The Bridge Church, 1210 E Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, US

The First 100 YearsTHE HISTORY OF PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLY CHURCHA man hungry for GodAround the year 1906, when the Baptism of the Holy Ghost was being poured out, Joseph P. Rulien, a Swedish immigrant hungry for more of God, traveled to Topeka, Kansas where he received his personal infilling of the Holy Ghost. Joseph P. Rulien began to have gatherings in 1908 with only five or six families. Meetings were held in private homes with the first services conducted in the Swedish language. Vacant stores and rented churches were used when available. Before they had a permanent place to meet, the Chippewa River was primarily used for baptisms. At one particular service, Bro. Rulien baptized 87 people in the Name of Jesus. Bro. Rulien organized various home and tent meetings. He also rented the Rod and Gun Club on and sent to Midway (now ABI) for two evangelists. Harvey McAlister and Claude Philleo came in March, 1918. Meetings were held every night and twice on Sunday for over six weeks. Many families hearing the message were baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost.