The Forties
THE FORTIES
When World War II began, construction on the new basement building ceased. When the opportunity for Myrtle to minister on the radio presented itself, Myrtle accepted the challenge gladly. Soon live radio broadcasts were emanating from the Temple daily. Daughter Pat played the organ, Myrtle would teach and everyone would pitch in to get the program on the air. Every program began with "Sweet Hour of Prayer," and ended with "Showers of Blessings." The church started praying for safety and
all 84 servicemen from Bethesda returned home safe. God was protecting this little band.
The end of the war brought a series of changes to America and to Bethesda. As the soldiers came home a new era was dawning. The greatest time of prosperity in history was beginning, ushering in the "baby boom," new building proposals and an excitement that was felt all over the country.
It was in 1947 that Myrtle's son, James joined the staff of Bethesda. Beginning his new family he would also be used by God to begin a new era of growth and truth in the church, for it was in this year the Lord again said, "Arise and build."
The building of the main sanctuary building proved to be a lesson in God's blessing to those who are faithful to His word. Unable to secure a loan, bills were paid each week and God faithfully supplied each need. By the time the building was finished it was entirely paid for — truly the evidence of how God supplies the needs of those who believe.
December 5, 1948 was a turning point in the lives of every Bethesdan. That Sunday morning everyone was gathered for church in the basement building. Opening the service, James Beall asked the people to stand, and suddenly everyone in the building started singing praises to God in the Spirit. Spiritual worship and praise was unheard of at this point, but this continued for about an hour. People were saved, filled with the Holy Spirit and healed in their bodies during this time. As the praise subsided a new song was born.
That Sunday marked the beginning of what came to be known as the Latter Rain Revival.
Two months after this, on February 13, 1949, the main sanctuary was dedicated. When the doors opened, it was immediately filled and at least 1,700 people were turned away. Services were held night and day for the next three and one half years.
When World War II began, construction on the new basement building ceased. When the opportunity for Myrtle to minister on the radio presented itself, Myrtle accepted the challenge gladly. Soon live radio broadcasts were emanating from the Temple daily. Daughter Pat played the organ, Myrtle would teach and everyone would pitch in to get the program on the air. Every program began with "Sweet Hour of Prayer," and ended with "Showers of Blessings." The church started praying for safety and
all 84 servicemen from Bethesda returned home safe. God was protecting this little band.
The end of the war brought a series of changes to America and to Bethesda. As the soldiers came home a new era was dawning. The greatest time of prosperity in history was beginning, ushering in the "baby boom," new building proposals and an excitement that was felt all over the country.
It was in 1947 that Myrtle's son, James joined the staff of Bethesda. Beginning his new family he would also be used by God to begin a new era of growth and truth in the church, for it was in this year the Lord again said, "Arise and build."
The building of the main sanctuary building proved to be a lesson in God's blessing to those who are faithful to His word. Unable to secure a loan, bills were paid each week and God faithfully supplied each need. By the time the building was finished it was entirely paid for — truly the evidence of how God supplies the needs of those who believe.
December 5, 1948 was a turning point in the lives of every Bethesdan. That Sunday morning everyone was gathered for church in the basement building. Opening the service, James Beall asked the people to stand, and suddenly everyone in the building started singing praises to God in the Spirit. Spiritual worship and praise was unheard of at this point, but this continued for about an hour. People were saved, filled with the Holy Spirit and healed in their bodies during this time. As the praise subsided a new song was born.
"This is the promise of the coming Latter Rain,
Lift up your eyes, behold the ripening grain.
Many signs and wonders in His mighty name,
Drink, oh, drink my people, for this is Latter Rain."
Lift up your eyes, behold the ripening grain.
Many signs and wonders in His mighty name,
Drink, oh, drink my people, for this is Latter Rain."
That Sunday marked the beginning of what came to be known as the Latter Rain Revival.
Two months after this, on February 13, 1949, the main sanctuary was dedicated. When the doors opened, it was immediately filled and at least 1,700 people were turned away. Services were held night and day for the next three and one half years.