NORA WRIGHT BROOKS

THE NOEL BROOKS COLLECTION /SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

BROOKS, NORA WRIGHT (CA. 1912 - )

Manuscripts
“To Be A Pastor’s Wife”, with epilogue of her last days by Noel Brooks.
Description: folder with typed papers, and hand written corrections.

Books, Pamphlet, Etc.
The Priceless Bloom & other themes. [England” n.d.]
A collection of articles originally appearing in The Messenger (Bristol Baptist Church ), IPHC The Advocate, and Truth in Love (Holmes College of the Bible).

Obituaries, Eulogies, Etc.
Funeral address by Kenneth Benson.
Funeral address by James Eby.

NOEL BROOKS BIBLIOGRAPHY (1914-2006)

Brooks, Noel, 1914-2006
THE NOEL BROOKS COLLECTION
SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Books and Pamphlets:
Alcoholic Beverages in the Bible: A comprehensive survey of the main terms in the Hebrew and Septuagint Greek Old Testament, and in the Greek New Testament, for Alcoholic Beverages. [Bristol: Western Temperance League, n.d.; 2nd ed. Holmes College of the Bible, 1996].Bible validation for sanctification. [Holmes Bible College, 1981].

Biblical basis for missions. [Advocate, 1976].

Charismatic ministries in the New Testament. [Holmes Memorial Church, 1988].

Church Reform or Personal Holiness? [Palm Branch Booklets, 9pg., ca. 1960]

Corner Stones of Christian Truth [ Radford, Nottingham, England, 20 pg., ca. 1960]

Ephesians: outlined and unfolded. [Advocate Press, 1984].

Fight for faith and freedom: George Jeffreys, revivalist and reformer. [The Pattern Bookroom, c1950-60]

Fingertip holiness. [Advocate Press, 1975]

Imitators of God [Palm Branch Booklets, Bristol, 12 pg., ca. 1960]

Let there be life. [Advocate Press, 1975]

Out of the horrible pit: a family memoir. [N. Brooks, 1971].

Pardon, purity, and pardon: The threefold ministry of the Holy Spirit. [Advocate Press, 1969].

Pardon, purity, and pardon: Progammed study guide [Advocate Press, 1970]

The place of faith in sickness and health. [n.d.; Bristol, England; 45 pg]

Scriptural holiness. [Advocate Press, 1967].

Sickness, health, and God. [Advocate Press, 1965].

Who prays lives: the art of private prayer. [Somerest, England: n.d.; 10 pgs.]

British Magazine articles:
“Cave Experiences”. The Christian (Nov. 18,1955): 10.

"Initial Evidence Under Fire: A Reply." The Flame: A bi-monthly for the spread of full salvation. (July/August 1985, 4:51):16-17.
“Music and Dancing: A Detail of the Prodigal’s Return.” N.d.: n.p.
“The Six Million Dollar Man”. The Proclaimer. (ca. 1975).

North American Magazine articles:
“Edward Irving Green Light or Red?” IPHC Advocate (July 1985).
“Life Abundant in Argentina.” World-A-Rama (1977?): 4.
“The Tithe is the Lord’s.”

Articles (Geographic Source Still to be Identified) :
“The A.B.C. of the Christian Life.” Bristol PHC paper.
“Coping with the Introspection Syndrone”[sic]. Truth in Love. N.d., pg. 22f.
“The Idea of Perfection in the Holy Scriptures.” IPHC Advocate ( Feb.9, 1963): 12.
“Miracle Ministry with a Difference.” The Flame ( September-October 1996):14.
“Operation of Spiritual Gifts by Unsanctified People: A reply to Harold Horton by Noel Brooks (broadside?).
“Pentecost and Fanaticism.”
“The Presence of God.” The Evangelical Christian Witness. (December 1934):187.
“Reflections on the Congo Sufferings.” World Wide (World Wide Evangelism Crusade (May 1965):7.
Ibid. IPHC Advocate (Jan. 9, 1965): 6-7.
“Seventh World Pentecostal Conference: A Report.” IPHC Advocate (Sept. 5, 1964):3. Note includes carbon typed mss, copy of printed article and response in “Pentecost” A Quarterly Review of World-Wide Pentecostal Activity.” (Dec. 1964-to February 1965): 2. Edited by Donald Gee.
“Why Atheistic Communism is Doomed to Fail!” ibid.
‘What is Knocking the Greatness Out of Britain?” ibid.
“What is Pentecostal Holiness? Ibid.

