Stone's Folly

Stone’s Folly…Bethel Healing House…a speak-easy? The history behind the twentieth century’s upper room is one of interest!

It was originally constructed by Erastus Stone, a man intent on building his family of five the largest mansion in the state. Although his memoirs lend evidence that he was of the Christian persuasion, he invested thirty thousand dollars—a fortune at the turn of the century—in building this structure to please himself and vaunt himself above a competitor, John D. Knox.

Construction was halted shortly before the turn of the century when he ran out of funds; two years later, Rev. Parham rented the building from the new owners for his Bethel Healing House that eventually became a Bible school as well. The outpouring occurred on January 1, 1901!

Interesting: What began as a palace for men became an entry gate for the King of Kings!
Several months later following this initial outpouring, the ownership of the building changed hands, becoming the property of Harry Croft, a bootlegger during the Prohibition. Expelling the Parhams and the students, Croft turned the building into a speak-easy where liquor and women’s services were sold.

Shortly thereafter on December 6, 1901, the building burned down to a shell, with no visible cause.

Interesting: God will never support nor bless the defilement of His temple, whether it be a physical building or the human heart in which He dwells!