THE BIBLE - PATTERN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP Picture above taken from the PATTERN Magazine June 1942
THE BIBLE - PATTERN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP
Friday 4 October 2013
Barnsley Bible Pattern Church
Barnsley Bible Pattern Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Bible Pattern Church NAME OF CHURCH TODAY Bible Pattern Church ADDRESS OF CHURCH NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1956 Pastor H. Toft HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Barrow Bible-Pattern Church
Barrow Bible-Pattern Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Barrow Bible-Pattern Church NAME OF CHURCH TODAY TBC ADDRESS OF CHURCH Bible-Pattern Church NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1959 Pastor Eric Briggs HISTORY At some point Pastor Briggs left and moved to N. Ireland and pastored a church in Armagh. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
Bedford the Bible-Pattern Church
Bedford the Bible-Pattern Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE The Bible-Pattern Church NAME OF CHURCH TODAY TBC ADDRESS OF CHURCH 90a Midland Road, Bedford NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1967 Pastor G. C. Bowler ordained by Principle George Jeffreys in 1959 /Pastor H. England HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Benfleet (south) Essex Emmanuel Free Church
Benfleet (south) Essex Emmanuel Free Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Emmanuel Free Church NAME OF CHURCH TODAY ADDRESS OF CHURCH High Road Benfleet (south) Essex NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1965 Pastor R Warden/1967Pastor Tony Lacy HISTORY It seems that the Church was established as a Bible Pattern Church in 1959. Please see a report at the bottom of the website. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Bradford Bible-Pattern Church
Bradford Bible-Pattern Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Bible-Pattern Church NAME OF CHURCH TODAY TBC ADDRESS OF CHURCH Bradford NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1959 Pastor L. Phillips HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Brighton Elim Free Church
Brighton Elim Free Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Elim Free Church NAME OF CHURCH TODAY ADDRESS OF CHURCH Brighton NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1959 Pastor W. R. McKibbin/1967 Dr Harry Evans HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Burton-on-Trent Mission Hall
Burton-on-Trent Mission Hall ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Burton-on-Trent Mission Hall NAME OF CHURCH TODAY TBC ADDRESS OF CHURCH Burton-on-Trent NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1960 Pastor H. Evans HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Cumberland, West Silloth Full Gospel Mission
Cumberland, West Silloth Full Gospel Mission ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Full Gospel Mission NAME OF CHURCH TODAY TBC ADDRESS OF CHURCH Cumberland, West Silloth NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Gillingham, Kent. The Full Gospel Mission
Gillingham, Kent. The Full Gospel Mission
ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE
The Full Gospel Mission
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY
ADDRESS OF CHURCH
Cross Street, Gillingham, Kent
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY
1960 Pastor R. Pymm
HISTORY
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
(PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Glasgow City Temple
Glasgow City Temple
ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE
City Temple
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY
Now closed
ADDRESS OF CHURCH
Corner of Bath Street and Elmbank Street C.2. Glasgow
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY
1940 Pastor Gwilym Francis /Pastor Douglas ward /1962 Pastor James MacLeod /
(1971 tbc) Pastor Stanley after Pastor Stanley Abel there was Pastor Syndey Reid 75 - 76 then Pastor Turley 76 - 77 then Pastor Eric Marsh 77-2000 when the church closed
HISTORY
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
(PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Glossop Bethel Free Pentecostal Church
Glossop Bethel Free Pentecostal Church
ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE
Bethel Free Pentecostal Church (Bible Pattern church fellowship)
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY
ADDRESS OF CHURCH
Glossop Bethel Free Pentecostal Church
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY
1960Pastor Alec Apted
HISTORY
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
(PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Gravesend, Chalk Free Pentecostal Church
Gravesend, Chalk Free Pentecostal Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Chalk Free Pentecostal Church Gravesend, NAME OF CHURCH TODAY ADDRESS OF CHURCH Chalk Free Pentecostal Church Gravesend, NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Halifax Bible Pattern Church
Halifax ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE NAME OF CHURCH TODAY Bible Pattern Church ADDRESS OF CHURCH Halifax NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY Pastor Sherrard HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Huddersfield Yorkshire Bible Pattern Church
Huddersfield Yorkshire Bible Pattern Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE NAME OF CHURCH TODAY ADDRESS OF CHURCH Huddersfield Yorkshire Bible Pattern Church NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Lisburn Co Antrim N.Ireland Bible Pattern Church
Lisburn Co Antrim N.Ireland ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE NAME OF CHURCH TODAY ADDRESS OF CHURCH Lisburn Co Antrim N.Ireland NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Kensington Temple Kensington Park Road Notting Hill Gate W.11
Kensington Temple
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY London City Church Now an Elim Pentecostal Church
ADDRESS OF CHURCH Kensington Park Road Notting Hill Gate W.11
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1849 (Congregational Church) Rev.William Roberts 1939 (Elim) Pastor Gordon Tweed 1955 (BPCF) Pastor Francis Thomas 1965 (Elim) Pastor Eldin Corsie /1980 Pastor Wynne Lewis 1991 Senior Pastor Colin Dye
HISTORY In September 1849 Horbury Chapel, Notting Hill was officially opened. It was built as an outreach into this fast developing area of London by Hornton Street Congregational Church situated in the nearby village of Kensington. The event made the front cover of the Illustrated London News. Members of Hornton Street Church had been deeply moved at a recent prayer meeting and many had wept as they commissioned 37 people who were to pioneer the new work in Notting Hill. They also donated significant sums of money for the project. This dedication was soon rewarded as the new church grew to around 600 people with a Sunday school of 200 and a day school of 300.
The church was socially minded and ministered effectively to the poor in the area. It had a godly pastor, Rev. William Roberts, BA who was described as an "earnest, thoughtful and evangelical" minister. The church also had a strong missionary emphasis supporting many overseas missions. Gladys Aylward, the great missionary to China, found Christ following one of the services at Horbury Chapel and Dr Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist minister preached there. It is interesting to notice the similarities between the days of that Congregational Chapel and what have now become the distinctive features of Kensington Temple: fervent prayer, vision for the lost, church planting, effective ministry to people and sacrificial service.
Stephen Jeffreys recived an invitation to conduct a crusade and an invitation to become the assistant Minister with a view to becoming the senior Minister (report to follow).
George Jeffreys and the early days of Elim.
