OHIO PCG HISTORY

The origin of modern Pentecostalism can be traced to Bethel Bible College, founded in October 1900 by Charles Fox Parham. The school was located in Topeka, Kansas in an elaborate unfinished mansion known as “Stone’s Folly.” In his monthly publication, The Apostolic Faith, Parham announced that anyone who prayed and diligently studied the Word was welcome to attend. Since this was a “faith school,” no tuition was charged. Parham was the only instructor and the Bible the only textbook. Before leaving for a speaking engagement in Kansas City, Parham assigned the student body the task of determining from their study of Scripture, the evidence of receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. When Parham returned he was amazed to learn that the students had reached the conclusion: the indisputable proof of one receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit was speaking with other tongues.

This conclusion was of tremendous importance, for it marked the occasion when speaking in tongues was first considered to be the initial physical evidence of one being filled with the Holy Spirit.

On January 1, 1901 the first day of the 20th century, Agnes N. Ozman requested those present to lay hands on her and pray that she might receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit. When this was done, she began to speak in tongues, glorifying God. According to the report she was so overwhelmed by this new experience of Pentecostal power she could not speak in the English language for three days. Miss Ozman’s baptism inspired the other students to seek for a similar experience. One of the mansion’s large upper rooms was converted into an area for prayer. The students, as well as others in the city, continued in intercessory prayer for three glorious days. Then on the night of January 3, 1901, many others, including Parham, received the mighty infilling of the Spirit.

After this glorious experience, Parham carried this Pentecostal message from Topeka, Kansas to: Kansas City, Missouri; Lawrence, Kansas; Nevada, Missouri; El Dorado Springs, Missouri; Galena, Kansas; Joplin, Missouri; and Orchard, Texas.

In the fall of 1905, Parham relocated to Houston, Texas, and started a Bible school. William J. Seymour, a black holiness preacher, attended but did not receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Miss Neely Terry from Los Angeles attended the services, received the Pentecostal experience, and suggested inviting Seymour to preach at her local mission. Seymour accepted, but his teachings on the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues were rejected by the church leadership. He moved his meetings to the home of Richard and Ruth Asbury on North Bonnie Brae Street, where on April 9, 1906, a Pentecostal revival began. During a prayer meeting, Seymour and seven men experienced the Holy Spirit, causing them to speak in tongues. This event quickly drew large crowds, forcing services outside. Many people were baptized in the Holy Spirit, healed, and saved, creating a significant stir in the city.

To accommodate the growing crowds, a dilapidated two-story building at 312 Azusa Street was secured. This building, originally built for an AME church, had been used as a livery stable, storage, and tenement house. A three-year continuous revival took place there, becoming globally known. Stanley H. Frodsham’s book, "With Signs Following," describes the scene, emphasizing the lack of traditional revival elements like musical instruments and choirs, relying instead on heavenly singing and the Holy Ghost's leadership. No collections were taken, and no advertisements were made; the revival spread through word of mouth.

Travelers from far and wide visited Azusa Street, drawn by the spiritual power. The revival ran from 10 a.m. to midnight, with many receiving the Baptism in the Holy Ghost, healing, and salvation. Preaching was simple but powerful, causing people to be shaken on their benches and often leading to speaking in tongues. The revival was free from nationalistic feelings, welcoming everyone regardless of language, color, or education.

Seekers of healing were taken upstairs for prayer, and many were healed. The upstairs room was also used for Bible study and seeking Pentecostal fullness. Frank Bartleman’s book "Azusa Street" describes the humble setup, with Brother Seymour praying behind two stacked shoeboxes. The services ran continuously, filled with people seeking God’s presence, which was always felt. There were no scheduled sermons or speakers; everything was spontaneous and led by the Spirit, emphasizing equality among all attendees and the stripping away of pride and self-importance.

“We were delivered from ecclesiastical hierarchism and abuse. We wanted God. Upon arriving at the meeting, we avoided human contact to meet God first, praying under benches and connecting with others in the Spirit. Meetings began spontaneously with testimony, praise, and worship.”

The Pentecostal message from the Azusa Street revival quickly spread across America and to many foreign countries. By the summer of 1906, news reached Chicago, where John C. Sinclair reported that his church began praying for the Baptism in the Holy Ghost, inspired by the events in Los Angeles. Sinclair was the first in Chicago to receive this Baptism, leading to a Pentecostal revival in his church starting on November 19, 1906, which lasted for months.

For most of the early 20th century, aside from the Holiness-Pentecostal churches in the southeast, there was little formal organization. Many opposed organization, resulting in numerous independent Pentecostal churches emerging in storefronts, schoolhouses, and other available spaces. Their main goal was to spread the message that God was still working mightily among His people. However, with little order or control, congregations often trusted anyone claiming to be Spirit-filled, leading to exploitation by shysters. It became clear that a cooperative fellowship was necessary for the Pentecostal Revival to survive and evangelize effectively.