Phineas F. Bresee - A Prince In Israel - Media Sabda Org

Phineas F. Bresee
A PRINCE IN ISRAEL
By E. A. Girvin
CHAPTER 4
First Pastorate in Des Moines -- Improved Financial Conditions -- Visit to New York --
Appointed Presiding Elder for the Winterset District -- Revivals on the District -- The
Centennial of Methodism -- A Pathetic Incident -- Peculiar Temptation -- Appointed to
Chariton -- Is Sanctified
The First Pastorate In Des Moines
In the autumn of 1862, Brother and Sister Bresee began their work in the pastorate of one of the
two Methodist Episcopal churches in Des Moines. It was in the eastern part of the city, and was in
the Iowa Conference, the dividing line between that conference and what was then known as the
Southwestern Iowa Conference, was the Des Moines river, which then as now divided the city into
two parts. At that time the population of Des Moines was not more than 6,000.
The church was in a very bad condition. The building had been erected entirely with borrowed
money. The former pastor who had arranged for the building of the church, had secured a loan of the
money and given the church's note for the indebtedness, to be paid in gold coin with interest at ten
per cent. At this period, gold had so enhanced in value that it was worth two and a half times as
much as paper money. This, of course, greatly augmented the debt of the church, which was on the
verge of dissolution. But there were a few good, earnest people there. Brother Bresee had learned
the lesson of desperation, and he at once began to drive on the Enemy. The Lord gave them a revival
which lasted all the year. During his pastorate of two years, the church was rebuilt and arrangements
made to compromise on favorable terms with the holder of the indebtedness, who offered to accept
a sum equal in value to the property of the church.
Among the first services held in the new church was the Watch Night meeting. During those two
years in Des Moines, the Lord had given Brother Bresee almost a constant tide of salvation--no very
great outbreak at any one time--but a state of revival, which gradually strengthened the church, and
put it in a comparatively strong condition in every way.
Birth Of Lily
During their stay in Des Moines, a beautiful little girl, their second child, was born to Brother and
Sister Bresee. They named her Lily, and, as will appear later, she died in her infancy. Among those
who were especially helpful to Brother Bresee during his pastorate in Des Moines, was Mr. James
Wright, the Secretary of State. He was an unusually faithful earnest, and efficient worker, and as
Sunday school superintendent rendered valuable services. During the rebuilding of the church, Mr.
Wright secured the use of the state house for the Sunday school, which was very large.