United Kingdom
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.
