Owensboro, Kentucky (1950 - 1953)
There were few openings that year on the district, but we knew that Maysville was changing and would have been happy to have taken it, for it was not far from the parents. But another pastor was called. We went to the district camp and conference (they convened at the same time) at Maysville. We still had nothing in sight. We found Bro. Houston and the District Council facing a serious problem concerning the new church at Owensboro. They had built a new church without first sitting down and counting the cost and carefully comparing their resources. Disagreements had developed and the church had split. Insurmountable conditions had culminated, and firms all over town were suing. The church was unfinished and the treasury was nil.
A phone message came to the superintendent advising that the building was to be sold on the courthouse steps at public auction during the camp meeting. The saints went to prayer while Bro. Houston called back entreating him to postpone the sale until he and the district treasurer could come and make some payments and arrangements for future payments. They, with some reluctance, agreed. That was an answer to prayer, but only a chip off the iceberg. Where could a down payment come from? Where could a loan be obtained, and who could be found to assume the pastorate of a church with such problems? The majority of the people attending the camp meeting were concerned and praying. There was some whispering that the Bolenders might accept the church, but Bro. Bolender declined to consider the thought.
Early the next morning he told me that he hardly slept any all night. Owensboro was before him. He wanted to know what I thought about it. My reply was, “Do as you feel the Lord would have you to.” Early before the morning prayer meeting, he found Rev. F. M. Singleton, the assistant superintendent, and told him he was willing to take Owensboro. We little knew news could spread so fast. Everybody seemed to think it settled even before the district board had passed on it. In the morning service an announcement was made that the Bolenders had volunteered to go to Owensboro. Then the superintendent plainly laid the need before them, asking people to give what they could toward a payment on the debt. We were thrilled as the Holy Spirit fell on that congregation in a wave of sacrificial giving. The crowd was not large and mostly composed of average working people. Once as people were voluntarily rising to their feet stating what they would give, Rev. S.M. Stikeleather, a retired minister from Kingswood, stood and said, “I will give my cow.” Bro. Stikeleather was a truly striking southern gentleman who had spent his life in the ministry of our church and had served several years as District Superintendent of North Carolina. He and his wife had led lives of sacrifice and had now retired in a comfortable, but far from luxurious, home, raised a garden, and milked a cow that he was fond of.
Bro. Stikeleather was loved and held in high esteem. When he so humbly made that statement it so move the people that others began giving. Finally Dr. D.F. Long, a medical doctor from Elizabethtown arose and said, “I will loan $5,000 with no interest for a year and 6% afterward. With that and cash and pledges, Bro. Houston felt that the property could be saved, although he knew that another loan would have to be obtained.
At the close of camp we went to Owensboro to look the situation over. Sister Wilson, the church treasurer, lived very near the church. She offered us a room in her home and meals until living quarters could be fixed in the Sunday School rooms at the rear of the church. We appreciated this very much. Bro. Houston and the district treasurer came and deposited all of the cash that had been given, plus the $5,000 loan, in the bank that the church had dealt with. Then began the unpleasant task of facing the angry creditors, paying as much as possible, assuring them of complete payment. Afterwards he visited every bank and loan agency, but everywhere he was refused a loan that he must have to meet the demand. We were praying that God would meet this need. Someone told Bro. Bolender that a bank in the next county might make the loan. He drove over and talked with the bank president who said that he would make the loan, but made it clear that if the church failed in making payments, he would not hesitate in foreclosing. Bro. Bolender called the district superintendent and told him of the offer. He came at once, secured the loan, and paid off the creditors.
My, what a load was lifted. Bro. Bolender could now look those business men in the eyes knowing the church had cleared the record, yet at the same time the task before us was tremendous. The Sunday School rooms where we were to live must be finished. There was one outside door at the rear. This would be the only door to our apartment, except as we came through the church. I refrain from trying to describe some of the first impressions, but God had led us to Owensboro, and already accomplished what was humanly impossible, He would see us through. First, cement floors had to be poured in the back rooms and asphalt tile laid, septic tank made, utilities installed for both men’s and lady’s restrooms, and a kitchen sink installed. These things, plus many others, involved many hours of hard labor for Bro. Bolender. There were not many men left in the church after the split, but there was volunteer help and progress was made steadily. We had sold our furniture before going to the mission field, so that faced us also. A good pastor and his wife in Indiana gave us a used bedroom suit, some of the church people gave some articles they were not using, and we bought several things at a used furniture store. One of our members had discarded a coffee table which Bro. Bolender retrieved. Half of it was broken but another party supplied part of another table. Bro. Bolender combined the two and made quite an attractive table; it is still in use.