Lecture Notes:
“Colossians”
“The Church” [notebook]
“Ephesians” [notebook]
‘The Holy Spirit Diamond: The Work of the Holy Spirit in Sinners and Saints. [The Maynard James Memorial Lecture, 1993]
“The Holy Spirit & His Gifts” [notebook]
“Methods Of Bible Study” [undated & typed]
“Methods of Bible Study “ [notebook -2]
“The Manifestation of the Spirit”. [Silver Spring, MD: Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Virginia Bble Conference, 1973; Transcription, brochure].
“N.T. Greek” [notebook]
“Salvation” [notebook]
“Spiritual Gifts: A Fresh Evaluation” [c1994, Holmes Memorial Church/Founders Week]
“Various themes” [notebook]

ADVOCATE PRESS,BOUND ADULT BIBLE STUDY
1968-1972
1974-1978
1981-1989

Typed Manuscripts:
Brooks, Noel.
“The A-B-C of the Christian Life”
“The Birthplace of Jesus: Guest-room or Inn? Comments on a recent radio statement (1984).
“Charismatic Christianity”
“Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine by H. Wayne House, compared with the Doctrines of the Pentecostal Holiness Church as analized [sic] by Noel Brooks.”
“Church History: The Growth of the Roman Catholic Church.”
‘Church History: The Reformation in Europe.”
“Comments on Dr.Vinson Synan’s Article on Pentecostal Worship “(in Witness, May 1984).
“Demonization – How Real?”
“The Doctrine of Predestination”
“Facts About the British Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church.”
“The First Fifty Days” The Regeneration, Sanctification, and Empowering of Christ’s First Disciples.”
“The Gifts of the Spirit from the Wesleyan Perspective.”
“How to Grow the Fruit of the Spirit”
“The Meaning of Matthew 16:18”
“The Ministry of Women in the Church.”
“Pentecost and Fanaticism.”
‘The Potential of Pentecost.”
“Power from on High”
“The Prosperity Gospel: An Evaluation of a recent sermon on a video tape by an American preacher.”
“Quotes from My Bible Fly-Leaves”. [n.d.] Author’s note reveals issues of books, reading, literacy, and influences of the author.
“Self, One’s Self”.
“Some Wiles of the Devil”
“The Spirit of God.”
“Thou Shalt Not Mix!”

Songs:
Brooks, Noel. Lord, Make My Life. [n.d.]
Brooks, Noel & Eric Insall. Wonderful, Wonderful Day! [n.d.]
Brooks, Noel, & Beethoven. Praise to You. [n.d.] Tune: Come, Thy Fount..
Insall, Eric & Noel Brooks. Wonderful Lamb of God. 1971.
Ibid. His Name is Jesus

Poems:
Contra Bryon. 1997
The Emmaus Road.
How Long? 1936
Lord Make My Life.
Sovereign Love. 1938
A Sweet Savour of Christ. Elim Evangel. 1938
To My Friend. 1938
When There’s Love at Home. 1938
Winter is Past. 1938

History of the British Church
Facts about the British Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. N.d.
Eric’s 90th Birthday, 23 August 1995 [Eric Insall].
Delivered on the Occasion of Eric’s funeral, 25 January 1997.
Mr. Hutchings (Senior). [Eric Hutchings, Evangelist]
Canadian Break-Through Christianview Bible College.
A British Charter Member Goes Home [Winifred A. Jones]

Misc.
Evangelical Evening Classes for the Lay Preachers and Sunday School Teachers. 1960, Bristol.
The British Bible College of the Pentecostal Holiness Church: Prospectus. (With enrollment form).
The British News-Letter of the Pentecostal Holiness Church.” 1955-1958.


