The demands placed upon George and the 'Elim Evangelistic Band' became more intense. The meetings were increasing in size, the invitations from England were increasing, and invites from others parts of the world as well as news of what God was doing there confirmed to George of the need to re-locate to England.
Obviously this was a big price to pay by the Irish Elim churches, but they saw the necessity to release George to go where he felt God was leading. Opportunity was given him to hold a series of meeting in Leigh-on-Sea, England In May 1923 the first copy of the 'Elim Evangel' was published at the Elim Publishing House, Park Crescent, Clapham, London SW4.
1925 a four acre site was purchased in Clarence Road, Clapham for a Bible College and offices for the pricey sum of £6,325. This 'woodlands' site became the center of the movements activities until it was compulsory purchased by the then Wandsworth Borough Council for £115,000, in 1966 to build two blocks of flats for the growing population.
However between 1926 to 1928 a vast crowd would gather here for Easter meetings and baptismal services.
 From 1926 to 1939 the Royal Albert Hall was packed out as 'Pentecostals' traveled from all over the country to join in the Easter celebration meetings.
These were a real joyous occasion as baptismal services were conducted as well. A large tank with running water would be constructed. This wasn't as easy as it sounds for it was before the days of plastic for a large tank to hold such a vast amount of water. It was not unusual for George to baptise as many as 900 people in a session by totally immersing them. Here George is standing next to a baptismal candidate in the Royal Albert Hall 1928.
 The Elim movement continued to grow rapidly, even though money was very tight. On occasions George did not have enough to buy stamps to reply to the invites he received from elsewhere in the UK. But in spite of this by the end of 1925 some 36 churches had been established in London. No hall was too big or small - in every venue in which George preached, the crowds recognised the Holy Spirit's anointing upon his ministry. Many people were converted and quite a number of amazing healings took place.
By 1935 over 200 churches had been started by George and his team formerly known as the 'Elim Evangelistic Band', with some of these churches with congregations of 200 people or more. Redundant churches were being bough up as this was the period of the 'Great Depression' by God was blessing the movement mightily.
 In 1936 nearly 15,000 people gathered at Crystal Palace for a large celebration style meeting as the movement had been going for 21 years. This venue had been used six times previously by George Jeffreys, and on each occasion the hall was packed. However, this was to be the last time as a short while later it was destroyed by fire.
From Scotland to the South Coast, towns and cities witnessed what God was able to do with a loyal band of people committed to co-operating with the Holy Spirit.
God still hasn't changed. He is still looking for those who are yielded to Him and seeking to follow the leading of His Spirit to accomplish the very things He wants to do. Will you be such a person who will yield to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and seek to develop your walk and relationship with Him as others have done before. Who knows what God will accomplish through you. |