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.