Biddy Mason is Born
Bridget (“Biddy”) Mason was born a slave on a Mississippi plantation. When her owner, Robert M. Smith, became a Mormon convert in 1847, Mason and her three daughters joined his family on a 2,000-mile trek to the Utah Territory during which Mason was responsible for herding the cattle, preparing the meals and serving as midwife. Four years later, Smith moved his household to San Bernardino County, Calif., where Brigham Young was starting a Mormon community. California being a free state, Mason and her daughters petitioned the court for their freedom, which was granted in 1856.
Mason moved to Los Angeles where she worked as a nurse and midwife. A decade after gaining her freedom, she had saved enough to buy a site on Spring Street for $250, thereby becoming one of the first African-American women to own land in Los Angeles. In 1884, she sold part of the property for $1,500 and built a commercial building on the remaining land. Over the years, her wise business and real estate transactions enabled her to accumulate a fortune of almost $300,000. Mason gave generously to charities, visited jail inmates, and provided food and shelter for the poor of all races.
When Mason died in 1891 she was buried in an unmarked grave at Evergreen Cemetery in Boyle Heights. Nearly a century later, on March 27, 1988, in a ceremony attended by Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley and 3,000 members of the FAME Church, a tombstone was unveiled which marked her grave for the first time.
Los Angeles’s Population in 1870
In 1870, the population of Los Angeles was 5,730. The panoramic view of ‘the Plaza’ (La Placita) and the ‘Old Plaza Church’ (Mission Nuestra Senora Reina de Los Angeles). The square main brick reservoir in the middle (partial view) was the water reservoir builit by William Dryden and his LA Water Works Co. to collect water from the ‘mother ditch’ (Zanja Madre). The image was taken in 1869.
Bible Study becomes a Church
Biddy Mason establishes a bible study in her home in Los Angeles, California, that becomes Stevens African Methodist Episcopal Church and is currently know as the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. The picture on the right is an image of Biddy Mason’s home on First Street in the 1870s, which is a few block away from Azusa Street. In the late 1800s, it was common to for bible studies to form, grow, and transition into a congregation that founds a church site.
Los Angeles in 1877
Floating some 9,000 feet above the city in a hot-air balloon in 1887, Edwin H. Husher took what may be the first aerial photo of Los Angeles.
By 1887, the City’s population had grown to over 20,000 people with most of the new development having taken place south of the original Pueblo and LA Plaza as seen in the above photo.
Aerial photo of Los Angeles looking East on June 27, 1887 taken from a balloon. Note the farmland south of Second Street and east of Main Street to the Los Angeles River. The circular form of the Plaza is visible to the center left.
312 Azusa Street Building is Constructed
Stevens African Methodist Episcopal Church constructs a 40 feet by 60 feet church building at 312 Azusa Street. Inspired by a vision from God to establish a church that would minister to the mind, body and soul of all who would join, Biddy Mason funded the construction with her son-in-law, Charles Owens.
FAME Church Relocates and 312 Azusa Street Become Vacant
Stevens African Methodist Episcopal Church completes and dedicates a new building at 8th and Towne in Los Angeles, California. The congregation changes its name to First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) and moves into their newly constructed sanctuary. This leaves the property at 312 Azusa Street vacant.
Arson at 312 Azusa Street
An unknown arsonist sets fire to several buildings in Los Angeles, California, overnight, including the vacant sanctuary at 312 Azusa Street. The pitch roof and much of the internal walls of the second floor sancturary are destroyed. The building is declared a total loss. The board at First African Methodist Episcopal Church decides to repair the building. They give it a flat roof, and build a series of rooms on the second floor. The ground floor is let out to local contractor for storing materials.
Pastor Smale Visits the Welsh Revival
Pastor Joseph Smale of Los Angeles, California, visits the Welsh revival, where he befriends Evan Roberts. Three hundred Russian and Armenian Mlikans arrive in Los Angeles, with more than 1,000 others to follow- among them is the Shakarian family. They have immigrated in response to a prophecy received by this community in 1855.
The Holiness Church is Established
Mrs. Julia W. Hutchins and J.W. Slaughter apply for a permit to hold street meetings at 1st and San Pedro Streets. Their application is denied. Mrs. Hutchins establishes an unnamed Holiness Church at 9th and Santa Fe Streets.
Seymour’s Preaching Impresses
Charles Parham employs Lucy F. Farrow as the governess of his children and moves to Melrose, Kansas. He leaves part of his evangelistic party in Houston, Texas. Mrs. Farrow turns the pulpit of her congregation over to William J. Seymour. He begins to serve as the church’s pastor. While Seymour is pastoring Lucy F. Farrow’s congregation, Miss Neely Terry, a member of Mrs. Hutchins’ congregation in Los Angeles, California, visits relatives in Houston. She attends the church and is favorably impressed by Seymour’s preaching.
Lucy F. Farrow is Baptized in the Spirit
Parham opens up a month-long meeting in Columbus, Kansas. Lucy F. Farrow is baptized in the Spirit during this month of meetings. In the meantime, Parham is watching events unfold in Zion, Illinois, where John Alexander Dowie is faltering. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, California, Joseph Smale is in trouble with his board of trustees at First Baptist Church.
Parham Starts a Bible Training School in Texas
Charles Parham announces that he is the projector of the Apostolic Faith Movement. He sets up his home in Houston, Texas, and announces that he will begin a short-term Bible training school at the corner of Rusk Avenue and Brazos Street. Lucy F. Farrow encourages William Seymour to talk to Charles Parham and enroll in his school.
Hutchin’s Invitation
During early February 1906, William J. Seymour receives an invitation from Mrs. Julia W. Hutchins to serve as pastor of the Holiness Church congregation she has founded in Los Angeles, California. His teacher Charles Parham tries to talk Seymour out of accepting the call, but relents when Seymour persists. Seymour leaves Houston, Texas, before he has finished his course of study and before he has been baptized in the Holy Spirit. During this time in Los Angeles, a few Christian leaders were interested in praying to the Holy Spirit. These leaders included Julia W. Hitchins and pastor Joseph Smale, who had been asked to leave the First Baptist Church of Los Angeles due to this spiritual interest. Pastor Smale founded the new First New Testiment Church while Hutchins and Seymour founded the Azusa Street Revival. These leaders became important colleagues and together significantly influenced the development of the Pentecostal movement.
