General Council summaries: The 30's and 40's

AG Archives & Troy McNulty

1931: First Council held outside the Midwest (Glad Tidings Temple, San Francisco). Resolution concerning "young people's societies."

1933: First Council held in the East (Highway Tabernacle, Philadelphia. Committee formed to study the problem of the aged ministers.

1935: What later became Ministers Benefit Association was organized. J. Roswell Flower elected general secretary/treasurer. 12-point standard for good Sunday schools enthusiastically endorsed

1937: Department of Education authorized under the portfolio of Home Missions. Differences of opinion regarding eschatology resulted in the adoption of the resolution regarding the "post-tribulation rapture view."

1939: General Superintendent and General Secretary directed to draft a telegram to the President of the U.S. expressing appreciation for the maintenance of American neutrality. Sunday School Counselor introduced as a monthly Publication.

1941: Theme of the council, "Our place in the Present World Crisis." Resolution passed to establish ministry to military personnel. Young people's department to be established.

1943: Christ's Ambassadors Department authorized. Resolution passed that the AG join the National Association of Evangelicals.

1945: Radio Department was authorized. By unanimous vote, authorization was given for construction of new publishing plant and office building.

1947: Benevolences Department established. Office of Secretary/Treasurer divided. Publications Department created. Resolution to establish a liberal arts college defeated. Several revisions to Constitution were made.

1949: Wesley Steelberg succeeds E.S. Williams as general superintendent. Resolution disapproving practices of "Latter Rain" adopted. Resignation of Stanley Frodsham as editor of Pentecostal Evangel. Membership in PFNA introduced.