A Life of Devotion: Early Years
Phoebe Palmer was born in 1807 and is considered to be “The Mother of the Holiness Movement.” This movement began in 1835 with her Tuesday Meetings for the Promotion of Holiness, which continued for 39 years in New York City, where she lived with her physician husband.
The Power of Informal Meetings
The success of Phoebe Palmer’s informal meetings encouraged other women to conduct the same type of ministry, and dozens of them sprang up throughout North America. Although Palmer was already inspiring many women around the country 13 years before the Women’s Rights Movement began, the church, unfortunately, did not understand the prophetic nature of her actions to encourage and empower women for the ministry.
The Pursuit of Holiness: A Spiritual Awakening”
She could have graced a throne, or filled the office of a bishop, or organized and governed a new sect…. Whoever promotes holiness in all this country, must build upon the deep-laid foundations of this holy woman,” wrote a leading minister upon the death in 1874 of Phoebe Palmer.
Empowering Women: The Tuesday Meetings
A century later, M.E. Dieter argued in his history of The Holiness Revival of the Nineteenth Century that “the quiet discourse and boundless activity of Mrs. Palmer “became the major impetus in setting off a world wide [holiness] movement.”
A Ministry of Influence: Preaching and Teaching
She became interested in the Wesleyan doctrine of Christian perfection; and professing with her husband the experience of “entire sanctification,” held weekly meetings at her home for the advancement of this doctrine for nearly 50 years. They traveled extensively in this country and in Europe supporting their views.
Trailblazing Faith: Impact and Influence
Phoebe Palmer was impacted by John Fletcher’s thoughts and Pentecostal style language began to appear in her speaking and writing. During a four-year trip to promote the revival in England, Mrs. Palmer and her husband developed an order of service based on Pentecost which later became their standard pattern.
Tale Tuesday 048
Date: 11th July 2023
Title: PHOEBE PALMER
Source: The Azusa Street Revival
Author: Roberts Liardon
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