NOEL BROOKS COLLECTION
Advocate Bible School
Book A.
Volume 1. Through the Bible., Book by Book [three ring binder; typed and/or handwritten]
Volume 2. Christian doctrine.
Book B.
Volume 3. Families of the Bible
Volume 4. The Sermon on the Mount
Volume 5. The Christian Doctrine of Salvation.
Book C
Volume 6: Ephesians
Volume 7: The Prayer Life of Bible Characters

Topical Bible Studies
Book D
Volume 1. Bible Survey [Sept. 3, 1978- ]
Volume 2. Bible Survey [ - Feb 25, 1979]
Book E
Volume 3. Biblical Doctrines [March 4, 1969 - ]
Volume 4. Biblical Themes [ - Nov. 25, 1984]
Book F
Volume 5. The Holy Spirit [ June 1, 1983 - ]
Volume 6. The Christian Family [ - July23, 1989]
Book G
Volume 7: Moral Issues & Social problems [ June 1, 1986 - ]
Volume 8: Living in the Modern World [ - Aug. 28, 1988]

Expository Helps For Bible Class Leaders
Book H – New Testament
Volume 1.
Volume 2.
Volume 3.
Volume 4.
Volume 5.
Volume 6.
Volume 8.

Expository Helps for Bible Class Leaders
Book G
Volume 1.
Volume 2.
Volume 3.
Volume 4.
Volume 5.

Studies in Genesis [delivered at Christianview College, Toronto, handwritten notes, 149 pgs.]

Studies in the Acts of the Apostles, [ibid, 181 pgs.]

Ethics of the Kingdom, Sermon on the Mount, Advocate

Notes on Colossians – [looseleaf; file; 75 pgs.]

What Does it Mean to be Saved? [Advocate pages]

Holiness Through the Fingertips [ ]

Ephesians [ ]

Prayer Life [ ]

Principles of Christian Service [ British Bible College, Bristol; 3 ring notebook]

[For biographical information see earlier entry; image is from ca 1940.]

Dr. Posey Heads Women in MInistry History Project

Women have played a significant role in the pentecostal movement and in the IPHC as ministers and laity. One gap in the historical work of the denomination has been identifying and honoring the contributions of these women ministers. That is about to change. Dr. Jeraldine Posey, a long time minister in the IPHC, is initiating a history of women ministers from all time periods of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. She is now in the data collection phase and has contacted numerous conferences to locate clergy women in the IPHC. Contact your local IPHC Conference headquarters or email scu.library@swcu.edu for contact information.

RESEARCH PROJECT: Building a Collection of Alum Authored Books

The SCU Library Commons, and its PRC, are launching out to collect books authored by past students of the University (1946-present). This will be a significant part of the collection and reflect the contributions and history of the students, the denominations, and the school in the broader histoy of Pentecostalism in America and around the world. If you have written and published a book, please consider donating a copy to the library. It will be formally cataloged and added to the PRC collection so that researchers may share your work and talent in the future.

Please include a letter that tells when you attended, what you have done over the years, and anything else you will want people to know. These letters will go in a special file in the SCU ARCHIVES as well.

What type of book?: Whatever type of book an alum has written or subject covered will be accepted for this very special collection.

RESEARCH PROJECT: THE TESTIMONY SERVICE IN PENTECOSTALISM

A research project is looking into the history, anecdotes, memories, and influence of the "testimony" service in Pentecostalism (1900-1970). If you have information, memories, etc. to share please write them up and send them via email:

scu.library@swcu.edu and place "PHC Testimonies" in the subject line.

or by regular mail to:
SCU Library
Marilyn A. Hudson
P.O. Box 340
Bethany, OK 73008

RESEARCH PROJECT: Noteworthy News

In this special research project there is an interest in gaining information from several fields:
-Biographical/historical information on early day (to 1955) women ministers and pastors in the IPHC.
-Biographical /historical information on early day (to 1955) ministries with children in the IPHC.
-Biographical /historical information to "underreported" events that were innovations, outreaches, and ministries in the IPHC (to 1955).
Send your information to the :
SCU PRC - Library
Marilyn A. Hudson
P.O. Box 340
Bethany, OK 73008.

Online Academic Resources on Pentecostalism

Assessing the roots of Pentecosalism
http://are.as.wvu.edu/pentroot.htm

Fight for the Faith and Freedom: George Jeffreys by Noel Brooks

Part of the Noel Brooks Collection is a copy of this book by Noel Brooks about the reformer and founder of the Elim Movement in England, George Jeffreys.

Brooks was a member of the Elim movement, the Bible-Pattern Church Alliance before joining the Pentecostal Holiness Church in the mid-1950's.

Rev. Brooks was one time campaign manager and the official biographer of Jeffreys. (Synan, V. Old-Time Power. 1998, pg. 248, 251).

The collection is still being processed and indexed but has numerous article Brooks had writtern for early periodicals of the Elim and Bible-Pattern movements.

