Reaching back through time, First Pentecostal Church in Dallas carries a rich heritage. Its story intertwines with the very roots of the Pentecostal movement. Can you feel the echoes of fervent prayers and spirited gatherings?
First Pentecostal Church’s journey began with the Pentecostal revival of the early 20th century. It is closely linked to the Assemblies of God formation in 1914. A coalition of ministers united to pursue common goals. These goals included sending missionaries and providing fellowship.
In 1906, Fred F. Bosworth experienced the Holy Spirit baptism. He was under Charles F. Parham’s ministry in Zion City Illinois. Bosworth then became a leader in the famed Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles.
In 1910, Bosworth and Rev. Elias G. Birdsall arrived in Dallas. They held evangelistic meetings in the “Pentecostal Tabernacle”. In 1912, Maria B. Woodworth-Etter led nightly tent meetings for months. These revivals became the foundation of First Pentecostal Church. This ignited a spiritual fire across North Texas. F.F. Bosworth and the Dallas church became founding members of the Assemblies of God in 1914.
Over the next century, First Pentecostal Church experienced growth and change. It remained a center for Pentecostal revival in Dallas. The church hosted evangelists like Aimee Semple McPherson. Others included Dr. Charles S. Price, Smith Wigglesworth, and Hattie Hammond. Even Dr. J.N. Hoover, President Herbert Hoover’s cousin, visited.
In 1925, the church moved to 805 S Peak Street. In 1930, the “Christ Ambassadors Full Gospel Hour” began on KRLD. It was the first broadcast of its kind. The church then became known as the “Full Gospel Church”. In 1937, under Rev. Loren B. Staats, it took the name “First Assembly of God”. By 1939, Rev. Staats published “The Full Gospel Herald”. It reached over 5,000 in circulation.
First Assembly of God of Rockwall, TX, began from revival meetings in the mid-1930s. These were held by a group from the Pentecostal Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was located at 805 S Peak Street in Dallas. First Assembly of God rented a room in downtown Rockwall to plant a new church. In September 1939, the church officially formed as First Assembly of God of Rockwall, TX.
Looking at First Pentecostal Church today, we see more than just a building. We see a testament to faith, revival, and community. It is a place where the spirit of Pentecost continues to burn brightly.