Gospel Halls

Gospel Hall is the name used by certain fundamentalist Christian groups, sometimes referred to as the Gospel Hall Brethren, for their buildings, although they usually refer to themselves as the "assemblies". The name was created in the 1880s although the assemblies had been in existence prior to this. Their origins are similar to but distinct from the origins of the Plymouth Brethren. The Christians of the group believed that the word "church", as defined through the context of the Bible, meant the group of true Christian believers all over the world, both dead and alive, since the time of Christ. As such, they did not believe the word "church" should refer to the building they met in. They meet in "New Testament simplicity", they not not decorate their buildings, and do not employ clergy. The term "Gospel Hall" was chosen solely for recognizability and because it implies the simple worship of God and obedience to the Bible that the groups meeting in them believe in.

The assemblies believe in salvation by grace. Their Gospel can be summed up under three headings. 1. Man's ruin- "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 2. God's remedy- "God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 3. Man's responsibility- "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" Hebrews 2:3.

Salvation can only come through repentance. In ourselves, we can never hope to justify ourselves to God's standard. The Bible makes it clear that "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9. But that through repentance and acceptance of Christ's work on Calvary, we can be saved eternally, and washed from all our sin, no matter how serious, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. God's salvation has had a tremendous effect on many, saving their souls from a lost eternity in Hell, and transforming their lives on Earth. Many a Believer in one of the assemblies can tell you of the wonderful works of grace that God has done in them!

The assemblies do not believe in infant baptism. Instead, they practise believer's baptism, believing that baptism by immersion should take place after a person has placed their trust in Jesus Christ. Because of their strong belief in the Gospel of Paul, women are not allowed to speak during an assembly meeting and are only allowed to sing because songs are always led by a man. Women also must have their head covered, long hair, and wear dresses during assembly in order to be baptized into it. Speakers are always men and if a woman has a question during a bible study when it is held in the gospel hall they must whisper it to a man who will then ask the question. Yet women are the ones to teach Sunday school, this demonstrating their extremely old fashioned and fundamentalist ways.

External links

• [1] Directory of most gospel halls in North America. May include a few chapels.
• [2] Norman Crawford's book on the assemblies and gospel halls.
• [3] More about gospel halls.