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Pentecostal



Pentecostalism in St. Louis, Missouri reflects both national Pentecostal origins (early 1900s revivalism) and local developments shaped by African American religious life, urban missions, and denominational organization. Below is a structured historical overview with references.

National Context (early 1900s)

Pentecostalism emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, especially through revival movements emphasizing:

  • Baptism in the Holy Spirit
  • Speaking in tongues
  • Divine healing

The movement quickly organized into denominations such as the Assemblies of God (1914). (Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center)

A key doctrinal split occurred at a 1916 meeting in St. Louis, where the Assemblies of God affirmed Trinitarian theology, leading to the separation of “Oneness” Pentecostals. (Sam Storms: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Introduction of Pentecostalism to St. Louis (1907 – 1915)

Pentecostal ideas reached St. Louis very early:

Key developments:

  • Moise ran urban rescue missions beginning in the early 1900s
  • Her “Christian Rescue Home” became an early Pentecostal hub
  • About 40 people were baptized in Pentecostal fashion in St. Louis (1915) (APOSTOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE)

This phase shows Pentecostalism entering St. Louis through:

  • Urban missions
  • Holiness movement networks
  • Women-led religious institutions

African American Religious Context

Pentecostalism in St. Louis developed alongside strong African American church traditions:

  • Established Black churches (e.g., AME congregations) already existed by the late 1800s (holycrossstlouis.org)
  • Pentecostalism spread through Holiness and Black church networks

Important figure:

  • Charles Harrison Mason
  • His movement (Church of God in Christ) was influenced by Pentecostal preaching connected to St. Louis networks (holycrossstlouis.org)

In St. Louis, Pentecostalism was closely tied to African American religious life, especially in neighborhoods like The Ville.

Institutional Growth (1920s – 1940s)

By the 1920s, Pentecostalism became more organized locally:

St. Louis became:/p>

  • A center for Oneness (Apostolic) Pentecostalism
  • A hub for Midwestern Pentecostal organization

Local Congregational Development

Specific churches and missions illustrate growth:

  • Early missions (e.g., at 11th & Hickory streets) developed into permanent congregations (Apostolic Pentecostal Church)
  • Churches acquired buildings and expanded through the 1920s-1950s
  • By mid-century, Pentecostal congregations were firmly embedded in the city’s religious landscape

👉 Growth pattern:

  1. Mission homes
  2. Small congregations
  3. Institutional churches

Post–World War II Expansion

After 1945:

  • Pentecostalism expanded nationally and locally through:
  • Revival campaigns
  • Healing ministries
  • St. Louis continued as a regional center for Pentecostal organization and leadership

(Christian History Institute)

Social and Community Role

Pentecostal churches in St. Louis:

  • Provided social services and housing initiatives
  • Played roles in urban ministry and community development
  • Participated in broader African American religious and social life (holycrossstlouis.org)

Bibliography