Can you imagine a church with a radio station. That’s Pillar of Fire Church. The Pillar of Fire Church stands as a testament to faith and controversy. It is rooted deep in Denver’s history.
In 1901 Alma Bridwell White founded the Pillar of Fire Church. She was a Methodist. The Pillar of Fire Church began as the Pentecostal Union. It changed its name in 1915. This distinguished it from Pentecostalism.
Alma White felt the Methodist Church had become corrupt. She dedicated herself to the holiness movement. It followed the Wesleyan tradition. Her followers were called “Holy Rollers”. They were also known as “holy jumpers”. This was because of their religious fervor.
White was the first woman bishop in the United States. The Pillar of Fire supported women’s rights. They printed the periodical Women’s Chains. It advocated for the movement until 1970.
The Pillar of Fire Church ran radio stations. It had a printing press. They also had educational institutions. These included a seminary.
The Pillar of Fire Church’s name comes from Exodus. It references the pillar of cloud and fire that guided the Israelites. This pillar symbolized God’s guidance. It was a light during their travels.
The Pillar of Fire has branches in different locations. These include Zarephath New Jersey and Westminster Colorado. They also have branches in Cincinnati Ohio Los Angeles and Pacifica California.
The Pillar of Fire Church had some controversial associations. The Pillar of Fire Church supported the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s. This support was extensive for a religious denomination. Alma White wrote about her support. It included anti-Catholicism white supremacy and antisemitism.
In 1997 and 2009 the Pillar of Fire Church repudiated its past. They asked God for forgiveness. This was for formerly holding racist positions.
Robert Saydee is a presiding elder. He is from Liberia. He stated that the church changed. They never looked back. Richard Flory said the church was jettisoning its history. They wanted to look like everyone else.
After Alma White died the church’s religious fervor declined. The emphasis on outreach ended. Arthur Kent White was her son. He led after her. The Pillar of Fire now focuses on local church radio education and missions.
Alma Temple is one of the Pillar of Fire congregations. It is located right here in Denver. The Pillar of Fire Church also runs KPOF radio station in Denver. It broadcasts Christian music. This includes gospel and hip hop.
The central beliefs of the Pillar of Fire are biblical inerrancy and Trinitarianism. They believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus. They also believe in the universal depravity of humanity. Repentance and faith are needed. They also believe in justification by faith. Christian perfection is a second work of grace. The immortality of the soul is another belief. They believe in the resurrection of the dead. Premillennialism is also part of their doctrine.
The Pillar of Fire Church’s story is complex. It includes faith social justice and controversy. This unique church continues to evolve. It leaves a lasting mark on Denver. Its message continues to spread through its various ministries.