Azusa Street: An Eyewitness Account to the Birth of the Pentecostal Revival

by Frank Bartleman

Alternate-cover edition can be found here

Your faith will explode as you read Bartleman's challenging insights into faith-filled living from his experiences at Azusa Street. Then you will know how to be an instrument of God's love and healing to others, change your life from ordinary to extraordinary, conquer fears that have defeated you, experience the presence of God for yourself, and become as effective as the early Christians. Your prayer life will be unbelievably transformed as you experience God's moving in your life.

Genres: Christian, History, Church History, Nonfiction, Faith, Religion, Christian Living

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1980

Reviews

[Jeremiah P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a strange read. It wasn't so much about Azusa Street. It was a about Frank Bartleman. It seems that most of the content came from his journal. He was an extremely zealous Christian. And at times his zeal is inspirational. He was quick to share his perspectives on everything. Unfortunately, very many (most?) of his evaluations of others were quite negative. From his perspective, everybody around him was compromising or "in the flesh" or proud or worldly or usurping. He appreciated how God used him, but didn't seem as capable of recognizing when God used others. That being said, he had many good things to say. And he provides a glimpse into a different time and place.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just an eye witness account of the birth of the Pentecostal movement at the Azusa Street Mission in 1906 Los Angeles, this book chronicles events before and after that Christian epoch as told by a senior participant, drawing on magazine articles, pamphlets and journals he wrote at that time. As such, Azusa Street blends primary sources and history. Bartleman is not a dispassionate narrator, but he brings those events into focus for the reader better than an account based on hearsay.

Race, gender, titles, degrees were irrelevant as Christians from many faith traditions joined in a moment of spiritual revival. The slim volume ends with an article, “The Deeper Significance of Pentecost,” he wrote almost twenty years later, just before he died, helping put the Azusa revival into perspective as he saw it. And a 1970s article “Revival and Recovery” by Arthur Wallis.

While the wider world will ignore this book as it did the Azusa revival, the serious student of modern church history will find it interesting and uplifting. That this book is still in print suggests that the need and lessons of the Azusa revival are still alive.

[Lee Boone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Azusa Street is a non-fiction piece of the past for any Christian to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about Christian history and gaining encouragement from others challenges. It takes place in the early twentieth century at many churches in California. Also taking place when the ministry on Asusa Street starts, is the Welsh revivals. Letters are included about throughout Frank Bartleman's experiences. He tells of the encounters of a Pentecostal moving and a New Testament revival. Bartleman went through many challenges from the Enemy fighting the Spirit to others wanting organization rather than the leadership of the Spirit in the meetings. It's a great example of true worship where there is unity and other denominations laying aside their differences to experience the baptism of the Spirit. "The church is an organism, not a human organization." I think this book is insightful to the movement of the Pentecostal church and a part of our American history.

[Brayan Martínez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sin duda alguna es un libro que merece la pena leer cuando se quiere conocer de manera fresca y retadora el poder que hay tras la persona del Espíritu Santo.

Personalmente me inquieta mucho la historia de la humanidad y siento que los libros son una herramiento asombrosa para transportarte al momento y hacerte sentir dentro de un hecho histórico específico. Este libro no es la excepción ya que te transporta directamente a la primera década del siglo XX y te hace experimentar ese mover pentecostal que restauró la alabanza y la adoración en la iglesia.

Es simplemente maravilloso leer capítulo tras capítulo como se narraba el mover del ES que puede ser tan simple pero a la vez tan inexplicable. Precisamente ese deseo de conocer al ES es lo que me queda al terminar el libro. Pero no conocerlo de una manera religiosa y siguiendo una serie de pasos, sino permitir que Él me muestre lo que me quiera mostrar. Siento que el ES es tan diverso, tan auténtico y espontáneo que estaría cometiendo un grave delito al encasillarlo, limitarlo y no permitiendo que se mueva como un niño visitando pro primera vez un parque de diversiones.

