History
The history of the United Kingdom dates back more than 2,000 years when
many tribes began settling the area. The islands that make up the United
Kingdom are dotted with ancient castles, ruins and other historical landmarks.
Over the centuries, emperors and kings struggled for control over the land
and its people. But modern times have seen the rise of a unified nation
that has spread its influence and culture to the farthest ends of the world.
Church
History
The formation of the Assemblies of God in Great Britain and Ireland was
motivated by the need for fellowship and co-operation between emerging Pentecostal
churches. The first meeting was held in February 1924 in Birmingham. The
founders of the Fellowship combined the desire for inter-church support
and co-operation together with a clear recognition of the right of each
church to govern its own affairs.
The first conference of the Assemblies of God was held in May 1924 at London
when a Board was elected, the work of sending missionaries considered, the
decision taken to publish a magazine and a Statement of Fundamental Truths
drawn up.
The Fellowship grew rapidly, helped notably by the remarkable campaigns
conducted all over the country by men like Stephen Jeffreys. The leaders
of the fellowship were mature men whose names are still held in high esteem
not only in this country but world-wide, including Donald Gee, Howard and
John Carter, and Harold Horton whose books have become classics on Pentecostal
doctrine.
In the 1960s a great charismatic revival spread across the country. Many
were filled with the Holy Spirit and the fire of Pentecost was brought to
several denominations for the first time. Like the Assemblies of God in
the United States, the Assemblies of God in the United Kingdom is self-governing
and self-financing.
The
Movement Today
The Assemblies of God in the UK strongly emphasizes world evangelism and
partners with the American Assemblies of God in many foreign ministries.
The Assemblies of God in the UK report the following statistics: 639 churches,
and 65,000 members and adherents. More information is available from the
website: http://www.aog.org.uk.
Additional
Facts About the United Kingdom
Capital:
London
Area:
95,525 square miles
Population:
59,247,439
Urbanization: 95 percent
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Agriculture:
Cereals, oilseed, vegetables and potatoes
Industry: Steel, metals, vehicles, shipbuilding, textiles,
banking, chemicals, electronics, aircraft, machinery and distilling. |
