Henry Clay Morrison on current cover of Traces

The new Traces publication for Winter 2013 has Henry Clay Morrison on the front cover. Included is an article which focuses on the significance of Morrison in his day, as one of the nation's greatest and most popular ministers. It also provides an update on the workings at Morrison Park as it continues it's renovation.
   The Christmas candlelight service at Morrison Park was very wonderful with  good attendance. Work continues on the restroom building and the continued clearing of the grounds. We are a bit behind schedule on the restroom, but winter came fast, and there was more work to be done than I had realized, however; everything is going fine. We look forward to so much being done over the winter months, Lord willing. Winter is a wonderful time to clear the growth while it is killed down. As always, please pray for our efforts, and help us if you can. Respectfully , Gary Bewley  , President, Morrison Park Camp Association.
 

IT'S OFFICIAL! A KENTUCKY HISTORICAL MARKER WILL BE PLACED AT MORRISON PARK

We are so happy to announce that we received official notification this weekend from the Kentucky Historical Society that the application we submitted for the  placement of a marker to honor Rev.Henry Clay Morrison and the park he established here in our county has been approved. Over the next several weeks we will be working with the society to agree on the exact text, and further verify any and all facts that will be presented on the marker. We will have to select a date for the dedication and unveiling, which should be in the early spring. We thank the good Lord for answering this prayer, and we are so thankful for the ones who provided the funding for the marker. There will be more information about this in the near future.This marker will be in place for generations to come to identify the history, the location and the importance of the park. We are so very happy for no one deserves this honor any more than our own beloved, Rev. Henry Clay Morrison.   Gary Bewley

Christmas Music for Morrison Park Fundraising CD still available

  The Christmas Fundraiser CD recorded last year is still available. This is the second Morrison CD produced by local performers, who shared the cost and gave their talents to provide money for the restoration of Morrison Park.  It is professionally recorded , and 100% of the proceeds go directly to Morrison Park. The CD includes 22 tracks. The last tract is an actual excerpt from a 1930 radio address by Henry Clay Morrison, (the only known recording of Morrison).  If you don't have a copy, please consider this as a way to help out, and enjoy some great holiday music by local performers ( listed below).  To order send $10.00 to Gary Bewley 2731 Tompkinsville Rd. Glasgow, Ky. 42141 . We will pay the postage.

What would our lives be like today, if we had adhered to the practices and principles set forth here, and endorsed by H.C. Morrison

An early edition of one of Morrison's books included the above promotional ad for the Pentecostal Herald. This was the newspaper Morrison, published and served as editor for, for 54 years. As we take note of what the Herald stands for and against, it makes us wonder, what our world, our churches, our families would be like, if we had held firmly to what preachers like Morrison advocated.
   As I began to write this, I found myself going into great detail with, in my opinion, the million and one things going on in our world and culture today that is so ungodly. However; I backed up for if you are a Christian, you already know this, all too well. Most everybody knows what kind of shape the world is in, and it's likely in part because,even we have given in, compromised and involved ourselves with sin. We have invited ungodly things in our homes by way of television, movies, books, games, music..., We have gone out into the world to see and do things we should have never allowed ourselves to do. We have stayed silent in our churches and failed to condemn and reprove activities that have hurt our spiritual relationship with God. We have gotten caught up in so many things in popular culture such as  ball games, politics, movies, television, and computers. We have stood silent and let sinful ideas and lifestyles invade our communities and our society. We have seen changes in our churches and the way we worship that is very concerning, but often feel powerless to change. We see the world going further and further away from God and his righteousness, but sit back and do nothing, while at the same time those who oppose things scriptural and Godly proudly and boastfully speak up . They parade the streets for their cause and go before the folks in Washington demanding change. Where are the Christians  at these times? Why are we not marching the streets declaring the ways of the Lord? I don't know! I wonder if we have invited so much of the world into our homes and into our lives, that we have become a friend with much sin. Multitudes flock to the pleasures of worldly events, while many of our true old fashion spiritual churches sit half or two thirds empty. Revivals directed at lost people often times result with little or no results.Most of us worry, wring our hands, say some prayers and hope things will get better, but fear they won't.
   Well, we are, where we are, and we know it is not good.. Maybe I am foolish, but I believe there is still hope. I believe if we work hard, and hold true to our ways, try not compromise with sin, we can accomplish much.
   At Morrison Park, God personally, has given me a job to do. . The park had been abandoned and left to wither away. It had to be restored. I have always believed there was an absolute comparison between our community and that old Holiness camp ground where so many souls have been saved, and so much good had been done before the effects of time and the change in people allowed it to get in the condition it was in. I believe the decaying of the park is symbolic of the decay and withering away of God's spirit in our own lives. We too need to be restored. We need to rebuild our lives. We need to repent and put away foolish silly, unimportant worldly things that takes so much of our time. It is time for us to get back to the duties of church, and of worshiping and serving God. It is time to reach out to the lost in a great way and share with them the gospel message of salvation and what it means to truly be reborn, and to receive the Holy Spirit as promised  in the scriptures. It is my opinion, that it is time to reinstate the old time mourner's bench and to encourage it's use whereby our assurance of salvation will not be with enticing words of man's wisdom, but  in the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit within their hearts. What religion or religious practice could be more pure and sure, than the Holy Spirit telling you, you are saved? This was what we call the "Old Time Religion",  the religion that saved our ancestors in those wonderful and powerful days when God's spirit  was so strong in the church that lost mourners flocked in seeking salvation for their souls. Then,the converts would come off the alter with a heart felt testimony of salvation, describing what God had done for them.They most often spoke of great joy, peace, glorious love and assurances that only God above could give. What church, Christian, or Minister would stand today and openly mock, ridicule such a beautiful glorious witness and testimony? Yes, this is "the old time religion".Yes, this is the religion that saved our ancestors, our families of old. It is the only true religion, and as Paul said to the Galatians, "if any man preach any other gospel unto you  than that ye have received,let him be accursed". It is time for all of us to get on our knees and stay there devotedly until the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, directing us, using us, and filling us with his wonderful heavenly love. If we all came to church, repaired, restored, and full of God's spirit, we could at least change much in our community. The lives of our love ones, our brothers, our sisters, our children, is all at stake. When we see the world as it is today, we should all cringe in disgust and fear, and examine ourselves, as to what we have done, and the part we have played in bringing about our own sorrow and loss, in getting away from God and his righteousness.  These are my thoughts, and mine alone. Please pray for us, and help us in the restoration of Morrison Park. God Bless you all, Gary Bewley

RESTROOM UPDATE

Work continues on the restroom building at Morrison Park. A new septic tank system and lines were installed a few weeks ago by Hollis Glass. Work continues inside the building with Buck Riddle leading the effort there. assisted by myself, and Richard Chambers. We just completed putting up the wall boards for each room, and there are a couple of doors and door frames to be put in. Everything inside and out has to be painted, then the plumber (kelton Scott ) will set all the actual fixtures. Everything should be ready to turn on and use by the spring. As always we ask for you to please be prayerful for us and all our efforts at Morrison Park. God Bless..Gary Bewley

A Wonderful Service At Morrison Park Sunday Sept. 29 2013 Glasgow, Barren County, Kentucky

What a wonderful morning and what a splendid service it was at Morrison Park Sunday morning. We had over forty people in attendance, some of the attendees are pictured above. Bro. Stanley Greer led us in a song of Amazing Grace, then I shared a short explanation about the park, the restoration, and about Rev. H.C. Morrison who founded it. Bro. Dillard Rigsby led us in prayer, then Bro. Timothy Shirley preached a splendid spirit filled sermon on conviction, true salvation and conversion. There were other special prayer request and heartwrenching prayers. We concluded with two verses of Amazing Grace, and I am satisfied all who attended were blessed in a great way.  The weather was most favorable and the Morrison Library cabin perfectly took care of our needs. We pray the Lord once again directs us to hold services there, very soon, as we continue the work on restoration. Special thanks to Morrison Park Board memberNancy Richey who spent several hours Saturday evening cleaning all the cabins and making preparations for the service. Please continue to pray God's grace upon us as we seek his will and follow his work. Gary Bewley

Bro. Timothy Shirley conducted the preaching service at Morrison Park. The first service conducted here in over 18 years.