Sadly a significant decline came about Horbury Chapel. For this reason, it was rented out and in 1931 finally sold to a new and growing movement known as Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance. The Alliance had been formed by its leader, George Jeffreys whom the Lord had been using along with his brother Stephen in a powerful revival of healing and evangelism. Kensington Temple was a part of the revival of those days. In 1921, the Daily Sketch newspaper carried a front-page picture of Stephen Jeffreys together with a lady and a child miraculously healed at Kensington Temple. The building was renovated, given new seating to a new maximum of 1,100 and renamed 'Kensington Temple'. Pastor Gordon Tweed was appointed and the congregation grew to a regular 800 people and was frequently filled to capacity. Sunday after Sunday the Temple was full to capacity and people were reluctantly turned away. These were years of plenty indeed!" Bible Pattern Church Fellowship However in 1939, George Jeffreys resigned from the Elim movement over the issue of the sovereignty of the local church. For a number of years the Church was part of the Bible Pattern Church Fellowship.
Some members wanted to stay with Elim left and started a new church called 'The West London Christian Fellowship'. The new fellowship, kept its link with Elim and met in a series of different venues under the leadership of a succession of different pastors until 1958, when Eldin Corsie assumed the pastorate at Holland Park Mission. In January1955 Pastor Francis Thomas took over the pastorate of the Kensington Temple from Pastor Robert G. Tweed who went to minister at Acocks Green, Birmingham, Bible Pattern Church. In the November1956 edition of the Pattern Magazine it was reported that seven decisions for Christ were made at a Sunday morning service and one decided for Christ at the evening service. The Body of the Church was filled each Sunday morning and evening when a blessed communion and reusing Gospel service took place. Souls were saved and the members were much encouraged and built up with the wonderful fellowship.
The Sunday school was held in the afternoon with willing and devoted helpers including the Superintendent Mr. (to become Pastor) Roy Simpson. Lyn Simpson writes, “It was a great privilege to work with Roy and our joint love for the children led us to enlarge the area they were drawn from”. In such a busy area of London, for their safety, the children were collected from blocks of flats in the Portobello Road area and walked together in a “crocodile” to the church and back home again. There were many amusing and poignant incidents with the children who were a joy to teach. The truth of God’s word was often received with many snippets of weekly news from the children’s escapades. Monday evening was the young peoples’ meeting. The pastor led this with most folk attending straight from work. This meant many would enjoy some food and fellowship beforehand.
The Wednesday Bible study was always well attended and the excellent studies much appreciated. The Prayer meeting was held on a Friday evening and was well attended.
The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the Easter meetings. These commenced on Good Friday afternoon, followed by a Great evening service. Two more meetings on Saturday and then the Easter day morning and evening. These were convened by the Revival Party and the joyful Easter Hymns led by Pastor R.E. Darragh with Pastor Albert Edsor at the grand piano and the inspired and powerful Word of god preached by Principal George Jeffreys. At these services the sick were prayed for. Many testifying to the Lord’s healing touch. Including my mother witnessing a lady brought into the Good Friday service in a wicker spinal carriage. After being prayed for the lady was completely healed and was able to walk and praising during the remaining services. The climax of the week-end was the much anticipated three services on the Easter Monday at the Westminster Central Hall. The Great hall was always packed to capacity. In the morning, a great Communion service took place. At the afternoon and evening services after Principle Jeffreys powerfully preached God’s Word the sick were prayed for. Many testifying to the Lord’s healing touch. The presence of God was amazingly powerful. Also see addition report by Commander McMillan on his experiences at the Easter Monday meetings at the Westminster Central Hall.
Elim return to Kensington Temple
Following the death of George Jeffries in 1962, and after the departure of Pastor Francis Thomas who had been there since January 1955 the Beneficiary Trustee Mr mcwhirter of Kensington Temple offered to sell the building to Elim, and three years later in 1965, Eldin Corsie led a congregation of around 60 people back into KT. This left the Bible pattern Members without a Pastor and a place to meet. It is my understanding that this is when Pastor Albert Edsor commenced meetings at Denison house hall, Vauxhall Bridge Road SW1.
The Kensington News and West London Times on Friday, 7th May 1965, took up the story of the opening that was to take place the following day. When the Church was handed over from the Bible Pattern Church Fellowship to Elim during a basement clear out. The cleaning party found crutches and wheelchairs that had been discarded during the great healing meetings. They also found the 'Church Full' sign that had been placed outside the church when there was no more room inside. "Do it again, Lord!" became the constant cry of the new congregation. Eldin Corsie's ministry in the Temple continued for a further 15 years after which he became Principal of Elim Bible College. They were years of preparation as he laid new foundations into the spiritual life of the church. He also saw the congregation grow to 600. Eldin laboured effectively in every area that was later to bear fruit in the 1980's. He placed a strong emphasis on prayer, developed fellowship groups (the forerunners of today's satellite churches), welcomed members from the international community and exercised a strong evangelistic and teaching ministry.
In September 1980, Wynne Lewis hit the church like a human tornado! His dynamic leadership style, together with his ability to hear from God and implement His plans, took the church forward by leaps and bounds. During his ministry at KT, which lasted just over a decade, he led the church from 600 to 5,000 people. Much of the growth came from the international community that was attracted by the fellowship groups that Wynne Lewis started but the real breakthrough came in 1983 after Wynne was laid up for many months following a car crash. In hospital, God clearly spoke to Wynne about his intentions for KT and when Wynne finally went back to work he was a changed person. He ministered under a new anointing and the church began to grow rapidly. In 1985, Colin Dye joined the leadership team and founded the Bible Institute. He also planted the first Satellite Church in Barnet where a fellowship group had been meeting in Eldin Corsie's time.
During the second half of the eighties, the church's mission’s ministry also took on a greater significance when the entire leadership accepted their responsibility for world evangelism. The church was now filled several times each Sunday, and there were up to 40 different satellite congregations. In 1991 Wynne left KT for the post of General Superintendent of Elim, and Colin Dye was appointed Senior Pastor. Under the leadership of Colin Dye, KT continued to grow regularly reaching up to a maximum of 15,000 people. Church planting also continued to be a major focus and with that Colin developed Kensington Temple and its satellite churches into a citywide structure called the 'London City Church'. This network linked everyone together and initiated a comprehensive strategy to win London for Christ. Colin instituted the 'City Celebrations', which aim to bring together the central congregations and the network churches into a large venue on a regular basis. In 1992, 4,600 gathered in the Royal Albert Hall and in 1993, 10,000 came together in Wembley Arena. These developed into full scale 'Holy Convocations' held at the Wembley Arena (October, 1998-1999). In 1999 the 'Revival Healing Services' at the Royal Albert Hall were reminiscent of the great Elim Meetings with George Jeffreys earlier in the century.
