[193] As Branham began offering his own viewpoint, it led to the alienation of Pentecostal groups adhering to Trinitarianism. [173] His criticisms of Pentecostal organizations, and especially his views on holiness and the role of women, led to his rejection by the growing Charismatic movement and the Pentecostals from whom he had originally achieved popularity. All William Branham films, Rebekah Branham-Smith's slideshow plus 90 hours of audio and 25 hours of spellbinding video testimony from over 30 eye witnesses. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. Also known as Dnc William Brennan, William Brenna. [175] As a result of their view of his teachings, many Pentecostals judged that Branham had "stepped out of his anointing" and had become a "bad teacher of heretical doctrine". [241][k] In his later years, he came to believe all denominations were "synagogues of Satan". [213] Although not widely accepted, Parker's teachings were well known among Baptists in Indiana and Kentucky; Parker also connected the serpent's seed to the non-white races. [172], Branham came to believe that trinitarianism was tritheism and insisted members of his congregation be re-baptized in Jesus's name in imitation of Paul the Apostle. His visions ended with the apocalyptic destruction of the United States that left the nation's cities in smoldering ruins. A Florida native, Tullian is also the grandson of Billy and Ruth Graham, a visiting professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, and a contributing editor to Leadership Journal. [284] Schfer and other members of his church served as William Branham's personal security detail on his 1955 European tour. "Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war." - Julius Caesar III.i, William Shakespeare Annabelle Jasper Heartwood Nelli G Victor Temple Jason Carl as the Storyteller Erika Ishii as Annabelle Cynthia Marie as Nelli G B. Dave Walters as Victor . Only a piece, scrap, made of a man, to deceive him by; God made it, right here has proved it. His story was published in Reader's Digest. [265], Branham's sons Joseph and Billy Paul lead the William Branham Evangelical Association and hold influence over many churches. [46] Sometime during March or April 1934, the First Pentecostal Baptist Church was destroyed by a fire and Branham's supporters at the church helped him organize a new church in Jeffersonville. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania . [200] When he was given a new Cadillac, he kept it parked in his garage for two years out of embarrassment. He required supplicants to claim to be healed to demonstrate their faith, even if they were still experiencing symptoms. [81] He decided to publicize Oral Roberts during Branham's absence, and Roberts quickly rose to prominence, in large part due to Lindsay's coverage. William Branham, February 17, 1954 Jesus On The Authority Of The Word, Jones ultimately rejected all of Christianity as "fly away religion", rejected the Bible as being a tool to oppress women and non-whites, and denounced the Christian God as a "Sky God" who was "no God at all". [123][128][131], At meetings in Vancouver during 1947, newspaper reporters discovered that one young girl had been in Branham's prayer lines in multiple cities posing as a cripple, but rising to walk after Branham pronounced her healed each time. [184] Unlike his views on the Godhead and Annihilationism, there was no precedent within Pentecostalism for his views on predestination, and opened him to widespread criticism. His ministry spawned many emulators and set the broader healing revival that later became the modern charismatic movement in motion. When speaking to poor and working-class audiences, he tended to use poor grammar and folksy language; when speaking to more educated audiences and ministerial associations, he generally spoke using perfect grammar and avoided slang usage. [48] Branham married Brumbach in June 1934. They were arrested multiple times in both countries for harassing women for their appearance and disrupting church services. [47] At first Branham preached out of a tent at 8th and Pratt street, and he also reported temporarily preaching in an orphanage building. He attended Mineville High School where he excelled both academically and athletically. Bible Answer Man 54.7K subscribers 6.4K views 2 years ago #williambranham #hankhanegraaff #bibleanswerman Hank Hanegraaff, the host of the Bible Answer. [127] By 1960, the number of evangelists holding national campaigns dropped to 11. [211] Branham taught that humanity's choice in salvation was negated by their ancestry, and that genetics determined