Morrison Park Camp Association President, Gary Bewley, welcomes all the visitors Sunday morning with information about the park and it's founder H.C. Morrison. The worship service was held inside the H.C.Morrison Memorial Library Cabin at Morrison Park.

Bro. Timothy Shirley preaching with the portrait of Henry Clay Morrison over his shoulder, looking on.

Morrison Park In The News Glasgow, Barren County, Kentucky

   The Morrison Park restoration effort had the honor of being the subject a recent news story in the Glasgow Daily Times weekend edition. Aug.17,2013. The writer Melinda Overstreet came to the park and spent a great deal of time learning the story of the park and sharing with it's readers all our efforts and struggles for restoration. We appreciate Melinda, and the Glasgow Times for giving us this time and space in their paper. It was a wonderfully written story and has generated a lot of interest and much needed support for the park.We are so grateful for all the efforts everyone is making to help support our great cause, saving a piece of religious and community history, as well as providing a newly restored park for the community to use and enjoy in the name of Morrison, it's founder and our marvelous savior, whom Morrison devoted his life to serving. Please pray for all our efforts and we appreciate all your support. If you would like to help or make a contribution contact Gary Bewley 270- 834-9553, or write to Morrison Park Campmeeting, 2731 Tompkinsville Rd. Glasgow Kentucky 42141

Morrison Makeovers!

A lot of dedication, hard work, prayers and support, have over the last two and a half years  taken us this far. Please help us go further. If you haven't supported our efforts, please prayerfully consider what you can do to help restore this beautiful, historic religious park. It belongs to you and me. We need you. The next project, Lord willing, is the building below. It will be a newly refurbished restroom building. Please help us. Contact Gary Bewley 2731 Tompkinsville Rd. Glasgow , Kentucky 42141  270-834-9553

Flowers Galore! At Morrison Park

What a beautiful time at Morrison Park! Bob and Edie Bell have spent so much time, digging , planting and preparing all the wonderful gardens at Morrison Park. All these glorious flowers came from their own gardens, which is just down the road from the park. I hope everyone will take time to drive by and get a peek at all the wonderful things , God and the Bells have provided for our pleasure. God bless Bob and Edie Bell, and praise God for his wonderful world, and all those precious caring people who have helped breath life back into Morrison Park.  

America's Greatest Preacher! Henry Clay Morrison

   My grandmother had a saying, that “every crow thinks theirs is the blackest.”  Well, we know a lot of preachers have come and gone over the years with many attaining great followings, and seemingly some great accomplishments.  While the scriptures teach us we cannot judge another man’s servant, we will however make no apologies for the amount of praise we bestow upon our favorite preacher of Morrison Park, the great Henry Clay Morrison. Morrison became a famed preacher in a day long before radio and television. He gained his fame through reputation, hard work, spiritual preaching, writing, and simply following the direction that God set forth for him. It was through the popular Pentecostal Herald that he published and edited for 54 years, that his written word went out across the nation and the world. Morrison was in constant demand preaching in the finest and most elaborate churches, to the most simple and crude dwellings that could be crafted for an accommodation in the many Holiness camp grounds scattered across the country. Morrison would at times be invited into the finest of homes or have the finest hotels or rooms provided for him, only then to move along for the next revival and perhaps spend two weeks in a cramped tent or primitive cabin, often times with only a dirt floor, and a nail driven into a stud or support beam for a place to hang his clothes. The only and most important thing to Morrison was to obey God’s directive and preach his word.  We are told Morrison’s preaching was simply amazing. Newspapers across the country reported his coming, praised his text and the glorious results that were accomplished through his efforts in the Lord’s work. Morrison’s preaching resulted in great convictions and wonderful testimonies of salvation.  It must have been such a blessing to sit in his presence and hear his delivery of God’s message. Many called Morrison a modern day prophet comparing him to the great ones of old. Some folks, of course, didn’t like Morrison. Some ministers argued with his beliefs, and others spouted out complaints and charges that explicitly rang forth with human jealousy and contempt, but these never took anything away from the Christian nation’s strong opinion. The greatest helping of praise however that seemed to fall upon the efforts of Morrison was that of the great William Jennings Bryan.

