ANGELUS TEMPLE! Cornice and arch, parapet and dome— From the threshold of its crystal doors, to the tip of its silver radio tower, I love it—love it every inch!
T SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE that such a short tin upon the same spot—then but a weed-g; of ground, and lon which hac own vacant plot d and prayed and wonde been ¢ missi¢ given me would
For fourteen years I had traveled about the world, preach Lord Jesus Christ, Duri toss the American co: it, my heart was oft times filled with wonder as to why the Lord had led us to the little house that God built” and had located the ¢ in the seemingly far-off city of Los Angeles. A meeting in Phil delphia, Washington, Baltimore, and then on the train id go back across the desert’s burning sands, to the little babes in the Western home. A few hours of 5 planning, | and providing for them and then away we would be called, back into the work in ot ing the gospel of t hs of consta travelin, away we wot across three thousand miles to plung er cities—Rochester, Canton, Wichit; Oklahoma City, etc. Back and forth we went, until one day I r, if You had Middle West, home somewhere in the East o where it would have been more accessible? Then it was that the Lord, most gently, but ung ably began to reveal to me His will, showing me that th been a method in the pla stionre had of His leading; and that in the “City of the Angels,” Los Angeles, California, we were to build a house unto the Lord.
Surely it would be a wooden tabernacle, an inexpensive, temporary and very ordinary affair. Had we ever dreamed of the real plan of God for the building as it now stands, the audacity and seeming impossibility of such a gigantic undertaking would have overwhelmed us. During the brief visits in Los Angeles, I went so far as to look at several wooden structures, saying to myself, “Perhaps this could be built for $10,000 —the other for $20,000."
“Come, let us build a house unto the Lord!” So urgently did those words ring in my ears that one day I got in my automobile and set out in search of land. After a few minutes of driving, I came to Echo Park and saw for the first time (for I had never been in that part of the city before) the beautiful park, with its great placid lake, its drooping palms, willows and eucalyptus trees; and the graceful swans sailing peacefully among the lovely water lilies.
Involuntarily the thought flashed through my mind, “Why, this is heaven on earth, the most beautiful spot for the house of the Lord that I have ever seen!” I thought of how, in the heart of the great cities, where the various buildings in which I had preached had to be emptied between meetings, the people had stood in the hot sun, hour after hour, waiting for admittance. Here they would have the park, the trees, the grass, the benches, the picnic tables and other conveniences—and yet the whole locality, though so near the heart of the city, was strangely quiet and peaceful and provided parking space for the hundreds of automobiles that would gather.
At the corner of Park Avenue and Glendale Blvd. there lay a circular piece of property, facing Glendale Blvd., Park Avenue and Lemoyne Street. Something leapt within my heart, and I thought, “This is the place.” Never for a moment, in the months that followed, did I doubt that this was the location, or seek to find another piece of land, nor have I since found its equal in beauty of situation.
Just a few doors away, I found a small real estate office and inquired from the elderly gentleman who answered the door, as to the land in question. He replied, “Certainly, lady, there are many lots around this park for sale, but you have picked the only piece of property that is not on the market! It is owned by a wealthy elderly lady who has many property holdings but refuses to part with any of them. Other people have even offered high prices, but she has never been interested in selling.
Then, praise the Lord!” I answered. “He has been keeping this property for us, and His Word is confirmed.”
Wh-what did you say?” he asked in bewilderment, but by that time we were hurrying off, thanking him for his courtesy. everal hours later, my mother and a Christian brother went over to visit the park. On the way, she was telling him of my enthusiasm regarding it, and when they reached the corner, lo and behold! a freshly painted sign stood in the very center of the land, saying, “For Sale, Snap This Corner!” with the name and address of the owner given below
Quickly the news was brought to me, and later, as we all stood on the lot, I took a lead pencil and sketched upon the ign board a diagram of the way the temple of worship should be builded. The property was shaped like a megaphone or large piece of pie, and I pictured just where the platform and choir should be, how aisles would run, and, if a balcony were put in, where it would be placed. I seemed to visualize the floor plan with a flash, almost exactly as it is today, before even the land was ours.
The rest of the story reads almost like a fairy tale. We found our way to the property owner's house. The elderly lady had suddenly decided that she was “property poor,” and of all her holdings, this was the one piece she had decided to part with.
