provided some significant Smale-related documents along the way. Reflecting on the various challenges of the Smail-Trail I am overwhelmed by the sheer number of individuals who have assisted me and from all around the world. It is a pleasure, therefore, to formally express my appreciation here in recognition of the significant contributions that the following groups and individuals have made towards my research: . Claremont Baptist Church, Shrewsbury – for providing the sabbatical at a key time in my life and ministry, which enabled me to attend the University of Birmingham in September 2002. Bernard and Jean Welch – my dearly loved parents whom I appreciate so much – for all their love, support and Christian influence over a lifetime, and especially their enthusiastic commitment to this project; including the proof reading – thanks Mum! . Morris (and the late Gwyneth) Bird – my loved and respected father and mother-in- law – for their encouragement in this project, and the discovery of significant books from his bookshelves at key moments of research. Robert and Beth Amess – dear friends, mentor, colleague at Duke Street Baptist Church Richmond, and current Chairman of Spurgeon‟s College – for introducing me to a Word and Spirit emphasis, and the relevance of church history for today. Susan Mills – Librarian at the Angus Library, Regent‟s Park College, Oxford – for her direction regarding British Baptist history, and for connecting me with Deborah Van Broekhoven, her counterpart at the American Baptist Archives Center. Colleagues at Birmingham University Centre for Pentecostal/Charismatic Studies – for our monthly Research Seminars which helped sharpen my thinking and writing. Martin Light – Baptist Historical Society member – for assistance regarding Isle of Wight church information. The late Douglas McBain – for his encouragement, email correspondence and insights concerning Baptists and the Charismatic/„Mainstream‟ movement of recent years. Judy Powles – Librarian at Spurgeon‟s College, London – for locating the original Student Assessment Book, and helping to decipher records and histories of Smale‟s context at Spurgeon‟s College in the late 1880‟s. George J. Fogelson – Researcher at the Los Angeles Public Library – for successfully assisting the search for surviving relatives of Joseph Smale, and for giving me a head start at LAPL prior to my first visit. Ernestine Rotcher – Archivist at First Baptist Church LA – for generously sending copies of all the church records and photographs pertaining to Smale. First Baptist Church LA – for granting permission to use their archival material in this thesis. Ernestine and Paul Rotcher, Sandy and Richard Rogers, and the Rev. Dennis Plourde are also appreciated for their warm hospitality at First Baptist Church during my two research trips to Los Angeles in 2004 and 2006. Betsy Dunbar – researcher at the American Baptist Archives Center – for trawling through the Los Angeles/Arizona Baptist Association records for Smale data. Helen Taylor, Joann and Dick Looney, and Karen Carmen – at First Baptist Church Prescott, Arizona – for all their assistance with church and Arizona History archives, and for their warm hospitality making Sankey Mansion available during my stay. Steve and Rachel Cole – Founder and Director of Artisan Initiatives – for their friendship and continual belief in this project; for Steve‟s tour of Los Angeles; and especially taking action to generate the necessary support to enable completion. Grace Yoder - Archivist and Special Collections Librarian at Asbury Theological Seminary – for copying and sending various Smale bulletins, sermons and papers. Jersey Baptist Church – for their generous allocation of time and money for study trips, conferences and book allowances. Robert Holden – Lambeth Archives Research Service – who directed my search through the Streatham archives regarding Smale‟s pastorate at Hitherfield Church. Daphne Beauchamp and Marjorie Waller – dear friends at Duke Street Baptist Church, Richmond - for their findings concerning Hitherfield Church, London. Michael Matthews – Secretary at Hitherfield Road Baptist Church, Streatham – for kind permission to use photographs from their 1987 Anniversary Brochure. Carolyn Kozo Cole – Curator of Photographs at Los Angeles Public Library – for permission

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