Elim Pentecostal Church: A History of Revival and Growth
The Elim Pentecostal Church emerged from the fervent atmosphere of early 20th-century revivalism, driven by a mission to spread the "full gospel" across the British Isles and beyond. Founded on the principles of Pentecostalism—a Christian movement emphasizing the direct personal experience of God through the baptism of the Holy Spirit—the church grew from a single marquee in Ireland to a global mission.
The Vision of George Jeffreys
The origins of the movement are inextricably linked to George Jeffreys (1889–1962). A Welshman with a background in the Welsh Congregational church, Jeffreys experienced a spiritual conversion at age 15 during the Welsh Revival of 1904. Alongside his brother Stephen, he became a prominent revivalist and evangelist.
In May 1913, Jeffreys was invited by Alexander A. Boddy, the Vicar of All Saints in Sunderland, to preach at the annual Whitsuntide International Pentecostal Convention. This event brought him to the attention of William Gillespie, a key figure in Irish Pentecostalism. Together, they planned an evangelistic campaign in Monaghan, Ireland.
Although initial hurdles delayed the Monaghan mission until 1915 due to a lack of venue permission, Jeffreys successfully led a campaign for a Pentecostal congregation at Dover Street in Belfast during Christmas 1914. By January 1915, Jeffreys and seven others resolved to establish a permanent evangelistic work in Ireland.
The Birth of the Elim Movement
The movement officially took root in the summer of 1915, starting in a marquee in Monaghan. However, the first permanent church premises were leased in August 1915 in an old laundry on Hunter Street, Belfast. This congregation was named Elim Christ Church, marking the birth of the first Elim church, with George Jeffreys serving as its pastor and the movement's principal.
The organization was initially known as the Elim Evangelistic Band, later becoming the Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance upon the registration of its Deed Poll in April 1934. The name "Elim" was inspired by Exodus 15:27, referring to an oasis with twelve wells and seventy palm trees where the Israelites found refreshment after leaving Egypt. This imagery of a place of refreshing was seen as a fitting symbol for a revival movement.
Internal Conflict and Schism
The 1930s and 40s were marked by theological and administrative tensions. In 1934, George Jeffreys attempted to introduce British Israelism—the belief that people of British descent are the lineal descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel—into the church. This teaching was debated at the annual ministerial conference and decisively defeated by a vote.
Following this defeat, Jeffreys sought to reform church governance, leading to suspicions that he intended to allow individual congregations to decide on doctrine to bypass the central authority. After a period of resignation and return, Jeffreys resigned permanently in 1940. He subsequently founded the Bible-Pattern Church Fellowship in Nottingham, taking several Elim congregations with him.
Legal disputes followed regarding the trusteeship of these churches. While Jeffreys continued to found churches until the 1960s, reconciliation began decades later. In 1986, the Nottingham church reaffiliated with Elim, and other Bible-pattern churches eventually reconciled with the movement or joined the Assemblies of God.
Leadership Transition and Global Mission
Following Jeffreys' departure in 1940, the presidency passed to George Kingston, a wealthy businessman who had established many Elim congregations in Essex. Kingston served as president from 1940 to 1945, after which the position transitioned to an annual appointment.
The church's global reach also brought profound tragedy. On June 23, 1978, the Vumba massacre occurred in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Eight British missionaries and four children, including a three-week-old infant, were killed by guerrilla fighters. This event and the church's ministry in Zimbabwe were later documented in the 2017 book The Axe and the Tree by Stephen Griffiths.
Key Facts
- Founder: George Jeffreys, a Welsh revivalist converted during the 1904 Welsh Revival.
- First Church: Elim Christ Church, opened in an old laundry in Belfast in August 1915.
- Name Origin: Derived from the oasis of Elim in Exodus 15:27, symbolizing refreshment.
- Official Name: Registered as the Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance in April 1934.
- Major Schism: The 1940 split led to the creation of the Bible-Pattern Church Fellowship.
- Tragedy: The 1978 Vumba massacre in Zimbabwe claimed the lives of 12 Elim-connected missionaries and children.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1915 | Opening of Elim Christ Church | Establishment of the first permanent Elim church in Belfast. |
| 1934 | Deed Poll Registration | Renamed to Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance. |
| 1940 | Departure of George Jeffreys | Formation of the Bible-Pattern Church Fellowship. |
| 1978 | Vumba Massacre | Loss of 12 missionaries and children in Zimbabwe. |
| 1986 | Nottingham Reaffiliation | Beginning of reconciliation between Bible-pattern and Elim churches. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Elim Pentecostal Church?
The church was founded by George Jeffreys, a Welsh evangelist and revivalist, who established the first permanent congregation in Belfast in 1915.
What does the name "Elim" mean?
The name is taken from the Book of Exodus (15:27), referring to an oasis with twelve wells and seventy palm trees, representing a place of spiritual refreshing.
What was the cause of the split between George Jeffreys and the church?
The split was caused by a combination of theological disagreements—specifically Jeffreys' attempt to introduce British Israelism—and disputes over church governance.
What was the Bible-Pattern Church Fellowship?
It was a separate fellowship formed by George Jeffreys in 1940 after he resigned from Elim, consisting of several congregations that left the main movement.
What happened during the Vumba massacre?
In June 1978, guerrilla fighters in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) killed eight British missionaries and four children associated with the Elim mission.