H.C. Morrison Memorial Library Cabin at Morrison Park gets new roof.

We thank the Lord, and many giving people, answering our prayers, providing a new roof for the Morrison Library Cabin at Morrison Park. Daniel Rodriguez (center) and his crew (DMR Roofing) did the great work. The old roof had lots of rust that paint could only hide for a short time, and many leaks. A special thanks to the wonderful people at New Bethal Missionary Baptist Church in Allen County, that gave so much toward this effort. Thank you Lord.

Memorial donation made to Morrison Park in memory of Donna Carder Turner Rich

A memorial donation was made to Morrison Park by Wanda Bishop in memory of her sister, Donna Carder Turner Rich. A memorial page for Donna will be entered in the memorial book at the Morrison Library at Morrison Park.

Film of Henry Clay Morrison and his wife Betty

Evangelist Rick Curry at Morrison Park

A wonderful night last night with Evangelist Rick Curry at Morrison Park Camp Meeting. There was a good crowd and everyone seemed happy, joyous and blessed. The services continue tonight (Sat. July 1), and Sunday night, both at 7 p.m. Be sure to come, you will enjoy the park, and hearing Rev. Curry.

A trip through the Henry Clay Morrison home in Glasgow, Kentucky

The most wonderful home in Glasgow Kentucky, belongs to Stacey Cooper, who owns the house that once belonged to Rev. Henry Clay Morrison. The house is located on N. Race Street beside Glasgow Christian Church. Morrison purchased a beautifully wooded tract of two and a half acres in Glasgow. Since he was almost constantly engaged in evangelistic work, he arranged for his friend Rev. J.L. Piercy  to supervise the building of the house. Work began in early 1937 and was completed in 1938. In the intervals between revival campaigns Morrison made more than twenty trips to Glasgow to check on the progress which was being made. When the house was completed it was indeed something to be desired! The Two-story log home, placed some distance from the road and surrounded by numbers of shade trees, presented a picture of restful retreat. The seven room house had four bedrooms, each with it's own fireplace and private bath. In addition to the house the property included a large two and a half story garage, with room for two or three cars. This building had the same artistic log construction as did the house. Morrison built the house for a retirement home, however, his dream of retirement never materialized. According to information gleaned from his diaries he actually spent less less than two weeks in his Glasgow home. Furniture was placed in the house on July 13, 1938, and Morrison stayed there until until July 19. Two of his daughters, Anna Laura, and Helen , spent the week-end with him there, the largest family gathering to live in the house. He did not return until until June 9, 1939, when he spent one night there and reported having had a "good rest." A week later he enjoyed the the restful atmosphere of his home for part of one day, but was unable to stay over night since he was engaged in a revival campaign in Scottsville, Kentucky, where J.L. Piercy was the pastor. One year later Morrison and his daughter, Anna Laura Young, spent four days in Glasgow, June 18-21, 1940. During that time he wrote several chapters in his book, Some Chapters Of My Life Story, as well as several sermons.  Aside from the two brief visits of only a few hours each during which he was arranging for the care of the property, he never visited the property again. 
   The house is magnificent and built in the same fashion as the cabins at Morrison Park Camp meeting. The house, (for protection) is now covered with vinyl siding, but the inside is still logs, and much as it was in Morrison's time. Stacey allowed Nancy Richey and me to explore every bit of the house last Sunday evening. It was a dream come true for us. Stacey also gave us a gift, an original window from the home to place in the Morrison Museum. It was a very special day. 

Bro. Billy Moran, declared by the Morrison Park congregation, " the greatest pulpit orator on the American Continent."

Stormy Camp Meeting. The most miserable night in weather, that we ever enjoyed occurred at Morrison Park Camp Meeting last night. The night began pretty tame. Bro. Dennis Devore sang several songs from about 6:30 - 7 . A most talented man. Then the heavy rains and wind began. The rain blew in, and there was a bit of scuffling about to get to the section of the tabernacle less affected by the storm. After a few songs and a prayer that included a request for a break in the weather, Bro. Moran began an unforgettable sermon. Bro. Moran had several guest traveling with him, and in his desire to get everyone on board, he forgot his bible. He borrowed one from Bro. Billy Neal Davis, but hardly needed it, for it seems the bulk of the scripture is embedded greatly in the mind of Bro. Moran. His sermon and delivery was unforgettable. When he was done, everyone was amazed, and so blessed. Several comments were overheard, that despite the weather, this was the best night for sure. The amazing thing was that despite the threat of storms, there was a well represented crowd of people attending. At the conclusion of the service, it was decided by all in attendance that Bro. Moran should carry on the title once bestowed upon Henry Clay Morrison, "the greatest pulpit orator on the American Continent." Those who did not come missed much. Thank the Lord for this marvelous unforgettable service.                Gary Bewley

Morrison Park Camp Meeting Began Last night.