From March 1996, Colin was able to preach and share the vision from Kensington Temple into many different venues at once. A number of the London City churches were linked together through a special satellite broadcast. This networking programme helped the churches to share a common vision to build a City Church as well as becoming an effective church planting strategy. Colin's apostolic anointing, drive and teaching ministry encouraged hundreds of Christians to be involved in building the city church. The main goal of the 1990s was to develop 2,000 churches, fellowships and groups by the end of the year 2000. The goal wasn't totally fulfilled, but the 1990s saw Kensington Temple plant more churches than any other group in Europe. It would have been very easy to be hampered by a building that was too small to contain the attendees back in the 1980s, let alone to allow for further growth into the 1990s, but Colin made sure that through live link congregations, networking and church planting growth continued apace. The church offices moved into a former BBC building in North Acton in the autumn of 1996.
The scenery construction warehouse space adjoining was converted into a 3,000-4,000 seater auditorium. It was renamed `The Tabernacle' and opened in March 1997. The training aspects of the church played an increasingly key role in the growth of the church. The Bible Institute under Colin Dye grew to be the largest Pentecostal Bible School in Europe attracting students from many nations. In 2000, Kensington Temple and the London City Church network began to transition into a cell church, following the G12 cell church model pioneered by Cesar Castellanos in Bogota, Colombia.
Grateful acknowledgement and thanks to Mrs. L Simpson (Niece of Principal George Jeffries) and London City Church for information.
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY London City Church Now an Elim Pentecostal Church
ADDRESS OF CHURCH Kensington Park Road Notting Hill Gate W.11
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1849 (Congregational Church) Rev.William Roberts 1939 (Elim) Pastor Gordon Tweed 1955 (BPCF) Pastor Francis Thomas 1965 (Elim) Pastor Eldin Corsie /1980 Pastor Wynne Lewis 1991 Senior Pastor Colin Dye
HISTORY In September 1849 Horbury Chapel, Notting Hill was officially opened. It was built as an outreach into this fast developing area of London by Hornton Street Congregational Church situated in the nearby village of Kensington. The event made the front cover of the Illustrated London News. Members of Hornton Street Church had been deeply moved at a recent prayer meeting and many had wept as they commissioned 37 people who were to pioneer the new work in Notting Hill. They also donated significant sums of money for the project. This dedication was soon rewarded as the new church grew to around 600 people with a Sunday school of 200 and a day school of 300.
The church was socially minded and ministered effectively to the poor in the area. It had a godly pastor, Rev. William Roberts, BA who was described as an "earnest, thoughtful and evangelical" minister. The church also had a strong missionary emphasis supporting many overseas missions. Gladys Aylward, the great missionary to China, found Christ following one of the services at Horbury Chapel and Dr Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist minister preached there. It is interesting to notice the similarities between the days of that Congregational Chapel and what have now become the distinctive features of Kensington Temple: fervent prayer, vision for the lost, church planting, effective ministry to people and sacrificial service.
Stephen Jeffreys recived an invitation to conduct a crusade and an invitation to become the assistant Minister with a view to becoming the senior Minister (report to follow).
George Jeffreys and the early days of Elim.
Sadly a significant decline came about Horbury Chapel. For this reason, it was rented out and in 1931 finally sold to a new and growing movement known as Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance. The Alliance had been formed by its leader, George Jeffreys whom the Lord had been using along with his brother Stephen in a powerful revival of healing and evangelism. Kensington Temple was a part of the revival of those days. In 1921, the Daily Sketch newspaper carried a front-page picture of Stephen Jeffreys together with a lady and a child miraculously healed at Kensington Temple. The building was renovated, given new seating to a new maximum of 1,100 and renamed 'Kensington Temple'. Pastor Gordon Tweed was appointed and the congregation grew to a regular 800 people and was frequently filled to capacity. Sunday after Sunday the Temple was full to capacity and people were reluctantly turned away. These were years of plenty indeed!" Bible Pattern Church Fellowship However in 1939, George Jeffreys resigned from the Elim movement over the issue of the sovereignty of the local church. For a number of years the Church was part of the Bible Pattern Church Fellowship.
Some members wanted to stay with Elim left and started a new church called 'The West London Christian Fellowship'. The new fellowship, kept its link with Elim and met in a series of different venues under the leadership of a succession of different pastors until 1958, when Eldin Corsie assumed the pastorate at Holland Park Mission. In January1955 Pastor Francis Thomas took over the pastorate of the Kensington Temple from Pastor Robert G. Tweed who went to minister at Acocks Green, Birmingham, Bible Pattern Church. In the November1956 edition of the Pattern Magazine it was reported that seven decisions for Christ were made at a Sunday morning service and one decided for Christ at the evening service. The Body of the Church was filled each Sunday morning and evening when a blessed communion and reusing Gospel service took place. Souls were saved and the members were much encouraged and built up with the wonderful fellowship.
The Sunday school was held in the afternoon with willing and devoted helpers including the Superintendent Mr. (to become Pastor) Roy Simpson. Lyn Simpson writes, “It was a great privilege to work with Roy and our joint love for the children led us to enlarge the area they were drawn from”. In such a busy area of London, for their safety, the children were collected from blocks of flats in the Portobello Road area and walked together in a “crocodile” to the church and back home again. There were many amusing and poignant incidents with the children who were a joy to teach. The truth of God’s word was often received with many snippets of weekly news from the children’s escapades. Monday evening was the young peoples’ meeting. The pastor led this with most folk attending straight from work. This meant many would enjoy some food and fellowship beforehand.
The Wednesday Bible study was always well attended and the excellent studies much appreciated. The Prayer meeting was held on a Friday evening and was well attended.
The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the Easter meetings. These commenced on Good Friday afternoon, followed by a Great evening service. Two more meetings on Saturday and then the Easter day morning and evening. These were convened by the Revival Party and the joyful Easter Hymns led by Pastor R.E. Darragh with Pastor Albert Edsor at the grand piano and the inspired and powerful Word of god preached by Principal George Jeffreys. At these services the sick were prayed for. Many testifying to the Lord’s healing touch. Including my mother witnessing a lady brought into the Good Friday service in a wicker spinal carriage. After being prayed for the lady was completely healed and was able to walk and praising during the remaining services. The climax of the week-end was the much anticipated three services on the Easter Monday at the Westminster Central Hall. The Great hall was always packed to capacity. In the morning, a great Communion service took place. At the afternoon and evening services after Principle Jeffreys powerfully preached God’s Word the sick were prayed for. Many testifying to the Lord’s healing touch. The presence of God was amazingly powerful. Also see addition report by Commander McMillan on his experiences at the Easter Monday meetings at the Westminster Central Hall.
