The Authors of Mosaic Address Varied Topics

Mosaic: Papers in Honor of Noel Brooks (2012) features the academic and creative efforts of several individuals.  "Mosaic" is a collection of scholarly papers on a variety of topics in honor of a British born Wesleyan Pentecostal pastor, church leader, scholar, educator, and author. Brooks was deeply committed to the merging of faith and intellect and the role of scholarship in the  life of the person of faith. This collection honors that by setting in place a few modest pieces of what is hoped will be a larger work uniting many in common purpose. Authors submitted for inclusion in this volume include Dr. Chris Green (Pentecostal Theological Seminary); Professor Rev. Ken L. Young (Southwestern Christian University); Dr. Marvin J. Hudson, Pastor and Intensive Interim Ministry Specialist; Mrs. Irene Belyeu, Author (B.A.); Mrs. Marilyn A. Hudson, Author/Speaker (M.L.I.S.). This project was sponsored by The Friends of Noel Brooks.

Dr. Chris Green is on faculty at The Pentecostal Seminary in Kentucky. He is author of the book Toward a Pentecostal Theology of the Lord's Supper: Foretasting the Kingdom.  Dr Chris Green, is currently serving as Assistant Professor of Theology at Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN. Previously, he taught at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, and Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, OK, while holding adjunct positions at other schools in the Oklahoma City area. Dr Green and his wife, Julie, helped plant and pastor a church in Northwest Oklahoma City, in 2003. After stepping down from that role, they moved to Cleveland, TN to teach at the Seminary. Dr. Green completed his PhD in theology (Bangor University, Wales) and previously received a Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min.) from ORU. He also has a Master's degree in theology, and Church Leadership. They have two kids: Zoe, 7, and Clive, 4. He is author of Toward a Pentecostal Theology of the Lord's Supper: Foretasting the Kingdom (2012).  He addresses "In Word and Spirit: Critical and constructive  reflections on the theological method of Noel Brooks."

Irene Belyeu is author of Revelation in Context. In 1929, Irene Barbara Parris was born into a loving family near Shawnee, Oklahoma. Irene spent her childhood working in the fields and woods and walking to school and to church. She reveled in the beauty of nature in the earth and the sky. In 1950, she was married to Darrell Belyeu and had six children. Irene began an intensive study of the Book of Revelation to answer her children’s questions as well as her own. At the age of fifty-six, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in linguistics from the University of Oklahoma and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. A volunteer tour with the Wycliffe Bible Translators gave her insight into translation and literacy. She applied her linguistic training to research on the Book of Revelation and, as a result, has published, Revelation in Context (2012). Her sermons are available at www.sermon.net/revelationincontext.  Belyeu explores the role of signs and wonders in "By Faith We Understand."

Rev. Kenneth L. Young is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Oklahoma. He served also for fourteen years as the Dean of Adult Studies. Ken represents a fourth generation Pentecostal Holiness heritage. His father, maternal grandfather and great grandfather were ministers in the Pentecostal Holiness movement.  Ken holds ministerial credentials through the Upper South Carolina Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. Ken pastored two churches in South Carolina for a total of eight years while serving on the Conference World Missions Board and the Conference Evangelism Board.  He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Theology. Young explores evangelism and missions in "Investing in the City" and "Analysis of Pentecostal Mission Strategy."

Dr. Marvin J. Hudson, ordained minister, holds the D.Min. from Asbury Theological Seminary and the Master of Arts from Southern Nazarene University and a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary.  He is certified as an Intentional Interim Ministry Specialist. He has taught Biblical languages, Theology, Biblical studies, and Leadership in several institutions.  He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the South Central Classics Association.  He examines the nature of spiritual gifts and ministry in "Ta Charismata Ta Meidzona."