Access to parts of it will be by appointment only.

Brooks, Noel. Fight for Faith and Freedom, George Jeffreys, Revivalist and Reformer (Pattern Books, England: n.d. (ca. 1940).

SCU Archives in Development

The SCU Archives is currently being inventoried, for the first time, and a database will be developed to allow a true record of the institution to be established and maintained in the years to come. Space is limited and so only items of distinct and vital historical value will be kept. One of the best ways to keep history alive, however, is for those who lived it to record their experiences in writing, on video DVD, or in audio format (CD). Include SCU in your estate planning and remember the library and the Archives of SCU in the process.

New Reading Room Taking Shape

The new Noel Brooks and SCU Archives Reading Room is taking shape. It has already been used by researchers and by students, and faculty, seeking solitude to study or read. It is housed in the old office of the Library Director and provides additional space.

NOEL BROOKS: AN OVERVIEW

THE REVEREND NOEL BROOKS (1914-2006)
A Life Shining and Burning

Noel Brooks was born in 1914 in the often harsh coal country of northwestern Yorkshire and Lancashire, England, to Absalom Brooks. Noel’s grandfather, according to writings by Noel, had been an alcoholic until God stepped in to miraculously transform his life and forever changed the destinies of his four sons: Edward, Solomon, Absalom, and Will Brooks.

The home of Absalom Brooks was said to have been the epitome of the phrase “Holiness Unto the Lord” (Out of a Horrible Pit, pg. 56). Although Noel worked in the same coal mines his father, uncles, and grandfather had labored in, he was being pulled to study and prepare himself for ministry. At the age of 20 years he entered into the ministry (ibid, cover).

Noel Brooks joined with the English Pentecostal Holiness Church in 1954. He served as pastor of the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Bristol, then later served as director of evangelism of the English PHC, and then served as General Superintendent of the British Conference. He served as College President of the Christian View Bible College in Eastern Canada (founded September 7, 1971).

He founded the British Bible College which was located in the city of Bristol. Many noteworthy titled from their library collection now reside in the Noel Brooks Reading Room in the SCU Library.

A graduate of London University with a Bachelor of Divinity, he was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Holmes Theological Seminary in Greenville, South Carolina.

During his long career he taught on the faculty of several institutions around the globe and served as guest speaker and lecturer in countless churches in England, North America, and Africa. In the mid 1970’s he taught Bible and Theology on the campus of Southwestern, then known as Oklahoma City Southwestern College.

He was noted for his “keen analytical insights” over the years and authored several books, some of which are considered to be classic treatments of the subject of holiness. In addition, he authored a long series of lessons for adults published in the Pentecostal Holiness Advocate. Many of his titles are located in the SCU Library’s Pentecostal Research Collection (PRC) or in the Noel Brooks Collection or in the IPHC Archives.

In his family memoir he noted that many books tell the story of the lives of great and influential men and women. His “little book”, as he called it, told the story of ordinary people who “shined and burned” in their efforts for God. He recalled the words of his uncle Edward Brooks:
“Do the best you can, be the best you are,Shine like a glow worm if you cannot be a star.”

Noel Brooks throughout his long career as a scholar and a devoted man of God has called people to remember the way of the Lord, to strive for holiness, and “to shine and burn” for the cause of Christ.

Major Works by Noel Brooks:
Pardon, Purity and Power: The Threefold Ministry of the Holy Spirit (1959).
Scriptural Holiness (1967).
Sickness, Health, and God (n.d.)
Studies in Christian Doctrine (n.d.)
Out of a Horrible Pit: A family memoir (1976).
Let there be life (1975).
The Biblical Basics of missions (1976).
Ephesians outlined and unfolded (1984).
Fingertip Holiness (studies in practical holiness) (1988).
[see updated listing for further titles]
---Compiled by M.A. Hudson, Director of Library Services, SCU

[Additional biographical information or corrections are welcome]

PENTECOSTAL RESEARCH 101

The SCU Library Commons has a small collection that was begun by past president Scott Muse in the late 1960's. The "Pentecostal Research Collection" is devoted to Pentecostal Studies relevant to the curriculum of the University. The academic focus of the university is in the areas of pastoral ministry, mission, music, English, and history and the collection will develop to reflect those areas.