Within a short time, the land was purchased, and oft times, in the middle of the night, I would rise, get in my car and drive the eight miles from home to the park and stand on the land and dream and pray for the work which the Lord would have me do. Never did I do so without feeling the Spirit of God mightily upon me.
Deciding that the first thing to do was to grade the land, I hired eleven mules and scrapers and men to work them and began the task of removing the small hill and preparing for the foundation
We felt that, considering the throngs that had attended the meetings in other cities, there was no use erecting a building seating less than five thousand, and were soon informed that it must be fireproof, if we would hold that many people and care for them properly.
Standing across the street one day, I outlined my plans to the contractor. “How much money have you toward it?" was his very natural question, and I replied, “About $5,000.
“That ought to be enough to dig a good hole for a foundation,” he said.
"Well, you excavate and get your steam shovels working,” I replied, “and by that time we will have the money for the foundation.” And so we did.
While they were digging, I was preaching in St. Louis, and there the Lord gave me the necessary finances to pay for the foundation. Proudly I brought it home, saying, “Now, you put in the foundation, and by the time that is finished, I will have enough money for the walls,” By the loyal help of saints in Denver, Colorado, in other cities where meetings were conducted, and by the rallying ‘round of our old friends in Canada and across the sea, our promises were faithfully kept, one by ‘one, and the huge structure rose in its magnificence.
When I was in Australia the workmen were building the shell, and upon my return the lobby, the crystal doors of entrance, the massive colonades and the wide balconies that rest upon them were added. Then came the eight stained glass windows, each thirty feet in height, no two of them donated from the same source, and each one designed by myself during the long journey from San Francisco to Sydney, Australia. Next, the baptistry and organ were added, and, finally, the building was completed!
A class “A” building composed entirely of concrete and steel and valued at $1,500,000, Angelus Temple has a great expanse of main floor, two balconies and an immense dome resembling the clouds of heaven, which rears its lofty canopy some hundred and ten feet from the floor, and which is said to be the largest unsupported concrete dome on the American continent. Choir lofts are on either side of a large platform, above which looms the proscenium arch on which are lettered the words: “Jesus Christ, the Same Yesterday, and Today, and Forever.” Above and back of this are the great organ pipes which, on that opening day January 1, 1923, thundered forth chords: “O) the Gates of the Temple!” These pipes are hidden depicting the Second of Christ drawn by the artist especially for Angelus the triumphar behind a lovely pain when the Temple was dedicated and its doors ned never again to be closed, was a fair day in a fair land. came from afar, bringing forests of flowers to add to the gifts th 1 sent before them; the crowds surgec pavements, in the streets to hear t tablets unveiled. A r into the highways and the byways; some of them came outdoor service, to see the ng them were entirely across the continent to be in Los Angeles for that opening day. Their window and the other things they gave preceded them and now, colorful with their bronzed faces and picturesque g;
ments, they themselves were there—hundreds of them who had adopted me as “Sister” all because the wife of their chief and the chief himself had been healed in our meet ings in Denver
My heart ery full on that day. Happy indeed was I, but still the trowel in my hands was dim before my eyes as I spread the mortar between the gray dedication stones; happy 1, and my voice trembled as friends lifted porary plat 1 built outside and I read the story of I } the dedication of Jerusalem’s temple and kneelin ated Solomon’s prayer. From some came singing:
indeed ne to the tem:
orm they h down, rehere within, a clear voice
‘Open the gates of the T Strew palms on the Conqueror's way, Open your hearts O ye people
That Jesus may ¢ ter today from the sick and the dying of pain, re swelling ing, the glad, the glad refrain
Hands drew me through a doorway into the Temple and as I went into the adjoining building for a moment's quiet and meditation before the great indoor meeting I heard the doors of the Temple flung wide and a murmur of voices like the billows of the sea, as the huge crowd surged through them, over the steps and up the aisles, filling the main auditorium, filling the first balcony, then the second, until five thousand three hundred persons were seated and hundreds more lined the walls, the ramparts, and even crowded the platform space.
After the praises in song and testimony, the message dealing with the various altars of God down through the ages, and the altar call during which men, women and children swarmed down the many aisles from every direction and filled every available space in the front of the auditorium—after all this had died away and was just a memory, it seemed indeed that the Lord had crowned with His glory fifteen years of humble but adoring ministry in His service.