Marilyn A. Hudson  is a professional in the fields of history, library and information having received degrees from the University of Oklahoma. Additionally she is an author, educator, professional storyteller, workshop leader and speaker. Her published works include Those Pesky Verses of Paul (2011) and Noel Brooks: a Life Shining and Burning (2011). She is a member of the Association of College and Research Libraries, the South Central Classics Association, and the Oklahoma Library Association.  She addresses "Prophetic Women" and "Publishing the Word-Shaping the Message: A Survey of publishing influences in one Pentecostal denomination, 1955 and 1965."

The book will soon be available in Kindle ebook format.

'SCRIPTURAL HOLINESS' AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

After promoting the new biography on British born scholar Noel Brooks, we received many comments. Many wished to know where his early noted work Scriptural Holiness might be purchased.  In response to those we are sharing this information.

Noel Brooks authored Scriptural Holiness in the early 1960's and it quickly attained the level of a classic among Holiness and Pentecostal groups. The ability of this small volume to speak across theological and denominational lines is a testament to the sound scholarship and Biblical interpretation used by Brooks.   LifeSprings of Franklin Springs, Georgia, currently has this book available for purchase at $7.95.

http://www.lifespringsresources.com/products/4602020/scriptural-holiness/

SCRIPTURAL HOLINESS BY NOEL BROOKS

Brooks, Noel. Scriptural Holiness. Advocate Press, 1967. 70p. Rooted in the Holiness Movement, the IPHC treasured the teachings of Biblical and cultural holiness as it grew in the post Azusa Street years. Pentecostalism was a global event being experienced in Europe, South America, and Australia from an early day. So in 1954 when Noel Brooks (1914-2007), pastor, scholar, biographer and campaign manager of the early revivalist George Jeffreys, joined the IPHC, an author of academic depth and spirituality enriched the denomination. The book emerged from lectures in the King Memorial Lecture series at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia.

The contents of the lectures addressed: Holiness in the Progress of Revelations -1(Old Testament), Holiness in the Progress of Revelation – II (New Testament), Holiness in the Order of Salvation – I (Sanctification as Process), and Holiness in the Order of Salvation - II (Sanctification as Crisis). Brooks notes in his travel he had seen a great hunger for understanding scriptural holiness and the need for people to move more confidently into that level of devotion to God, yet he also was aware that there are both positive and negative aspects to the search for holiness (legalism and works). 

Brooks skillfully leads the reader through the Bible to uncover the logical and scriptural holiness that God wants us to live for God. “Our time, our strength, our money, our possessions, our all, continually used up in the service of the Lord” (pg. 67), that, for Noel Brooks encapsulated the purpose and meaning of true “Scriptural Holiness.” -- Marilyn A. Hudson, MLIS

Note: Advocate Press is now Life Springs. Copies of the book, Scriptural Holiness may be ordered from them

New Book Soon Available

Noel Brooks: A Life Shining and Burning, 1914-2006 by Marilyn A. Hudson will be available in a matter of weeks. The work includes biographical information, explores some of his work, and analyzes his role and legacy in Pentecostalism . Read some quotes of this remarkable man here.    A CreateSpace publication of a Whorl Books title.

The Reverend Noel Brooks (1914-2006) was an English clergy, educator, and author who ministered in the Wesleyan Methodist, the Elim Pentecostal Church, The Bible Pattern Fellowship (and wrote a biography of the leader and well known revivalist, George Jeffreys) and in the Pentecostal Holiness Church in both Great Britain and North America. 

Using letters, personal papers, unpublished manuscripts, interviews, examinations of numerous resources and analysis of the published writings of Brooks, the author presents an introduction to his life, work and the influences, which shaped his theology. This simple work seeks to examine some of the influences and explores, in their historical and social contexts, some of the major activities in the life of this man. 

A scholar whose life of spirituality, sacrifice, and insight left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to know the man or read his work.

List Price: $15.00

5.06" x 7.81" (12.852 x 19.837 cm) 

Black & White on White paper

230 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1468025095 (CreateSpace-Assigned)

ISBN-10: 1468025090

BISAC: Biography & Autobiography / Religious

Author Marilyn A. Hudson has degrees in history and library and information studies from the University of Oklahoma. 

