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

Phineas F. Bresee
A PRINCE IN ISRAEL
By E. A. Girvin
CHAPTER 12
Appointed to Simpson M. E. Church -- Bishop Vincent's Opposition to Holiness -- Obstacles
to Success -- Appointed to Boyle Heights M. E. Church -- Conditions Preceding Withdrawal
From Methodist Church
Appointed To Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church
"Bishop Vincent had little difficulty in arranging for my removal from the District, as my desire
to withdraw from the Presiding Eldership was as strong as his wish to remove me could possibly
have been. His method of accomplishing that result, however, showed his determination in the
matter.
"As he was calling over the appointments, and came to some which were more or less uncertain,
he called out Simpson church, and said: 'Dr. Bresee, who is to go to Simpson church?' I replied: 'I
do not know. It is possible they may be compelled to have a transfer.' He then said: 'Why don't you
go there yourself?' I answered that I had told the committee which had approached me in reference
to the matter, that, if it were thought best by the Presiding Bishop for me to go there, I would serve
them to the best of my ability. He said: 'What are your initials?' I said 'P. F,' and he wrote down: 'To
Simpson church.'
Bishop Vincent's Opposition To Holiness
"His attitude toward holiness was clearly brought out in the cabinet in connection with some other
matters bearing on the appointments. As the names of the preachers were called or referred to, that
of Rev. T. E. Robinson was mentioned, and the Bishop said, meditatively: 'Robinson, Robinson. Is
he that holiness crank?' I remarked: 'Brother Robinson preaches holiness, but is a very sane, safe, and
able man.' When it was proposed to send another brother, a young man, the Bishop said again,
thoughtfully: 'There is a lay man up there, a holiness man, who I am afraid will spoil that young man,
if I send him there'--indicating the fact that the men who preached or professed holiness in the
Conference were marked men, and evidently not marked for favor. When the appointments of the
Conference were read, I was appointed to Simpson church, Los Angeles, California."
This was a comparatively new church, with a fine auditorium, but a rather small congregation.
The enterprise had been launched a few years previous, and the church built with the hope of making
a great and popular organization. A heavy church indebtedness, however, and other adverse
conditions, had worked against the accomplishment of these hopes.
Dr. Bresee entered upon the pastorate of this church with a feeling of satisfaction at being relieved
from the work of the District, and with the hope that he might be able to help bring about what
seemed to be a great possibility.