Friday, March 16, 2018

The Founding Beliefs 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 the young preacher passed on, a son, Rolf, became leader and President of the denomination. The son held this position for forty four years before the church became part and parcel to the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America. It was in 1948 when this happened in Des Moines, Iowa. After which, the Foursquare Gospel Church became aligned with a number of other Pentecostal churches.

Later, then known as the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America, the church became involved in desegregation and admitted The Church Of God In Christ, into the fold. As the pastor of the church had been barred from a Baptist church prior to this time, the acceptance was a welcome relief. After which, numerous other churches in the United States followed suit. Ultimately leading to the desegregation of not only the Pentecostal church but many others as well.

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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