Seymour Leaves Bible School
W.F. Carothers conducts a farewell service and Parham’s students lay hands on Seymour and pray for him. Seymour boards a train headed to Denver, Colorado, where he will change to one going to Los Angeles, California. He spends the night at the Pillar of Fire Training School founded by Alma White, and leads the group in prayer before they eat their evening meal.
Locked Out
Seymour preaches the morning service, but is locked out when he returns for the evening service. Mrs. Hutchins expresses concern that his doctrine of baptism in the Holy Spirit is not correct Holiness doctrine. She calls for a meeting with the leaders of the Holiness Church of Southern California. Seymour finds housing with Edward S. and Mattie Lee.
Prayer Meetings at 114 South Union Street
In mid-March of 1906, J.M. Roberts conducts a meeting in which Seymour is allowed to preach or explain his doctrine on the baptism in the Holy Spirit, while the leaders and pastors of the Holiness Church listen to his presentation, ask questions, and take a vote. They conclude that his doctorine is not consistent with the position of the Holiness Church and tell him if he is to continue as pastor of the church at 9th Street and Santa Fe Avenue, he must stop teaching it. Seymour refuses their mandate, gently but firmly. He begins an evening prayer meeting at the Lee Home at 114 South Union Street, near West 1st Street and North Bonnie Brae Street. Frank Bartleman attends at least one of these meetings.
The Osterbergs Hear Seymour
Mrs. Cenna Osterberg testifies at her son’s church, the Full Gospel Tabernacle, and tells of the meeting she attended at the Asberry home the previous evening. Her son, Arthur, is embarrassed by her testimony and decides to investigate. His board members join him. He is convinced that Seymour’s message is right.
Prayers for Baptism
No one has been baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoken in tongues yet. The group at the Asberry house decides to engage in a 10-day fast while they pray for the baptism in the Spirit.
Pastor Fisher
Elmer K. Fisher of Calvary Baptist Church in nearby Glendale resigns his pastorate. Inspired by reading R.A. Torrey on the Holy Spirit, he has been preaching the need for revival at this church. His board, however, wants him to change his preaching emphasis. He joins the staff at Smale’s First New Testament Church the following week.
First Baptism in the Holy Spirit in Los Angeles
Edward S. Lee is baptized in the Spirit and speaks in other tongues in the late afternoon when William J. Seymour and Lucy F. Farrow lay hands on him for healing at his house. At 7:30 p.m., the group moves to the Asberry home on Bonnie Brae for the evening meeting and before the night is over, Jennie Evans Moore and several others have joined him. The news spreads throughout the Holiness network in the city of Los Angeles.
Tragedy in Missouri
Three African-American men, Horace B. Duncan, Gread Coker, and Will Allen, are dragged by a mob of 7,000 people to the town square in Springfield, Missouri and lynched. This city will be the future home of the Assemblies of God church.
Seymour’s First Service at 312 Azusa Street
On Easter Sunday, Jennie Evans Moore and Ruth Asberry attend Smale’s First New Testament Church for the morning service. At the close fo the service, Smale opens the floor for testimonies. Jennie Evans Moore testifies of what has taken place at the Asberry prayer meetins, and ends her testimony by speaking in tongues. The congregation, including Frank Bartleman, is electrified. That evening, services begin at the Azusa Street Mission at 312 Azusa Street.
The LA Times Investigates
The Los Angeles Daily Times sends a reporter to the evening service. The reporter finds a small congregation of African-Americans with a sprinkling of whites.
2 More Earthquakes
Los Angeles feels two earthquakes. A.G. Garr and Frank Bartleman both record that windows broke, chimneys fell, floors heaved, and people ran into the streets.
McGowan’s Invitation
William H. McGowan, a member of the Los Angeles Holiness Church, begins to stop by the Azusa Street Mission while his truck is being loaded with building materials at a nearby lumber yard. Convinced what is happening there is of God, McGowan testifies at the Los Angeles Holiness Church and invites the entire congregation to join him and see for themselves. Pastor William Pendleton takes up the invitation, and soon, nearly the entire congregation has been baptized in the Holy Spirit.
125,000 Copies
Between Frank Bartleman’s efforts as well as the efforts of Francis W. Manley in Oakland, California, “The Earthquake!!!” tract has been printed 125,000 times. The Los Angeles police department has sent out an officer to get to the bottom of it. Frank Bartleman is pleased with himself, “I have never written a tract that had so much influence.” The mission continues to grow.
Abundio and Rosa de Lopez
Abundio and Rosa de Lopez attend the Azusa Street Mission. He claims he came seeking sanctification. He also heard about the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Abundio L. Lopez is Baptized
Abundio L. Loopez is batized in the Holy Spirit at the Azusa Street Mission.
Preacher Henry Prentiss
In a Los Angeles Church of God tent meeting, Henry Prentiss, a young African-American preacher, uses explicit language and points his finger at a white woman in the congregation whom he names as a sinner. A riot ensues in which calls are made to lynch Prentiss. Tent ropes are cut. Prentiss is arrested on charges of disturning the peace.
Prentiss Goes to Trial
Preacher Henry Prentiss is pot on trial before Judge Joseph Chambers. Prentiss is found guilty.
Prentiss is Sentenced
Preacher Henry Prentiss is sentenced to 30 days on the chain gang.
Ansel H. Post is Baptized
Ansel H. Post, an evangelist with Francis Manley’s Household of God, is holding meetings in Pasadena, California. He attends the Azusa Street Mission this afternoon and is baptized in the Spirit in a public display of emotion. He will begin preaching the Apostolic Faith the next day in his Pasadena tent.
A.G. and Lillian Garr Are Called to India
At the Azusa Street Mission, A.G. and Lillian Garr announce God has called them to be missionaries in India. Within 15 minutes, they have been given $1,200 toward their expenses. After Seymour prays over them, they travel to Chicago and on to Danville, Virginia, to hold meetings, finish some personal business , and arrive in India in January 1907.
Curfew in Pasadena
Driven by a complaint to the city council, the city of Pasadena, California, assigns a police officer to enforce a curfew of 10 p.m. and to make sure Ansel H. Post’s tent services are not too noisy. Still upset, Mrs. West, a local rooming house owner, begins to circulate a petition to get rid of Post.