Elim return to Kensington Temple
Following the death of George Jeffries in 1962, and after the departure of Pastor Francis Thomas who had been there since January 1955 the Beneficiary Trustee Mr mcwhirter of Kensington Temple offered to sell the building to Elim, and three years later in 1965, Eldin Corsie led a congregation of around 60 people back into KT. This left the Bible pattern Members without a Pastor and a place to meet. It is my understanding that this is when Pastor Albert Edsor commenced meetings at Denison house hall, Vauxhall Bridge Road SW1.
The Kensington News and West London Times on Friday, 7th May 1965, took up the story of the opening that was to take place the following day. When the Church was handed over from the Bible Pattern Church Fellowship to Elim during a basement clear out. The cleaning party found crutches and wheelchairs that had been discarded during the great healing meetings. They also found the 'Church Full' sign that had been placed outside the church when there was no more room inside. "Do it again, Lord!" became the constant cry of the new congregation. Eldin Corsie's ministry in the Temple continued for a further 15 years after which he became Principal of Elim Bible College. They were years of preparation as he laid new foundations into the spiritual life of the church. He also saw the congregation grow to 600. Eldin laboured effectively in every area that was later to bear fruit in the 1980's. He placed a strong emphasis on prayer, developed fellowship groups (the forerunners of today's satellite churches), welcomed members from the international community and exercised a strong evangelistic and teaching ministry.
In September 1980, Wynne Lewis hit the church like a human tornado! His dynamic leadership style, together with his ability to hear from God and implement His plans, took the church forward by leaps and bounds. During his ministry at KT, which lasted just over a decade, he led the church from 600 to 5,000 people. Much of the growth came from the international community that was attracted by the fellowship groups that Wynne Lewis started but the real breakthrough came in 1983 after Wynne was laid up for many months following a car crash. In hospital, God clearly spoke to Wynne about his intentions for KT and when Wynne finally went back to work he was a changed person. He ministered under a new anointing and the church began to grow rapidly. In 1985, Colin Dye joined the leadership team and founded the Bible Institute. He also planted the first Satellite Church in Barnet where a fellowship group had been meeting in Eldin Corsie's time.
During the second half of the eighties, the church's mission’s ministry also took on a greater significance when the entire leadership accepted their responsibility for world evangelism. The church was now filled several times each Sunday, and there were up to 40 different satellite congregations. In 1991 Wynne left KT for the post of General Superintendent of Elim, and Colin Dye was appointed Senior Pastor. Under the leadership of Colin Dye, KT continued to grow regularly reaching up to a maximum of 15,000 people. Church planting also continued to be a major focus and with that Colin developed Kensington Temple and its satellite churches into a citywide structure called the 'London City Church'. This network linked everyone together and initiated a comprehensive strategy to win London for Christ. Colin instituted the 'City Celebrations', which aim to bring together the central congregations and the network churches into a large venue on a regular basis. In 1992, 4,600 gathered in the Royal Albert Hall and in 1993, 10,000 came together in Wembley Arena. These developed into full scale 'Holy Convocations' held at the Wembley Arena (October, 1998-1999). In 1999 the 'Revival Healing Services' at the Royal Albert Hall were reminiscent of the great Elim Meetings with George Jeffreys earlier in the century.
From March 1996, Colin was able to preach and share the vision from Kensington Temple into many different venues at once. A number of the London City churches were linked together through a special satellite broadcast. This networking programme helped the churches to share a common vision to build a City Church as well as becoming an effective church planting strategy. Colin's apostolic anointing, drive and teaching ministry encouraged hundreds of Christians to be involved in building the city church. The main goal of the 1990s was to develop 2,000 churches, fellowships and groups by the end of the year 2000. The goal wasn't totally fulfilled, but the 1990s saw Kensington Temple plant more churches than any other group in Europe. It would have been very easy to be hampered by a building that was too small to contain the attendees back in the 1980s, let alone to allow for further growth into the 1990s, but Colin made sure that through live link congregations, networking and church planting growth continued apace. The church offices moved into a former BBC building in North Acton in the autumn of 1996.
The scenery construction warehouse space adjoining was converted into a 3,000-4,000 seater auditorium. It was renamed `The Tabernacle' and opened in March 1997. The training aspects of the church played an increasingly key role in the growth of the church. The Bible Institute under Colin Dye grew to be the largest Pentecostal Bible School in Europe attracting students from many nations. In 2000, Kensington Temple and the London City Church network began to transition into a cell church, following the G12 cell church model pioneered by Cesar Castellanos in Bogota, Colombia.
Grateful acknowledgement and thanks to Mrs. L Simpson (Niece of Principal George Jeffries) and London City Church for information.
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
The peoples Church Grafton Square, Clapham, London. SW4
From 1959 called the peoples Church, Previously at Lecture Hall Assembly 8-10 Clarence Avenue SW4
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY Now Closed
ADDRESS OF CHURCH The peoples Church Grafton Square, Clapham, London. SW4
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1956 Pastor Eric Marsh / Pastor Una Macmillan HISTORY The newly renovated building was opened in April 1959 and the Church was established at Grafton Square. In 1961 It was reported that Anniversary services took place. Interestingly speakers were Miss Una March (to become Mrs. Una Macmillan of the Sheffield church) and Pastor Gilbert Marsh of the Totton Church (Southampton), sister and brother of Pastor Eric & Mrs. S.Marsh took part in giving the gospel in song. Mrs Una Macmillan went on to serve at the Totton Church (Southampton) and one day returned to serve as pastor at the peoples Church Grafton Square, Clapham, London.
Sadly, after many years of faithful witness the roof of the church collapsed and the congregation could not afford to carry out the required work and consequently the church was sold.
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY Now Closed
ADDRESS OF CHURCH The peoples Church Grafton Square, Clapham, London. SW4
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1956 Pastor Eric Marsh / Pastor Una Macmillan HISTORY The newly renovated building was opened in April 1959 and the Church was established at Grafton Square. In 1961 It was reported that Anniversary services took place. Interestingly speakers were Miss Una March (to become Mrs. Una Macmillan of the Sheffield church) and Pastor Gilbert Marsh of the Totton Church (Southampton), sister and brother of Pastor Eric & Mrs. S.Marsh took part in giving the gospel in song. Mrs Una Macmillan went on to serve at the Totton Church (Southampton) and one day returned to serve as pastor at the peoples Church Grafton Square, Clapham, London.
Sadly, after many years of faithful witness the roof of the church collapsed and the congregation could not afford to carry out the required work and consequently the church was sold.