*
Following the building of Angelus Temple, the next three years were spent in active and intense soul winning. A continuous revival was manifest in our midst. I preached every night in the week and three times on Sundays, besides conducting many outside services, speaking for various clubs, addressing Sunday School classes and other meetings in the Temple, and presiding over the numerous Board meetings necessary to the functions of the church.
‘Angelus Temple celebrated its first birthday with a huge fruit cake, composed of Bible ingredients (flour, I Kings 4:22; butter, Judges 5:25; sugar, Jer. 6:20, etc.) and built in exact replica of the Temple. This masterpiece in the art of pastrymaking fed 5,500 people. All the fruit, except the raisins, was imported from Italy, and over 100 pounds of powdered sugar was used to make the icing alone. The cake weighed 300 pounds, It was capably and efficiently served by sixty ushers in ten minutes’ time.
The doors were to open at 6 p.m., but many of the people who left the afternoon service merely turned around and faced the doors again, and by 5 o'clock the streets were filled and the multitude was pressing against the glass doors of the Temple threatening to crush them in by sheer weight of massed numbers. The doors were thrown open an hour earlier than
196 - THE Stony OF My LI schedule jents. The meeting itself, which be shortly after 6 o'clock, was one of great praise and thanks giving for the blessings of the past year and looking to the future.
During those three years after the Temple was dedicated many outstanding events transpired. Thousands knelt at the altars and gave their hearts to Christ. Each Wednesday afternoon and Saturday evening saw hundreds of sick and afflicted prayed for and healed by the mighty power of Jesus Christ to prevent ac prward
Whom we preached as “the same yesterday, and today, and for r.” The Wednesday afternoon service in particu was always one of great blessing and outstanding results, with capacity audiences in attendance. Each Thursd nt saw vers follow their Lord in the waters of baptism. Every Friday evening saw hundreds of young people gather for their very own sj between fifty and one hundred bel ecial service. One o'clock each day meant the time for another peri d registration of the sick who were to later be throne of God in believing prayer in the heal yer Tower was instituted and put on twenty y, with men praying during the night watches and women during the day. Amc Southern California is the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Here whi d of instruction lifted to the services. The Pi four hour di ng he unique and characteristic events of greater on the first day of each ye n Eastern states lie under their g mantle of ice and snow—floats decorated with dew-kissed roses, fragrant carnations, nestling violets, and other beautif
| blossoms portray historic, national, and local scenes of interest, Hundreds of thousands of spectators gather for this event from practically every part of the globe On the very day and hour that Angelus Temple was dedi ica of the Tem cated in 192 le, itiful and enormous ref f ght out in flowers, ned the parade in Pasacarefully
The following year, a float of even greater beauty was en. i tered. On its sides, carefully worked out in flowers, were the insignia of the Foursquare message—the shield and the cross. Both years, Angelus Temple floats received first prize in their division
On January 1, 1925, a third float was entered—a profusion of floral wealth and equipped with a powerful radio set. The whole section, the float and those who accompanied it, was arranged to show as nearly as possible the spirit of Angelus Temple. As a bower of roses, it bespoke of “Rose of Sharon,” our glorious Redeemer. The great replica of the Temple, made solidly of Chinese lilies and lilies of the valley, spoke of the purity of Christian living. The crimson roses and carnations ought vivid memories of the precious atoning blood. The green background and base bespoke the verdant pasture lands, Upon two diagonal corners and upon the dome, were poised three pure-white doves, Proudly erect, upon the dome of the Temple stood the silver radio towers. From beneath the canopy came the music of the great-throated organ of Angelus Temple. The radio receiving set and loud speaker which lay hidden beneath the flowers and foliage was broadcasting to the assembled multitude a message which some would never receive in any other way. It was a direct broadcast from the Temple itself, of the “Sunshine Hour” morning program. It was something new—never had been tried before—and the crowd was delighted with the effect. The Silver Band led the way, arrayed in handsome new uniforms. Young ladies, dressed as angels and representing the spirit of radio, stepped lightly along as guards. Angelus Temple won not only first prize in its division that day, but also won the prize of prizes—the sweepstakes trophy! Our final float was entered on January 1, 1926, although not on a competitive basis. Our sole purpose that year was to preach the gospel. Missionary in design and intent, the float consisted of a Chinese Pagoda Boat created entirely of roses. It was viewed on the scene by a half million people, and appeared later in newspapers, periodicals, in the Tournament of Roses Official Program, and in newsreels the world over.
