Wales
History
The history of Wales dates back to the neolithic and bronze ages. The Romans moved into the region during the 1st century AD until their withdrawal in the 5th century. The Welsh had many struggles against the English throughout their history until becoming part of Great Britain in 1707. Yet, they retained their language and culture and today are officially a bilingual country. The country has transformed from an agricultural society to an industrial nation to one relying on service industry and tourism. Wales is regarded as one of the modern Celtic nations.
Church History
The formation of the Assemblies of God in Great Britain and Ireland was motivated by the need for fellowship and co-operation between emerging Pentecostal churches. The first meeting was held in February 1924 in Birmingham. The founders of the Fellowship combined the desire for inter-church support and co-operation together with a clear recognition of the right of each church to govern its own affairs.
The first conference of the Assemblies of God was held in May 1924 at London when a Board was elected, the work of sending missionaries considered, the decision taken to publish a magazine and a Statement of Fundamental Truths drawn up.
The Fellowship grew rapidly, helped notably by the remarkable campaigns conducted all over the country by men like Stephen Jeffreys. The leaders of the fellowship were mature men whose names are still held in high esteem not only in this country but world-wide, including Donald Gee, Howard and John Carter, and Harold Horton whose books have become classics on Pentecostal doctrine.
In the 1960s a great charismatic revival spread across the country. Many were filled with the Holy Spirit and the fire of Pentecost was brought to several denominations for the first time. Like the Assemblies of God in the United States, the Assemblies of God in the United Kingdom is self-governing and self-financing.
The Movement Today
The Assemblies of God in the UK strongly emphasizes world evangelism and partners with the American Assemblies of God in many foreign ministries. The Assemblies of God in the UK report the following statistics: 38 churches, and about 3800 members and adherents. More information is available from the website: http://www.aog.org.uk.
Additional Facts About Wales
- Capital: Cardiff
- Area: 8,022 square miles
- Population: 3,063,456
- Government: Devolved government within parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Agriculture: Livestock
- Industry: Coal, steel, livestock, and light industry