Por último quiero resaltar ese último capítulo que narra un sueño que ha perdurado por muchos años, que empezó con una oración de un man que cambió la historia y que está registrada en Juan 17 titulado "Un ruego por la unidad". Debo admitir que llegando al final del libro sentía que estaba perdiendo un poco la emoción, pero este último capítulo fue la cúspide de todo el libro, a tal punto que estaba a punto de soltar una lágrima. Siento que con este último capítulo en mi corazón arde un sueño muy profundo y es ese mismo que Jesús algún día dijo "que todos sean uno".

[Stephanie Weisgerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. I thought I would read miraculous stories about the Azusa Revival- but while the author covered some he went in a sideways direction from the Revival. Pastor Bartleman began a separate meeting near Asuza, an offshoot of sorts, that had very similar power, prayer, and miracles.
Frank Bartleman was a humble and powerful prayer warrior who experienced extreme poverty and miraculous provision from the Lord. He was a key player in the Revival birthed at Asuza and friends with William Seymour. It was very interesting to hear of the hundreds of times God provided exactly what he prayed for. He traveled the world spreading the gospel and revival fires in the early 1900’s.
As far as the Asuza Street Revival goes, he covered many of the negative aspects of it which I found surprising and sobering. One can learn much of the cost to true Revival by reading this book.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Bartleman provides a running account of the true and normal movement of God. We tend to call this kind of Holy Spirit fire a "revival" but in reality this is the way the Church is supposed to operate. He describes how total submission to God brings His presence, while attempts to organize, package, create programs, design "orders of worship" and sell His revelations in slick packages will quench the Spirit. This is why so many of our modern day churches are totally void of the Power of God, absent of the working in signs, wonders, and miracles, and succumbing to the tortures and torments of the world. It's why sick people come into church and end up going home the same way. That didn't happen in the first century church and it didn't happen during much of the Azusa Street "revival." The events in and around Azusa Street are about as close to the events of the early Church described in Acts as we have seen since the second century. There is much to learn from in this book!

[Chris Helmkay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting first hand documentation and eyewitness account of the holy spirit being poured out at Azusa Street at the turn-of-the-century in Los Angeles. I first read this book in 1985 and then again now – March, 2018. As a believer in Jesus Christ I found this book very convicting and challenging. The amount of prayer that was offered up almost continually before and during this revival is note worthy. May such a movement of prayer begin and continue for this generation so that God would pour out his Spirit and bring people to knowledge of Jesus Christ. Whether you are a sceptic for a Pentecostal/charismatic Christian you’ll find this to be an interesting read.

[Elias · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of early Pentecostals. It is also a story of one Frank Bartleman. I find this book extremely helpful in understanding a movement that is changing the world. Surprisingly though, in our time much of what Bartleman writes about is experienced by many in Africa. The Pentecostals of North America according to Bartleman, have as it were, become so "organised" that they may have missed God. This book is dangerous to be read in isolation. It must read with other accounts. But it is a great book nevertheless.

[Virgil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very powerful book. The book describes a legitimate revival, that eventually decays because of man wanting to interfere with the movement of the Holy Spirit. It has those tendencies of what we see in the charismatic movement today, but besides for that, solid book. What he describes of the beginning and roots of what we call the charismatic movement today are fundamentally different than what it turned out to be the majority of the 20th century.

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eyewitness account of the happenings in the early 1900's on the West Coast. A humble beginning of a Holy Spirit movement that became world wide, it broke down racial barriers, at the time, and was phenomenal in its impact. A short and easy read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved this book. It was life-changing.

[Joebiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for what to look for, for a modern day pentecost.

