What happened during the Azusa Street revival of 1906?

The Azusa Street revival, which began in 1906 at the Apostolic Faith Gospel Mission in Los Angeles, served as the primary catalyst for the national and international expansion of Pentecostalism.

Led by William Seymour, an African American Holiness pastor, the mission became a significant spiritual center that drew diverse crowds, including rich and poor individuals from Black, white, and Latino communities. Under Seymour’s guidance, participants were spiritually energized and emphasized the practice of speaking in tongues.

The revival was notable for its inclusive, interracial atmosphere, which stood in contrast to the segregation prevalent in many other religious institutions of the time. Attendees at the mission sought to transform their congregations into Spirit-filled communities similar to those described in the New Testament book of Acts of the Apostles, expecting an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. While the revival helped spread Pentecostal beliefs, it also faced significant opposition from traditional Protestant churches, eventually leading many participants to form their own independent denominations.1