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

Phineas F. Bresee
A PRINCE IN ISRAEL
By E. A. Girvin
CHAPTER 14
"I Have Given Myself to You" -- The Old Tabernacle an Attraction to Tourists -- Victory Day
-- Dr. Bresee's Description of the Christmas Love Feast -- Early Evangelistic Services -- Some
Prominent Members of the Church -- Colonel Duncan
"I Have Given Myself To You"
Just at this period, as Dr. Bresee was riding one day down Grand avenue in his buggy, he came
upon a church building in process of erection, which was large and commodious. A number of
churches had been erected in the southwestern part of the city, and he was surprised to see this
church and the progress that had been made in its construction. Stopping his horse for a moment, his
heart almost sank within him as he realized that there was no place to be found for him and his
people, when so much provision was being made for various other congregations. Involuntarily, as
he closed his eyes, he cried out to God, saying: 'Oh, Lord, there is plenty of money seemingly for
great churches out in this part of the city, I would that Thou wouldst give me some money to make
a place for the Church of the Nazarene." Immediately as though a voice from heaven, there were
uttered in his very consciousness the words: "I have given Myself to you." Dr. Bresee exclaimed:
"Thank Thee, Lord, that is enough. I would rather have Thee than all else, and with Thee we have
all things." Immediately it was impressed upon him and upon others, that they should lease a lot and
build a temporary building. As a result, a lot on Los Angeles street, between 5th and 6th, was leased,
and, as the people were poor, and it seemed impossible to raise the money, a personal loan was made
of about $800, the note being signed by the leading members of the church. This amount was
sufficient to purchase the boards and shingles for the temporary building, the work on which was
done largely by the members themselves, a few of whom were carpenters.
The Old Tabernacle
It was a happy day when the corner stone of the new building was laid, or rather, the corner nail
was driven. A great spike was brought to be driven into the appropriate place, and each member of
the church in turn took the hammer and helped to drive it home. This was done in the midst of
prayers, testimonies, and songs of praise. The spike was afterward extracted from the building and
was kept by Brother Shaw for many years, and is now in the archives of the Nazarene University.
This building was simply a board structure with sides and roof, but in the mild climate of
Southern California, it was sufficiently comfortable. It would seat about 400 people. In a little time
it was found inadequate to accommodate the congregation, and its enlargement was determined
upon. Here was commenced the unique method of money-raising which was the habit of Dr. Bresee,
and which he advocated from that time on. This was as follows: After telling the people the needs,
and joining with them in prayer for the Lord to enable them to bring such offerings as were in
accordance with His purpose, the congregation was asked to stand for a moment. Then as the
members sang and shouted, they brought their offerings and laid them on the table at the altar. On