Morrison Park Camp Meeting began last night. What a wonderful service it was. Bro. Billy Neal Davis preached a great message, and shared his glorious testimony of salvation. There were many testimonies from the congregation and the Holy Spirit was strong in our hearts. There was great music by Bro. Wayne Strode and Sister Evelyne Hagan. If you were not there, you missed so much. Below, Evelyne Hagan welcomes Bro. Timothy Shirley's son to the service. Come join us tonight. Bro. Timothy Shirley will bring the message, and Bro. Tim, and Sister Debbie Sherfey will do some special music.

Morrison Park Camp Meeting Revival 2017 Evangelists

Bro. Billy Neal Davis. A favorite preacher of so many people. Bro. Davis has a down- home, folksy style delivery that draws at your heart and makes you want to hear more. Whether sharing a personal testimony of some Christian experience or expounding  upon the Holy Scripture, you never grow tired of his message. I still recall from many years past, great points of interest I heard in his sermons. Very few preachers  have had that effect on me. I am so excited to be able to hear him Tuesday night. I hope you will be excited too.  Please come join us and hear Bro. Davis on Tuesday night, May 23, 

7 p.m.

Bro. Timothy Shirley. I guess I have heard more sermons from this minister than any other in my lifetime. He was my pastor at two different churches over the span of several years. If he was not a marvelous preacher, I would have not wasted my time listening. But, no service where he preached, was ever wasted.  One thing that can always be said of Bro. Shirley, "he delivers."  I never saw Him visually, but I have always known, that the Good Lord and Savior was always standing very close to Bro. Shirley in the pulpit. When Bro. Shirley preaches, the Holy Spirit is always free, joyfully infecting  all who are willing to acknowledge the great power. If the Lord is convicting a lost soul in the course of the service, Bro. Shirley's preaching  has the Godly power, to make the altar a most desirable place. You must not fail to hear him Wednesday night. If you are lost, or have lost friends and family, they need to hear Bro. Shirley's message.                     

                                                                                         

Bro. Mitchell Glasscock. Pastor of  Mt Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church in Alvaton Ky., Bro. Glasscock came highly recommended to Morrison Park.  A most dedicated minister with the friendliest of Christian character.  We are so excited Bro. Glasscock accepted the invitation to preach at Morrison Park Thursday night. His sermon will be met with  the highest level of anticipation. Simply, I can't wait to hear him preach,Thursday night.  Please come and join us

Bro. Billy Moran. I never got to witness Rev. H.C. Morrison preach. He died in 1942. But, I know I have been blessed to hear Bro. Billy Moran.  When he preaches you know you are witnessing greatness. Bro. Moran can take the most complex sermon, and handle it with the greatest of skill and ease, leaving one to think and ask, "how did he do that?"  A true professional of the ministry, and one of the most respected and admired preachers we have today.  It is a thrill and honor to have him at Morrison Park. I pray you will come and hear him Saturday night. You could not be disappointed.                                                                                                  

 I (Bro. Gary Bewley), Lord willing, will bring the message Friday night. I would be grateful and honored if you could come and support this service.          

Bro. Dale Copas.  A wonderful Christian man, who, I believe, lives the life and walks the walk of Christianity, as close as any man I know. Bro. Dale has preached for us three times so far at Morrison Park, and each sermon has been most memorable. No man will praise his heavenly Father any greater, and no man will prayerfully try harder to point you to the one who can take care of every spiritual need you could ever have. Through his sermon, Bro. Copas will take you on a sacred journey, and when done, you will know, you have been with the Savior, or else, you will know you truly need a Savior.  Bro. Copas wraps up our scheduled revival Sunday night. Please don't fail to attend this important service.   The Sunday night service will begin at 6 p.m.  

