12/14/11

Before Stone's Folly: Early Incidences of Pentecost


On January 1,1901 in a Kansas mansion (called Stone's Folly by locals) turned into a Bible school, a young woman in prayer experienced the baptism of the Holy spirit, accompanied by speaking in tongues.   This, for many, marked the birth of the modern Pentecostal movement and the 'century of Pentecost.'    There are records of events prior to that date in which the experience of the Pentecostal blessing were reported.


1896 - Farmers in the area of Grafton, North Dakota, gathered for three days of prayer and revival under the direction of an itinerant lay preacher, C.M. Hanson.  One of those in prayer began to speak with other tongues and after investigating the scriptures those present agreed, "This must be that which was spoken by the prophet Joel."
--Carlson, G. Raymond.  "When Pentecost Came to the Upper Midwest." A/G Heritage, Spring 1984, pg. 3

Carl Brumback in his Suddenly...from Heaven: A History of the Assemblies of God ( Gospel Publishing House, 1961) also mentions Hanson, but also notes events dating from 1873 in Maine, in Rhode Island in 1875, Arkansas in 1879, and others.  Mary Woodsworth Etter recounted such activity from 1876 in one of her revivals.  Daniel Awrey claimed it in 1890 in the area of Beniah, Tennessee.  A revival swept through the northern plains from Minnesota to North Dakota in the 1890's and included speaking in tongues.  In that same decade reports were coming from Cherokee County, NC. 

No comments: