Chapter Nine. Oneness Seed On Canadian Soil: Early Developments Of Oneness Pentecostalism

Abstract

This chapter examines the early Oneness movement and the distinctive role played by Canadian leaders in the emerging tradition. It focuses on some aspects were conventional and predictable on either side of the border. But other contributions were distinctive and unique, if not controversial. Canadians are written into the early Oneness story in a variety of ways - personally, theologically, and institutionally. McAlister's public role as catalyst for the New Issue occurred in April 1913, but the forces that brought him to that point began three years earlier. But the chapter discusses Small's distinctive theological contribution - the Finished Work of Calvary and eternal security. Small's vision of Apostolic Church of Pentecost (ACOP) as an identifiable Oneness organization was tested when the leaders began merger conversations in 1950 with the Evangelical Churches of Pentecost, a small but mostly Trinitarian fellowship. Keywords: Apostolic Church of Pentecost (ACOP); Canadian Soil; McAlister; Oneness Pentecostalism