At present, it contains general histories of several Pentecostal and Charismatic groups and individuals. Also in place are major works on Pentecostal doctrine, polity, history, and theology. All materials of historic nature have been donated to the IPHC Archives & Records Center (www.pctii.or/arc/archives.html) located near the University in Bethany, Oklahoma.

The following is a list of helpful links to research collections, bibliographies or helpful articles.
Religious Movements: Pentecostalism (quick introduction)http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/penta.html
Northwest Center for Pentecostal Researchhttp://www.northwestu.edu/cpr/
Church of Godhttp://faculty.leeu.edu/~drc/http://www.cogheritage.org/blog.cfm
General Listhttp://www.pctii.org/arc/research.html
IPHChttp://www.pctii.org/arc/archives.htmlhttp://arc.iphc.org/Pew Research Center: A Pentecostal Primerhttp://pewresearch.org/pubs/218/a-pentecostal-primer
10 Year Survey of World Wide Pentecostalismhttp://pewforum.org/surveys/pentecostal/?gclid=COvOiOe-hogCFQLTJAodZU8D4gHoly Spirit Center – ORUhttp://www.oru.edu/university/library/holyspirit/hsrcinfo.html
Canadian Center for Pentecostal Researchhttp://www.cokespill.com/project/index.html
Evangelical Archiveshttp://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/nonwarch.html
Global/Europeanhttp://www.hollenwegercenter.net/
Pentecostal/Charismatic Research – Regent University (Many additional links)http://www.regent.edu/general/library/subjects/divinity/pentecostal.cfmS
ociety for Pentecostal Studieshttp://sps-usa.org/
Women in Pentecostal-Charismatic leadershiphttp://www.regent.edu/acad/schdiv/news/events/colloquium/
Church of God of Prophecy Archiveshttp://www.cogop.org/
Center for Pentecostal Leadership & Carehttp://www.pentecostalleadership.org/xhtml/research_articles.htm
Global Pentecostal Fellowshipshttp://artsweb.bham.ac.uk/aanderson/Pentecost/pentec.htm
Wilson Institute – Vanguard, CAhttp://www.vanguard.edu/wilsoninstitute/
Wabash Center (Links)http://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/resources/result_browse.aspx?topic=696&pid=650
Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (Assemblies of God)http://ifphc.org/
Women in the Pentecostal Movementhttp://www.ag.org/wim/history/index.cfm
Pentecostal/Charismatic Resourceshttp://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~kbanner/pentec.html
Center for Women’s Studies – Vanguardhttp://www.vanguard.edu/cws/index.aspx?doc_id=3476
United Pentecostal History Centerhttp://www.upci.org/historical/index2.htm
Bibliography Lists for Pentecostalism Assembly of Godhttp://www.ag.org/top/about/bibliography.cfmP
entecostalism in Asiahttp://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=177
Bibliography of Women and religionshttp://www.nd.edu/~archives/LAU012.HTM
Northwestern Syllabus on Holiness-Pentecostal Studieshttp://acc.roberts.edu/NEmployees/Hamilton_Barry/Holiness-Pentecostal.syllabus.htm
Trinity Western University Bibliography on Pentecostalismhttp://www.twu.ca/sites/cprn/bibliography.aspx
Image of the SCU PRCwww.geocities.com/sculibrarycommons/scu.html

LEADERS OF THE PHC

The leaders of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church are listed with images on a page maintained by the IPHC Archives. Invaluable for research and for identification of photographs. Visit it at http://www.pctii.org/arc/bishops.html

Report Accepted and Character Passed.

FOOTNOTES OF PENTECOSTAL HISTORY: SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY SERIES, NO. 1: [sample]

“REPORT ACCEPTED AND CHARACTER PASSED”: Some Ordained and Licensed Women from the years 1929 - 1939 in the Kansas and Oklahoma Conferences of the Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Compiled By Marilyn A. Hudson, with research assistance from Alicia Hutson, Southwestern Christian University, April 2006

Introduction

The year was 1965 in Wellington, Kansas, in the home of the pastor of the local Pentecostal Holiness Church. The guest evangelist , Mary E. Ford, was a woman just easing out of middle age wearing a cream colored chiffon blouse, a sturdy brown woolen skirt, with fading hair escaping from its once tidy bun. Her wide pleasant face was a roller coaster of expressions from intense concentration to hearty laughter.Sitting at the parsonage piano, a sturdy black upright, she is surrounded by the daughters of the pastor and a friend of theirs who often came to visit. The visitor entertains them playing snappy standards from the forties and crooning tunes from the fifties. She responded to the news that the oldest girl was taking business courses by encouraging her to keep her chin up and not let the men bully her. She recounted with great hilarity a time when an employer had tried to bull her and all laughed at the impossibility the image presented.To all of those gathered around the piano that afternoon she shared her love of God, her courage, her experience, and her sense of fun. To each and every one there she encouraged them to “press on” in their faith and to get a good education[1].