THE BRITISH CONFERENCE OF THE IPHC

Noel Brooks, one time leader in the British Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church, compiled some facts related to the origins and history of the conference.  The following was probably written between 1977 and 1983.

"ORIGIN

In 1952 Dr. W. H. Turner attended the World Pentecostal Conference in London where he met the Rev. Howard Wallis of Bristol.  As a result the Bristol Church of which Mr. Wallis was pastor became organized as a P.H. Church.

In 1954, as a result of ground work by Chaplain Jake Till, the Rev. R.L. Rex, and Thurance York held evangelistic services in several cities and created wider interest in the P.H.C.  During that summer the Rev. and Mrs. Noel Brooks were preaching in the U.S.A. where they made their first contacts with P.H. Churches.

In October if the same year Bishop J.A. Synan organized the British Conference.  There was one church (Bristol) and several ministers of independent churches.  The first Superintendent was the Rev. H. Wallis.

DEVELOPMENTS

From the very beginning progress was slow and difficult. There was resentment from existing Pentecostal bodies. Some pastors and churches joined the conference but left almost as soon as they came. Independents found a centralized organization unacceptable.  Some found Wesleyan theology a problem. In the first ten years ten churches came into being, some as a result of pioneer work, others from independent backgrounds.  Lack of trained workers and of money impeded progress. At the present time there are only five organized churches.

In 1960 a Bible College was founded in an effort to overcome this deficiency.  At first, only evening classes were conducted, then in 1963 both day and evening classes were opened. Noel Brooks was President, and he and L.J. Harding were the main instructors.  About 100 students passed through the school the twelve years of its existence (1960-1973).  Only 20 of these were full-time students.  The small churches were unable to provide sufficient young people as students, and most of the enrollees, came from other church backgrounds. Eventually in 1973 the school was forced to close.  However, several excellent workers entered Christian work from this school.

SUPERINTENDENTS

The following have served as Conference Supertendents -

1954-1955 Howard Wallis

1955-1962 Noel Brooks

1962-1963 William Sherrod (died October 1963)

1963-1966 Noel Brooks

1967-1969 Howard Wallis

1969-1977 Charles Hopla (died March 1977)

1977 -         Arthur Coleman

MISSIONARY INTEREST

Bristol Bible College, 1960-1973

Throughout it brief existence the British Conference has kept a lively interest in mission, although it is itself under the authority of the world's Mission Board.  Three Britishers are missionaries, although they were not send out by the British Conference but joined the P.H.Church while they were on  the mission field.  They are the Rev. and Mrs. K.G. Donald of India and Mrs. Adrienne Chapman (nee Holdsworth) of South Africa.  All of these are doing great work for God in their respective spheres.

Since 1972 Noel Brooks has traveled extensively and contributed to the P.H.C. in several lands: South African and Rhodesia (1972); Canada (1972-1974); Mexico (1974); USA (1974-1976); Argentina (1976).  He has also visited North American on several occasions for special ministry.

YOUTH INTERESTS

Though there is much to discourage in the British Conference, the youth work is full of promise.  Under the leadership of the Rev. Arthur Coleman the Lifeliners work was organized and  has grown in numbers and interest from the start. An annual Youth Camp is held, as well as periodic rallies and competitions.  Several young people have taken out Mission Workers License and plan to proceed with the Ministers Course.

Brethren pray for us!  Britain is a sick country. Only about 5% of our people go to church. There is great industrial unrest and political strife..."

---Noel Brooks, "Facts about the British Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church" , undated manuscript, Noel Brooks Collection, Southwestern Christian University Archives.   Used by permission.  Transcribed by Marilyn A. Hudson, 2011.

Fight for the Faith and Freedom: George Jeffreys by Noel Brooks

Part of the Noel Brooks Collection is a copy of this book by Noel Brooks about the reformer and founder of the Elim Movement in England, George Jeffreys.

