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Re: Who was Harry Morse ?
This is a first hand account of the founding of the Morse Mission in Oakland. I needed this data but could not find it. I am so very excited. I found it looking for something else.
Our Trip North
On the first of November, pastor Harry Morse, Evangelist Winnifred Westfeld and the writer commenced to hold special revival services at the ninth street mission in Oakland. We were assisted by a large local staff of workers besides some from outside points. The meetings were well attended and the interest was wonderfully on the increase when the ten days expired. In fact, Pastor Morse remarked at last Sunday’s meeting, the power of God was present in such a remarkable way that it seemed we were just beginning. The word of God was honored in these meetings. The saints would sit with their Bible open listening to the messages and drinking them in. They would be so lost in the spirit at times that they would forget to mark the references in their Bibles and could be heard afterwards diligently comparing notes so as to get the present message in its true scriptural setting.
Many were baptized in water in the name of Jesus who were bitterly hostile to this truth at the commencement of the meetings, and some received the Holy Spirit. One remarkable baptism was that of a dear simple Catholic man from Napa, Cal. He came from Brother Scott’s mission, and after receiving the Holy Ghost told of what he had suffered for the name of Jesus. He was bound with cords and beaten by his own wife. The Catholics accused him of giving away his money to the Pentecostal people, and of being insane, but when the trial came off in court the judge acquitted him of every charge, and so absolute was the vindication that his wife wept on his neck and asked forgiveness. The Lord did many wonderful things at these meetings, and we feel that in every way they repaid the labor expended on them.
Pastor Morse found the work completely run down, and coming there from the Los Angeles camp meeting, he gathered the scattered saints and started an uphill fight. The result is that he has built up a strong work there, and he has practically the only live mission in the city of Oakland. We opened a new hall at San Francisco at 791A Howard street at a cost of $46 per month. We were practically strangers in the city and had no capital, but God said “go ahead,” and we obeyed. One precious brother helped to furnish the hall and advanced the money we needed voluntarily.Our staff of workers were entertained by Pastor Morse’s people at Oakland for many days. This was at great sacrifice to the pastor and his precious wife.They gave up their beds and slept out in the hall in order to entertain us. I have counted as many as twenty three sit down to dinner at the mission house during these days. We crossed the Ferry and travelled back and forth to the meetings, often getting back to Oakland at midnight. When the meetings were established we began to look and pray for a home in the city. God supplied this need also and a six roomed flat was rented and a precious brother loaned us all the furniture we needed. We are occupying this home now, and the Lord is supplying all needs.
In addition to this we had to purchase a piano and hymn books, and altogether our expenses, with the baptismal font which we had to install, came to around $200, so that we feel assured we are in Divine order in this place, for nothing but a miracle could have gained an entrance here. The gates of this city have always been closed against God’s truth, but we feel that there is a grand work to be done here this winter.
We had our first baptismal service on Sunday, the 28th of November. Three were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. They were all of Persian nationality.
The street meetings are wonderful and crowds of hungry men and women follow into the hall. Many have repented of their sins and are applying for baptism in water, after which they will have hands laid on them and receive the Holy Ghost in the Bible order. The meetings are held here every night but Monday and Sunday afternoon also. Saints passing through here should call. They will receive a hearty welcome.
Fred Scott, 1443A Harrison street, Pastor in charge.
Written by F.J. Ewart
Meat in Due Season
December 1915
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