Pastor Franklin E. Hill is Baptized
Franklin E. Hill, pastor of the Second Nazarene Church, is baptized in the Spirit at the Azusa Street Mission. Much of his congregation joins him as he establishes an Apostolic Faith congregation at 51st and Central. In Pasadena, California, the city council revokes Post’s permit to hold the tent meeting under duress from his neighbors because of the noise from his meetings. Post refuses to move. Apostolic Faith services begin in the Monrovia Holiness Church.
Speaking in Tongues Spreads
Seymour writes to W.F. Carothers, now the state director of the Apostolic Faith Movement in Texas, and asks him to forward his credentials with the Apostolic Faith. Pastor Pendleton is summoned before the board of elders of the Holiness Church that oversees the congregations in Southern California. They try to persuade him that he is wrong and pass a resolition on what they call the Azusa Street teaching of “a third work of grace.” In Pasadena, california, in the middle of his evening srevice, A.H. Post is arrested for disturning the peace. The Los Angeles Times sends a reporter to Burbank Hall. Smale is away, but an evangelist named John Boyd leads services in which people speak in tongues, bark, and are slain in the Spirit. That same night, 500 people attend the Azusa Street Mission. In Pasadena, California, Post stands trial before Justice McDonald. He is found guilty and sentenced to 50 days in jail or a $50 fine. The judge offers Post another option. If he will move his tent within 48 hours, the court will suspend the sentence. Post takes his tent down.
Police Investigate the Excitement
City Prosecutor George B. Beebe visits the Azusa Street Mission at the insistence of the Los Angeles Police Department. He declares there is no need to file charges against the group. In Pasadena, California, Post finds another building and the process begins again. Neighbors complain to the city. The landlord is pressured to break the lease. They will move again.
Glenn Cook Preaches in Monrovia
On the 16th and 17th, Glenn Cook travels from the Azusa Street Mission to begin a series of meetings at the Monrovia Holiness Church. He preaches on Abraham’s willingness to offer up Isaac as a sacrafice to God. The local people are horrified the Apostolic Faith people are going to start sacrificing their babies and children. They pressure the local marshal to put an end to the meetings. He attends, but finds nothing wrong.
$25 worth of Streetcar Tickets
In Monrovia, California, Pastor Owen Adams of the Holiness Church is so taken with the Azusa Street revival, he purchases $25 worth of streetcar tickets so the people of his congregation can go back and forth between Monrovia and Los Angeles.
Media Confused by Speaking in Tongues
The Evening News publishes a cartoon at the top of page 1, entitled, “Summer Solstice Sees Strenuous Sects Sashaying.” It is a tongue twister. People are attracted to the Azusa Street Mission by this cartoon. The Los Angeles Daily Times runs an article on First New Testament Church entitled, “Queer ‘Gift’ Given Many,” in which attention is called to the actions of Lillian Keyes, the 16-year-old daughter of a prominent surgeon, Dr. Henry S. Keyes. Pastor Smale writes a letter to the Los Angeles Church Federation, challenging them to take some positive action.
Los Angeles Church Federation meets
The Los Angeles Church Federation meets to determine what it can do to meet the challenges being leveled at them by the burgeoning movement begun at the Azusa Street Mission and to respond to Pastor Smale. They agree to add an evening prayer meeting to their weekly services, to call their people to make commitments to pray for revival, to begin cooperative street meetings one night each week in front of different downtown churches, followed by an evangelistic service, to initiate a regular process of canvassing neighborhoods for new immigrants and sharing their names with member pastors, and to move toward a citywide evangelistic meeting in 1907.
Houston Chronicle News
The Houston Chronicle carries news to the Azusa Street Revival even as it anticipates Parham’s return to Houston, Texas, from a series of meetings.
Lucy F. Farrow to Testify
Lucy F. Farrow boards a train in Los Angeles, California, bound for Houston Texas. She will testify at Charles Parham’s encampment about what is happening in Los Angeles.
Azusa Street Mission Photographed
Seymour and a group of people who form the initial staff at the Azusa Street Mission pose for a photograph. Within a week, Florence Crawford leads a contingent of workers including half of the group photographed _ up the pacific coast, holding meetings in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, and woodland.
Missionaries Heads East
Lucy Leatherman, Andrew Johnson, and Louise Condit leave the Crawford party in Oakland, California, and turn East.
Martin L. Ryan Baptized
Martin L. Ryan, pastor of a small mission in Salem, Oregon, visits the Azusa Street Mission and is baptized in the Spirit. He returns to Salem and begins writing to the Mission, asking them to send a team of workers to hold Apostolic Faith services in his congregation. Lucy Leatherman writes from Denver, Colorado, that they have participated in Apostolic Faith meetings in Colorado Springs and Denver.
The Holiness Church Association Joins the 8th and Maple congregation
The Holiness Church Association holds a special business meeting and attempts to get Pendleton to recant. He refuses, and Pendleton and his congregation are told that they can no longer use the Los Angeles Holiness Church property. They join the 8th and Maple congregation the following Sunday, and Frank Bartleman makes William Pendleton the copastor. The Azusa Street Mission begins street meetings in nearby Whittier, California.
Andrew Johnson in New York City
Andrew Johnson notes his arrival in New York City with Lucy Leatherman and Louise Condit.
The Elysian Heights Church of Nazarene
The Elysian Heights Church of Nazarene is split when some members begin to speak in tongues. Apostolic Faith meetings continue in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Monrovia, and Whittier, California. African-American Holiness Evangelist Edward (sometimes called Joseph) McCauley visits the Azusa Street Mission where he is baptized in the Spirit. In early September, Andrew Johnson and Louise Condit leave New York for Jerusalem. The Azusa Street Mission publishes the first issue of the Apostolic Faith.
Lillian Keyes
At the first New Testament Church, 16-year-old Lillian Keyes hands a note to Pastor Smale telling him, “Thus saith the Lord…you have grieved the Holy Ghost.” Smale is upset and writes a response to Dr. And Mrs. Keyes suggesting Lillian has gone off into fanaticism. Dr. Keyes is deeply offended. Meanwhile, Charles F. Parham leaves Kansas for Zion, Illinois, arriving the next day. His detour to Zion will last about 6 weeks.