*
Two outstanding events occurred during those three years which perhaps have meant more to the growth of the Foursquare Gospel than any others. One was the founding of Radio Station KFSG (Kall Four Square Gospel), which began broadcasting the gospel on February 6, 1924, and has continued ever since, supported solely by the free-will offerings of members
and friends. Owned and operated by the Temple, it was the third station to go on the air in the Los Angeles area
Yet the many daily services held in Angelus Temple and not enough, it seemed, to satisfy the Foursquare message. C letters we 1 from all parts of to bring the message in person, Rea sibly answer all these requests and yet continue my « I organized the Angelus Temple Evan the radio broadcasts we rams and he world, pleading with ing I could not posj bles, tele;
demand for
€ receive ties as pastor of the
1 Missionary Institute, personally conducting classes onage, then known as the Administration Five Hundred Room as well joinin; and in
Rapid ex building in which God-called, Spirit-filled men themselves approved in the field of serv ated the erection of one adequate ind women nsion necess could study to she ice to which they were summoned by the Lord—some pastors, some evangelists, some teachers, some missionaries, and some Christian workers. Thus, on January 1, 1926, the dedicatory service was conducted for what is now known as The Lighthouse of International Foursquare Evangelism (L.I.F.E.), Inc I went from floor to floor of the five-story structure (which had been built on the same faith-plan as Angelus Temple), dedi cating each in turn with solemn prayer, following a brief n sage on the occasion. Since that day, from its portals have gone thousands of consecrated ministers and workers to pioneer and pastor branch churches he United States and Canada, and foreign mission stations around the world.
The only thing that mattered to me during the three years after Angelus Temple was built was that I might glean souls and yet more souls for the Master. Every evangelistic effort put forth, every sermon preached, every radio program broadcast as the ultiwas done so with the salvation of precious so ite goal. God forever fixed the value of the soul when He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The church, or the minister who preaches the gospel and does not give an evangelistic appeal—that is, a call for men and nd definitely accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their own personal Saviour and declare themselves on women to step out a the Lord's side—is a failure. No matter how great and tall the spire of the church may be, no matter how full the coffers or how wealthy the congregation is, no matter how gorgeous the stained-glass windows, how beautiful the vested choir or thunderous the organ, the minister who does not bring men and women to Christ is a failure,
I realize that the public decision for Christ is a very rare teaching in the world today. One might travel across the continent and count upon the fingers of one hand, the larger, more fashionable churches, where the old-fashioned altar call, such as characterized John Wesley's day, is given to sinners to accept Christ personally in public.
In Angelus Temple, and in our branch churches, all else is subservient to, and directed toward, a decision to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Frequently the question is asked, why do We not conform to the more prevalent custom of having people g0 to a rear room, sign cards and shake hands with the minister, instead of having a public altar call. We are also asked why the repentent sinner cannot make his decision in the church pew or in the privacy of his own room, with the lights out and the door closed and locked, without any public display or any one being the wiser for it; why we insist upon asking them to stand and come down the aisles and kneel before God and others at the altar rail.
The reason this public stand is advocated is because Christ took a public stand for us. He took the cross upon His bleeding shoulders, and bearing it without the gate, hung before the eyes of all men on Calvary. Would we not, then, be proud through all eternity that we took a public stand for Him, that we squared back our shoulders, rose from our seats, stepped into the aisles and walked forward before the assembled multitudes, bowed the knees before the cross and confessed Christ?
Many souls miss salvation simply because they lack the one moment of courage to make the break. The decision is made in their hearts, but they cannot bring themselves to the physical confession of it. Here is the No Man's Land of the evangelistic battle; the mental barbed-wire entanglement to which the convert has come but which he has not the courage to cross.
Yet the Lord has said, “Whosoever, therefore, shall confess
Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven
And, speaking of the overcomer He has said, “They overcame by the blood of the nd the word of their test
The fact that we stressed the importance of the salvation of lost souls all else in our meetings, combined with the festation of the Holy Spirit in our midst in miraculous to be kne Church With gelus T wer, Caused frst tinuous Revival.