This week in Christian history: Aimee Semple McPherson born, Criswell College, Chalcedon Council

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, October 04, 2020

Aimee Semple McPherson born — October 9, 1890

Aimee Semple McPherson (1890-1944), a popular yet controversial Pentecostal evangelist. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when famous and controversial Pentecostal preacher Aimee Semple McPherson was born near Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada.

Raised in a strict Methodist home, McPherson adopted her charismatic spiritual beliefs as a teenager not long before marrying her first husband, Pentecostal evangelist Robert Semple.

“Working hard to attract people to her messages, Aimee was not averse to using drama or theatrics to reach people, even parading around a boxing ring with a placard,” noted a website dedicated to her memory.

“After settling in Los Angeles and using the money they earned while on the road, Aimee bought land and built the Angelus Temple, the first church based on her Foursquare Gospel. The building seated 5,300 people and boasted full services every Sunday with several celebrities attending.”