           Bro. Wayne Strode will lead and conduct the singing service each night.
Special music includes,
               Fri. night, Bro. Robbie Jones, Guitarist
               Sat. night, Bro. Dennis Devore, vocalist
               Sun. night Bro. Timothy and sister Debbie Sherfey, Guitar and vocals.
 Revival services will begin May 23 through May 28, 2017, at 7 p.m. The Sunday night service (May 28) will begin at 6 p.m. Everyone please come, encourage the lost, and please be prayerful for our efforts. God Bless You.  Bro.Gary Bewley
 For more information, contact Bro. Gary Bewley 270- 834-9553         

                                                                                                             

Johnson's Chapel, where Henry Clay Morrison preached his first sermon ca.1878

This is how Professor Nancy Richey and me spend our Sunday afternoons, walking in the footsteps of  the great Henry Clay Morrison. In 1878, Morrison, recently licensed to preach was given his first assignment to travel from Perryville Ky. , over the knobs to Casey county, along the Rolling Fork River to preach his first sermon at Johnson's Chapel. He arrived the day before spending the night at the home of State Representative William Green Johnson, who built the church in mid 1800's. Morrison wrote, "Sabbath morning I went up in the field where there was a great rock covered with bushes and grapevines, and I prayed earnestly for help. I cannot remember positively what my text was, but I had Liberty, told my experience, exhorted the people. Everybody was in tears. I went to Brother Johnson's for dinner. Someone said "Everybody in our church wept while you preached and told your experience." Coming back, Morrison preached at Sycamore Methodist Church Sunday afternoon.
    Johnson's chapel has been gone since 1984, the insert shows where the church sat. 

 A wonderful neighbor and historian, Doris Purdom points out to us the exact location of Johnson's Chapel, just behind where she and Nancy Richey stand, off of Little South Rd. Hwy 243

      The home of Rep. William Green Johnson still stands on the banks of the river, 

    Sycamore Church ( now a Church of Christ ) still stands nearby on Forkland Rd. Hwy 37

                    State Representative William Green Johnson 1824 - 1890

                                                      Wife of William Green Johnson

                Another wonderful day, in the footsteps of Rev. Henry Clay Morrison. Gary Bewley 

Painting by Gary Bewley depicting Morrison's first sermon at Johnson's Chapel.

Gary Bewley Guest Speaker at New Monument Dedication for Henry Clay Morrison

 

Morrison Park President Gary Bewley addresses the congregation at the Morrison dedication.

Henry Clay Morrison was honored with a new monument in the city of his birth, Bedford, (Trimble Co.) Ky. When Morrison was two weeks old, his mother attended Hickory Grove Methodist Church and came back home leaping for joy. She told her neighbor how she gave her young son to the Lord to preach the gospel, and she just knew the Lord answered her prayer. Morrison of coarse went on to become one of the greatest and best known ministers in American religious history. The ceremony took place yesterday, Sunday April 23, 2017 at Hickory Grove Methodist Church. The program included the Reverend Owen Dolin, District Superintendent,  David Taylor, Editor: Trimble Banner, and The Reverend Stuart Smith, from Asbury University. I was very honored to be asked to take part in the ceremony as well. It was a beautiful program dedicated to Morrison and the great accomplishments in his life. The new Morrison monument was most appropriate. Thanks to Ms. Hilda Parrish and all the members of the Trimble County Historical Society, for honoring Henry Clay Morrison in such a special way.            Gary Bewley

                                           Hilda Parrish, Gary Bewley and Rev.Stuart Smith

New granite marker at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church in Trimble County, honors Henry Clay Morrison

Trimble native, Asbury Seminary founder H.C. Morrison subject 

of upcoming local events

By HILDA PARRISH
The Trimble Banner
Trimble County native, Dr. Henry Clay Morrison, was born March 10, 1857 and died March 24, 1942. 
His father,  James Morrison married a widow, Emily Durham English of Danville, and they moved to Westport with her 
daughter, also named Emily. They moved to Trimble County and lived in a “fine old brick house just outside corporate 
Bedford on Tilton Turnpike,” he wrote in his autobiography. Through research this is believed to be Cutshaw Lane, the 
house located on the Morgan property, later owned by C.M. Cutshaw.
His mother attended the quarterly meeting at Hickory Grove Methodist Church when he was two weeks old and after a 
touching Sunday sermon, she came home and told Mrs. Morgan she had given her son to the Lord to follow in His 
footsteps and to witness for Him. She died when Henry Clay was two and his step-sister was four years of age. Their father 
took them back to Barren County to reside with his father, William and his sister, Aunt Lizzie. He did not see his father 
again until he was four years of age. His father died when Henry Clay was five years old.
His grandparents were very devout and he continued to grow in his faith and at 21 years of age he was ordained and began 
many years of ministry.
Later he was asked to be president of Asbury College in Wilmore, as it was in the red and headed for closure. He accepted 
the challenge and got it back into financial stability. Serving two terms as president, he founded the Asbury Theological 
Seminary.
Trimble County Historical Society partnering with Hickory Grove United Methodist Church will honor Morrison by 
placing a granite marker in the flower garden at the church on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. April 23. All are invited to attend.
Dave Taylor, editor of The Trimble Banner, will speak on Dr. Morrison at the Trimble County Historical Society meeting 
Saturday, April 15 at 1 p.m., at Morgan Community Center. The late Rev. Henry Taylor, Dave’s father and a beloved
 minister in this area, was acquainted with Dr. Morrison and Dave grew up with many stories of him