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Macclesfield Elim Free Church
Macclesfield Elim Free Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Elim Free Church NAME OF CHURCH TODAY TBC ADDRESS OF CHURCH Macclesfield NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1942 Pastor F. Collier HISTORY A report was given in the June issue of The Pattern 1942 of a ten day campaign conducted by Pastor and Mrs Miller Barton. The Campaign commenced on Monday April 27th and concluded on Thursday May 7th. It was reported that Souls were saved, Saints strengthened. The prayer was that God would enlarge the borders of the fellowship and as one happy family they should enjoy all things in common. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Manchester Olivet Bible-Pattern Church, Failsworth
Manchester Olivet Bible-Pattern Church, Failsworth ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Olivet Bible-Pattern Church NAME OF CHURCH TODAY Tbc ADDRESS OF CHURCH Olivet Bible-Pattern Church, Failsworth, Manchester NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1959 Pastor Humphreys HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Mansfield Bible Pattern Church
ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE
Bible Pattern Church Mansfield
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY
As Above
ADDRESS OF CHURCH
Eakring Close, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 3FE
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY
Pastor Gwiilym I. Francis /1942 Pastor Francis Thomas / 1955 Pastor F. Hall
HISTORY
It was reported in the June issue of The Pattern 1942 that an evangelistic campaign had been conducted by Pastor Ivor Rosser of Bridgend South Wales.
The name of the building in which the church was founded was Centenary Hall which was a large church with a rear balcony and at the front a large platform area which incorporated a baptismal font. Behind the main seating area was a Minor Hall. The time of Pastor Francis Thomas as Minister were the years of the Second World War and although the market town of Mansfield was not an area that was bombed, there was, as with the rest of the country, a great sense of community. One of the members was the local undertaker, another had a large drapery shop in the town and another was the manager of the “Burton’s” Gents Outfitters. There was a very popular Sunday school and well attended Women’s Meeting. The Sunday Services were times of great blessing with a large congregation each week.
Grateful acknowledgement and thanks to Mrs. L Simpson (Niece of Principal George Jeffreys).
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
(PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Middlesbrough Bible Pattern Church
Middlesbrough Bible Pattern Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Middlesbrough Bible Pattern Church NAME OF CHURCH TODAY TBC ADDRESS OF CHURCH Middlesbrough NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY In the 1950's Pastor Lemuel Morris HISTORY In the 1950's Pastor Lemuel Morris was transferred from Ebenezer Temple Hammonds Green, Totton MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Newbury Bible Pattern Free Church
Newbury Bible Pattern Free Church
ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE
Newbury Bible Pattern Free Church
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY
ADDRESS OF CHURCH
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY
1942 Pastor Vernon Peterson 1957 Pastor Roy Chewter
HISTORY
In 1960 a report was given by Pastor Roy Chewter of their Sunday school trip to Weymouth. See full report below.
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
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City Temple Nottingham
Nottingham Evangelical Free Church Radford,
ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE City Temple Nottingham
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY Evangelical Free Church Radford, Nottingham
ADDRESS OF CHURCH St Peter's Street Radford Nottingham NG7 3EN Tel: tbc
Email: link via Church website to be created later in 2014
Web site: TBC
Travel & Parking: 500 metres from university Jubilee campus, Buses 28, 30, 31
Special needs: Wheelchair ramp at side door
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY September 29th 1956 Mr Ernest M. Myers, of the City Temple Glasgow was inducted as Pastor/1960 Pastor Albion S. Gaunt / 2012 Pastor Martin Noutch
HISTORY In September 29th 1956 Mr Ernest M. Myers, of the City Temple Glasgow was inducted as Pastor.
A full report will be added ASAP.
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE City Temple Nottingham
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY Evangelical Free Church Radford, Nottingham
ADDRESS OF CHURCH St Peter's Street Radford Nottingham NG7 3EN Tel: tbc
Email: link via Church website to be created later in 2014
Web site: TBC
Travel & Parking: 500 metres from university Jubilee campus, Buses 28, 30, 31
Special needs: Wheelchair ramp at side door
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY September 29th 1956 Mr Ernest M. Myers, of the City Temple Glasgow was inducted as Pastor/1960 Pastor Albion S. Gaunt / 2012 Pastor Martin Noutch
HISTORY In September 29th 1956 Mr Ernest M. Myers, of the City Temple Glasgow was inducted as Pastor.
A full report will be added ASAP.
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Redhill Bible-Pattern Church
Redhill Bible-Pattern Church ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE Redhill Bible-Pattern Church NAME OF CHURCH TODAY TBC ADDRESS OF CHURCH Bible-Pattern Church Redhill, Surry NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY 1962 Pastor Gerald Boxhall HISTORY MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW (PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Bible Pattern Church Fellowship Sheffield
Sheffield
ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE
Bible Pattern Church Fellowship Sheffield opened 1942
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY
TBC
ADDRESS OF CHURCH
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY
Pastor Rosser
HISTORY
A report was given in the Pattern Magazine of the formation of the Church see full report posted on the lower part of this website.
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
(PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOX BELOW TO ADD OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION)
Wellingborough Bible Pattern church Co-operative Hall
Wellingborough Bible Pattern church Co-operative Hall
ORIGINAL NAME OF CHURCH AS PUBLISHED IN THE PATTERN MAGAZINE
NAME OF CHURCH TODAY
ADDRESS OF CHURCH
NAMES OF PASTORS AND DATE WHEN THEY SERVED THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY
HISTORY
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
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Wednesday 19 June 2013
What is the best way forward, what of the future?
You may ask the question what am I trying to achieve, why bother?
Growing up and being part of the Bible Pattern, Elim and United Apostolic Faith Church I have seen the positive and negative sides of Christian life within a family who have know personally Principle George Jeffreys and as the great great nephew of a great servant of God I have always been keen to know more of the wonderful stories of the mighty work of God.
Being taught the Biblical counsel of 1 Corinthians 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order”; I have set out to share this testimony of God’s goodness as encouragement, for the next generation to inspire them to embrace the full counsel of God’s word.
Today the Church that was established by Pastor Lewi Pethrus at Filadelfia Church in Stockholm now called Philadelphia church,continues to be a large congregation with over 6,000 members; it is also Europe's largest Pentecostal church. The Advisory Committee of The Bible pattern Church still exists, as do Bible Pattern Churches and several independent churches. Unfortunately, not all churches these days are blessed to have members to provide a website. This is one of the main reasons I put this site together. I hoped that I could provide a means to show Church locations, times of services etc. I have to put together pictures and information in a chronological list about these churches so that you may have the opportunity to visit them and discover a little about the history, present events and the future of God's Work in the UK and beyond.
It is important to keep in mind that the work which the Lord started by putting a desire in peoples hearts to hold some outstanding crusades in many towns across the United Kingdom which resulted in many thousands of people being saved from their sins and a great multitude of sick persons experiencing divine healing and mighty miracles. We are so blessed by the many that experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit. We give God the glory for the desire of thousands of these saints of God desiring to start a local church in what is now almost every town and city across the United Kingdom and many counties around the world. To God be all the glory, the work still continues. Weather it be Bible Pattern, Elim, Assemblies of God or an independent Fellowship.
Already many hundreds of folk have been helped, informed and encouraged as I hope you have been? I have become aware that sadly some muddy water has gone under the bridge as to say, I believe the only way forward is found in Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Alternatively, a modern translation, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.
You will notice that as I continue to add reports of the churches around the United Kingdom from past copies of the “Pattern” there used to be great Christian fellowship and support between the Churches and their Pastors.
My Father served as Pastor of a Church in Bournemouth and I know how encouraged he was when a genuine offer of help was made to further the work of God. Being honest there was not many! O for us to be like Ephesians 4:16 from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
In an article by Dale Roach (with grateful thanks)
He says, "When the Apostle Paul spoke to the early church he shared a design from the Lord regarding how people should work together. He referred to the early church as the body.”
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:4-5
Can you imagine what it would be like to be a member of any sports team and someone on that team decided that they would “do their own thing.” That type of attitude would lead to the loss of the game and most likely injury to others on the team. I am afraid that this is what is happening to many congregations across the nation. Somewhere along the way, someone has convinced some churches that they do not need the church around the corner, the one across town, the one at the lower end of the county, or the one that approaches ministry in a different way.
The facts are, we need one another. One of the greatest accomplishments that any association of churches can ever achieve is to truly become “the body of Christ.” The term “association” according to the dictionary means,
1. a group of people organized for a joint purpose
2. a connection or cooperative link between people or organizations
3. a mental connection between ideas or things
Although churches differ in many ways and their approaches to ministry may not look the same, they still need each other. The power of a unified team cannot be underestimated and the weakness of a divided team cannot be overstated. Imagine what could happen if all Christian fellowships functioned as a unified, healthy body, with Jesus as the Head of the Church and word of God (the Bible) as the document that leads its structure and mission. It would be a healthy Body!
As I head up a dedicated evangelistic team in Belfast City centre and belong to a large Church who have been greatly blest of God, may I offer you my help if possible in these last days.
Could I make a request of you, as I have offered my help, would you consider making a phone call, writing a letter, inviting a pastor to speak or the whole congregation to visit as used to be done?
As I mentioned before I can remember as a young boy going from Ilford Bible pattern Church with a coach load of brothers and sisters in Christ to Newbury and Portsmouth Bible Pattern Churches for a wonderful time of fellowship. As you will read in the articles which I hope to include as I tell the story of each church. These meeting were wonderful days of working together with the body of Christ to either reach out to the local community to share the love of Christ and the Good News of the Gospel or a time to be built up in a greater knowledge of God’s word as we grow as children of God and brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Tuesday 28 May 2013
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Principal George Jeffreys
Principle George Jeffreys would sometimes take a break from his busy schedule and visit Westminster Chapel in London to hear Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. There was a great respect between them, when Dr. Jones heard of Pastor Jeffreys visit he invited him to have a time of fellowship together in his vestry. No doubt the fact that they were both fellow Welshmen brought an even greater friendship. Dr. John F. MacArthur, Jr. who is the Pastor-Teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California says Dr. Jones was without question the finest biblical expositor of the 20th century. In fact, when the final chapter of church history is written, I believe the Doctor will stand as one of the greatest preachers of all time. His style of biblical exposition was meticulously thorough and yet full of energy. "Logic on fire," was his famous description of preaching, and he had an amazing gift for blending passion and precision in copious measures. He influenced countless preachers (myself included), and he stood steadfastly against the superficial, entertainment-oriented approach to preaching that seemed to dominate the evangelical world then as it does now. Lloyd-Jones still desperately needs to be heard today.
Unfortunately there are only a few messages by Principle George Jeffreys available today, (if you visit my main website, YouTube or the main Elim websites you can hear these recordings). Although Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was not a Pentecostal Pastor we can learn much from Dr. Jones in these days when so much error and false doctrine is being taught.
Please use my link on the left hand side of the website.
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Ordained by Principal George Jeffreys
MONDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 1960
Part of an article By Brian Williams with grateful thanks.
http://brianwilliams.org.uk/diary/1960.html
We arrived at 8-10 Clarence Avenue SW4 London England promptly at 10.45am. A tallish grey-haired lady — Mrs Pike, Principal’s housekeeper — answered the doorbell. We entered a large hall and were led into a spacious and handsome room over the fireplace of which were hung several photographs, including a large one of George Jeffreys as a young man and, somewhat incongruously, a smaller coloured picture of Jesus. Principal would be with us in a few moments, she assured us, and then added that he liked doing the washing up: a visitor had called one day and been greatly surprised when the door had been opened by none other than the great evangelist himself, wearing an apron!
I told Principal about my conversion experience and call to the healing ministry, of my appreciation for his ministry, and of so many people telling us wherever we go how they were saved or healed in his meetings. He listened attentively and then asked in his quiet, gentle Welsh accent, “What do you do with your converts?” I had to say (since I have no desire to start a new denomination, but a little ruefully), “They join the church which asks me to preach for them.” I knew what was behind the question, having heard so much about Principal having left Elim — the movement which, under God, came into existence as a direct result of his inspired ministry — and having read everything I could find on the matter, in particular Noel Brooks’ Fight for the Faith and Freedom.
I felt a great love for this dear man of God. Everything about him spoke of humility, but I sensed the anguish in his soul, the cross he has had to bear. I have heard people say, “George Jeffreys was forced to leave Elim because of his British Israel beliefs”, or “George Jeffreys became a B.I. and lost his power,” when nothing could be further from the truth.
These were lies put about to conceal the real issue, which was Church Government. Under George Jeffreys’ inspired ministry, nearly 300 Elim churches came into existence until, in 1934, he signed the Trust Deed which made Elim the legal owners of all the properties which the local congregations had bought. Despite all his efforts to redress the situation, Elim refused to budge, and Principal resigned from Elim on Friday 1st December 1939. He founded the Bible-Pattern Church Fellowship the following year.
I said to him, “Principal, I understand the circumstances of your leaving Elim, that it was about Church Government, yet people say it was about British Israel. But I understand that you learned about British Israel from John Leech, K.C., in about 1915 — is that correct? “Yes” he said, “and I wish more young men like you would believe it.” But Brian Williams did not, and made it his practice to distribute a booklet by Pastor Hardstaffe’s in his meetings.