[Roar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading. About the early days of the pentecostal movement.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God has not changed, we have." This is a wonderful and powerful insight to the ingredients required for true revival.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original title, 'How Pentecost came to Los Angeles', is much more relevant to the theme of the book than "Azusa Street". While the Azusa mission is described and integral to the storyline, the book centers more around Frank Bartleman's journey through it all, along with his prayers, his input via his writings, and his perspective on how the church embraced or rejected the various elements of the revival.
For a thoroughly researched book where Azusa Street is the central character along with all the side-players & missionaries, check out C.M. Robeck's 'Azusa Street, Mission and Revival'. Another great eyewitness account to read is Frank Ewart's 'The Phenomenon of Pentecost', which spotlights the restored doctrines of the time, along with picking up the story post-Azusa, starting in 1911.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read, filled with pictures, names and pages of the Apostolic Faith. It gave me a hunger to learn about the Welsh revival that was a catalyst of Azusa St. The book reads like a biography taken from his journal. For years, he went from church to church dissatisfied either with doctrine, or lack of christian unity. He spoke very little of being hungry for Jesus, but surrounded himself with people who preached and or prayed for revival. That was his heart. We then see how the Holy Spirit began to be poured out in a very mighty way. Reaching those outside the church was amazing. Yes, a fascinating read.

[Britt Prada · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a historical account of Azusa Street and had some of jargon, which made it difficult to follow along. However, it definitely gets better towards the end of the book. The book inspired me to remain hungry and to keep the mindset of “God, empty me out and fill me with you.” God can do the most work in our nothingness and weakness. Also, loved how it encouraged me in my faith to believe the Holy Spirit can move mightily today just as He did in the Old Testament, as the book emphasizes “He never changes.” ❤️

[Pam Reed · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a reprint of a book written 100 years ago. Although this has historical information on the early days of the Pentecostal movement in the USA, the author seems very egotistical. The author says how he was right and others wrong - constantly. Also, he seems to have little concern for his wife, although she obviously had to put up with lots of changes of address, circumstances etc. She is never named (though the children are) - she is always referred to as "wife".

[Wayne Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent history of God's Works in Los Angeles during "Azusa Street"

This is a first hand account of the Azusa Street Revival of 1906-1908. Although Bartleman was part of Azusa Street church for only a short time, this is a good account of the overall work of God that went on in his day. His insights into why the revival was not sustained are invaluable!

[Stephen James · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a way forward

There is a way forward for the church to enter into a moment with God. The keys are clearly repeated in this work. Hunger, pray and advance the kingdom within and without with every opportunity. Ignore everything else. This type of life invites God to come. If you draw close to God He will draw close to you. James 4:8

[Grayson Arrant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Azusa Street by Frank Bartleman takes you through an eyewitness account that brings you through trials, blessings, a Pentecostal movement, and what God does when souls chase after Him. This book highlights all the highs and lows through Frank Bartleman’s experience through his life and the revival that took place.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful testimony and very moving to my spirit. Seeing God meet needs supernatural was awe inspiring and raised my level of faith.




Wonderful testimony and very moving to my spirit. Seeing God meet needs supernatural was awe inspiring and raised my level of faith.

[Sharon Sponheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Everyone who professes to be a follower of Christ should read this book. There is such humbleness, sincerity, and honesty in this book. I have been convicted and encouraged over and over again. I will be reading this book again and again. Just wonderful!

[Sabrina Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading

This book answers the question of why revival tarries. I suggest that you prayerfully read it. It’s changed my life.

[Juanita Coutcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

This was a most enlightening, life changing, text. I wish I had read it 40 years ago. Perhaps good “suggested reading” for new converts.

[Michael Weldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

To see how Azusa street was started by praying men and women seeking God not for his gifts but him . Tells the pre history of Azusa Street before 1906.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible book of the history of the charismatic movement.

[Todd Hudnall · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a glimpse into history and the life of Frank Bartleman it's five stars. More about him than the revival.

[Bruna Quer Ler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Livro fininho, porém denso, com muita informação. Gostei bastante, e realmente é uma leitura muito válida.

[Matheus Pereira de Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is mostly about the author, not about the history of Azuza street.