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

The new building, which was situated on Main street, between Second and Third streets in Los
Angeles, was dedicated with large audiences and great blessing. The enterprise was entered upon
with good prospects of ultimate success. The work, which was conducted in connection with the
persons with whom arrangements had previously been made, was earnestly pushed. Three regular
services were held on Sunday, besides Sunday school and prayermeeting. There were meetings every
night in the week. In addition to these regular services, special meetings were conducted, especially
two great meetings of three weeks each, one led by Rev. Joseph H. Smith, and the other by Dr.
Carradine. At these revival services large numbers of people went to the altar. The entire year was
one of marked success and victory. A training school for Christian workers was organized and
carried on throughout the year, and there seemed very large possibilities opening up before this
mission enterprise.
I will close the description of Dr. Bresee's connection with the Peniel Mission in his own words:
"In the summer of the year I went East to be gone two or three months, and to assist at a number of
the national campmeetings. While in the East, I was informed by my coajutors of their unwillingness
to go forward with me in the work. As to their course, and the treatment accorded me by them, which
made it seem necessary for me to withdraw myself finally from this work, I prefer to draw a veil."
Events Preceding The Organization Of The Church Of The Nazarene
This brings us to the year 1895. Doctor Bresee was now without a place in the Conference, and
apparently without opportunity for service, but immediately a new door was opened for him. Many
of the people who had gathered about him in the mission hall, rallied around him, and after
considerable consultation and prayer, a hall was provided at 317 South Main street, where, with glad
hearts and great rejoicing, the people gathered to worship God and "push the battle." This was on
the first Sunday of October, 1895. Fortunately the little notice which was sent out among the friends,
apprising them of this meeting, and its time and place, was preserved. The notice is as follows:
Los Angeles, Cal., Oct., 1895. Dear Friends:
NOTICE OF FIRST MEETING.
Permit us to inform you that Rev. P. F. Bresee, D. D., will preach next Sabbath, October 6th, at
11 a. m., in the hall at 317 South Main street, Los Angeles, Cal., instead of at Peniel Hall as
heretofore.
There will be a special holiness meeting at the same place at 3 p. m., conducted by Rev. J. A.
Wood, D. D.
Rev. J. P. Widney, LL. D. will preach at 7:30 p. m.
We are also very glad to be able to announce to you that Drs. Widney and Bresee have arranged
to associate themselves, together with such Christian people as may desire to join with them to carry
on Christian work, especially evangelistic and city mission work, and the spreading of the doctrine
and experience of Christian holiness.