“Report Accepted....Character Passed....”

The Holiness and Pentecostal movements were unique episodes of American religious history but shared a common thread in a willingness to accept women as instruments of ministry[2]. From the earliest days in both movements women responded to God with a desire to preach the gospel with as much enthusiasm as their male counterparts. As some elements of both merged to form the Pentecostal movement, the invigorating dynamic of a life that sought to live in the fullest relationship with God was not one that would accept limitations easily.[3]
An examination of the official registers of membership for the Oklahoma and Kansas Conferences of the Pentecostal Holiness Church for the years 1929-1939 reveals some interesting insights, identifies some pioneer women, and provides a context for further discussion about the historic role of women within the Pentecostal tradition.

The title stems from a reoccurring statement recorded in the 1929 year book. As the conference business would progress the ministers present would offer their reports (how many sermons preached, miles traveled, etc.) and at the conclusion there would be a motion of “report accepted and character passed.” It is a fitting testimony to the role of these women and their unique place in the history of the American church and the Pentecostal tradition that without question each one was accepted.

Description of the Project: A brief survey of records contained in the “Year Book of the Pentecostal Holiness Church” for the years 1929 to 1939 was conducted. Names of obviously female ordained and licensed women were recorded and their number compared with the total list of individuals. One limitation may be that some additional persons on the lists may also be female and the use of initials in their names may conceal that fact. Also, there is margin of error because of a few names that can be either a man or a woman’s name and some women did marry changing their name. However, women, according to the most common format employed, were most often listed with the title of “Mrs.” followed by their husband’s name, or their first names if a young woman or “spinster”. The scope of this study was to collect numbers of active female ministers, compile a list of names, and identify early women ministers, so no attempt has been made to gain broad or detailed biographical information on all of them.

History: The Pentecostal movement of the 20th century is generally considered to have begun in1901. Agnes Ozman is believed to be the first person to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. She was a student in Charles Parham’s school in Topeka, Kansas in January of 1901. William Seymour carried the message west to Los Angeles and from a mission located on Azusa Street the experience spread across the country.

From its inception the movement seemed to epitomize an equality of persons that was unique for the time period. Service to God and blessings of the Holy Spirit (“the anointing”) became the litmus test of value over issues of gender or even race.[4] Pauline writings that for the Christian community existing as one in Christ there was to be no longer “male or female” or “slave and free” (Galatians 3: 28-29), now took on liberating meanings as leadership in the new Pentecostal movement featured both women and persons of color.[5] The dynamic nature of the experience, and the resulting sense of urgency in proclaiming the gospel, convinced many that indeed the time of the Biblical “latter rains” had come. Citing the prophet Joel in the Old Testament , “Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh, your sons and daughters will prophesy...” (Joel 2:29-32), few in the movement felt they could place limitations on who ministered.[6]

Ordained and Licensed Women, Kansas and Oklahoma, 1929 and 1939.[7]The following women were identified from the rolls of those who served as formally recognized ministers . With some exceptions, most had been admitted to the conference within the same decade. Most were assigned a local church, some assisted their husbands in the work, while some served as evangelists. On a administrative level, although they were frequently serving on conference committees of the more traditional women’s areas such as “Memoirs” ( a record of those who had died the preceding year) and “Public Morals”, they were also in leadership roles dealing with issues of publication, missions, and resolutions (i.e., 1939 in Kansas Mary E. Ford served on the Committee on Resolutions and later would be conference secretary-treasurer[8]). Some would in coming years be in key leadership roles on state levels and at least one went on to be published in the national publication, The Pentecostal Holiness Advocate.[9]

Attempts to identify the earliest women licensed or ordained in these regions is challenging due to the fact that the records from that time period are incomplete or are not clear as to gender. From information located, however, there are several women who were ordained within a few years of Oklahoma’s 1907 statehood. Mrs. Dolly York of Oklahoma was admitted to the ministry roll of the Oklahoma Conference in 1910 and Willa J. Short in 1911. In the Kansas Conference Annie E. Carmack was admitted in 1913. The earliest male counterpart was O.C. Wilkins admitted in 1910. [10]