   William Jennings Bryan, hailed as the greatest orator of his era, said that “Henry Clay Morrison was the greatest pulpit orator on the American Continent.” Bryan was a leading American politician from the 1890’s until his death in 1925. He was the democratic presidential candidate on three occasions, 1896, 1900, and 1908. Bryan was a two term member of the House of Representatives from Nebraska. He also served as US Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson. A devout Christian, with his deep demanding voice and wide travels Bryan was one of the best known orators and lecturers of his time. Because of his special connection with the common people, he earned the title “the Great Commoner.” The actual connector that linked Bryan to Morrison is unknown to me: however it is probable that Bryan’s and Morrison’s link to Glasgow was a factor. James Bryan moved to Glasgow and built a home in 1854. That home still sits on West Washington Street under reconstruction at the present time. It stands at the corner of Washington and Jefferson Streets. William Jennings Bryan, a member of the same family was a visitor to the home each time he traveled to Glasgow. Bryan came to Glasgow on October 9, 1897 and spoke to several thousand residents from the Court House grounds. (Shown in the photo below)

     Eleven years later, the August 28, 1908 Glasgow paper, reported how Rev. H.C. Morrison spoke on the present political conditions, Monday night last at the court house here. The reporter described his address as a most unanswerable and terrific arraignment of the Republican Party. For over two hours he held his audience of a thousand people spell-bound under the charm of his eloquence, the force of his logic and the lighting play of his sarcasm and invective.

   Morrison, in support of his friend William Jennings Bryan, spoke out on what he saw as the problems and the evils of the present day. Morrison was most disturbed at the idea of the election of a president (William Howard Taft), who did not believe in the divinity of Christ. Morrison wrote in a July 17^th Pentecostal Herald editorial, “Think of the United States with a President who does not believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God, but looks upon our immaculate savior as a common bastard and a low cunning imposter. What must Mr. Taft’s feelings be towards our civilization, which is so permeated and interwoven with the religion of Jesus Christ?” The Glasgow newspaper, referred to the address by Morrison at the courthouse as being, “the greatest exposition of political truth that ever fell from the ministerial lips in Glasgow, and was a veritable thunderbolt among the republicans. It was a magnificent discourse by a magnificent man.”

   On June 3, 1958, Dr. Edward L.R. Elson, Pastor of the National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. addressed the students of Asbury College on Alumni Day, saying,”here in those days was the inimitable Henry Clay Morrison, aristocratic in temperament, autocratic in rulership, compassionate and tender in human dealing ... and the last of the old silver tonged orators that used to grace the American platform. Do not some of you recall the day when Dr. Morrison spent some thirty minutes introducing the Honorable William Jennings Bryan, who then spoke for an hour and a quarter, and then when it was all over the real debate for the next week was ”who was the greatest orator- the introducer or the speaker?” And those of us who were here knew who the greater orator was.”  Even though Bryan was held in great regard within the Presbyterian Church from which Eldon hailed, there was little doubt Morrison was the greater speaker of the two.

In 1924, Christian Century Magazine named Henry Clay Morrison one of the 25 greatest preachers in America.

   Many a hype, legend and myth have propelled some people to a great state of esteem with much less evidence or substance than we feel is offered here, so we offer for your consideration, that we are at Barren County Kentucky and Morrison Park, the proud home of America’s Greatest Preacher! The Great Henry Clay Morrison!               

