APOSTOLIC ROOTS & ARCHIVES
This living research section connects today’s churches with the revival, preaching, publishing, sacrifice, and doctrinal development that helped shape the modern Apostolic movement.
THE FAITH IS THE SUBJECT
AFI approaches this history from a clear Oneness Apostolic conviction: there is one God; the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Jesus Christ; salvation calls for repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Ghost; and the apostolic witness remains the measure of the Church’s faith and practice.
Historical reporting still requires care. Early Pentecostal leaders did not all hold the same later doctrinal formulations. AFI will identify what a person or source actually taught, distinguish evidence from interpretation, and avoid turning history into organizational promotion.
A FOUNDATIONAL TIMELINE
Charles F. Parham and students at Bethel Bible School became influential in the early Pentecostal teaching that speaking in tongues accompanied Spirit baptism. This belongs to the wider Pentecostal root system; later Oneness doctrine should not be projected backward onto every early participant.
Review sourceThe Apostolic Faith Mission at 312 Azusa Street became a worldwide Pentecostal center under William J. Seymour. Its interracial fellowship, prayer, testimony, missions, and expectation of biblical spiritual gifts shaped a global movement.
Review sourceThirteen surviving issues carried sermons, testimonies, missionary reports, and revival news far beyond Los Angeles. The paper shows how publishing became ministry infrastructure before large denominational systems existed.
Review sourceThe 1913 Arroyo Seco camp meeting became a catalyst for renewed attention to baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Over the following years, ministers organized around Jesus Name baptism, the New Birth of water and Spirit, and the Oneness of God.
Review sourceGarfield T. Haywood founded Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Assembly, led across racial lines, wrote and published, defended the Oneness message, and became a major Pentecostal Assemblies of the World leader. His work demonstrates that theology, fellowship, music, and publishing grew together.
Review sourceTHE READING ROOM
AFI links readers to source material so pastors, teachers, students, and historians can examine the record—not merely repeat a summary.
Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center description and holdings, September 1906 through May 1908.
Open archiveDigitized original and reproduced issues made available by Apostolic Faith Church.
Open archiveEncyclopedia of Indianapolis entry with source credits to the Indiana Historical Society.
Open archiveA historical account of the baptismal discussion that developed into the Oneness controversy.
Open archivePioneer profiles; early newsletters and tracts; women, missionaries, Black leadership, and international witnesses; the formation of Apostolic bodies; local congregational histories; and the continuing relationship between doctrine, worship, publishing, education, and mission.
Offer a document, photograph, or verified historyAFI identifies the holding institution or original publisher, records source and date, and confirms reuse status before hosting an image. A historic subject does not automatically make a modern scan or photograph free to reuse.