Friday, January 12, 2018

An Historic Overview Of Las Vegas Foursquare Churches

By Peter Hughes


While important for congregants to understand the belief system attached to a church, it is also important to understand the history of the denomination. For, only then can individuals know whether or not personal beliefs are in alignment with that of the church. When it comes to Las Vegas Foursquare churches, the history is long and varied.

Originally based on the evangelical Pentecostal church founded in 1923 by Aimee McPherson, the denomination has gone through a number of changes. As a result, in 2000, there were eight million people attending these churches in forty four countries. Whether attending a church in Las Vegas, or another country, the services are positive, vibrant and uplifting.

McPherson, an evangelist preacher often known as "Sister Annie, " by those whom know her best defines the term Four Square Gospel as meaning the Full Gospel. As such, the church believes in the old and new testament. Unlike many other Christian churches, the beliefs are based on the book of Ezekiel in which a vision appeared to Ezekiel with the four different aspects of God, these were an eagle, an ox, a lion and a man.

The preacher's legacy goes well beyond death. For, there has even been a Hall of Fame drama created in honor of the legacy which the preacher left behind. In one case, the drama highlights the amazing work the young woman did for the church. Whereas, there were also controversies, one being a month long disappearance of the preacher in 1926.

Once McPherson passed, Rolf K. McPherson, the preacher's son became President and leader of the denomination. A position, the son held for forty-four years. After which, the Pentecostal Fellowship Of North America, was founded in 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa. The Foursquare Gospel Church then became aligned with the Assemblies of God, Pentecostal Holiness and a number of other like-minded congregations in the United States.

Some 46 years later, the Pentecostal/Charismatic churches of North America took position of the original church. After which, the first African-American Church of God In Christ was accepted into the fold. While the church was still somewhat controversial, this acceptance led to the desegregation of others within a few years.

The original temple, known as The Angelus Temple, is still standing across from Echo Park near downtown Los Angeles. While weather beaten and torn, it stands as a legacy to the founding of the church by McPherson. As there have been several changes, including a number of interim pastors over the years, different branches of the church often have distinct and unique personalities with regards to congregations, Sunday schools, worship services and other events.

The church, still considered a result of the founding member, remains alive and well. Las Vegas congregations are just a few of those in operation around the world. Whereas, there is also an International Gathering of Believers, which takes place in different locations each year. In most cases, representatives are sent from each congregation to attend the gathering based on church status and other factors.




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