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By J. MATTHEW COBB THERE IS AN OLD WISE SAYING that states: "what comes around goes around". Ever since the young disciples from the New Testament merged together in the upper room awaiting for the glorious manifestation of the Holy Ghost; promised by Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago, the sparks of revival have always struck a chord in the evolution of Christianity. During the 19th century, records point out that revival began to sweep parts of Europe, specifically in Wales, with the outward manifestations of speaking in tongues, remarkable healings, deliverance from ungodly behavior and charismatic expressions of emotion. Fires begin to spread towards rural areas of Minnesota, North Carolina and Texas, but one fire in particular would demand global attention and would forever influence and alter the shape of Pentecostalism. And it all started on Azusa Street.
The revival was also led by William Seymour, a black man. He stepped on California soil on February 22, 1906, and in just two days, he began preaching at a holiness church pastored by Julia Hutchins. He was later removed from the church because of his incredible theology and teaching and was locked out from returning. What was so startling about the kick-out was Seymour didn't even have the evidence of speaking in tongues (glossolaia) at the time, but fully believed in it. He then left the parish with the hopes to continue preaching his messages, along with a faithful few that were hungry and thirsty for more. They moved to 214 Bonnie Brae Street, a home owned by Richard and Ruth Asbery, and gathered frequently for worship and prayer. Others heard of the meetings in the home and began to attend the "services"; which eventually grew beyond comprehension. Days later after moving to the Bonnie Brae Street, Seymour received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the revival had outgrown its location. They would later focus their attention to Azusa Street - and the Azusa movement began.
One hundred years since the renowned revival, which sparked various extensions and denominations to follow, attention is now geared towards the worldwide centennial celebration set to take place in Los Angeles, California during the week of April 25 through April 29 of 2006. Multiple locations in the city will house the centennial's events including West Angeles Cathedral (COGIC), Crenshaw Christian Center (Faith Dome) and the L.A. Convention Center. The event will be "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the reflection and reality of the world's greatest revival," according to Rev. Billy Wilson, executive officer of the Azusa Street Centennial. "The various streams of the movement are coming together in an unprecedented way." Scheduled speakers will include the likes of Bishop Charles E. Blake, Co-Pastor Paula White, Benny Hinn, Gloria Copeland, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., Rod Parsley, Judy Jacobs, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, Jack Hayford, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Pastor Frederick K.C. Price. While the events are vast and will be spread greatly apart the city, the spirit of Azusa is yet revived and will prove to be a meaningful celebration of the labor and sacrifice of the early founders of the modern Pentecostal movement - which has greatly influenced the majority of today's worship culture of Christianity. OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES TO LOOK INTO:
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Located at 312 Azusa Street in Los Angeles, California, the spontaneous, Holy-Ghost filled services were a reflection of multicultural and multiracial blends that strayed away from traditional ways of teaching and thinking served in the conservative organized churches. Crowds began to gather at the Azusa Street Mission, which was originally constructed as an African Methodist Episcopal church and was later used as a warehouse of sorts for livestock and house hay, just to witness the marvelous manifestations of revival rebirth in the Holy Spirit. And it was even documented that the Azusa crusade encouraged leadership of women and welcomed poor people, which was highly controversial at the time. The revival was so prolific and noticeable that hundreds from across America and the world flocked to the meetings. Part of this success is accredited to the Apostolic Faith, a newspaper printed by the Azusa Street Mission and reached a worldwide distribution of more than 50,000, which encouraged its readers to partake in the spiritual transformation. In 1907 the paper cited this quote: "One token of the Lord's coming is that He is melting all races and nations together, and they are filled with the power and glory of God. He is baptizing by one spirit into one body and making up a people that will be ready to meet Him when He comes." This was probably the most widespread and best remembered of all of Azusa's achievements.
