Church Evolution: 5 Key Events for Foursquare Gospel Christian Denomination Since It Began

The Foursquare Gospel Church Christians believe in a Pentecostal expression of their faith. The name of the group comes from the vision of their founder, Aimee Semple McPherson. In her vision, Jesus has four "faces" which represent the four-phases of the gospel. The vision of Jesus as a man, lion, ox and eagle, corresponds to his representation as Savior, Baptizer, Burden-Bearer and Coming King.

Here are five key events in the evolution of the Foursquare Gospel Church:

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1. Opening of the Angelus Temple: After years as a traveling evangelist, Aimee Semple McPherson dedicated the Angelus Temple January 1, 1923. The 5000 seat auditorium became a permanent home for Sister Aimee's message and the start of the Foursquare Church.

2. Early broadcast presence: KFSG Radio Station became one of the first radio stations in Los Angeles. When it went on the air in February of 1924, it was designed as a means for disseminating the Foursquare Gospel Church Christian message. The station was on the air for 79 years.

3. Aimee's Death: Sister Aimee died in the middle of an evangelistic campaign in 1944 from an overdose of sleeping pills which was ruled accidental. She was 53-years-old.

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4. Sister Aimee's Son takes over: Sister Aimee's son, Rolf K. McPherson took over the ministry after his mother's death. Under his leadership, the church continued to grow to over a million members in 19,000 meeting places. According to the LA Times, "He laid a foundation that made it possible for the Foursquare Church to move forward around the world." He led the church for 44 years.

5. The Dream Center: The Pastor Matthew Barnett's along with his wife, Tammy, became senior pastors of the Angelus Temple in 2001. They brought with them the vision and work of the Dream Center, a mission that operates to serve thousands of people in a variety of marginalized groups in Los Angeles. Pastor Barnett heads both ministries.

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