one's eternal destiny; the offspring of Cain were foreordained to damnation while the offspring of Seth were foreordained to salvation. [242] He argued that continued allegiance to any denomination would lead to an acceptance of the mark of the beast, which would mean missing the rapture. [179] Kydd and Weaver have both referred to Branham's teachings as "Branhamology"; other sources refer to his teachings as "Branhamism". A female hog can't be immoral, a female dog can't be immoral, a female bird can't be immoral. [185] Branham's teaching on divine healing were within the mainstream of Pentecostal theology and echoed the doctrines taught by Smith Wigglesworth, Bosworth, and other prominent Pentecostal ministers of the prior generation. His teachings continue to be promoted by the William Branham Evangelistic Association, which reported that about 2 million people received its material in 2018. William V. Brennan, 84, a former pastor of St. Vincent DePaul Church in Chicago and onetime Army chaplain, died Sunday, Jan. 9, in Maryhaven Nursing Center in Glenview. [144] After reviewing the results of the investigation, one minister concluded "that the cures claimed are so largely exaggerated as to be almost fraudulent in their claim. Carl Dyck wrote, "Those who have come out of this group give solemn evidence of the devastating effect that Branhamism had on them, both emotionally and psychologically. He investigated the phenomena and discovered that the cloud had been created by an exploded Thor rocket carrying a classified spy satellite launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base that failed to make orbit. On September 22, 1992, Bill Brennan came to work at the Stardust Casino in Las Vegas like he did any other day. [240], Branham, however, adopted the teaching of Charles Taze Russell which associated the image of the beast with Protestant denominations. [172] Weaver also attributed Branham's eschatological teachings to the influence of a small group of his closest followers, who encouraged his desire for a unique ministry. He is to come according to Luke 17:30. Without this consciousness he seems to be perfectly helpless. [193] Promoting annihilationism led to the alienation of Pentecostal groups that had rejected Parham's teaching on the subject. Authorities have gone so far as to raid one church and threaten members with legal action for violating bigamy laws. But it'll come through a prophet. People named Matthew Brennan. Investigators of Branham's claim were unable to identify the woman in the photograph. An investigative reporter suspected Branham had staged the miracle. Born: April 25, 1906, in Newark, N.J., the second of eight children of William Brennan and the former Agnes McDermott. [169][250][139], In the confusion immediately following Branham's death, expectations that he would rise from the dead developed among his followers. [222] As described by Branham, the characteristics of the Laodicean age resemble the modern era. [81], Just as Branham began to attract international attention in May 1948, he announced that due to illness he would have to halt his campaign. During the early 1930s, he became acquainted with William Sowders' School of the Prophets, a Pentecostal group in Kentucky and Indiana. See? [124] Hollenweger investigated Branham's use of the "word of knowledge gift" and found no instances in which Branham was mistaken in his often-detailed pronouncements. William Marrion Branham (1909-1965) was born in Kentucky, USA. [68] Branham's fame began to grow as a result of the publicity and reports covering his meetings. Rev. Branham claimed repeatedly throughout his ministry that the vision was fulfilled during the 19271929 construction of the bridge, but there is no evidence of the drownings having ever occurred. Schfer claimed to experience a healing in the meeting, and thereafter began to put more of William Branham's doctrines into practice in his group, and began to insist to his followers that they were the only "only faithful ones" to William Branham's teachings. 