George Berg
George Berg, a veteran Holiness missionary to India, visits the Azusa Street Mission and is baptized in the Spirit. He and his wife, Mary, will return as Apostolic Faith missionaries to India in February 1908. Andrew Johnson, Louise Condit, and Mrs. Bushnell from New York, sail from New York. Lucy Leatherman remains in New York City. In Los Angeles, California, the Azusa Street Mission holds a service at the train depot as Mrs. Julia W. Hutchins, her husband Willis, and her niece, Leila McKinney, leave for a missionary term in Liberia. They will stop off in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where Julia Hutchins will hold meetings.
Lillian Keyes Prophesy
Lillian Keyes tries to prophesy in First New Testament Church, and Smale publicly censures her. Dr. Keyes barks like a dog.
T.B. Barratt Becomes Interested in the Azusa Street Mission
T.B Baratt, a Methodist pastor from Christiana (now Oslo), Norway, has spent nearly a year in the United States raising funds for a new mission in Oslo. He has been staying at the Alliance House in New York City. He reads The Apostolic Faith newspaper and becomes excited. He writes to the Azusa Street Mission for more information.
Peter Morris Injures Sponsor
At the Azusa Street meeting in Whittier, California, Peter Morris tries to stop the meeting, ultimately giving his sponsor, Mr. W.S. Lemon, a black eye. Morris is arrested, and the next day he is fined $10. Los Angeles, California, papers pick up on the story regarding the Smale versus Keyes exchange.
Atlanta Race Riot
A week-long race riot begins when whites slaughter blacks in Atlanta, Georgia. Many are killed. Troops are called in to quell the riot.
Dr. R.J. Burdette Condemns Azusa Street Mission
Dr. R.J. Burdette, pastor of Temple Baptist Church, labels what is taking place at the Azusa Street Mission as an amalgamation of African voodoo superstition and Caucasian insanity. He predicts participants will pass away like the hysterical nightmares that they are. Two major newspapers cover the story. Dr. Keyes begins a new congregation this Sunday in a rented hall. Elmer K. Fisher agrees to serve as pastor. The congregation will become known as the Upper Room Mission.
The People’s Church
The revival has spread to the People’s Church led by the Reverend Thomas Atteberry. It began when Glenn Cook, Bridget Welsh, and Adolph Rosa went to the People’s Church in mid-September and shared their testimonies. Atteberry is baptized in the Spirit and joins the revival.
Keyes-Smale Situation
Pastor Smale attempts to clear the air by sending a letter to Dr. Keyes claiming he never suggested Lillian Keyes was involved in spiritualism. The Keyes-Smale relationship, however, was beyond repair.
Mrs. I May Throop
Mrs. I May Throop writes a letter to T.B. Barratt in Response to a letter received from him at the Azusa Street Mission.
The Holiness Church
The Holiness Church in Sawtelle, California near Santa Monica, becomes an Apostolic Faith Mission due to the testimony of Carrie Poole who received her baptism in the Spirit at the Ausa Street Mission. Antoinette Moomau, a Presbyterian missionary in Shang-hai, China, visits the Azusa Street Mission and receives the baptism in the Spirit. She returns to China as an independent Apostolic Faitch missionary until her death on March 25, 1937.
T.B. Barratt and Baptism
T.B. Barratt writes to the Azusa Street Mission to inquire further about how to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Henry Prentiss Arrested and Released
Henry Prentiss is approached by police officers as he holds an Apostolic Faith street meeting in downtown Los Angeles, California. He begins to speak in tongues. The officers take him into custody. The city’s insanity committee gives him a hearing. Judged sane, he is released.
Whittier Case Resolved
The workers arrested in Whittier, California, appear before Judge Gidley. The judge gives them a choice. They can leave town, or choose between a $30 fine or 30 days in jail. The women leave town, but Henry McLain chooses jail, becoming Azusa Street’s first martyr. Meanwhile, 15 more workers come from Los Angeles, California, by streetcar to replace those who have been arrested. Glenn cook responds to T.B. Barratt’s inquiry of October 2, advising him that the Holy Ghost only comes in when you come to an end of self.
Glenn Cook and T.B. Barratt Correspondence
Glenn Cook writes another letter to T.B. Barratt in response to Barratt’s request for further information on the baptism in the Spirit. Barratt has told him of praying and feeling the Spirit moving. Cook informs him speaking in tongues should follow the Baptism and encourages him to continue his quest.
Smale’s Article on Tongues
Smale writes an article on the gift of tongues. In the article, he claims the Apostolic Faith people believe all Christians should speak in tongues, and the bible evidence of baptism in the Spirit is speaking in tongues. He labels these teachings as erroneous. He went on to argue the arrival of tongues in Los Angeles, California, had broken the unit of the intercessors who had been praying for revival.
T.B. Barratt and Tongues
T.B. Barratt notes, “Am seeking the gift of tongues and other signs of Pentecostal Power, God in His mercy will give me.”
Parham in Los Angeles Newspaper Advertisements
Charles F. Parham arrives in Los Angeles, California. T.B. Barratt again writes to the Azusa Street Mission for advice. He has asked for written certification from a physycian regarding a certain claim to healing.
Henry Prentiss in Whittier
Henry Prentiss leads a group of 15 men from the Azusa Street Mission to Whittier, California, where he proceeds to hold a street meeting at the corner of Greenleaf and Philadelphia. He competes for a crowd with a man who is already speaking on temperance on the opposite corner. The crowd erupts and city marshals escort Prentiss away from the crowd.
Parham’s Sermon at the Azusa Street MIssion
In a sermon preached at the Azusa Street Mission, Parham declares, “God is sick to His stomach” with what is going on at the Mission, and Parham moves to take control. Parham is told he is no longer welcome at the Mission. He gathers his Texas friends and leaves. The Apostolic Faith reports that Abundio and Rosa de Lopez are busy ministering to local Latinos on the Plaza (La Placita) of Los Angeles, California. They are altar workers at the Azusa Street Mission and until at least 1909, Abundio Lopez is also designated as a missionary at the Gospel Detective Mission, aimed at ministering to Latino workers for the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Glenn Cook and T.B. Barratt
Glenn Cook responds to T.B. Barratt’s letter of October 26. He urges Barratt to keep his eyes on Jesus and argues, “I do not feel clear to go to the world for evidence (of healing), and reputable physicians are not numerous in the narrow way.” In Whittier, California, Henry Prentiss, Tom Anderson, C.H. Nichols, and William Millson are arrested for disturbing the peace. They are released on $100 bail each.
