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.

Recognition of Contributors to the restoration of Morrison Park

Morrison Park Summer 2012

The Morrison Park Camp Meeting Association would like to recognize the following people, churches, and organizations who have thus far contributed time, effort and monies to the restoration of this historic and wonderful site. 

Carl and Mary Lou Jackson

Houchens Industries

Joey Crews

Sue Lynn and Bob McDaniel

Roy and Joyce Buchanan

Tootie Bishop

Linda Bewley Mayberry

Steve Morrison

Rita Neighbors

 Marshall Bailey

 Boyds Creek Methodist Church

 Jimmy Smith

 Rev. John Brewer

 New Salem Methodist Church

 Ed Darst

 Buck and Pat Riddle

James Henry Richey

 Bob and Edie Bell

 Delbert and Barbara Birge

 Kevin Birge

 Doris Oliver

 Charles and Helen Crabtree

Temple Hill Golden Oldies Club

Johnny and Allison Day

Nancy Richey

Gary Bewley

Connie Pendleton and the Siloam Baptist Church Sunday School

David and Sheila Milam

East Main Methodist Church

Temple Hill Baptist Church

Sidney Williams

Floyd Ray Jones (Falling Timber Dairy)

Wood Men of the World

Roger and Wandaline McCoy

Harold and Susan Jackson

Charles Smith

Maxine Underwood

Tony Richey and the Temple Hill Fire Department

Anthony Shoultz

Danny R. Daniels

Mike and Joan Hudspeth

Richard Chambers

Gina Lyon

Danny Simmons

Omar Barbour

Barren River Rod and Gun Club

Ernest Chambers

Becky and Bobby Joe Barrick of Awards, Inc.

Floyd and Ruby Cockerham

Bryan and Kuristen Jones

Nell Doris Stewart

Margaret Bowles

Mrs. Lemmuel Martin

South Central Kentucky Genealogical Society

County Judge Davie Greer

Jerry Harvey

Square Deal Lumber Company

Dickerson Lumber Company

Glasgow Electric Plant Board

There have been many other anonymous donors and we apologize if we have overlooked anyone. Special thanks to Buck Riddle who engineered the reconstruction of the J. L. Piercy cabin, with great assistance from Delbert Birge and Bob Bell. Also, special thanks to Bob and Edie Bell for the arts and crafts and beautiful flowers/landscaping of the park. Also, special thanks to Roger Gentry and the Barren County Correctional Center work crews for the mowing and maintenance of the park.

The Morrison Park Board of Directors would again like to thank Wayne Sexton of Sexton Recording Service along with all the singers and musicians who participated in the” Music for Morrison Park” CD, and the more recent "Christmas Music for Morrison Park" CD. We are especially appreciative to each one purchased the CD's which have been a great success.  We thank everyone in the community for the many kind comments and ask for your support as we continue our efforts to restore this historic site which belongs to all the people of Barren County.

 

The History of Morrison Park Holiness Campground Glasgow, Barren County, Kentucky

   The Morrison Park community we know today began with  the story of a young orphan boy who through providence was led to the good people of this County where he found love and experienced the effects of a Godly devout people who worshipped in spirit and truth. It was a community in the mid 1800’s that was so committed to the service and obedience of the Lord that most everyone attended church, prayed dutifully and not a single axe handle would ever be heard in use on Sunday, as the whole community respected and honored the Lord’s day. This young boy at the age of eleven was so touched by the this environment and the great drawing power of God’s invitation to salvation that he found himself willfully and longingly on the altar of grace in the nearby community Methodist Church of Boyd’s Creek. When Morrison was saved, he experienced a salvation that was joy filled and full of glory. It is a salvation so great and wonderful that he knew for a fact he had found the Lord, and experienced a new birth confirmed by the receiving of the spirit as promised in the New Testament Scriptures. Immediately this young boy was called to service by the Lord. Morrison’s first act, that very night, was to go forth and beseech his own unsaved teacher standing at the rear of the church to come and seek Christ. God soon directed the young boy to set up an altar in his own home, the old rustic log cabin home of his grandfather William Morrison, who’s house sat on highway 63, just across and a few hundred yards down from the present day Morrison Park Holiness Camp. God was using this small boy to his service as nightly, he read scripture and led in prayer, thereby witnessing to all, his household, visiting family, and occasional travelers the truths of God’s word. Morrison would also attend other nearby churches, and often after the preaching would walk the aisles, begging and pleading with others especially young people to heed the call of God and come to an altar of prayer. Although Morrison would not officially become a licensed minister until a few years later when he would leave Barren County with a half- brother and attended  Perryville United Methodist Church, most everyone would agree, God’s dramatic calling of this young man to his service began right here in Barren County Kentucky at the altar of Boyd’s Creek Methodist Church.