3D 630, "Shiloh's future in question after Living Word dissolves", "Insight: German sect victims seek escape from Chilean nightmare past", "Krefeld and its connection to Colonia Dignidad", "Schfer's former henchman speaks for the first time: asks for his share after a millionaire agreement between Villa Baviera and the CDE", "Pastor's polygamy beliefs under scrutiny", "Pastor suspeito de crimes sexuais contra fiis morre de Covid-19, em Goinia", "Five Founders and Marketers of Two Hedge Funds Indicted on Conspiracy and Securities Fraud Charges", "Five Church Leaders Plead Guilty to Securities Fraud Conspiracy", "Administrative Proceedings File No. Branham faced legal problems as a result of his practices. [252] The expectation of his resurrection remained strong into the 1970s, in part based on Branham's prediction that the rapture could occur by 1977. [177] James McDonald of the University of Arizona Institute of Atmospheric Physics was present when the 1963 cloud phenomena appeared. [292], Polygamist followers of Branham's teachings have also been reported by news media in the United States for marriage to minors. He earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Duke University in Durham, N.C with a concentration in Organization Leadership. An' I ain't makin' excuses for Alvin, or nobody. Lived In Denver CO, Dallas TX, Phoenix AZ, Chandler AZ. Charismatic writer Michael Moriarty stated, "Branham's aberrational teachings not only cultivated cultic fringe movements like the Latter Rain Movement and the Manifested Sons of God, but they also paved a pathway leading to false predictions, revelatory madness, doctrinal heresies, and a cultic following that treated his sermons as oral scriptures". [7] At the time they were held, his inter-denominational meetings were the largest religious meetings ever held in some American cities. [99] After completing his sermon, he would proceed with the prayer line where he would pray for the sick. "[25] Leaders in Branham's movement have taken actions to prevent followers from discovering the true origin of the serpent seed teaching. [164] Branham was an important influence on Jones, who copied many of his styles, methods, and teachings. [184] As a result, the theology he developed in the later years of his life seemed "complicated and bizarre" to many people who admired him personally during the years of the healing revival. said, "Dr. Davis, the one that ordained you in the Baptist church, was the one who sent me here to see you." Brennan attended public schools in Newark, and graduated from Barringer High School in 1924. [190] In 1960, Branham claimed the Holy Spirit had revealed this doctrine to him as one of the end-time mysteries. [97] While he stated his personal admiration for Branham, the troubling number of deaths led him to suggest "there is a possibility that this whole thing is wrong". [133], In 1948, W. J. Taylor, a district superintendent with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, raised concerns again following another wave of Branham meetings and asked for a thorough investigation. [217][218] Hassan wrote that Branham's followers use "deceptive tactics to recruit and indoctrinate unsuspecting people," and that "recruiters do not tell new members" about the historic "deep ties to white supremacy groups. "[268] Some followers have attempted to reform Branham's most extreme teachings. There is nothing designed to stoop so low, or be filthy, but a woman. [30] Shortly thereafter, he began attending the First Pentecostal Baptist Church of Jeffersonville, where he converted to Christianity. Branham was open about the implications of his beliefs and publicly supported segregation. [160] Branham also began to criticize Oral Roberts and Billy Graham. "Will it come after while, Brother Branham?" [195][172][j] Branham stated that he was not opposed to organizational structures; his concern focused on the "road block to salvation and spiritual unity" he believed denominations created by emphasizing loyalty to their organizations. [191] Prior to 1957, Branham taught a doctrine of eternal punishment in hell. Also known as Bill C Brennan, Brennan Bill. [199] Branham once told women who refused to dress according to his instructions "not to call themselves Christians" but qualified his denunciations by affirming that obedience to the holiness moral code was not a requirement for salvation. [69][96], This second sign did not appear in his campaigns until after his recovery in 1948, and was used to "amaze tens of thousands" at his meetings. [187], He stated the corruption came from the desire of early Christianity's clergy to obtain political power, and as a result became increasingly wicked and introduced false creeds. Many written testimonies. 