Henry Prentiss Trial by Jury
Henry Prentiss and his friends ask for a trial by jury. The jury deliberates from 3 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., but fails to reach a consensus. A mistrial is declared, and a new trial is set for November 23.
Ophelia Wiley in Salem
Ophelia Wiley, an African-American woman with Florence Crawford’s evangelistic party, goes to Salem, Oregon, where she holds meetings in the church led by M.I. Ryan. In New York City, T.B. Barratt is baptized in the Holy Spirit after Lucy Leatherman lays hands on him and prays over him.
Andrew Johnson Goes to Gothenburg
After running out of funds and being forced to beg on the streets of Naples, Italy, Andrew Johnson decides to sail for Gothenburg, Sweden. Louise Condit continues on to Jerusalem.
Clara Lum and T.B. Barratt
Clara Lum writes to T.B. Barratt and rejoices in the collection of letters that Barratt has sent to the mission. She reports she had read his last letter to the crowd during one of the Mission’s services, and G.B. Cashwell had been so excited at hearing it that he had been baptized in the Spirit as a result. She urges him to keep writing and claims the Lord will use him in this ministry.
Henry Prentiss’ Charges
All charges against Henry Prentiss and his friends are dismissed.
Ivey Campbell in East Liverpool
Ivey Campbell arrives in East Liverpool, Ohio, from the Azusa Street Mission.
Ivey Campbell’s Meeting in East Liverpool
Ivey Campbell holds a meeting at the Broadway Mission in East Liverpool, Ohio. She gives her testimony of being baptized in the Spirit, but most people are skeptical and reject it.
Parham’s Open Letter
Parham writes an open letter explaining his actions at the Azusa Street Mission. He accuses the mission of being overrun by hypnotic influences, familiar-spirit influences, spiritualistic influences, mesmeric influences, and all kinds of spells, spasms, and falling in trances. Meanwhile, the missionaries from the Azusa Street Mission who are going to Africa arrive in New York City. These missionaries include: Samuel and Ardella Mead, Robert and Myrtle Shideler, Lucy F. Farrow, Julia and Willis Hutchins, Leila McKinney, George and Daisy Batman and their three children, Bessi, Robert, and an unnamed infant.
Azusa Street Mission to Lead Pacific Coast Apostolic Faith Movement
In early December, the Azusa Street Mission announces it will now lead the Pacific Coast Apostolic Faith movement. The Mission produces stationery with this information on its letterhead. In Long Beach, California, with the aid of many people from the Azusa Street Mission, Edward McCauley establishes an Apostolic Faith Mission. In Ta-ming-fu, Chi-Li Province, China, Bernt and Magna Berntsen, independent Norwegian missionaries, read an early issue of Azusa Street’s The Apostolic Faith and become hungry for the baptism.
Ivey Campbell in Akron
Ivey Campbell begins a month of meetings at the South Street mission in Akron, Ohio. Within a month, at least 40 people have been baptized in the Spirit. Among these who visit the mission is Levi Lupton, an evangelist from the Society of Friends (Quakers). He conducts a Bible school in Alliance, Ohio.
Liverpool and Liberia missionaries
The missionaries headed to Africa and Pastor Thomas Ball Barratt all board the S.S. Campania and sail from New York to Liverpool, England. The group travelling to Liberia has recruited three new missionaries from New York City, Mr. F.M. Cook, Mrs. Lee, and an unidentified woman.
Glenn Cook Meetings
From December 11-18, Glenn Cook holds meetings in Lamont, Oklahoma. He moves on to Chicago.
Florence and Mildred Crawford in Salem
Florence Crawford and her daughter, Mildred, arrive in Salem, Oregon. People are already speaking and writing in tongues. Ryan’s congregation has been turned upside down by the revival.
Thomas B. Barratt and Norway
Thomas B. Barratt sails from Liverpool, England, to Oslo, Norway.
Anaheim Meeting
Henry Prentiss, Curtis Nichols, Orly Nichols, Tom Anderson, William Millson, and Isaac Berg hold a meeting at Miller’s Hall in Anaheim, California.
Henry Prentiss Accosted
Henry Prentiss is accosted by a group of young men in Anaheim, California, who are upset because of the meetings he has been conducting in Miller’s Hall. The men begin to taunt him with a rope, telling him they will hang him. Marshall Steadman appears, and Prentiss retreats to the home of George Berg.
Mary L. Corlette is Baptized
Mary (sometimes called Mamie) L. Corlette, a member of First Friends Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and a student at Levi Lupton’s Alliance Ohio Bible School, receives the baptism in the Spirit and speaks in tongues. In Whittier, California, Henry Prentiss is arrested again, this time the charge is vagrancy. A trial by jury is set for January 5, 1907.
Florence Crawford and Portland
Florence Crawford travels to Portland, Oregon, where she holds meetings in the St. John’s Gospel Mission. The Azusa Street missionaries, the Meads and the Shidlers, board the S. S. Guelph and travel to Lobito Bay, Angola.
Florence Crawford Citation of Mistreatment
Parham returns to Zion, Illinois, in time for the New Year’s Eve festivities. In Portland, Oregon, Florence Crawford is issued a citation for the mistreatment of his daughter. The charge is she has not been enrolled in school, and she is attending too many church services. In Dunn, North Carolina, Gaston Barnabas Cashwell, recently baptized in the Holy Spirit at the Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles, California, begins to hold Apostolic Faith meetings in an old warehouse. They will last a month. As a result, several existing Holiness denominations will become Pentecostal denominations.
Garrs in Calcutta
Six months after leaving the Azusa Street Mission, the Garrs arrive in Calcutta, India.
Florence Crawford Disputes
Florence Crawford is told by Judge Frazier that she must enroll her daughter rin school by January 4 or leave town, and she is forbidden to let Mildred attend the evening meetings. Florence Crawford argues with the judge.
