News & Events

R.G. Spurling Ordination Letter Posted In an effort to serve patrons better, the Dixon Research Center is posting the Church of God's earliest known documents to our website.  The latest document posted is the ordination letter of R.G. Spurling.  This letter explains the qualifications used to ordain a minister, and it is the official document setting forth R.G. Spurling to the office of Bishop.  He received his ordination from his father Elder Richard Spurling on September 2, 1886, the same year they founded the Christian Union.   Photos Published & Exhibit Promoted During the month of February, the Austin American-Statesman of Texas and der überblick, a German periodical, published photos provided by the Research Center.  Also, the Tennessee Archivist, the newsletter of the Society of Tennessee Archivists, and Archival Spirit, newsletter of the Archivists of Religious Collections Section of the Society of American Archivists, published articles about the Research Center's Lighting the Path Heritage Exhibit.   Church of God Historical Presentation: Bringing the Past into the Present to Move Forward into the Future The purpose of this site is for those interested to have an overview of early Church of God history and to view an online tour of where the Church of God began.  The theme is "Bringing the Past into the Present to Move Forward into the Future."  The site is divided into three main areas: foundations, timeline (1886-1907), and tour.  Each theme explains key people and places involved in the Church of God movement at the turn of the 20th century.  The presentation was created by the Research Center archivist and newsletter editor Eric Waggoner.  Please click here or the title above to view the presentation.

R.G. Spurling, author of The Lost Link, believed the lost link of the church was the law of love.

Orphanage Plates The Research Center quite frequently receives questions about the orphanage plates sold as a fundraiser in 1943.  The history of these plates is posted on our website for those interested.  The brief description below explains their purpose and use.   "Special ten-inch dinner plates with a picture of the Church of God Boy's Home and three sets of twins were introduced in 1943 as a way to raise money for the orphanage.  A contest was announced in which states were divided into three groups and encouraged to sell the plates.  The churches in each division that turned in the most money were announced in the Church of God Evangel.  First prize was 96 plates ($144 value), second prize was 48 plates ($72 value)."  [From the Church of God Evangel, February 27, 1943.]

Orphanage Plates were introduced as a fund raiser in 1943. Click picture for larger image

2005 Lighting The Path Calendars Available at Reduced Cost!

Children, youth, and Christian discipleship have been at the heart of the Church of God from our earliest history.  "Lighting the Path" is the theme of the 2005 Church of God Heritage Calendar.

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Church of God History & Heritage CD

Issues 1-11 with Minutes of the General Assembly of the Church of God (1906-1912) are now available for purchase.  Church of God History & Heritage is published in the interest of the Church of God movements.

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Donations & Collections

We Need Your Help!

You can help preserve the heritage of the Church of God and the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements by donating historical or financial gifts to the Research Center.  Your financial gifts will be used to purchase new materials and to properly preserve those we already have. Please e-mail the Research Center or contact us at 423-614-8576 to let us know how you can assist in this important work.

We need: Pentecostal Periodicals, Books, Photographs, Manuscripts, Audio and Video Tapes, Documents, Church Histories, Correspondence, Scrapbooks, Artifacts, Diaries and more!

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Preservation Tips

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Recently Added Books of Interest *

From Pathway Press

Phillips, Ron. Hope in the Shadow of Armageddon. Cleveland, TN: Pathway Press, 2004.

Ron Phillips attempts to dispel the sensationalism that is so common in today's society concerning the end of the world. He focuses on the Middle East and the Muslim world specifically as he sees the Muslims playing a key role in end-time events described in the Book of Revelation. He gives a clear and detailed analysis of what the Bible says about popular end-time subjects such as the Antichrist and the events that will lead up to and trigger Armageddon. He finally calls on the church to "restore the house" in order that they might hasten the return of Christ.

A Classic

Bosworth F.F. Christ the Healer: Sermons on Divine Healing. Self published, 1924.

Early pentecostal evangelist F.F. Bosworth's compilation of sermons on divine healing were put into print due to the popular demands of people attending his revival services.  He preached on topics such as "Were We Redeemed from Our Diseases When We Were Atoned for Our Sins?," "Understanding the Lord’s Compassion," and "What the Bible Really Meant by Paul's Thorn in the Flesh."  It ends with reflection questions and with testimonials of those who were delivered and healed.

Newly Published

Adewuya, Ayodeji J.  Transformed by Grace: Paul's View of Holiness in Romans 6-8. Oregon: Cascade Books, 2004.

Dr. Adewuya, missionary, pastor, and teacher, offers a fresh look at Paul's view of holiness and how it is thematically woven into Romans 6-8.  He demonstrates how Paul's understanding of holiness connects with his teachings elsewhere and shows how Paul teaches a view of holiness to be lived out in everyday life.  He writes that holiness is an attainable goal and should be sought after by all Christians. In fact, he argues it is a responsibility.

Robins, R.G. A.J. Tomlinson: Plainfolk Modernist. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Plainfolk Modernist seeks to explain that A.J. Tomlinson and Pentecostalism were not simply reacting against the modernist movement at the turn of the century. The author argues they were embracing modernity, albeit in a "plainfolk" way.  The author paints a vivid picture of the life of A.J. Tomlinson and in so doing provides a fresh analysis of the emergence of American Pentecostalism.  A must read for those interested in the history of the Church of God.

The International Scene

Hatfield, D.B. Triumphant: The Gates of Hell Cannot Have Me! Florida: Xulon Press, 2003.

D.B. Hatfield, the first Church of God missionary to Israel, writes about his conversion and call to ministry as a pastor and missionary to Egypt and Israel.  He shares his experiences in missions and how his faith in God guided his steps literally around the world.

*Ordering Books

If you are interested in obtaining a book or books please contact the publisher of each book.

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