1955). [35], During June 1933, Branham held tent revival meetings that were sponsored by Davis and the First Pentecostal Baptist Church. [15] The couple began dating in 1933. Branham came to depend on The Herald of Faith published by Joseph Mattsson-Bose as his primary publicity tool for the final years of his ministry. She's not even in the original creation. [276], Branham's followers are widely spread throughout the world. In March 1924, Branham's father was arrested for his criminal activities; he was convicted and sentenced to a prison. Learn More. [112][94] Attendance at the meetings generally exceeded 7,000 despite resistance to his meetings by the state churches. The Archdiocesan Review Board has deemed substantive allegations of sexual misconduct with minors involving Fr. [89], Branham spent many hours ministering and praying for the sick during his campaigns, and like many other leading evangelists of the time he suffered exhaustion. Branham claimed that he had received an angelic visitation on May 7, 1946, commissioning his worldwide ministry and launching his campaigning career in mid-1946. [277] In 2020, the Russian government labeled missionaries of Branham's teaching as "extremists" and banned the importation of Branham related publications to the Russian Federation. Visitation at Hackett-Metcalf Funeral Home, 2640 Monroe Blvd. [194] Branham lamented that more so than any other teaching, Pentecostals criticized him for his predestination teachings. [192] Branham's teaching was particularly damaging to his relationship with Pentecostals denominations who were angered that he would associate them with the mark of beast. [96] Branham's audiences were often awestruck by the events during his meetings. [86], In January 1948, meetings were held in Florida;[81] F.F. Bosworth met Branham at the meetings and also joined his team. [97] Kydd reported that by watching films of the revival meetings, "the viewer would assume almost everyone was healed", but "results were less promising whenever follow-up was made. Some groups prohibit their members from having relationships with outsiders. Branham identified historical Christian figures as church age messengers, naming some of the same men as Russel. [265] Each of the men claiming to be his successor have established new sects of Branham's followers. The CBC investigated Branham and focused their reporting on his connections to Jim Jones and the Ku Klux Klan and labeled Branham's followers a "doomsday cult". 7:24 Paul said "The Rock is Christ" who was in the wilderness (I Cor.10:4). Brennan dating back to the early years of his ministry. William Jay (Author), S. O. Brennan (Editor) 12 ratings See all formats and editions Kindle $0.00 Read with Kindle Unlimited to also enjoy access to over 3 million more titles $9.99 to buy Paperback $34.95 3 Used from $30.55 6 New from $34.95 Rptr. [149], The "word of knowledge" gift used by Branham was also subject to much criticism. To satisfy segregation laws when ministering in the south, Branham's team would use a rope to divide the crowd by race. [154] Branham reported his annual salary to the IRS as $7,000 ($66,633 in 2020 dollars) while his manager Gordon Lindsay's was reported at $80,000. [230][177][231], The United States Air Force later declassified the launch records and acknowledged the manmade origin of the cloud. [177], Many believed the rapture was imminent and that it was necessary to be near Branham in Arizona to take part. [221], Branham also asserted the final messenger would be a mighty prophet who put the Word of God first, that he would be a lover of the wilderness, that he would hate wicked women, and be an uneducated person. Branham eventually criticized the Voice of Healing magazine which he had helped create as a "massive financial organization" that put making money ahead of promoting good. Branham reported that in his visions he saw seven major events would occur before the Second Coming of Christ, including the prediction of the rise of Adolf Hitler, the Second World War, the Italian occupation of Ethiopia, and the rise of communism. [162], According to Collins, Jim Jones and Paul Schfer were influenced to move to South America by Branham's 1961 prophecy concerning the destruction of the United States in a nuclear war. According to Weaver, "his pronouncements with respect to women were often contradictory". [261] Though Branham is no longer widely known outside Pentecostalism,[260] his legacy continues today. [26][27] Edward died of a sudden illness only a short time later. [169] Gordon Lindsay's eulogy stated that Branham's death was the will of God and privately he accepted the interpretation of Kenneth E. Hagin, who claimed to have prophesied Branham's death two years before it happened. [157], His correspondence also decreased sharply. [79] According to Steven Hassan, KKK recruitment was covertly conducted through Branham's ministry. William Mack currently serves as the Director of Pastoral Care . [228] Weaver wrote that "the importance of the revelation of the seals to Branham's 'prophetic' identity cannot be overestimated". The coterie