The Pentecostal movement was already impacting Guernsey in the 1930s when George Jeffreys, the founder of the Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance visited the island. An Elim church existed in Vazon on the west coast. It was decided to plant a church on the east in the main town of St Peter Port, and a building known as Eldad Congregational Church was purchased and occupied by Elim in September 1936. The name Eldad was retained.
The Elim Alliance was founded in the County of Monaghan, Ireland, in 1915. The principle leader was George Jeffreys from Wales, who saw amazing miracles take place in his campaigns, and many churches were started around the British Isles. It was necessary to start Pentecostal churches in those days because existing churches were generally hostile, or unsympathetic, to the experience of the ‘baptism in the Spirit’ and the gifts of the Spirit (for example, speaking in tongues and healing). In the last thirty years much has changed and most evangelical churches today are open to these blessings.
In 1939 the Rev. Gilbert Dunk was appointed pastor to Eldad Elim Church, and led it through the difficult years of German Occupation of World War II. Later, Pastor Dunk left for New Zealand where he pioneered the Elim Churches in that nation, and which continues today as a thriving movement.
There are currently four Elim churches in Guernsey, and two in Jersey. For further information on Elim in general, please go to the Elim International Headquarters’ site www.elim.org.uk
Eldad Elim Church is a member of the British Evangelical Alliance, and the Guernsey Evangelical Alliance. |
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