 In early January 1915 George went to Monaghan, Northern Ireland to conduct a series of tent meetings, in the same area where John Wesley had been imprisoned for proclaiming the Gospel many years previously. George saw this as a real privilege to declare the Gospel with great power and authority. The group of seven met in the Knox's Temperance Hotel. Little did they know what God was going to do from these humble beginnings.
Two brothers George and William Gillespie had invited him to conduct these meetings in Monaghan. A hall was booked, but as soon as the owners found out that it was for Pentecostal services the booking was cancelled. Not to be daunted a canvas tent was hired for these meetings. It seated approx 275 but many more attended the meetings. However, there were many converts and baptisms in the Holy Spirit. Everyone involved was so encouraged by the things that the Holy Spirit was doing, that they bought the tent for the pricey sum of £20 which was quite a large amount in those days.
 Following these successful meetings a hall was acquired in Hunter Street, Belfast. Crowds flocked to hear the young revivalist and his small but loyal band of workers. Together they became know as 'Elim Evangelistic Band'. They churches of their day generally wanted nothing to do with this enthusiastic group because they were comfortable with their stayed and ritualistic meetings. No doubt some insecurity existed, particularly as people testified of getting 'saved', 'healed' or 'baptised in the Holy Spirit'. Terms that were generally not familiar to the traditional church goer. For others the unusual manifestations might have been an issue. On occasions over fifty people would suddenly fall down under the power of the Spirit and it was impossible to continue with the service as normal. Sometimes people would fall to the ground as they were being prayed for to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit or when they had come forward for healing. However, God was at work and it wasn't long before it was recognised that this small group needed to be established formally - the Elim movement had begun.
 The 'Elim Evangelistic Band' traveled all over Northern Ireland taking the Gospel message with signs and wonders evident. The team had to depend upon God as money was very tight. God did not disappoint these eager faith filled workers. The movement blossomed greatly in every area, and there was no shortage of people prepared to give up everything and commit themselves to this wonderful move of God, whether it be the Elim Missions, the Elim Evangelistic Band, or Elim Churches that had been started or joined the new movement.
From its humble beginnings in Monaghan the movement started to make an impact both in Wales mainly under the direction of Stephen Jeffreys and in Ireland under George, and by the end of 1919 the Elim Evangelistic Band had increased to seventeen members where successful missions had been conducted in:-
 Belfast
- Ballymena
- Moneyslane
- Portadown
- Bangor
- Lisburn
- Eskylane
- Cullybacky
- Milford
The young movement was very active, for in addition to these churches started in Ireland, conventions were also conducted in the following places in Wales:-
and a number of parts of England, together they formed the beginning of the 'Elim Pentecostal Alliance', the movement that was soon to have a growing influence throughout Britain as well as many parts of the world.
By the end of 1920 there were fifteen churches in Ireland, with Stephen Jeffreys conducting some great conventions in Wales:-
- Cwmbach
- Kenfig Hill
- Aberdare
- Maesteg
which would became Elim churches.
In addition to all that was going on:-
- Missionaries were sent out to work in the Congo
 A quarterly magazine was commenced called "The Elim Evangel" (copies of these early editions can be seen on CD and purchased from "Revival Library"), for the purpose of communicating truth and news to the increasing growth of people who were joining the movement.
Conventions were held in a number of towns in England - Swanwick, Hove, Hull, as well as a Theological College in London, and everywhere meetings were held, God moved mightily in salvation, healing and transforming the lives of many.
But this was only the beginning. A lot more amazing things were going to take place. |