Who was William Branham
William Marrion Branham (April 6, 1909 – December 24, 1965) was a prophet of God, and historians consider him the father of the great healing revivals of the 1940s and 1950s.
Lacking formal education, William Branham defied what most thought was possible when he came from the poverty-stricken backwoods of Kentucky to traveling the world and preaching the Gospel. Directed by an angel, William Branham preached and prayed for millions of people worldwide.
Shunning popularity, he took a stance against denominational spirits that would divide and hinder the Body of Christ. His ministry was to turn the hearts of the children back to the faith of the apostles (Mal. 4:6). “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8) was his battle cry, and God vindicated his servant thoroughly.
However, behind all the signs and miracles was a bigger work – God was restoring His Word.
William Marrion Branham was one of the most influential Bible ministers of our time. He was considered by many to be the initiator of the healing and charismatic revival that began in 1947, and from his ministry there sprang a myriad of other ministers who became internationally known.
From 1947 until the time of his passing in 1965, the powerful ministry of William Branham was well known and considered unparalleled in the history of gospel meetings. The impact of the supernatural ministry of this one man was felt not only in North America, but also around the world.
January 24th, 1950 a photographer named Ted Kipperman was sent by Douglas Studio to cover a debate on the controversial topic of Divine Healing (specifically relating to Bro. Branham’s ministry) held between Mr. Bosworth and Mr. Best at the Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston, Texas. At the end of the debate Mr. Best demanded that Bro. Branham present himself in person on the stage, and posed for several aggressive photos before challenging Bro. Branham as a divine healer.
Bro. Branham denied ever referring to himself as a divine healer, and stated, “Anyone knows that God will have nothing to do with error, and if I tell the truth, then God will speak of me.” (51-0718 The Angel of the Lord) The Pillar of Fire, as described in scripture and seen at many of Bro. Branham’s meetings descended at that moment, and Mr. Kipperman stepped forward and took the photograph featured here. The photograph was verified as being an authentic capture of a supernatural being by Mr. George J. Lacy of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners.