Searching the Source of the River: Forgotten Women of the British Pentecostal Revival 1907-1914

Searching the Source of the River: Forgotten Women of the British Pentecostal Revival 1907-1914

by Diana Chapman

ISBN-13: 978-0-9553783-1-7

“Searching the Source of the River” tells the stories of ordinary women who played key roles at the beginning of the Pentecostal Revival in Britain. In the early years of the 20th century an extraordinary move of the Spirit erupted on the world wide scene like a great river as men and women were baptised in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. In Britain the ‘charismatic moment’ of this revival was between 1907 and 1914 and as in all revivals, women, unfettered by institutionalism, seized the day. They were strong, knew their God and empowered by the Holy Spirit, did exploits.

2007 marked the centennial of this awakening and there is no better time to be inspired by the women who pioneered in ministry, lead churches, were popular speakers and gave their lives to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

In her foreword Faith Forster (co-founder of Ichthus) says “The great thing about these stories is that they feature ordinary women – feminine women! – caught up in an extraordinary move of God’s Spirit, and being propelled by Him into the forefront of the Pentecostal movement. They did not lose their godliness or submission to God, and certainly not their down to earth pragmatism, in the process! Rather, they radiate energy, life and love and shine like beacons in the dark for those of us who follow in their footsteps.”

This book is a journey back to the source of the river honouring these women who have largely been forgotten and yet whose lives speak today..

Endorsements

“This is a well written, well researched piece of writing on the role of women in the Pentecostal outpouring and Charismatic Movement in the early twentieth century. Every male reader should take note of what happens when the Spirit comes and godly women get released and empowered.”

Gerald Coates, Pioneer. Speaker, Author and Broadcaster.

“Di challenges us to heed God’s instruction to remember and provides the memories. ‘The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy’ ( Revelation 19:10). This testimony of great and courageous yet often unknown women is a prophetic declaration that is waiting for a generation to take hold of and run with again. For the complete story we will wait until eternity but for now we should be grateful to Di for bringing this research into our current experience with a clear cry for these stories to be the fuel for our journey.”

Paul Manwaring, Pastor, Bethel Church, Redding, California, USA

“This book adds another fascinating insight into the origins of British Pentecostalism. Its special strength is its focus upon the significant role of women and the key part they played in the early Pentecostal movement. The selection of characters makes it a fascinating read…
There are many important values to this book. It is written in popular form for a wide range of readers, but it is based on detailed research and background study. It will challenge and envision women of today’s Pentecostal and Charismatic churches to play a major role in what God is doing. It is a timely reminder in the centenary year of British Pentecostalism that when God pours out His Spirit both ‘sons and daughters will prophesy’. I shall be recommending this fine book to my students and the churches with which I am involved.”

Dr Richard Massey, Former Principal of Birmingham Christian College

 

“Within the Anglican Church and other denominations, women leaders often have few role models. Where are the women leading large churches or speaking at conferences? In highlighting a number of women who were significant in the early years of British Pentecostalism, Diana Chapman has done a great service for all women in ministry and leadership positions. There may be few contemporary models, but in ‘bringing hidden things to light’ she reminds us of the great number of women who ministered in this country and overseas in the early twentieth century. Through their lives we gain new insights into how God can use women to play a full part in extending his Kingdom.”

Revd. Rosie Ward, Leadership Development Adviser, Church Pastoral Aid Society [or CPAS]

“The sacrifice and faith of the women of the early twentieth Century Pentecostal revival in Britain challenges and inspires us today. Di Chapman’s authoritative and sensitive account draws on richly mined treasure from the past to illuminate the present.

Karen Low, Senior Leader, Antioch Church, Llanelli, Author ‘Carriers of the Fire’ The Women of the Welsh Revival

 

“Informative. Inspirational. IMPORTANT. Priority reading! Would that women in all the nations would take a cue from Di Chapman and write God’s women back into their own nation’s history. Thank God for Di for so skillfully taking up the task in the UK.”

Dr. Susan C. Hyatt, Founding Coordinator – Int’l Christian Women’s Hall of Fame and History Project, Tulsa, OK. USA. Author ‘In the Spirit We’re Equal’

“It is astonishing how frequently women have been the ones to break barriers, forge new frontiers and advance the cause of the gospel in fresh and surprising ways. Courage and tenacity matched only by creativity and grace were the hallmarks of so many of these amazing leaders. Diana has done us all a great service by allowing us to know these individuals better. A clear and insightful story.”

Revd Dr Martin Robinson (National Director -Together in Mission)

“Pentecostalism as a movement of churches and people is rapidly coming of age. Many church movements that share a Pentecostal persuasion are approaching their one hundredth anniversaries. This has lead to a new level of self-critique, some introspection and general optimism about the future. Diana Chapman’s book represents an important aspect of this new maturity. The willingness to freshly examine gender roles and face our past with frankness is a key element of maturity. Her book makes a valuable and important contribution to this important process and I thus am very glad to commend it and trust that it has a wide and enthusiastic readership.”

Paul Alexander, Principal, Mattersey Hall; Member National Leadership Team, British AOG and Chairperson, EPTA.

“This book brings to life the brave and faith-filled endeavours of Spirit-filled women in the 20th century’s burgeoning Pentecostal movement. Read and be inspired!”

Revd Dr William K Kay, Director of the Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies and Reader in Practical
Theology, School of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Wales, Bangor