Eventually we came round to the purpose of our visit. God has called me to the ministry, and has been confirming the Word with signs following; and we shall soon be going to Nigeria, D.V. We wanted all things to be done decently and in order, and for Jesus to be glorified. Would he now lay his hands on us and pray for us? He motioned for us to kneel. My eyes were closed. Presently we heard his deep sonorous voice imploring the Lord to anoint and bless us, then felt his hands gently laid upon us. I felt the power go through me. I knew what it was like for Elisha kneeling before Elijah, and for each one of the people who was touched by Jesus; I know I am separated for the work we are called to do, that God has put me into the ministry, and I am ordained a preacher and a teacher. I shall treasure this experience all my life.
http://brianwilliams.org.uk/diary/1960.html
We arrived at 8-10 Clarence Avenue SW4 London England promptly at 10.45am. A tallish grey-haired lady — Mrs Pike, Principal’s housekeeper — answered the doorbell. We entered a large hall and were led into a spacious and handsome room over the fireplace of which were hung several photographs, including a large one of George Jeffreys as a young man and, somewhat incongruously, a smaller coloured picture of Jesus. Principal would be with us in a few moments, she assured us, and then added that he liked doing the washing up: a visitor had called one day and been greatly surprised when the door had been opened by none other than the great evangelist himself, wearing an apron!
I told Principal about my conversion experience and call to the healing ministry, of my appreciation for his ministry, and of so many people telling us wherever we go how they were saved or healed in his meetings. He listened attentively and then asked in his quiet, gentle Welsh accent, “What do you do with your converts?” I had to say (since I have no desire to start a new denomination, but a little ruefully), “They join the church which asks me to preach for them.” I knew what was behind the question, having heard so much about Principal having left Elim — the movement which, under God, came into existence as a direct result of his inspired ministry — and having read everything I could find on the matter, in particular Noel Brooks’ Fight for the Faith and Freedom.
I felt a great love for this dear man of God. Everything about him spoke of humility, but I sensed the anguish in his soul, the cross he has had to bear. I have heard people say, “George Jeffreys was forced to leave Elim because of his British Israel beliefs”, or “George Jeffreys became a B.I. and lost his power,” when nothing could be further from the truth.
These were lies put about to conceal the real issue, which was Church Government. Under George Jeffreys’ inspired ministry, nearly 300 Elim churches came into existence until, in 1934, he signed the Trust Deed which made Elim the legal owners of all the properties which the local congregations had bought. Despite all his efforts to redress the situation, Elim refused to budge, and Principal resigned from Elim on Friday 1st December 1939. He founded the Bible-Pattern Church Fellowship the following year.
I said to him, “Principal, I understand the circumstances of your leaving Elim, that it was about Church Government, yet people say it was about British Israel. But I understand that you learned about British Israel from John Leech, K.C., in about 1915 — is that correct? “Yes” he said, “and I wish more young men like you would believe it.” But Brian Williams did not, and made it his practice to distribute a booklet by Pastor Hardstaffe’s in his meetings.
Eventually we came round to the purpose of our visit. God has called me to the ministry, and has been confirming the Word with signs following; and we shall soon be going to Nigeria, D.V. We wanted all things to be done decently and in order, and for Jesus to be glorified. Would he now lay his hands on us and pray for us? He motioned for us to kneel. My eyes were closed. Presently we heard his deep sonorous voice imploring the Lord to anoint and bless us, then felt his hands gently laid upon us. I felt the power go through me. I knew what it was like for Elisha kneeling before Elijah, and for each one of the people who was touched by Jesus; I know I am separated for the work we are called to do, that God has put me into the ministry, and I am ordained a preacher and a teacher. I shall treasure this experience all my life.
Principal George Jeffreys crusades after Elim
From 1939 Principle George Jeffreys led the Bible-Pattern Church Fellowship (which he founded) and the World Revival Crusade. He continued to hold a punishing schedule of meetings, though, because the Elim churches were now closed to him, he hired halls or used a big tent as he had done at the beginning. Every Easter from 1942 to 1961 he preached several times at Westminster Central Hall, London, and more many times filled it. There were almost sixty Bible-Pattern congregations and they stood for Pentecostal doctrine and local church government. Jeffreys himself had developed diabetes in the 1930s but this hardly slowed him down and, when the war ended, he was free to travel overseas.
He was in Belfast in 1945 and 2600 packed the Royal Hippodrome. Large crowds heard him in France (1946, 1948, 1950) and Switzerland (1947, 1948, 1950) and he preached in the USA, Canada, Belgium, and Palestine. He opposed the formation of the World Pentecostal Conference in 1947 and the World Council of Churches.
He wrote Healing Rays in 1932 and Pentecostal Rays in 1933, setting out his teaching on divine healing and the Holy Spirit. He died quietly after being served his breakfast by his housekeeper Mrs Pike (who gave us this infomation), of a coronary thrombosis, at his home, 8 Clarence Avenue, Clapham, on 26 January 1962. His house keeper returned to collect his breakfast tray to find that the prince as he was known to his close friends had gone to his reward.
He was in Belfast in 1945 and 2600 packed the Royal Hippodrome. Large crowds heard him in France (1946, 1948, 1950) and Switzerland (1947, 1948, 1950) and he preached in the USA, Canada, Belgium, and Palestine. He opposed the formation of the World Pentecostal Conference in 1947 and the World Council of Churches.
He wrote Healing Rays in 1932 and Pentecostal Rays in 1933, setting out his teaching on divine healing and the Holy Spirit. He died quietly after being served his breakfast by his housekeeper Mrs Pike (who gave us this infomation), of a coronary thrombosis, at his home, 8 Clarence Avenue, Clapham, on 26 January 1962. His house keeper returned to collect his breakfast tray to find that the prince as he was known to his close friends had gone to his reward.
Thursday 9 May 2013
What happened to the Bible Pattern Church Fellowship Churches
Why is it that today we do not see at least 30 plus Bible Pattern Church Fellowship Churches in the UK? I will do my best to explain this difficult question with love, mercy and grace!
You will remember in my last article updated 8/5/13 that I mentioned the reason for the split with Elim. There is an article written by Principle George Jeffreys in November 1954 entitled Cleaning and power for all Churches, The sovereignty of the Local Church. This can be found at the bottom of the website, this article shows that Pastor Jeffreys was sincerely trying to do what he believed to be the right thing by separating from Elim and setting up the Bible Pattern Church Fellowship and therefore being able to implement the Biblical principle of Matthew Chapter 18, verses 15 to 20 within the remit of the sovereignty of the Local Church.
