Tozer, A. W. (Aiden Wilson) 1897-1963

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Tozer, A. W. (Aiden Wilson) 1897-1963

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Description area

Dates of existence

21 April 1897-13 May 1963

History

A. W. (Aiden Wilson) Tozer is perhaps the most widely-known and influential member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA). He was born on 21 April 1897 in La Jose (now Newburg) Pa., and died in Toronto, Ont. on 13 May 1963. He was ordained as a minister in the C&MA in 1920 and served pastorates in Toledo, Oh. (1921-23); Indianapolis, Ind. (1923-1928); Chicago, Ill (1928-1959); and Toronto, Ont. (1959-1963). He also served as vice-president of the C&MA (1946-1950) and, most significantly, as editor of the denomination’s official organ The Alliance Weekly (1950-1957) and its successor The Alliance Witness (1958-1963).

Tozer was a convinced evangelical and a staunch supporter of the ideals of the C&MA. His first book, Wingspread: Albert B. Simpson, a Study in Spiritual Altitude (Harrisburg, Ps.: Christian Publications, 1943) was a spiritual biography of the founder of the Alliance. Although loyal to the Alliance, Tozer had an ecumenical spirit. He felt a sense of spiritual community with all true Christians, regardless of their denominational affiliation.

Regarded by many of his admirers as a prophet, Tozer exerted an influence that extended beyond evangelicalism and beyond North America through his insightful books and editorials on the spiritual life. His writings reveal a mystical approach to the Christian life that was founded on his love of the Christian spiritual classics. He was in great demand as a speaker, and during the 1950’s many of his sermons were broadcast over Chicago’s WMBI radio. Tozer wrote nine books during his lifetime, the most influential of which were The Pursuit of God (1948) and The Knowledge of the Holy (1961). An additional twenty volumes of his sermons and editorials have been published since his death. For further biographical information see Fant, David J. A. W. Tozer: A Twentieth Century Prophet (Harrisburg, Pa.: Christian Publications, 1964).

Places

Toledo, OH, pastor, 1921-1923
Indianapolis, IN, pastor 1923-1928
Chicago, IL, pastor, 1928-1959
Toronto, ON, pastor, 1959-1963

Legal status

Functions, occupations and activities

Christian and Missionary Alliance pastor, 1921-1963
Christian and Missionary Alliance, vice-president, 1946-1950
Editor, The Alliance Weekly (1950-1957) and its successor The Alliance Witness (1958-1963).

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The Christian and Missionary Alliance (1 April 1897-)

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hierarchical

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The Christian and Missionary Alliance

is the employer of

Tozer, A. W. (Aiden Wilson) 1897-1963

Dates of relationship

1921 - 1963

Description of relationship

A. W. Tozer served in various capacities with the Christian and Missionary Alliance from 1921 until his death in 1963

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Ambrose Archives

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