Florence Crawford’s Daughter Still Not Enrolled in School
Florence Crawford does not enroll her daughter in school, claiming she has a cold. A probation officer is sent to investigate. Crawford informs the probation officer that she intends to leave town as soon as her daughter recovers. Florence Crawford continues to preach for 3 more days, reporting that 38 people received the baptism in the Spirit, and, then, she boards a train for Los Angeles, California. In Cleveland, Ohio, J.E. Sawders, who received the baptism in the Spirit the week before under Ivey Campbell, begins a week of meetings at First Friends Church. All goes well at first, but by the week’s end, problems arise.
Henry Prentiss Mistrial
Henry Prentiss argues his case in the Whittier, California, court. The jury deliberates, but is unable to reach a verdict. The trial is declared a mistrial. A retrial is scheduled for January 10.
J.E. Sawders Meeting
Pastor Malone of First Friends Church calls a special, executive business meeting to discuss the ministry and message of J.E. Sawders after the Sunday morning service. They set up a task force to study his ministry the next day. In Seattle, Washington, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Junk are ministering in a local congregation. She will die shortly thereafter, but Thomas Junk will become an independent Apostolic Faith missionary in Northern China.
Charles Parham and Tongues
Charles Parham attends a service at First Friends Church, then, stands and tells the congregation that J. E. Sawders, Ivey Campbell, and the Azusa Street Mission have it all wrong. The real gift of tongues is never accompanied by spasm, jerks, or foolishness. It is a dignified gift. He asks them to let him show them the real “Pentecost,” but they are no longer interested. In Whittier, California, Judge Gidley dismisses the charges against Henry Prentiss.
Oslo Revival
The revival breaks out in Oslo, Norway, after T.B. Barratt begins preaching there.
Indianapolis Meetings
Glenn Cook begins meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana. Among those in the Apostolic Faith Mission congregation are the Reynolds family and the Flower family.
McCauley in Long Beach
Edward (sometimes called Joseph) McCauley leads a group in street meetings at First and Pine Streets in Long Beach, California.
Church of God in Christ
C.H. Mason, J. A. Jeter, and J.D. Young arrive at the Azusa Street Mission from the Church of God in Christ. In Liberia, the entire Batman family, Mrs. Cook, and Mrs. Lee all perish from malaria or black water fever.
Long Beach Arrests
Edward and Molly McCauley, A.C. Conway, Mack Jonas, and Floyd Bailey are arrested while holding a street meeting at First and Locust Streets in Long Beach, California, in violation of a new statute designed to stop their street meetings.
McCauley Court Hearing
McCauley and his group are brought before Judge Hart. He hears the case and decides to pass sentence the next day.
McCauley Case Dismissed
Judge Hart dismisses the case saying the charges are too indefinite.
Levi Lupton Removed
The Alliance Monthly Meeting of Friends votes to remove Levi Lupton from its membership.
Florence Crawford in the Bay Area
Florence Crawford leaves her family in Highland Park and travels to Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Rosa, California, for 6 weeks of meetings.
Joshua W. Sykes in East Los Angeles
Joshua W. Sykes has established a group in East Los Angeles, California, called the Apostolic Church. He adopts the teachings of the Azusa Street Mission, but he insists baptism into his congregation must be done in the name of Christ, instead of through the traditional Trinitarian formula.
1st Anniversary of Revival
The Azusa Street Mission celebrates the first anniversary of the revival.
Certification
The county clerk of Los Angeles, California, certifies the Articles of Incorporation for the Apostolic Faith Mission.
Indianapolis Work
Thomas Hezmalhalch, J.O. Lehman, Celia Smock, and Elnora Hall arrive in Indianapolis, Indiana, to add in the work of the Apostolic Faith Mission.
Arroyo Seco Site
Rachel Sizelove, Clara Lum, Mae Mayo, Tom Anderson, and R.J. Scott seek out a site for a possible camp meeting. They choose the Arroyo Seco, a canyon with a creek that runs from the San Gabriel Mountains above Pasadena, to Los Angeles, California. They break into Seymour’s Monday morning leaders’ meeting and receive approval to undertake the camp meeting.
Florence Crawford in Portland
Florence Crawford arrives in Portland, Oregon, where she conducts meetings from May 5 through July 16.
First Apostolic Faith Camp Meeting
The first Apostolic Faith camp meeting under the auspices of the Azusa Street Mission and in cooperation with other local Pentecostal missions begins. It is held in the Arroyo Seco, which runs between Pasadena and Los Angeles, California. Under the direction of Robert J. Scott, this camp meeting will run through September.
Edward McCauley Arrested
Edward McCauley is arrested during the evening service for disturbing the peace. William J. Seymour and the Cummings family arrive in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cummings family is en route to Africa to serve as Azusa Street missionaries. Seymour will spend the next 2 weeks in Indianapolis.
Edward McCauley Case Verdict
Edward McCauley is tried before the court and found guilty. He is given a choice between a $10 fine or 10 days in jail.
Police Undercover
The press reveals that the police chief had been sending undercover officers to Seymour’s meetings as a result of anonymous complaints. They are criticized for not holding the color line.
Levi Lupton and Pentecostal Camp Meeting
Levi Lupton opens a Pentecostal camp meeting on his property in Alliance, Ohio. E.W. and Mary Vinton, George Berg, Frank Bartleman, Ivey Campbell, and H.W. Allen, all from the Azusa Street Mission, participate.
Baptismal Service in Full Creek
Pastor William J. Seymour, aided by Glenn Cook, holds a baptismal service in Full Creek, California, near the Indiana Avenue Bridge. Two hundred people attend and 13 are baptized. Among those baptized was Bennett F. Lawrence, who would later write the first history of Pentecostalism, entitled, “The Apostolic Faith Restored” (St. Louis, Mo.: Gospel Publishing House, 1916). The crowd took the streetcar to Murphy Hall where they conducted a feet washing and Communion service.
Lupton Camp Meeting Attack
A gang of young men invade the Lupton camp meeting with “squirt guns” filled with diluted sulfuric acid. The clothes are burned off some people, and many receive painful burns. No one is arrested.
Levi Lupton and the Apostolic Faith Association
Levi Lupton forms a new group called the Apostolic Faith Association. C.A. McKinney, the pastor of the South Street Mission in Akron, Ohio, is elected vice president. Frank Bartleman and J.H. King become board members.
