1879-1924 Revivals of Maria Woodworth-Etter: The Pentecostal Precursor
Maria B. Woodworth-Etter
The Religious Landscape of Late 19th Century America
To understand the context of Woodworth-Etter’s revivals, it’s crucial to examine the religious landscape of the United States in the late 19th century. This period witnessed a surge in religious fervour, with movements like the Third Great Awakening (beginning in the 1850s) sweeping across the nation 1. This era saw the rise of evangelical Protestantism and an emphasis on personal religious experience 4. However, it was also a time of intellectual and theological ferment, with challenges to traditional biblical interpretations arising from Darwinism and higher criticism.
Amidst this dynamic religious environment, the Holiness movement emerged, emphasizing “entire sanctification” as a state of grace attainable for believers 5. This movement, with roots in Methodist theology, promoted the idea of a “second work of grace” following conversion. This second experience was believed to cleanse the believer from the power of sin and empower them for holy living 5. This focus on holiness and spiritual experience provided fertile ground for the emergence of figures like Woodworth-Etter, who emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of spiritual gifts.
Early Life and Call to Ministry
Maria Beulah Woodworth-Etter was born in 1844 in Lisbon, Ohio 1. Her early life was marked by hardship, including the loss of her father at age eleven and the deaths of five of her six children 6. These experiences profoundly shaped her faith and fuelled her desire to serve God. It is possible that these early encounters with suffering and loss contributed to her deep faith and her commitment to a ministry focused on healing and spiritual experience 6. At the age of 13, she had a conversion experience during a Disciples of Christ meeting and felt a call to “go out in the highways and hedges and gather in the lost sheep” 7. However, the Disciples of Christ did not permit women to preach at that time 8, leading to an internal conflict that delayed her entry into ministry.
Though raised in the Disciples of Christ tradition, Woodworth-Etter found inspiration in the fervent spirituality of the Methodist Church. She testified, “When I was a girl the Methodist church was the most powerful and the most spiritual. The people fell under the power of God, shouted, danced, got healed from diseases and did lots of other things” 9. This early exposure to a more expressive form of worship likely influenced her own ministry style.
In 1879, at the age of 35, Woodworth-Etter attended a Quaker revival meeting, where she renewed her commitment to Christ and finally surrendered to her call to preach 10. Despite societal norms and her own initial hesitation, she began preaching locally, finding support among the Quakers and later associating with the Methodist Holiness church 6. Her early ministry was characterized by evangelistic zeal and a focus on salvation, resulting in numerous conversions and the establishment of new churches 11.
Woodworth-Etter’s commitment to ministry was further solidified through a powerful vision. She described this experience, saying, “Then Jesus said again, ‘Go, and I will be with you.’ I cried, ‘Lord, I will go. Where shall I go?’ And Jesus said, ‘Go here, go there, wherever souls are perishing'” 12. This vision gave her the confidence to preach even in challenging environments, such as a place known as “The Devil’s Den,” a community known for its skepticism and resistance to the Gospel 12.
The Emergence of “Signs and Wonders”
While Woodworth-Etter’s early ministry focused on evangelism, it soon became marked by supernatural manifestations, including healings, visions, and trances 6. These “signs and wonders” drew large crowds and generated both excitement and controversy. In 1885, she began praying for the sick, believing that those with sufficient faith would be healed 1. Reports of miraculous healings spread, further amplifying her fame and the impact of her revivals 13.
Woodworth-Etter’s meetings were often highly charged emotional events, with participants experiencing trances, visions of heaven and hell, and speaking in tongues 9. These manifestations, though common in Pentecostalism today, were relatively novel in the late 19th century and contributed to the unique character of her revivals. She described one meeting in Fairview, Ohio, where participants prayed for a “baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire,” resulting in a powerful outpouring of the Spirit and numerous conversions 6.
This was Maria’s testimony from when she was preaching near Alexandria, Indiana, and this was also common wherever she conducted meetings: “Before I got through the power of God fell on the multitude and took control of about five hundred. Many fell to the ground. Others stood with their faces and hands raised to heaven. The Holy Ghost sat upon them. Others shouted, some talked, others wept aloud” 9. These dramatic displays of spiritual power were often met with skepticism and opposition. Some critics questioned her claims of divine healing and accused her of manipulating the emotions of her followers 1. However, Woodworth-Etter remained steadfast in her belief that God was working through her to bring salvation and healing to those who sought it.