Brooks was a member of the Elim movement, the Bible-Pattern Church Alliance before joining the Pentecostal Holiness Church in the mid-1950's.

Rev. Brooks was one time campaign manager and the official biographer of Jeffreys. (Synan, V. Old-Time Power. 1998, pg. 248, 251).

The collection is still being processed and indexed but has numerous article Brooks had writtern for early periodicals of the Elim and Bible-Pattern movements.

Access to parts of it will be by appointment only.

Brooks, Noel. Fight for Faith and Freedom, George Jeffreys, Revivalist and Reformer (Pattern Books, England: n.d. (ca. 1940).

According th WorldCat/FirstSearch, the following libraries have this book:

Fuller Theological Seminary (US)

Asbury Theological Seminary (US)

Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (US)

University of Oxford (UK)

University of Leicester (UK)

Institutions with no WorldCat record holding the book:

Southwestern Christian University (US)

NOEL BROOKS: AN OVERVIEW

THE REVEREND NOEL BROOKS (1914-2006)
A Life Shining and Burning

Noel Brooks was born in 1914 in the often harsh coal country of northwestern Yorkshire and Lancashire, England, to Absalom Brooks. Noel’s grandfather, according to writings by Noel, had been an alcoholic until God stepped in to miraculously transform his life and forever changed the destinies of his four sons: Edward, Solomon, Absalom, and Will Brooks.

The home of Absalom Brooks was said to have been the epitome of the phrase “Holiness Unto the Lord” (Out of a Horrible Pit, pg. 56). Although Noel worked in the same coal mines his father, uncles, and grandfather had labored in, he was being pulled to study and prepare himself for ministry. At the age of 20 years he entered into the ministry (ibid, cover).

Noel Brooks joined with the English Pentecostal Holiness Church in 1954. He served as pastor of the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Bristol, then later served as director of evangelism of the English PHC, and then served as General Superintendent of the British Conference. He served as College President of the Christian View Bible College in Eastern Canada (founded September 7, 1971).

He founded the British Bible College which was located in the city of Bristol. Many noteworthy titled from their library collection now reside in the Noel Brooks Reading Room in the SCU Library.

A graduate of London University with a Bachelor of Divinity, he was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Holmes Theological Seminary in Greenville, South Carolina.

During his long career he taught on the faculty of several institutions around the globe and served as guest speaker and lecturer in countless churches in England, North America, and Africa. In the mid 1970’s he taught Bible and Theology on the campus of Southwestern, then known as Oklahoma City Southwestern College.

He was noted for his “keen analytical insights” over the years and authored several books, some of which are considered to be classic treatments of the subject of holiness. In addition, he authored a long series of lessons for adults published in the Pentecostal Holiness Advocate. Many of his titles are located in the SCU Library’s Pentecostal Research Collection (PRC) or in the Noel Brooks Collection or in the IPHC Archives.

In his family memoir he noted that many books tell the story of the lives of great and influential men and women. His “little book”, as he called it, told the story of ordinary people who “shined and burned” in their efforts for God. He recalled the words of his uncle Edward Brooks:
“Do the best you can, be the best you are,Shine like a glow worm if you cannot be a star.”

Noel Brooks throughout his long career as a scholar and a devoted man of God has called people to remember the way of the Lord, to strive for holiness, and “to shine and burn” for the cause of Christ.

Major Works by Noel Brooks:
Pardon, Purity and Power: The Threefold Ministry of the Holy Spirit (1959).
Scriptural Holiness (1967).
Sickness, Health, and God (n.d.)
Studies in Christian Doctrine (n.d.)
Out of a Horrible Pit: A family memoir (1976).
Let there be life (1975).
The Biblical Basics of missions (1976).
Ephesians outlined and unfolded (1984).
Fingertip Holiness (studies in practical holiness) (1988).
[see updated listing for further titles]
---Compiled by M.A. Hudson, Director of Library Services, SCU

[Additional biographical information or corrections are welcome]