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The 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.

Also known by the name "Sister Aimee, " the founder, defined the term of Foursquare as being related to the Bible book of Ezekiel. In the book, God is defined as a four part image. The four images being a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle. In this case, the images were derived from a vision Ezekiel received as reported in the Old Testament. While this is the case, as the church is a Full Gospel institution, members believe in the New and Old Testament books of the Bible.

The preacher's celebrity status extended well beyond her death. In fact, the Hall of Fame drama "The Disappearance Of Aimee, " depicts the life and times of the evangelical preacher. The film relates to the month long disappearance of Aimee which took place in 1926 as well as the controversy which followed the disappearance. While the controversy was active for quite some time, it eventually faded along with the preacher's passing.

After having passed on, Aimee's son, Rolf K. McPherson became the Overseer of the denomination. The son held the position for almost forty four years before retiring. After which, the church became the Pentecostal Fellowship Of North America. Later, the church became aligned with several other denominations and congregations which shared the same Full Gospel belief system.

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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