Practices and Beliefs
Woodworth-Etter’s revivals were characterized by several key practices and beliefs, which can be summarized in the following table:
| Practice/Belief | Description |
| Protracted Meetings | Extended gatherings, often lasting weeks or even months, with multiple services held daily 9. This format allowed for sustained spiritual intensity and fostered a sense of community among participants. |
| Use of Tents | Woodworth-Etter often held her meetings in large tents, which could accommodate thousands of people 13. This allowed her to reach a wider audience and create a more immersive environment for worship and spiritual experience. |
| Emphasis on the Holy Spirit | Woodworth-Etter believed in the active and powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in her meetings, leading to conversions, healings, and other spiritual manifestations 9. |
| Divine Healing | She viewed healing as an integral part of the Gospel and encouraged participants to seek divine intervention for physical ailments 13. |
| Manifestation of Spiritual Gifts | All the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as described in the New Testament, were believed to be active in her meetings, including speaking in tongues, prophecy, and the casting out of demons 9. |
| Trance-like States | Woodworth-Etter herself frequently entered trance-like states during her sermons, often accompanied by visions that she would share with the congregation 3. |
| Extemporaneous Preaching | She typically preached without notes, relying on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to guide her message 14. |
These practices and beliefs, while controversial to some, contributed to the distinctive character of her revivals and foreshadowed key elements of the later Pentecostal movement.
Impact and Legacy
Woodworth-Etter’s revivals had a significant impact on the religious landscape of her time. Her meetings drew massive crowds, sometimes exceeding 25,000 people, and were widely reported in the press, including the New York Times 9. She conducted revivals across the Midwest and beyond, including Oakland, California, leaving a lasting influence on local churches and communities 9.
The exact number of converts from her revivals is difficult to determine, but contemporary accounts suggest that thousands were drawn to faith through her ministry 9. In Anderson, Indiana, for example, it was reported that between 20 and 50 people were converted daily during a three-week revival 9. Beyond conversions, her ministry also revitalized existing churches, inspired new church plants, and encouraged believers to seek a deeper spiritual life 13. The outpourings of the Holy Spirit experienced in Maria’s meetings also led to the reviving of hundreds of thousands of cold and lukewarm Christians and thousands of ministers who had grown disheartened and discouraged finding fresh life 9.
One particularly striking example of the spiritual impact of her revivals occurred in Hartford City, Indiana. During a meeting, a young boy came out of a trance and began preaching with remarkable wisdom and power 9. This unexpected event led to a wave of conversions, with 500 people turning to faith. The impact on the city was profound, with people experiencing deep spiritual awakenings, a renewed sense of the fear of God, and a decrease in crime 9.
Many of the healings reported in Woodworth-Etter’s meetings were dramatic and seemingly defied medical explanation. One account tells of a woman who had suffered a severe accident five years prior. During the revival, she experienced a complete regeneration of damaged tissues, a healing that seemed to echo the miracles recorded in the Book of Acts 16.
Woodworth-Etter’s influence extended beyond her lifetime. Her ministry style and emphasis on spiritual experience prefigured the Pentecostal movement, which emerged in the early 20th century 6. She is considered a forerunner of Pentecostalism, and her writings and teachings continue to inspire modern-day Pentecostal and Charismatic leaders 1. Her commitment and dedication personally influenced such great heroes of the faith as Smith Wigglesworth, Aimee Semple McPherson, John Alexander Dowie, John G. Lake, E.W. Kenyon, F.F. Bosworth, and Kathryn Kuhlman 2.
It is important to consider the social and cultural context in which Woodworth-Etter’s revivals took place. The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a time of rapid social change and uncertainty in America 9. Industrialization, urbanization, and immigration were transforming society, creating new challenges and anxieties. In this environment, Woodworth-Etter’s revivals may have provided solace and hope to people seeking meaning and stability amidst the turbulence of the times. Her message of spiritual power, divine healing, and personal transformation resonated with those seeking answers to both spiritual and social ills.
Relationship to Other Revival Movements
Woodworth-Etter’s revivals were part of a broader wave of religious revivalism that swept through the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her ministry shared similarities with other revival movements of the time, including the Holiness movement and the emerging Pentecostal movement. However, her emphasis on “signs and wonders,” particularly divine healing and trance-like states, set her apart and contributed to the unique character of her revivals 6.
To understand Woodworth-Etter’s place in the history of revivalism, it is helpful to consider her relationship to other significant events, such as the Shearer Schoolhouse Revival (1896), the Topeka Outpouring (1901), and the Azusa Street Revival (1906) 9. These revivals, all occurring within a relatively short timeframe, demonstrate the growing momentum of the Pentecostal movement and the increasing acceptance of spiritual manifestations like speaking in tongues and divine healing.
Initially, Woodworth-Etter had reservations about the Pentecostal movement due to concerns about unbalanced teachings and extremism 6. However, she eventually embraced it and became a respected figure within its ranks 6. This evolution of her views reflects the broader theological debates within Christianity at the time. Some Christians were wary of the emotionalism and the emphasis on supernatural experiences that characterized Pentecostalism, while others saw it as a genuine outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Woodworth-Etter, with her own experiences of spiritual manifestations and her commitment to both evangelism and healing, played a role in bridging these different perspectives.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Significance |
| 1844 | Birth of Maria Woodworth-Etter | Marks the beginning of a life that would significantly impact American Christianity. |
| 1857 | Conversion and call to ministry | At age 13, Woodworth-Etter experiences a profound conversion and feels called to preach, setting the stage for her future ministry. |
| 1879 | Begins evangelistic ministry | After years of delay, Woodworth-Etter surrenders to her call and begins preaching, marking the start of her public ministry. |
| 1885 | Begins praying for the sick | Woodworth-Etter incorporates divine healing into her ministry, leading to reports of miraculous healings and increased attention to her revivals. |
| 1902 | Marries Samuel Etter | Marks a period of stability and support in her personal life, with Samuel Etter becoming a partner in her ministry. |
| 1906 | Prophesies San Francisco earthquake | Woodworth-Etter’s prediction of the earthquake adds to her reputation and fuels public interest in her ministry. |
| 1912 | Joins the Pentecostal movement | After initial hesitation, Woodworth-Etter embraces the Pentecostal movement, becoming a respected figure within its ranks. |
| 1914 | Death of Samuel Etter | Marks a significant personal loss for Woodworth-Etter, but she continues her ministry with unwavering dedication. |
| 1918 | Founds Woodworth-Etter Tabernacle | Establishes a permanent base for her ministry in Indianapolis, which continues to operate today as Lakeview Church. |
| 1924 | Death of Maria Woodworth-Etter | Marks the end of an era, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity. |
This timeline highlights key moments in Woodworth-Etter’s life and ministry, illustrating the progression of her influence and the lasting impact of her revivals.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Faith and Power
Maria Woodworth-Etter’s revivals testify to the power of faith and the enduring work of the Holy Spirit. Despite facing societal barriers and theological controversies, she persevered in her calling, leading countless individuals to faith and healing. Her ministry, characterized by fervent preaching, spiritual experiences, and miraculous healings, foreshadowed the Pentecostal movement and continues to inspire believers today.
Woodworth-Etter’s legacy is multifaceted. She was a pioneer for women in ministry, a champion of divine healing, and a catalyst for spiritual renewal. Her revivals left a lasting impact on the religious landscape of America, contributing to the growth of Pentecostalism and shaping the Charismatic movement. Her story reminds us of the transforming power of faith and the enduring relevance of the Gospel message.
More broadly, Woodworth-Etter’s ministry can be seen as a reflection of the ongoing search for spiritual experience in American Christianity. From the Great Awakenings to the rise of Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement, there has been a persistent desire for a faith that is not merely intellectual or doctrinal, but also experiential and emotionally vibrant. Woodworth-Etter, with her emphasis on the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of spiritual gifts, tapped into this deep longing and helped to shape the contours of modern Christian expression. Her story reminds us that faith is not static, but rather a dynamic and evolving force that continues to find new expressions in each generation.
Works cited
- Maria Woodworth-Etter – Wikipedia, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Woodworth-Etter
- Maria Woodworth Etter | Demonstrator of the Spirit, accessed on December 17, 2024, http://www.rtnkc.org/pages.asp?pageid=114113
- The Ministry of Maria Woodworth Etter, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.zionchristianministry.com/publications/books-by-shawn/the-ministry-of-maria-woodworth-etter/
- History of religion in the United States – Wikipedia, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_religion_in_the_United_States
- The Great Awakening: A Study of Past Revivals – Celebration Church Akron, OH |, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.ccakron.org/sites/default/files/u55/GreatAwakening_LessonOne.pdf
- Maria Woodworth-Etter | Revival Library, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://revival-library.org/heroes/maria-woodworth-etter/
- Maria Beulah Woodworth Etter, the Trance Evangelist – CBE International, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/maria-beulah-woodworth-etter-trance-evangelist/
- Maria Woodworth-Etter: A Remarkable Journey of Faith and Revival – Fathers Heart Ministry, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://fathersheartministry.net/maria-woodworth-etter-a-remarkable-journey-of-faith-and-revival/
- 1879-1924 Revivals of Maria Woodworth-Etter – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://romans1015.com/maria/
- Maria Woodworth-Etter – Read this story on Magzter.com, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.magzter.com/stories/Education/Heroes-of-the-Faith/Maria-Woodworth-Etter
- Maria woodworth etter 100 year proph, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://assets.website-files.com/65dc9809625fd2f44b9e6754/671871bd5af8a4f0020959ff_namikamez.pdf
- Maria Woodworth-Etter – Progress Made In Preparation, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://warren888.tripod.com/id417.html
- The Life & Ministry of Maria Woodworth-Etter – icwhp.org, accessed on December 17, 2024, http://www.icwhp.org/about_maria_woodworth_etter.html
- romans1015.com, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://romans1015.com/maria/#:~:text=This%20was%20a%20common%20scene,seeing%20both%20heaven%20and%20hell.&text=With%20no%20formal%20theological%20training,no%20notes%20or%20prior%20preparation.
- Mother Etter- The Greatest Christian Life | www.morningstarministries.org, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://www.morningstarministries.org/publications/mother-etter-greatest-christian-life
- Signs and Wonders: the Remarkable Ministry of Maria Woodworth Etter | Mining for Gold, accessed on December 17, 2024, https://makinghistorynow.wordpress.com/2021/07/08/prepared-for-the-miraculous-maria-woodworth-etters-remarkable-journey/
This document was drafted by Tony Cauchi and refined in collaboration with AI research. It has been thoroughly edited to ensure accuracy and readability.