Smith Wigglesworth

Life

Wigglesworth was born in 1859 into a poor family in Menston, Yorkshire, England. Sources differ on his date of birth, giving either June 8 or June 10. From an early age he had to help support his family by working in the fields and in a mill, so he did not attend school and never learned to read or write. He attended Methodist and Anglican churches with his parents and is said to have been converted (that is, to have turned to God in repentance for sin) at the age of eight. After his family moved to Bradford when he was thirteen, he became actively involved in a Wesleyan Methodist church.

In 1882 he married Mary Jane Featherstone, who had been active in the Salvation Army. She was commonly known as "Polly." The couple opened a small mission hall in Bradford; at first his wife did most of the preaching, while Wigglesworth handled the altar call (inviting those who had decided to believe to come forward after the sermon). Wigglesworth earned his living as a plumber. About forty years after his conversion, he is reported to have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and spoken in tongues. His wife died in 1913. On March 12, 1947, he died at the age of 87 while attending the funeral of a close friend in Wakefield. He was buried in Nab Wood Cemetery in Shipley, West Yorkshire.

Ministry and Accomplishments

Wigglesworth began to gain recognition in Britain after his wife's death, and from 1914 onward he traveled abroad to lead meetings. He is regarded as one of the most sought-after speakers within Pentecostalism during the 1920s and 1930s. Although he had no formal education, he emphasized simple faith and became famous for his divine healing ministry, praying for the sick at his meetings. For this reason his supporters called him the "Apostle of Faith." His sermons were transcribed by others and compiled into two books.

Influence on the Korean Church

There is no confirmed record that Wigglesworth visited Korea or had any direct relationship with the Korean church. In Korea he is reportedly presented mainly within Pentecostal and charismatic circles as an early Pentecostal evangelist who emphasized faith and divine healing. Which of his books were translated, when they were translated, and through what channels his influence spread remain to be added as information is confirmed.

Assessment

His supporters value the fact that he ministered steadily from his wife's death in 1913 until shortly before his own death. They also credit his ministry with laying a foundation for the later charismatic movement. However, most accounts of his miracles have come down through the testimonies and biographies of his followers. Anecdotes also survive describing a harsh manner toward the sick. For example, it is said that when a person he had prayed for the previous day came forward again for prayer, he declared that the person "had no faith" and told the person to get down from the platform. Those who hold that miraculous gifts ceased after the apostolic age (cessationism) are cautious about or critical of such claims of healing ministry in general. Pentecostals and charismatics, who hold that the gifts continue today, regard him as a minister of faith worthy of emulation. This debate is addressed in the article Cessationism and Continuationism.