Lupton and Columbus, Ohio
Lupton and several others travel to Columbus, Ohio, where they incorporate the Apostolic Faith Association of Alliance. Lupton takes the title of Apostle.
Seymour Leaves Indianapolis
Late June, William J. Seymour leaves Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mildred Crawford Breaks Arm
Florence Crawford has been conducting meetings in Portland, Oregon, on behalf of the Azusa Street Mission. That morning her daughter, Mildred, falls and breaks her arm. In keeping with Florence Crawford’s wishes, her husband Frank Crawford refuses medical attention for their daughter.
Mildred Crawford’s Medical Condition
Concerned neigbors call the Humane Society, which is responsible for child welfare, and demand an investigation into Mildred Crawford’s condition.
Florence Crawford Threat of Arrest
Threated with arrest, Florence Crawford is summoned home, while Frank Crawford agrees to have Mildred treated, but only by Dr. Henry S. Keyes, who has converted to the Apostolic Faith.
Mildred Crawford’s Arm
Mildred Crawford’s arm is finally set.
Florence Crawford in Los Angeles
Florence Crawford returns to Los Angeles, California.
Will C. Trotter Baptized, Parham and Homosexuality
At the Apostolic Faith camp meeting in the Arroyo Seco, Will C. Trotter, director of the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, California, announces he has received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and will cast his lot with the Apostolic Faith Movement. Charles Parham is arrested in San Antonio, Texas, on charges of engaging in homosexual activity.
Will Trotter to be Replaced
The board of directors of the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, California, call in Will Trotter and ask him to explain himself. He tells them of his commitment to the Apostolic Faith. They declare his position to be vacant as of August 1, and advertise for a new director.
Macao and Connecticut
T.J. and Annie McIntosh arrive in Macao, China, to serve as Apostolic Faith missionaries after travelling from the Azusa Street Mission. In Greenwich, Connecticut, Lucy Leatherman and Adolph Rosa hold an Apostolic Faith meeting in which locals physically attack them.
The Moody Bible Institute
Reuben A. Torrey, president of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, preaches at the Methodist camp meeting in Huntington Beach, California, on the subject of the baptism in the Spirit. He strongly attacks the claims of the Azusa Street Mission.
Will Trotter
Will Trotter leads the evening meeting of the Apostolic Faith camp meeting.
Mabel Childs Case
The Health Department and the Humane Society debate how to respond to the Mabel Childs’ case, but take a wait-and-see position.
Florence Crawford in Santa Barbara
Early September, Florence Crawford leaves Los Angeles, California, and begins meetings in Santa Barbara, California. Pastor Seymour returns from his long trip.
M.L. Ryan to Japan
M.L. Ryan, leading a group of 13 adults and 7 children, sails from Seattle, Washington, to Japan on the steamship “Minnesota.”
Bernt Berntsen in Northern China
Bernt Berntsen travels to the Azusa Street Mission and receives the baptism in the Spirit. He becomes an ardent, independent Apostolic Faith missionary in Northern China where he leads his wife and children into the Baptism. They continue their work there through, at least, 1916.
M.L. Ryan Arrives in Japan
M.L. Ryan’s party lands in Yokohama harbor in Japan.
George B. Studd’s Agreement with Azusa Street Mission
Longtime supporter of the Peniel Mission (a Holiness mission), George B. Studd, breaks with Peniel because they do not support the Azusa Street revival. Even though George Studd has not sought for the baptism in the Holy Spirit, he agrees with what the Azusa Street Mission is doing.
Garrs in Hong Kong
The Garrs arrive in Hong Kong and set up a missionary rest home at 4 Ladder Street.
Florence Crawford in Minneapolis
In November, Florence Crawford leads a delegation– Mildred (her daughter), Will Trotter, James R. Conlee, and Sister Neal– on a strip to Winnipeg and Toronto Canada and Minneapolis, Minnesota. While Crawford is in Minneapolis, she concludes God is directing her to return to Portland, Oregon, to establish a permanent, independent work.
Rosa Harmon in Liberia
Rosa Harmon sends a letter saying that she, Edward, and Molly McCauley have arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, where they will become missionaries.
George B. Studd Attends Azusa Street Mission
George B. Studd begins attending the Azusa Street Mission. He takes his friend, Cecil H. Polhill, a missionary currently on his way home (England) from a year of missionary service in China and Tibet with the China Inland Mission, to the Azusa Street Mission.
Cecil Polhill Baptism
Cecil Polhill is baptized in the Spirit. On his return to England, he will form the Pentecostal Missionary Union and will aid the sending of many missionaries from the English Pentecostal movement.
Henry Prentiss Speaks in Tongues
Henry Prentiss creates a disturbance at the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, when its pastor announces that Prentiss will speak on the gift of tongues.
Henry Prentiss Arrested
Henry Prentiss is arrested the next evening while preaching along with two friends. The next day, his friends each pay a $50 fine plus court costs, but Prentiss asks for a jury trial.
Henry Prentiss on Trial, Found Guilty
Henry Prentiss goes on trial at 2 p.m. before Judge Wallon. During the trial, he is fined $25 plus court costs for being in contempt of court. In the end, he is found guilty. He pays $65 in fines and fees.
St. John’s Newfoundland
Azusa Street missionaries Tom and Charlotte Hezmalhalch, John J. and Jenny Lake and their children, and Jacob and Lily Lehman board a train in Indianapolis, Indiana, for St. John’s Newfoundland.
Liverpool missionaries
The Hezmalhalches, Lakes, and Lehmans accompanied by Ida Sackett and the Schneiderman family, travel to Liverpool, England, aboard the “Express of Ireland.”
Azusa Street Mission Anniversary Services
April 5-12, The Azusa Street Mission conducts special anniversary services. The place is packed.
13th Issue of “The Apostolic Faith”
In May, the 13th issue of “The Apostolic Faith,” originating in Los Angeles, California, is published. The issue contains the classic masthead and announces the next issues will be published from The Apostolic Faith camp meeting, Portland, Oregon. It is the last of the undisputed issues to be published for the Azusa Street Mission.
