The Azusa Street Revival and the Glory Cloud: A Supernatural Encounter (1906–1915)

The Azusa Street Revival, led by William J. Seymour, was one of the most extraordinary outpourings of the Holy Spirit in modern history. Taking place at 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles, California, this revival sparked the global Pentecostal movement, changing the landscape of Christianity forever.

Among the many supernatural manifestations recorded during the revival, one of the most remarkable phenomena was the “Glory Cloud”—a visible, tangible mist or cloud believed to be a manifestation of God’s presence. Eyewitnesses testified that this divine mist filled the room, bringing supernatural healings, angelic visitations, and an atmosphere of heavenly worship unlike anything seen before.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Glory Cloud at Azusa

1. A Tangible Cloud That Filled the Room

Numerous attendees described a supernatural mist that would appear about three feet off the ground and at times fill the entire building. This was no ordinary fog—those who encountered it felt as if they had stepped into the very presence of God.

• Children played in the cloud, attempting to scoop it up with their hands.

• Many worshippers described the air as feeling “alive” and “heavenly pure.”

• The cloud seemed to intensify during deep worship and prayer, increasing the tangible presence of God in the room.

One of the most detailed accounts comes from Frank Bartleman, a journalist and preacher who documented the revival extensively. He wrote:

“The ‘glory cloud’ was often so dense that it was difficult to see across the room. It was a holy atmosphere unlike anything I had ever experienced before.”

His observations align with reports from other witnesses who described the thickness of God’s presence filling the room.

2. The Cloud and Supernatural Healings

The presence of the Glory Cloud was often accompanied by miraculous healings:

• People stepped into the cloud and reported instantaneous healing.

• The blind saw, the deaf heard, and the lame walked after encountering the mist.

• Many described feeling a heaviness of God’s presence, making it difficult to stand or even speak.

Emma Cotton, an evangelist who participated in the revival, recounted her personal experience:

“I was healed during one of the services, and I saw others who were lame walk out of the building completely restored. The power of God was unlike anything I had ever known.”

3. The Fire of God and Angelic Appearances

Perhaps even more astonishing were the reports of fire and angelic visitations:

• Multiple times, people outside the building saw flames rising from the roof.

• Concerned locals called the fire department, believing the mission was on fire.

• When firefighters arrived, they found no physical flames—only people in deep worship.

• Some witnesses spoke of angels appearing in the midst of the cloud, worshiping alongside the congregation.

In an interview, Rev. Lawrence Cantley recalled:

“People were crying out in prayer when suddenly the fire appeared over the mission. We saw it, but there was no smell of smoke or any real fire. It was something supernatural—God’s fire.”

4. Unusual Worship Atmosphere

The worship environment at Azusa Street was unlike anything seen in traditional churches:

• There were no designated worship leaders—worship and prophecy arose spontaneously.

• William Seymour, the revival’s leader, often sat with a wooden box over his head, waiting for God’s direction before speaking.

• The Shekinah Glory at times became so thick and overwhelming that people fell on their faces in holy reverence.

Mattie Cummings, who attended the revival as a child, recounted:

“People just began to worship—no one led, but it all seemed to flow together. The atmosphere was filled with God’s power, and people were crying, dancing, and falling under the presence of the Lord.”

Theological Reflections on the Glory Cloud at Azusa

1. A Parallel to Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 5:13-14)

“The house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.”

The Glory Cloud at Azusa bore striking similarities to Solomon’s Temple, where the presence of God was so strong that the priests could not stand to minister. Likewise, at Azusa, many testified that preaching became impossible at times because God’s presence was too overwhelming.

2. A New Testament Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.”

Many at Azusa believed they were witnessing a modern-day Pentecost. The supernatural manifestations—including speaking in tongues, miraculous healings, and the glory cloud—were seen as a fulfillment of Acts 2 in their time.

3. God’s Presence Among the Humble

One of the most striking aspects of Azusa was that it was not led by famous theologians or well-known pastors. Instead, it was ordinary men and women who were hungry for God’s presence.

• The humility, unity, and desperation of those gathered seemed to attract the manifest presence of God.

• The Shekinah Glory was a sign that God responds to those who seek Him in sincerity and faith.

Impact of the Azusa Revival and the Glory Cloud

The Azusa Street Revival was not just a moment—it sparked a global movement:

• Pentecostal and Charismatic movements worldwide can trace their roots back to Azusa.

• Missionaries and preachers from around the world came to experience the Glory Cloud and carried the Pentecostal fire back to their nations.

• Major denominations—including the Assemblies of God, the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), and the Pentecostal Holiness Movement—emerged from Azusa.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Seek God’s Presence

The Glory Cloud of Azusa remains one of the most compelling testimonies of God’s tangible presence in modern history. It was not just an emotional experience, but a divine encounter that:

✔ Transformed lives

✔ Healed the sick

✔ Ignited a worldwide revival

Azusa reminds us that when people seek God with humility and hunger, He responds with extraordinary manifestations of His power and glory.

Could we see such a revival again today?

The question is not whether God still moves this way—the question is whether we are hungry enough to seek Him with the same passion and surrender.