 William Jennings Bryan (left) and Henry Clay Morrison at Asbury College

Pictures Anyone?

In the one hundred and thirteen years Morrison Park has been standing as a beacon in our community, we just know there must have been countless photos made at the old park. Unfortunately, very few historical ones have emerged. In the present day Morrison cabin, we are actively seeking to collect and display any and all old photos of the park, Morrison Park School and photos of community,and it's residents. The above photo was just recently obtained from Bill Hewitt. The photo was made probably in the late 40's - mid 50's. Notice the large tabernacle (center) and several lodging cottages to the left. The photo is a wonderful gift from Bill, from the photos of Gilbert and Lily Rogers Hewitt. Thanks , Bill.
   If anyone has any photos , please let us know, we would love to copy them, and we would love you forevermore. Contact Gary Bewley, 2731 Tompkinsville Rd. Glasgow, Ky. 42141  270-834-9553,
glbewley@glasgow-ky.com

Morrison Park End? God Forbid It Should Be So!

Author Bessie G. Olsen, titled her Henry Clay Morrison biography, A great Editor. This title comes from the great work that Morrison was involved in for 54 years. In 1888, Morrison was the Pastor of the Methodist Church in Frankfort Kentucky. He had already earned quite a reputation and had become a  famous minister. While conducting services in Maysville Ky. Morrison retired one night, greatly troubled.  He said "I thought late into the night of the many calls I was receiving and of the great need of a revival, and how impossible it was for me to respond to many of these calls without neglecting my own congregation." As Morrison tossed and turned, the Lord gave him the answer. " As I sat thinking, I prayed, and was led to believe that I was divinely called to establish a paper in order that I might send out an evangelistic message to fields where it was impossible for me to go personally. This conviction became so strong that I arose, at two o'clock in the morning and wrote my first editorial for the paper yet to be born."
   Upon returning to Frankfort, he consulted with a publisher and began a six page monthly paper called The Old Methodist, While the paper met with some success, the ads from local merchants, and subscription rates did not meet the cost of the publishing. The paper was printed under this title for two yeras, then the name was changed to The Kentucky Methodist. Soon the paper began to grow and the paper was sent out every week instead of each month. In 1896 Morrison moved the publication of the paper to Louisville, and later it became his own. When the paper moved to Louisville, the title changed again to what it would be for the next fifty some odd years, The Pentecostal Herald. The Herald went across the nation and into many different parts of the world. At this time Morrison also felt led to leave the the pastorate and and enter the field of evangelism. The great Holiness movement that swept the nation in 1890 and beyond was do in a great part, because of Morrison, the founding of Asbury College at Wilmore, and the Pentecostal Herald. Camp meeting grounds much like the one at Morrison  Park sprang up all over the nation, and Morrison became  one of the prominent ministers associated with that movement. His fame spread quickly at the camps, in prominent churches and on paper, through his writings in the Pentecostal Herald. On two different occasions, when Asbury College was in financial trouble, Morrison's influence, and his call for help to the readers of the Herald, saved the college. Asbury Theological Seminary founded  by Morrison, also owes a great deal of thanks to the Pentecostal Herald  and it's supporters. Along with Morrison's editorials the Herald,also included many sermons by various prominent ministers of the day, and was cherished by so many readers.
 In 1941, the year before Morrison died, The Herald reached it's largest circulation. New names were added by the thousands.There is no way to estimate the great good it has done in the hearts and lives of it's readers, as well as a outreach tool to help save the great Asbury College. Morrison's last editorial appeared in the April 8 1942 edition, where he spoke of his own death, titled , A Parting Word to Herald Readers, and began, " I am going into a world where there is no sin, and where there is no opposition to holiness. When the readers of the dear old Pentecostal Herald look upon these paragraphs, I shall have passed beyond the veil, and I humbly hope, and have no doubt, shall be worshipping at the feet of my adorable Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. By the time these lines are printed I shall have looked upon the King in his ineffable glory."
 Morrison also spoke of his concern for the continuation of the Asbury College, and The Pentecostal Herald, Some had prophesied that when he passed away the Herald would cease to exist. "God forbid it should be so....", Morrison declared. Then he said a farewell to the great Herald family, who had stood so faithfully by him.
 While Abury College and the seminary Morrison founded still continue  in a mighty way, the Herald unfortunately did cease to exist  a few years after his death. I know this would have been a great disappointment for Morrison. I too, am quite confident Morrison would have been broken hearted at the knowledge of the fact that the great Holiness Park he established on his family's farm here in Barren County could not continue to function, work, and provide all the Godly services that he began there with Lord's help so long ago. In Morrison's own words, I will say, "God forbid it should be so! " With God's grace,we will not and cannot let that happen.
                                                                                                     Gary Bewley