   The story of Morrison’s great accomplishments and his work for the Lord are more numerous than could ever be written in this space provided.  At home here in Kentucky, Morrison was twice President of Asbury College at Wilmore Kentucky, and both times saved the college from financial ruin and bankruptcy. No one doubts, Asbury College would not be in existence today without the efforts, works and prayers of H.C. Morrison. Morrison would later found a Theological Seminary at Asbury that is still in operation to this day, being one of the most prestigious seminaries in the nation. Morrison published and served as Editor for a very popular religious publication “The Pentecostal Herald”, which carried his sermons, as well as those of other prominent ministers, around the nation and various parts of the world. Morrison wrote many books, and was one of the most respected and highly known ministers of the day. During the great Holiness Movement in America, Morrison rose like a colossus, preaching all across America from the smallest to the largest cities and is regarded to this day as the greatest advocate of Holiness. The most prominent words of praise for Morrison came from the great William Jennings Bryant who proclaimed H.C. Morrison the greatest pulpit Orator on the American continent.

   Despite the constant demand for Morrison all across the nation, Morrison still took the time and felt the need to establish a special place of worship in his own hometown of Glasgow/ Barren County Kentucky. “Pentecostal Park”, later evolving into the name “Morrison Park”, was founded in 1900 on the very farm that had once been the plantation of his great grandfather John O. Morrison who settled here from Virginia around 1800. A portion of this property had become the farm of the grandfather who raised the orphan boy. Morrison had played, worked, and roamed this land as a boy.    

   Morrison Park Camp Meeting was a six acre park, dedicated to the preaching of Jesus Christ, and the Holiness message. The park had a large open air tabernacle for the preaching services. There were many small cottages supplied with simple cots. There was a large wood frame building commonly referred to as “the hotel”, with a dining room downstairs and a number of rooms above. A few years later Rev. J.L. Piercy had a more elaborate log, lodging cabin constructed there for his own use, and following in the same design, a larger cabin was built by Morrison for use as a working library for the community. In more recent years a modern restroom building was provided and a caretaker’s house was built. The park flourished in attendance over the years with great success. Hundreds, even at the greatest of times, a thousand in number would be on the grounds of the park for the religious services. Many who traveled greater distances literally would live on the park for the two week period, thus giving it the name “Camp Meeting”. Prominent ministers, singers, and special guest were secured each year to provide the spiritual services that resulted in no doubt thousands of souls being saved.  In time the park grew old, and in need of great repair. Along with this decay in the physical nature of the park came a decline in attendance and support and by the late nineteen nineties, the park suffered a crippling blow when the huge tabernacle was damaged by storm, causing its eventual removal. The general consensus among those in charge was that the day of the camp meeting was surly over and therefore the park lay mostly untouched for about fifteen years.

  In December 2010, a Godly directive caused some local residence to begin a reconstruction of the grounds and the repairable structures that remained. The result has been most favorable. Much of the Park has been cleared, and at this time the two log cabin buildings have been refurbished and stand in good repair. This has been accomplished by generous donations on the part of many citizens, churches and groups who have graciously supported our efforts. It has also been accomplished because of the generosity of wonderful men like Buck Riddle, Delbert Birge, and Bob Bell who gave their time freely to perform this great work. Edie Bell has spent countless hours and planted beautiful flowers all over the park, making it truly come to life. There have been so many wonderful donations and acts of support. I wish space was provided to list everyone who has done so much, and is still doing so much. Let me say on behalf of myself and all that is Morrison Park, “we love you, and thank God every day for you.” We can never say “thank you, “enough. Still, there remains so much more to be done, the greatest being the rebuilding of the tabernacle so that once again God’s word may be proclaimed on this sacred hillside.