reunites to consider how to oppose a seemingly overwhelming enemy. Court records indicate Frank was a key figure in helping Colonia establish its weapons factories by contracting with German arms producers to assist the colony in setting up their operations. Attendees reported seeing him "staggering from intense fatigue" during his last meetings. [42] In later years, Branham significantly altered how he told the baptismal story, and came to connect the event to his teaching ministry. Louis. Includes Address (14) Phone (11) Email (11) See Results. [252] Even Branham's son Billy Paul seemed to expect his father's resurrection and indicated as much in messages sent to Branham's followers, in which he communicated his expectation for Easter 1966. [253][139], Branham was the "initiator of the post-World War II healing revival"[63] and, along with Oral Roberts, was one of its most revered leaders. Matthew Brennan. Dr. William J. Brennan. The big question is - Did William Branham make any REALprophecies? Schfer was later arrested in 2006, convicted, and died in prison.[287]. Numerous people pronounced healed died shortly thereafter, investigators discovered evidence suggesting miracles may have been staged, and Branham was found to have significantly embellished and falsified numerous stories he presented to his audiences as fact. It's a pitiful thing. Mercer would punish girls by cutting their hair, and force boys to wear girls' clothing. [96] Branham amazed even fellow evangelists, which served to further push him into a legendary status in the movement. [25], In his later years, Branham began to preach almost exclusively on biblical prophecy. [82][83] In 1948, Branham and Lindsay founded Voice of Healing magazine, which was originally aimed at reporting Branham's healing campaigns. During his life, William Branham claimed to have a number of visions and prophecies. He is a segregationalist [sic]. [12] Branham's neighbors reported him as "someone who always seemed a little different", but said he was a dependable youth. [30], Soon afterward, while he was working for the Public Service Company of Indiana, Branham was overcome by gas and had to be hospitalized. [95], He refused to discuss controversial doctrinal issues during the healing campaigns,[96][97] and issued a policy statement that he would only minister on the "great evangelical truths". [44][122], Branham faced criticism and opposition from the early days of the healing revival, and he was repeatedly accused of fraud throughout his ministry. Crowder suggested Branham's gradual separation from Gordon Lindsay played a major part in the decline. [15] He claimed that at his birth, a "Light come [sic] whirling through the window, about the size of a pillow, and circled around where I was, and went down on the bed". Resides in Mesa, AZ. Branham's campaign produced photos of an emaciated woman who they claimed to be Nightingale's granddaughter. [251] Most believed he would have to return to fulfill a vision he had regarding future tent meetings. Gumbara reportedly had relations with over 100 women. [143] Michael Plaff, a doctor, was pronounced healed of cancer by Branham during one meeting. [145], Some attendees of Branham's meetings believed that some healings were staged and accused him of selectively choosing who could enter the prayer line. [81] Lindsay reported 70,000 attendees to the 14 days of meetings and long prayer lines as Branham prayed for the sick. [89] Roberts said Branham was "set apart, just like Moses". [15], Branham is known for his role in the healing revivals that occurred in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s,[62] and most participants in the movement regarded him as its initiator. [18] Wathen was a supplier for Al Capone's bootlegging operations. [123] According to historian Ronald Kydd, Branham evoked strong opinions from people with whom he came into contact; "most people either loved him or hated him". Reporters at the meeting also attempted to follow up on the case of a Calgary woman pronounced healed by Branham who had died shortly after he left the city. [110], According to Pentecostal historian Rev. The apostle Paul, the Messenger to the first church age experienced visions during his ministry. [177], Pentecostal churches which once welcomed Branham refused to permit him to preach during the 1960s, and those who were still sympathetic to him were threatened with excommunication by their superiors if they did so. [260], Edward Babinski describes Branham's followers as "odd in their beliefs, but for the most part honest hard-working citizens", and wrote that calling them a cult "seems unfair".