William J. Seymour and Jennie Evans Moore Marry
William J. Seymour and Jennie Evans Moore are married in a private ceremony performed by Edward S. Lee. Mattie Lee and Richard Ashberry act as witnesses. Following the wedding, Clara Lum leaves the Azusa Street Mission and moves to Portland, Oregon, taking “The Apostolic Faith” newspaper subscriber list with her.
Cape Town Services
The Hezmalhalches, Lakes, Lehmans, and Ida Sackett arrive in Cape Town, South Africa. They hold services in that city for about a week.
Johannesburg
The Hezmalhach, Lake, Lehman, and Sackett party arrives in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Azusa Street’s South-African Party
Azusa Street’s South-African party begins meetings among the natives, and report roughly 500 present at their opening service.
“The Apostolic Faith” New Issue
June 1908, an issue of “The Apostolic Faith” newspaper, allegedly published on behalf of the Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles, California, appears. It does not have the traditional masthead.
Sykes, Garrison, and Taylor Arrested
J.W. Sykes, H.A. Garrison, and Mary Taylor are arrested and arraigned for disturbing the peace with their meetings at 2815 West 10th Street in Los Angeles, California. The trial is set for August 3.
Case Dismissed
The court dismisses the case against Sykes, Garrison, and Taylor when no witnesses appear to testify against them. The court had given the witnesses the wrong time or date for the trial.
George Studd and the Upper Room Mission
George Studd leaves the Azusa Street Mission and begins to attend the Upper Room Mission. The Upper Room Mission has offered him the opportunity to lead their daily noon meetings and give Bible studies.
“God’s Latter Rain”
The Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa begins a paper called “God’s Latter Rain.”
John Reid in Liberia
John Reid disembarks from his ship in Monrovia, Liberia, and finds Edward McCauley with a congregation of 145 people whom he has converted and baptized. Across the front of the church is a sign reading, “Apostolic Faith Mission.”
Chinese Missionaries Arrive in Los Angeles
In 1909, Hector and Sigrid McLean, China Inland Mission missionaries in the Szechwan Province of Western China, arrive in Los Angeles, California. They attend the Azusa Street Mission and are baptized in the Spirit. They leave the China Inland Mission and become independent Apostolic missionaries until their retirement in 1927.
Ned Caswell Diary Entry
Ned Caswell writes in his diary, “Seymour is fatter. Crowd was smaller, but still good.”
Edward McCauley in Monrovia
Edward McCauley’s work in Monrovia, Liberia, now stands at 154.
Frank Bartleman Report
Mid-September 1909, Frank Bartleman attends the Azusa Street Mission after an absences of 6 weeks. He reports: “Azusa had lost out greatly since we left. ‘How the mighty have fallen’ came to me most forcibly. But the Spirit came upon three of us mightily in prayer one evening there. He assured us He was going to bring the power back to Azusa Mission as at the beginning.”
Ned Caswell report
Ned Caswell records: “This afternoon I was at Azusa St. The crowd was fair and the meeting tame, as the inner circle retired to have a private meeting of their own. I saw Owen (Irish) Lee and his wife, just down from Portland, where there seems to be considerable friction. I saw Seymour this week also.”
Articles of Incorporation in Portland
Jennie E. Seymour, Malinda Mitchell, and Edward W. Doak file articles of incorporation on behalf of the Azusa Street Mission in Portland, Oregon. They wish to establish a legal presence in Portland as an auxiliary body to the Apostolic Faith Mission of Los Angeles, California. Ned Caswell reports, “I was at Azusa St. a little while today. Only a few old-timers and not much stirring.”
Lillian Keyes to Become a Presbyterian Missionary
January 1910, Lillian Keyes applies to become a Presbyterian missionary in China. She signs a pledge that she will no longer teach Apostolic Faith doctrine.
Tsao Hsein
June 1910, Thomas Junk is working in Tsao Hsien in Shan-Tung Province. He ministers to the extremely poor people of the region, collecting orphans and people without relatives. He provides for them during a time of famine.
William Durham Meetings
In Seymour’s absence, William Durham begins a series of meetings at the Azusa Street Mission.
Durham Goes Against Pastor Seymour
Durham attempts to take over the Azusa Street Mission by asking the worshipers to side with him, against Pastor Seymour.
Seymour and Durham Dispute Continues
Seymour gathers the duty elected board of trustees to see what can be done to stop Durham’s coup. They decide to padlock the Mission’s doors. Durham is angered.
The Full Gospel Assembly
Durham opens the Full Gospel Assembly just blocks from both the Azusa Street Mission and the Upper Room Mission. Both missions suffer huge losses to Durham.
Assemblies of God in Hot Springs
April 1914, the Assemblies of God is formed in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It brings together people from the Azusa Street Mission, from Parham’s Apostolic Faith Movement, from C.H. Mason’s Church of God in Christ, from the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and from independent Apostolic Faith groups in the upper Midwest.
Grapefruit Planting Ceremony on Azusa and San Pedro Streets
On December 8, 2012 at the corner of Azusa and San Pedro, several community groups came together to plant a grapefruit tree to replace one that had been lost. Japanese Americans, Skid Row community activist, Native Americans, Azusa Street Revival members and Pentecostals came together to celebrate this new tree together, inviting everyone to participate by adding a scoop of soil to the newly planted tree.
In 2004, the last remaining tree from when the site was a fruit orchard was accidently killed with hot cooking oil. It was a 125-year-old grapefruit tree, which still bore fruit and was beloved by the local communities. This planting ceremony marks an important time of community-building and community-bridging along Azusa Street. At this time, Los Angeles had 3,857,799 residents.
Pentecostalism Today
As of 2014, there are 631 million Pentecostals, making Pentecostalism the largest group of Christians next to Catholism. Currently, 1 in 4 Christians identify as Pentecostal and the numbers continue to grow. This spark was ignited a little over 100 years ago at 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles, California, and Pentecostalism has become the fastest-growing religion in the world!
Looking to the Future
Since the beginning of the Azusa Street Mission in 1905, people have flocked to 312 Azusa Street in Los Angeles. Even after the building was demolished and the charisma continues to spread, the physical address has become a pilgrimage site. Each year, hundreds of people from around the world come to 312 Azusa Street for spiritual reflection and connection.































