Part of this enabled safeguards for the local church including a trust deed, or a lease, or a contract, to secure the place of worship for the use of the local church. The system of voting by postal ballot should of course, be above suspicion. Therefore unsigned voting papers enclosed in envelopes containing the names of the voters on the outside should not be addressed to, or be kept in the custody of a person or persons interested in the vote. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2Corinthians 8:21 providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. With the above safeguards the local church can protect itself against a dictatorship that might attempt to take control from within, and against the danger of a central totalitarian organisation taking legal control from without. Once men find themselves in positions of authority over pastors, people, finance and property of the churches it calls for great grace to resist the temptation to do evil in order to retain and extend authority.
The only outside influence or authority that existed was called an Advisory Committee elected periodically by the members of the Churches as a whole. For some years this was the means for seeking direction from God e.g. who might be called to succeed any Pastors leaving a particular fellowship with the involvement of the local church and other fellowship matters. (This was normally a Pastor from another Bible Pattern Church Fellowship or a member of one of the Bible Pattern churches being called into the ministry for the first time).
You will remember in my last article updated 8/5/13 that I mentioned the reason for the split with Elim. There is an article written by Principle George Jeffreys in November 1954 entitled Cleaning and power for all Churches, The sovereignty of the Local Church. This can be found at the bottom of the website, this article shows that Pastor Jeffreys was sincerely trying to do what he believed to be the right thing by separating from Elim and setting up the Bible Pattern Church Fellowship and therefore being able to implement the Biblical principle of Matthew Chapter 18, verses 15 to 20 within the remit of the sovereignty of the Local Church.
Part of this enabled safeguards for the local church including a trust deed, or a lease, or a contract, to secure the place of worship for the use of the local church. The system of voting by postal ballot should of course, be above suspicion. Therefore unsigned voting papers enclosed in envelopes containing the names of the voters on the outside should not be addressed to, or be kept in the custody of a person or persons interested in the vote. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2Corinthians 8:21 providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. With the above safeguards the local church can protect itself against a dictatorship that might attempt to take control from within, and against the danger of a central totalitarian organisation taking legal control from without. Once men find themselves in positions of authority over pastors, people, finance and property of the churches it calls for great grace to resist the temptation to do evil in order to retain and extend authority.
The only outside influence or authority that existed was called an Advisory Committee elected periodically by the members of the Churches as a whole. For some years this was the means for seeking direction from God e.g. who might be called to succeed any Pastors leaving a particular fellowship with the involvement of the local church and other fellowship matters. (This was normally a Pastor from another Bible Pattern Church Fellowship or a member of one of the Bible Pattern churches being called into the ministry for the first time).
This also meant that after a Pastor left a particular fellowship a decision could have been made to invite a Pastor from outside the Bible Pattern Church Fellowship or a member of one of the Bible Pattern Churches. Then it seems that this Pastor could make a proposal at a church business meeting to separate from the Bible Pattern Church Fellowship and become an independent church. And this could be done because the local Church may have a Trust Deed, or a lease, or a contract, to secure the ownership of their own property for the use of the local church.
From having a grandfather and an uncle who were pastors in the Bible Pattern Church Fellowship and with them being on the Advisory Committee, as well as other Pastors confirming these matters this seems to be an explanation as to how some of the churches ended up as they are today.
I appreciate some of you might be reading this and say Pastor Jeffreys should have never listened to Pastor Lewi Pethrus and left Elim! But it seems that what Pastor Jeffreys saw in Stockholm and after much prayer and study of his Bible convinced Pastor Jeffreys that he had not set up Elim in the correct biblical manner. I will try to post an article called "The 9 Points of Dr. Lewi Pethrus" ASAP and let you decide.
As mentioned before I have since met with some Church leaders who believe in Theocracy and would have not even consulted the members of the local church and would have gone ahead and invited a person to take up the position to become the Pastor a local church and then told the members! And then we have Elim somewhere in the middle.
This has been a very upsetting process for me personally as I can remember as a young boy going from Ilford Bible pattern Church with a coach load of brothers and sisters in Christ to Newbury Bible Pattern Church for a wonderful time of fellowship. As you will read in the articles which I hope to include as I tell the story of each church. These meeting were wonderful days of working together with the body of Christ to either reach out to the local community to share the love of Christ and the Good News of the Gospel or a time to be built up in a greater knowledge of Gods word as we grow as children of God.
As some of you may be reading this I can understand the hurt you may feel about the split due to the fact that a number of brothers and sisters in Christ were torn apart as they were forced to choose between Elim or The Bible Pattern Church. I also appreciate the distress caused to some by the fact that you were turned out of your church building by Elim when you decided to stay with Principle George Jeffreys. My Grandfather and the members of the Barking Church had to build a new church building with their own hands. (The process of this ended with my grandfather being admitted to hospital due to cement poisoning).
Some may lay the blame with a breakdown between some of the churches and the Advisory Committee of The Bible Pattern Church. All I can comment on is the fact that when Principle George Jeffreys died the advisory committee consisted of Pastors R. Mercer, R. G. Tweed, A. W. Edsor, G. I. Francis and E. March. Unfortunately I am unsure as to who all existing members are today.
In my next article I will ask the question what is the best way forward?
Wednesday 8 May 2013
Blackpool The local Bible Pattern church that I was familiar with
An Article taken fron John Edward Cooper’s blogsite
http://johnedwardcooper.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/bible-pattern-church-fellowship.html
The local Bible Pattern church that I was familiar with was in Shaw Road, South Shore, Blackpool. Its pastor was the quite elderly, Scottish, Pastor Girvan. It seems there were quite strong bonds of fellowship between them and us at the Full Gospel Church, Fleetwood, for from time to time their young people would visit our church; and I can remember going to a Saturday-evening meeting there, or more than one.The Bible-Pattern Church Fellowship was founded in 1939 by George Jeffreys (1889–1962), a Welsh minister who, together with his brother Stephen Jeffreys, in 1915 had founded the Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance, one of the first Pentecostal organisations in Britain.With greatful thanks to Mr John Edward Cooper
Differences of opinion regarding church governance eventually led Jeffreys to withdraw from what later came to be called the Elim Pentecostal Church and form the first Bible-Pattern Church Fellowship in Nottingham in 1939. A number of other local churches were subsequently founded in various parts of Britain.
Bible-Pattern churches were also Pentecostal in terms of their doctrine and style of worship, believing (in common with other evangelical churches), in repentance from sin and salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as described in the Bible, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and maintaining that God had given spiritual gifts to the church which members should seek to experience, such as speaking in tongues, prophecy and healing.
Theologically, it can be seen as an offshoot of the Elim Pentecostal Church and, in terms of doctrine was similar, except for its espousal of the doctrines of British Israelism. It was for some time popular in the 1940s and 1950s, attracting many adherents to an annual Convention in London's Westminster Central Hall.
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