Son of Former Slaves Feels a Spiritual Pull
Born on May 2, 1870, in Centerville, Louisiana, William J. Seymour was the son of former slaves, Simon and Phillis Seymour. Growing up in poverty during the Reconstruction South, Seymour faced racial prejudice and limited opportunities. Despite these challenges, he was exposed to various Christian traditions and felt a deep spiritual pull. ## The Azusa Street Revival Begins
In 1903, he moved to Houston, Texas, and joined a small Holiness church led by Lucy Farrow. It was here that he explored his calling and pursued theological understanding, despite facing racial segregation at Charles Parham's Bible school. Seymour had to listen to lectures from outside the classroom, yet he persevered.
In February 1906, Seymour arrived in Los Angeles, California, with a message that would soon ignite a global movement. He was initially locked out of Julia Hutchins' church for preaching about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues. Undeterred, he continued to share his beliefs at the home of Richard and Ruth Asbery, where on April 9, 1906, Edward Lee spoke in tongues after Seymour and Lucy Farrow prayed for him. This event marked the beginning of the Azusa Street Revival.
Seymour's leadership at the Azusa Street Mission, which began in mid-April 1906, fostered a remarkable atmosphere of unity and equality, transcending racial and denominational lines. He emphasized focusing on Jesus, saying, 'Don't go out of here talking about tongues: talk about Jesus.' His vision for the church was one of love and peace, declaring, 'When people run out of the love of God, they get to preaching dress, and meats, and doctrines of men and preaching against churches. All these denominations are our brethren... So let us seek peace and not confusion.'
Through the Azusa Street Revival, which lasted until 1909, Seymour became a central figure in the Pentecostal movement. His ministry had a profound impact on global Christianity, laying the groundwork for the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements worldwide. Despite facing numerous challenges, Seymour's dedication to his faith and his vision of unity within the church were unwavering. His life and ministry are a testament to the transformative power of Jesus Christ.