The Trimble County Historical Society and

Hickory Grove United Methodist Church

Invite you to the:

Dedication for Henry Clay Morrison

At Hickory Grove United Methodist Church

Hickory Grove (Morton Ridge) Road

Bedford, KY 40006

Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Short program with guest speakers and unveiling of monument

Refreshments after.

Hilda Parrish President

Trimble County Historical Society

Dr. Tommy Purvis, Pastor

Hickory Grove United Methodist Church

                                                                          Rev. Henry Clay Morrison

Easter Morning Sunrise Service at Morrison Park

Wonderful Easter Sunrise Service at Morrison Park. Many gathered at 6 a.m. Easter morning for the Morrison Park sunrise service. Bro. Dale Copas brought a great and powerful message filled with the Spirit of God. Debbie and Tim Sherfey also performed special music for the service and did a splendid job. Bro. Dale will be one of the guest evangelist at next months revival service, and Debbie and Tim have also promised to come back and perform for us. Thanks to everyone who came. One particular highlight of the service was a dear soul, who testified, she wanted to come back to Morrison Park, the place where she was saved. 
 Bro. Copas, Bro. Ronnie Wood, and Bro. Jason Wheeley all gave testimonies of their salvation. The testimonies all witnessed of a Godly conviction, and a joyful heartfelt conversion. True Heartfelt Salvation.Praise the Lord! Gary Bewley

Easter Sunrise Service at Morrison Park 2017

Please make plans to attend the Easter Sunrise service at Morrison Park , Easter morning, April 16, at 6 a.m. Bro. Dale Copas will be returning this year to conduct the preaching service. There will be special music by Tim and Debbie Sherfey. The services will be (temperature permitting) in the Carl Jackson Memorial Tabernacle. There will be refreshments served after the service in the Morrison Library cabin. The Park is located on Hwy 63. (Tompkinsville Rd.)  about 5 miles south of Glasgow, Kentucky, at the intersection of Bristletown Rd. Everyone please come and help us worship, pray and celebrate our risen Savior. For more information ph. 270-834-9553

Morrison Park Revival 2017, Glasgow, Kentucky is set.

Thanks to Brother Wayne Strode who has orchestrated everything for me, the revival for Morrison Park is taking shape. Please mark your calendars. Tell others. Please plan to attend. Last years revival was so spiritual, and wonderful, but we need you too.

Henry Clay Morrison 160th Birthday Celebration

In May of 1937, eighty year old Morrison, accompanied by his daughter, Helen, came home to Bedford Kentucky, to visit the old home where he was born. An article in the Trimble Democrat Paper, (June 3, 1937) recorded this account.
Dr. H.C. Morrison And His Daughter Visit Birthplace.
About ten days ago, Dr. H.C. Morrison of Louisville, a most eminent minister of the Southern Methodist Church, editor of the Pentecostal Herald, and President of... Wilmore College, in company with his daughter, Helen, came to Bedford to visit his birth place, now owned by Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Cutshaw and daughters. He entered the dining room, the room in which he was born, and turned to Helen and said, "Helen, in here, right over in that corner, is the place your father first saw the light. When I was a few weeks old my mother left me in here in the care of a Mrs. Morgan while she went to Hickory Grove church. When she returned she picked me up in her arms and danced around the room shouting, "I gave my little Henry to the Lord today to preach the gospel, and I believe He accepted my gift." She has been gone many years and here I am the answer to her prayer."
He then asked to see the big living room of which he had heard his grandmother speak. As he entered that room he remarked that it was large enough to hold a protracted meeting. Before leaving the house he offered a prayer for the happiness and material success for those living within the sacred walls of the old home; for the people of Bedford and of Tremble County, KY. He then hurried on his way, pausing only long enough to pay tribute to an old rock in the front yard and a few of the old trees and vines which have been there so long. Dr. Morrison was eighty years old on March 10, 1937, and is still preaching the gospel, both in the pulpit and over the radio.