Kansas (24):Barnes, Emma Beal, Estella Brownback, Nellie Carmack, Annie E.Downing, Annie M.Filbert, Estella Eslin, Lavonia Ford, Mary E.Hall, Alline Hill, Edith Hoel, Olive Kaminska, Lucinda Orr, Lizzie Pinkston, Mrs. J.P.Roth, Berthe Shannon, Mary Katherine Butterfield Davis (1916)[11]Shively, Ora B.Spotts, Ruby Sprogue, Mrs. E.H. Thiele, Hellen Taylor, Beulah Trader, Marietta Ward, Linna (later Rogers)Wassom, Della Wedeking, Nettie
Oklahoma (107):Adair, Gertrude Allen, Reba Anderson, Mrs Lillian Atchley, Mrs. SarahBarger, Rosa (1927)Beall, Estella Bell, Eva Bennett, Maggie Bland or Blond, Vella CletaBooking, Viola Brandstandt, Mrs. N.CBrooks, Mrs. Eva.Brown, Irene Buchanan, Stella Bullard, Beulah Byus, Hazel Campbell, Mrs. J.A. (1913)Caldwell, JuanitaC arlton, Bell Carmack, Annie Carter, Carrie Chilcoat,Fae or Eula Clarke, Neva (1925)Classen, Clara Coley, Beatrice Cooper, Nora Cothran, Mrs. L.V.Darrow, Mrs. C.L. (Smith)Dooley, Mrs. Ed Fowler, Mrs. S.S.Frantz, EdnaG aither, Mrs. S.E.Glenn, Evelyn Haley, Inez Hallam, Mrs. Urchie Hamilton, Naomi Hampton, Mrs. H.W.Hatfield, MittieHargis, LucileHill, Mrs. O.M.Hope, GraceHousdon, MinnieHurt, Mrs. Margarett Hutto, AmanaIley, Mrs. J.H.Isbell, Mrs. RuthJones, Margaret (1925)Keener, Mrs. LillieKing, SadieLanders, Essie D. (1926)Laymon, ElsieLily, Mrs. L.V.Little, Mrs. N.W.Kern, AnnaManning, Opal V.Martin, Mrs. L.B. (1929)McCully, GladysMcGraw, Mrs. D.Meeks, Mrytle Mitchusson, Minnie Moore, Ruth Moore, Vestal Muse, Mrs. Dan T.Nance, BerthaP ierce, Mrs. IdellPeters, Mrs. L.A. (1919)Pinkston, Mrs. AnnaPool, Mrs. T.W.Poteet, VeraPrice, Miss Chessie Revell, Mrs. EmmaRoberson or Robertson, Mrs. J.W.Roberts, Pearl Mrs.Rooms, Mrs. MyrtleRose, MarthaR oss, Mrs. MelvinS caggs, Chessie Schockly, Mrs. Tinnie Short, Willa Smith, Mrs. C.L.(Maggie?) (1913)Sparks, Mrs. E. W. Spence, Mrs. H.N.Stamphill, Myrtle Stone, MyrtleSteele, Edith Stephens, Viola Stratton, Laura Sutton, Anna Taylor, Emma Taylor, Ellen Thornton, Margaret Townsend, Elsie VanBrunt, Mrs. DorothyVarec, Iva Wassom, Mrs. Della Watt, LinnieWeaver, Mrs. C.M (1929)Wedel, Ello Lous Wicks, Mildred Wilbourn, Leeta Williams, Mrs. W.A. (1913)Wilkerson, Lucy.Wilson, Clara (1929)Wilson, Alice Wilson, Mollie (1925)Wright, Mrs. L.E.York, Dolly (1910)York, Mrs. W.C.

Summary

A survey of the conference rolls for the regions of Oklahoma and Kansas for the years 1929 to 1939 reveal that women played a significant role and were a definitive presence. The number of women who were formally recognized as being ordained, licensed or doing the work of an evangelist is impressive considering the overall size of the regions they served. The women who were leaders in ministry at an early time period in the conferences of Oklahoma and Kansas are identified adding to the rich history emerging of women in the Pentecostal movement.

