Our Heritage

It all began in 1924 with the vision of a young backwoods preacher, Ivan Q. Spencer. The message he said, seemingly emblazoned in lights, was "revival" - and he was captured by the need to train young people for the work in the renewal movements he believed would soon sweep throughout the world.

Ivan & Minnie Spencer

The trademark of that young man's subsequent ministry, and of the school which he founded in 1924, centered around the importance of seeking God daily, renewing of vision, and dependence on the resources of God. From the beginning the school experienced the sweet and powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit, which over the years has drawn thousands to the Elim campus.

Our Campus: A History of Seeking God

The current campus in Lima, New York was originally the home of Genesee Wesleyan Seminary (GWS). It was founded in 1832 as a result, according to historians, of the impact of Charles Finney's revival crusades in Rochester. Genesee College, a liberal arts school, was added to the campus in 1850. Twenty years later, the students and faculty moved to Syracuse to the institution known today as Syracuse University. Elim purchased the campus in 1951, after outgrowing facilities in Hornell and Red Creek, New York. Today the 18 building 75-acre campus serves a growing full- and part-time student body, but some things have not changed. Elim's mission - to prepare Spirit-filled Christian workers and servant-leaders for revival ministry worldwide - is as strong as ever.

7245 College St. Lima, New York 14485 | 1.800.670.ELIM