Dallimore Arthur Henry 1932 1970 Auckland Nz

edmondsallan - Hello - This person had it all . He had charisma that could charm the socks off a donkey , He had a deep booming voice that went in to your ears and make your mouth drop in belief . Women would faint sometimes a metre away before he laid hands on them . Now, I can feel some of you may be , just may be thinking that I am not a christian to talk like this - so, just to keep on the right railway lines going in the right direction - This is a journal about another person who in his day in Auckland , worked on making New Zealand a better place . I don't know how !! as it is already known as " God's own Country " Let's move along --

Dallimore argued that the British, destined to inaugurate the kingdom of God on earth, enjoyed a special divine covenant. Biblical references to ancient Israel and New Testament promises to Christians generally were appropriated for the British. He predicted that ancient royal lines he traced from Troy would merge in 'David' - the future King Edward VIII - who would 'rule the British people, by covenant and destiny', as a benevolent autocrat, and would never marry. He needed no heir, as his successor would be Jesus Christ on his return to earth. Dallimore also believed that the British Empire had been corrupted by the 'detestable "rats" of Europe and Asia', propagating morally corrupting philosophies, especially communism. The 'rats' must be 'exterminated' by 'Ruthless men, fired by the fear of God, and a loyalty to His Kingdom that nothing can check'.

Dallimore's services followed revivalist patterns, with Ethel leading congregational singing from the piano. She, like her husband, prayed for the sick. The meetings were 'extremely sober', lacking hysteria and drama. Nevertheless, the Pentecostal emphasis on healing (even of animals), falling down under the Holy Spirit's power, and speaking in tongues caused offence and division. Clerical concerns crystallised in September 1932 when an interdenominational committee of 20 ministers, academics and medical representatives was established to investigate Dallimore's ministry. Dallimore refused to assist, declaring, 'I cannot see what good end could be accomplished by me assisting to judge the works of Christ done in answer to my prayers. I have no quarrel with Him, therefore I decline.' Dallimore would have helped 'to prove His words true…but I am afraid that is not your aim.' Left to its own devices, the committee investigated 43 cases, but was unable to confirm a single supernatural cure. Instead, it accused Dallimore of sacrilegiously eccentric biblical interpretation.

Public outcry flowed from newspaper and pulpit, compelling the city council to forbid Dallimore's use of the town hall. Within two months a large petition of supporters forced his reinstatement. Opponents regrouped; the joint committee reiterated its finding. However, the public soon lost interest, and many evangelicals and Pentecostals converted through Dallimore's ministry drifted to mainstream churches as he became more unorthodox. The Mission's supporters dwindled gradually. Although British-Israelitism proved attractive during the war years, its earlier popularity was never repeated. It was perpetuated in the Commonwealth Covenant Church.

The Revival Fire Mission settled down to fairly conventional church organisational patterns. Three congregations formed, at Auckland, Hamilton and Thames, with branch services in Avondale and Onehunga. Dallimore achieved new notoriety in the 1950s, publishing attacks on the doctrine of the Trinity. He maintained an active ministry until 1960, the mission finally closing in 1968. Ethel Dallimore, having become an Anglican, died on 16 April 1957. Arthur Dallimore died at Auckland on 23 July 1970, aged 96, survived by two sons and a daughter. Till we meet again - Regards - edmondsallan