The survey also raises many questions worthy of additional consideration and research. For example, how does the central region compare to the more populated areas of the south, home base of the Pentecostal Holiness Church, at the same time? How consistent are the percentages of women to men in successive decades, and if there is a decline can a cause be identified?[12] Who were the earliest women in the denomination as a whole to be recognized as clergy? How were women “called” to service in the early days and in what ways did their fellow ministers mentor them? What prejudice and bias did they encounter and how did they cope?[13]What impact, if any, did the formation of the national “Women’s Auxiliary” in the nineteen forties and the latter “Women’s Ministries” have on the number of women going into ministry? What were the nature and content of their sermons? And finally, how successful were they in what they did?

Only as these questions are fully explored will a true picture of the history of the Pentecostal movement emerge. It will be of note then to compare recent history with those early days to see if overall the standard so bravely set in those early years has been upheld or allowed to fade.

The Authors

Hudson is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with degrees in History and Library and Information Studies. She is the Director of Library Services for Southwestern Christian University and an ordained minister. Miss Alicia Hutson, a 2006 graduate of SCU with a degree in ministry, served a research assistant.

Notes

[1] The first pastor of the author was the Rev. Sallie Mae Flippin, Wellington Pentecostal Holiness Church, Kansas (1960). Her second pastors were Evelyn and Bill Thompson, Wellington. As a teenager she had the opportunity to spend time with Mary E. Ford (who is listed in the study) when she was a guest in the home of the Rev. Hoyle Baker.[2]Lee, Joyce and Glenn Gohr. “Women in the Pentecostal Movement” Women in Ministry, Assembly of God U.S.A. accessed at http://womeninministry.ag.org/history/index.cfm on 4/18/2006. Provides a good chronology of notable women leaders and photos of many of them.[3]Benvenuti, Sheri R. “Pentecostal Women in Ministry: Where Do We Go From Here?” Cyberjournal for Pentecostal Charsimatic Research. Accessed at http:www.pctii.org/cyberj/cyberj1/ben.html on 4/18/2006.[4]Blumhofer, Edith, The Assemblies of God: A Popular History (Springfield: Gospel Publishing House, 1985) 137.[5] Hudson, Marilyn A., “In Christ: An Exploration of the Egalitarianism of Galations”, unpublished paper, Southwestern College of Christian Ministries, 1989.[6]Charles H. Barfoot and Gerald T. Sheppard, “Prophetic vs. Priestly Religion: The Changing Role of Women Clergy in Classical Pentecostal Churches, “ Review of Religious Research, 22:1 (September)4.[7] Year Book of the Annual Conferences of the Pentecostal Holiness Church; Also Missionary Facts and Figures, 1929. Franklin Springs, Georgia: Publishing House of the P.H.C.; Year Book of the Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1939. Franklin Springs, Georgia: Publishing House of the Pentecostal Holiness Church.[8] Pentecostal Holiness Advocate, Sept, 12, 1946, cover photo shows her with a group of Kansas Conference leaders hading a check to Oral Roberts for new Southwestern School in Oklahoma.[9] Wilson, Alice. “The Lion, The Greyhound and the He-goat”, The Pentecostal Holiness Advocate, (Feb.1, 1945) 5. She is listed as an evangelist of the Oklahoma Conference.; also Feb.22, 1945, a poem “As Soon As Funds Are Available”, pg. 3[10] Year Book of the Annual Conference..., the 1929 and 1930 issue reads for O.C. Wilkins “1909", but the next and all subsequent years read “1910".[11] “Sister A.I. Shannon, Pioneer Holiness Preacher Passes”, East Oklahoma Conference News, ( March 1944) 8 and the Kansas register in the Minutes of the Annual Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church., 1931.[12] Some clues emerge early, G.H. Montgomery writing in the Advocate article “Do We Need A Seminary?”said “Who is going to be in charge of this seminary? ...These men (and they will have to be men, or I am through with the whole idea right now;” (Feb.15, 1945)2. [emphasis in the original].[13] Myers, W.L. "Does God Call Women to Preach? Rockmart, Georgia, 1948. Myers small book is a skillful and well reasoned response to a work by Baptist evangelist, John R. Rice,(of “Sword of the Lord” fame), “Bobbed hair, bullying wives, and preacher women.” (N.d.). Rice’s book is typical in both textual argument and taunting tone of many who argued women had no role in leadership in the chuch.