Barren County Monuments dedicated to Henry Clay Morrison

There have been many dedications made to the the honor and memory of our beloved Dr.Henry Clay Morrison. Several buildings at Asbury College bear his name, several plaques, paintings and portraits grace their campus, library and halls. There have been numerous books written about his life and the  Methodist, Holiness doctrine he preached and practiced. Pictured above are two Barren County monuments dedicated to his memory. The first is a monument at the Morrison Park Holiness Campground  on Hwy 63, dedicated soon after his death in 1942. The monument stands on the very ground that once belonged to his great grandfather, and was handed down through the generations. Morrison grew up here, plowed these hills as a boy, and later came back to the farm in 1900 to establish the Holiness Campground which still bears his name. The second monument stands on the lawn of the Boyd's Creek Methodist Church on Siloam Road near his old home place. Although the monument reads Boyd's Creek Church, it is clear to see the purpose for the monument is to honor the great man who was converted here in 1870 and went on to become one of the most prominent preachers of his time. Below is a monument dedicated to Morrison at Indian Springs Camp Meeting grounds in Georgia where he preached many times. The camp ground, (now a State Park) is still in existence and very much active as a Holiness Park.

 

We are so proud these monuments to Morrison exist, and we hope the ones in our county will do much to encourage our citizens to learn more about him, his accomplishments, and  the gospel message he preached. We at Morrison Park will continue to honor Dr. Morrison's legacy as we strive to serve the Lord.  The library cabin will soon be dedicated in Morrison's  name, and it is our great desire to someday see a Kentucky Historical Marker at Morrison Park, dedicated to Morrison and his accomplishments. 

Please Be Much In Prayer , As We Set Our Goals For 2013

Prayer is every Christian's greatest strength. So, we realize as we work, toil and plan, that nothing can come to any good end, without the direction, leadership, and blessings of our Heavenly Father, whom we seek to serve. Rev. Henry Clay Morrison, pictured above in prayer, began this magnificent Barren County Camp Meeting site over 113 years ago, with a great love and spiritual concern for it's people. There is no way to fully appreciate and digest, the tens of thousands of prayers that have traveled Heaven's wonderful highway from this glorious hillside that was once part of this renowned minister's boyhood home. Oh' the hundreds of sermon's that have been preached here. Oh' the thousands of spiritual songs that have echoed across the valley. Oh' the number of repentant souls who have bowed down on the alters of prayer at this sacred spot and came forth rejoicing in glorious heartfelt salvation. Oh' what a beautiful time. Oh' what a glorious day.  
     We know God's work can be accomplished anywhere his people choose to humble themselves to worship and  pray. Every spot can be sacred where God's mighty hand works, but yet, there is something so special and sacred about the Morrison Park hillside. First, there was no greater preacher of modern times, we believe than Henry Clay Morrison who's famed ministry spread across this nation and even to many different parts of the world. Even to this day Morrison is still regarded as one of America's greatest preachers and has attained a pioneer folk hero type status among many denominations, especially those of the Holiness faith. And then, there is this wonderful historic old park, where thousands have come to stay,  to worship, to sing, to pray and to beseech their loved ones to bow before a loving Savior at an old fashioned alter of prayer. We cannot properly evaluate the number of souls saved and the amount of good works that have been conducted over the many years on this spot.
   For two and a half years we have labored every available day. We have often come early and stayed late until it was too dark to see. We have labored with determination, often growing tired, weary. and a few times discouraged, but God would always send a renewed strength, a bright ray of sunshine and an answered prayer to put us a little further down the road to success. I cannot thank God enough for all the folks who have labored freely, giving their time and talents to see that things were done. I cannot thank God enough for all the folks who have stopped by to help with what they could afford to give. I cannot thank God enough for all the, churches, organizations, and individuals who have already given so much in so many ways. These gracious people believe and trust there is so much good still left here, and so much more work God can and will accomplish here. We are not done yet!
   Work continues at the park, often daily. We continue to work on the log cabins, the grounds, and the other park structures. Miss Edie Bell has donated her time and efforts to plant and provide wonderful gardens on the grounds. We are so looking forward to the warm spring and summer days, to enjoy the beauty and fruits of her labors. The goal for 2013 is to have extended electrical work done at the park, and to restore the old concrete restroom building. Both venues prove to be most expensive. Thanks to many wonderful donations, along with several successful fund raising efforts, we have some funds, but more are needed to make this goal a reality. Of coarse, the ultimate goal  in the days ahead is the plans for a new tabernacle, and the glorious time when God's word will once again be delivered here by God loving ministers whom we are confident He will direct and send our way.
   Two and a half years ago, I bowed at the foot of the concrete memorial to Morrison that stands on the Park grounds. Here I earnestly prayed to God, as to, if it was his will , and if he would bless and direct our efforts to restore the old Morrison Park camp grounds. Then,before my closed eyes came the most beautiful picture of a clean, restored Morrison Park. This was received with a deep sweet spirit that cut through the depths of my heart. I believe. I am dedicated. I am committed to see it through. Many of you have also felt the same way and proven it by your support and generosity. Please pray for the success of Morrison Park. Please prayerfully consider what God might want you to do, to help. Please prayerfully consider helping, giving and supporting us in every way possible. There is still so much to do. There is still so much very hard work. The park belongs to everyone in Barren County. Please consider what you can do. PLEASE PRAY FOR MORRISON PARK.  God Bless You All.                              
                                                                                  Gary Bewley,
                                                          Pres. Morrison Park Camp Meeting Association.

J. L. Piercy Remembered

Rev. J. L. Piercy

September 10, 1872 - December 15, 1962

Below: H. C. Morrison, 1941, recalling his world evangelism tour with Bro. Piercy in 1909. 

"Rev. J. L. Piercy, an Asbury student, young man of remarkable common sense and as deep and beautiful devotion as you could hope to find in in any man, joined me as my travel companion my world tour. 

Brother Piercy was born and reared in Barren County, near Glasgow, Kentucky. He fell under conviction for sanctification at Pentecostal (Morrison) Park, a camp meeting I had organized on my grandfather’s old farm where I was reared, which has now been going on for some forty years. Many souls blessed there are now in heaven. Brother Piercy was a graduate of the Agriculture College at Ames, Iowa, but being sanctified; he gave that up and consecrated himself to the ministry. I could not have had a more congenial traveling companion or one more ready to assist me in way possible. We formed a friend which will never break up. Brother Piercy prayed, testified, wept and laughed and helped to kindle revival fires everywhere we went. His religion was catching. He won the confidence of the people everywhere. Some years after our tour, Bishop Warne said to me, “the people are talking about Brother Piercy all over India. His messages and testimonies, with his prayers and exhortation, have made an impression that will abide forever among those who came under his influence.”

                Rev. Piercy was born September 10, 1872 near Glasgow, KY. He was converted August 1900 here at the camp under a great exhortation by Dr. Morrison while a storm was raging and answered the call to preach in 1906. He did evangelist work in 1907 and 1908. On December 30, 1908 Brother Piercy married Tippie Dougherty, daughter of Robert and Martha Wells Dougherty. Mrs. Piercy, for ten years, managed the dining hall and saw to the affairs of the Morrison campground. Reverend Piercy entered Asbury College at Wilmore, Kentucky in 1908. While in school at Wilmore, the way was opened for him to make an evangelist tour of the world with Dr. Morrison.  Brother Piercy serve many charges in the Louisville Annual Conference and retired in September of 1944. After his retirement, he was an associate minster of the First Methodist Church in Glasgow for a number of years. He was one of the great powers in the erection of the community hospital.

                A cabin was built on the grounds for J. L. Piercy, as a lodging cabin for his two week stay each year at the Morrison Park Camp meetings.  Piercy attended almost every year and along with Dr. Morrison, was one of the most prominent ministers to preach here.

J.L. Piercy Cabin Reconstructed 2011

The Piercy Cabin is one of two original log structures on the park grounds and was in grave danger of being lost. There was considerable damage to the structure from decay and wood eating insects. The job was very difficult and could have been very costly. Buck Riddle of the Temple Hill community had the experience and knowledge to restore the cabin. Buck donated his time, and along with the efforts and contributions of Delbert Birge and Bob Bell, the work has been completed. The structure has a new roof, a new floor and several logs at the base of the cabin have been replaced. With the skill and generosity of these men, along with the generous donations from various individuals, organizations, and churches, the cabin stands wonderfully restored.

Buck Riddle at right, prepares a new log to be replaced in the Piercy cabin. Also pictured is Bob Bell who assisted.

                                                        The restored J.L. Piercy cabin 2012

Henry Clay Morrison (left) and J.L. Piercy (right) in Bombay in 1909 during Morrison's World Tour of Evangelism
               

Morrison Park Identified by New Sign Glasgow, Barren County, Kentucky

Morrison Park was once a well defined community, consisting not only of the popular camp meeting ground but also of many families, two different schools and for a short time even a general store. For many years, all Barren County residents knew the location of Morrison Park. Some early residents of the county even identified Highway 63 as the Morrison Park Road. Although a Morrison Park Road still exists between Highway 63 and Highway 90, there was actually nothing to further identify to any traveler along the highway that they traveled through Morrison Park. Until recently, even the structures of the park were hidden from view by overgrowth. Many young people were not even aware of the park's existence. Mike Hudspeth of Hudspeth's Signs, recently put Morrison Park and the Campgrounds back on the map with the donation of a wonderful new sign. Mike, along with his wife, Joan and children, spent a day putting up the sign. This has been one of the most wonderful contributions to the resurrection of the park.

MP Board Member Jackie Wishart Dies

Jackie Wishart, a longtime board member and supporter of Morrison Park Camp meeting died Friday December 21 2012. Jackie along with her son, her sister, and other board members was instrumental in seeing to the operation of the park for many years. In addition, Jackie also provided her talents as a songstress, pianist and organist for the camp meeting on several occasions. She will be greatly missed.


Jacqueline "Jackie" Wishart 80 of Glasgow died Friday, December 21, 2012 at the Medical Center at Bowling Green. Born in Hopkinsville, KY she was the daughter of the late Jack and Bessie Mae Bailey Stewart. Jackie was a graduate of W.K.U. and was registered nurse. She had worked for Dr. Russell Starr for 30 years at the former Howard Clinic and later for Dr's Ray Gibson and Orlando Bravo. Currently she was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was the former organist and choir director at Faith United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Glasgow Musicale.

She is survived by her son Phillip Pursley (Carolyn) of Glasgow; her daughter Carla Jones (Terry) of Bowling Green; 2 grandchildren Jared Pursley (Nicole) and Jordan Elmore (Jacob); 1 great grandchild Bella Kate Pursley; 1 brother Frank Stewart (Joann) of Silver Springs, MD; 2 sisters Jeannine Harlow of Glendale and Nell Doris Stewart of Elizabethtown; a sister-in-law Kathy Stewart of Louisville and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alex Wishart, a grandson Joshua Pursley, and a brother Manuel Stewart.