The Wilsons had made us so welcome and had helped us in so many ways, but we were anxious to get settled. Although we were sparsely furnished we moved in as soon as possible. The bedroom suit that I mentioned was a big item but it came without a mattress. But I had a good supply of bedding so I used that over the springs, and we were managing okay. One Sunday morning, to our surprise and delight, the Nichols family from Elizabethtown walked in the church. I mentioned Bro. and Sr. Nichols when writing about our pastoral work there. The parents, the daughter and her husband belonged to the church when we were there. Others were connected with other churches but were our good friends. Sr. Nichols had passed away two years earlier. True to family tradition they brought food prepared and we enjoyed a royal get-together dinner after church and a great time of fellowship before they had to leave. They were down to earth common people who, by hard work and integrity, had achieved considerable success. We were not embarrassed by our limited house furnishings. To the contrary, we were rejoicing in the way God was providing for and helping with our seemingly hopeless situation. Somehow they discovered that we had no mattress for our bed. Without our noticing it they conducted a one to one family conference and just as they were leaving we were presented cash for Bro. Bolender to go to town on Monday and purchase a new mattress. We were so surprised that we could only make a poor effort to express our gratitude. God had again, through his children, fulfilled Phil. 4:19. The father and three sons have all gone to their rewards, but the daughter, her husband, and three widows are still our close friends. It might be of interest to you, the new mattress was not a Beauty Rest, but on Monday night and many nights after that, two weary workers had beautiful rest.
One by one people began stopping by to see the progress. Soon more volunteers showed up to help with the hard work and a warm welcome was extended to some of the former members when they dropped in for a service. Before freezing weather, the septic tank was completed and water lines were laid so deeply that there was little danger of freezing. This line had to be laid 300 or more feet. This had to be done by hand, for finances were very limited and Bro. Bolender was determined that not a payment of the loan should ever be overdue. It was a great satisfaction when we could turn a faucet in the kitchen and discontinue the use of the small building back of the church. Pressures began to lessen and we hoped for more time for calling, but before long we learned that a very inferior job had been done on the flat roof of the back part of the church. We were soon using pans and buckets to catch the water that came through when it rained. Bro. Bolender, with some help, tried to mend the roof, but each time a leak was stopped it seemed two others came. This procession continued for over a year.
We were gaining ground. The Sunday School was growing, several of those who had left the church had returned, but we were still far from being on a solid financial base. So we could not see our way clear to hire an experienced roofer. God has ways and means of progressing His kingdom. Our daughter and her husband with two sons had moved from California and were pastoring the church at Livermore, 20 miles from us. Bro. Gibbs only had to be with us through one hard rain to see our predicament. He readily offered help, for he had worked with an excellent roofer and oversaw the job as Bro. Bolender helped him put on a new roof. (As I write these lines, we are lovingly being cared for in their home at Morgantown, Kentucky where he has preached and taught school for 20 years.)
We faced another dire need in that first year, a capable pianist. We prayed much about it. Many times when in prayer a name and face came before me. This occurred so often that I mentioned it to Bro. Bolender. He had been thinking of Sister Acree also. She had been a member when we pastored in Carrolton sixteen years earlier. We hesitated, for we knew that she had been a great blessing in the Carrolton church and felt it might not be the proper Christian ethics to entice her to come and help us. We were making a trip to see Father and Mother Bolender. As we were through Carrolton, I suggested that we stop to see our friend. As we drove up to her home, Bro. Bolender said, “You go on in; I want to go in to see the Fallise's.” They had been very loyal friends to us. As I stood at the door I heard the voice of prayer. I waited until that ceased, then knocked. Soon she came to the door and with open arms she welcomed me. I could tell that she had been weeping. She exclaimed, “Oh! Sister Bolender, the Lord sent you.” Sensing my surprise, she began to explain that she had been having some very trying experiences that she could not understand and as she prayed about it, something kept coming to her with the impression that God had a plan for her. About that time Bro. Bolender was at the door. My heart was singing praises to God as he came in. Now we were free to tell her of our need. We rejoiced together. How just like our Heavenly Father. He was working on both sides without either of us knowing. “As an eagle stirreth up her nest” so God had allowed our dear sister’s comfortable nest to be stirred and now she was ready to try her wings for other spheres. In just a few days she was with us filling important places in the church. The Lord honored her step of faith, for the church had no finances to repay her for services. She was hired as a sales lady in a gift shop near the church owned by the Wilsons.
In April 1951 we received a call that Father Bolender was very ill. He was 93, so Bro. Bolender left on Monday morning to spend the week. When he returned he was very much concerned. His brother was so overworked but still trying to care for the aged parents. His wife cooked food for them and did all that she could, but Father needed a man to care for him. We talked it over. The church was very cooperative so we planned that Bro. Bolender would leave home Monday a.m., stay there over one Sunday, returning on Saturday, be home two Sundays, leaving Monday, to repeat the cycle as long as the emergency required. This put more responsibility on me. I was grateful God had sent Sister Acree to us and now our daughter and her husband were only twenty miles away. It had been hard work but things were now so that we could live comfortably. There was a large lot at the back of the church, so Bro. Bolender had gotten it prepared and we had started an early garden. So I had my time well filled with church work and a garden, but my husband had by far the hardest lot; the care of the aged parents, driving back and forth, and the week that he was home we spent so much time calling, for our long years of experience had taught us that over half of a pastor’s duty is outside the pulpit. God continued to bless the services and attendance increased in spite of some very knotty problems that developed from time to time.
For five months we held to this strict schedule. Through the week as my husband cared for his father, he called in his trembling weak voice, “Harry, doesn’t the Bible say, ‘These light afflictions, which is but for a moment, work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory?’” Then assured that it was true, he seemed to be comforted. In a few days he would repeat the same question. He never mentioned dying, but loved to talk of Jesus coming. He did not seem to be in great pain but he was just worn out. By Sept. 1st he was scarcely able to leave his bed. The last words my husband heard him say were, “My dear Sylvia, my precious wife.” And then, “My precious Saviour.” Herbert came and the sons both knew death was near. Mother said but little although she too realized it, but laid down by his side as they had done through the long years. Herbert left late, telling Harry to call if he saw any change. A rigid vigil was kept and a check of pulse every few minutes. Mother slept soundly for she knew that Harry was there. As once again he slipped into the room and leaned over his father, there was a shallow breath, a gasp, and his redeemed spirit left the worn body. He simply slipped away on Sept. 10, 1951 without a struggle. Herbert arrived quickly. They gently awakened Mother to deliver the dreaded information. She took it calmly but was very disappointed for she had been earnestly praying that they might go together. After the funeral, Mother went to her daughter’s home for a short time, then they brought her to our place where she stayed for two weeks. She then told us that she was going home. We all felt it was not safe for her, but she was not to be persuaded, so we took her home. She had adjusted to her complete deafness and had complete confidence that God would care for her. Herbert and his wife were near.
It was good now for both of us to put in full time in the church work. A missionary society was organized with Sister Acree, a capable president. This was a boost to individual and church growth on a spiritual level. The Sunday School grew much through home visitation, special programs, and rally days.
We still had one great need; our seats were inadequate, both in quality and quantity. We were aware of this from the first, but Bro. Bolender had always been conscientious about priorities. Thank God he could now go to the bank and into business places downtown without feeling humiliated. People were being saved and sanctified, joining the church, and tithing. One party gave $400 toward new pews. The time had come. Bro. Williams, who with his wife was coming to church, had had experience in building church pews and offered his help. This was truly a direct answer to prayer. Bro. Williams knew what wood to order and where to buy more reasonably. Soon the nice new pews were replacing the crude ones we had been using. It was a fulltime job for both Bro. Williams and the pastor, who had really taken an apprenticeship on woodwork in Barbados under the efficient natives who made beautiful furniture – church pulpits and pews. But there was quite a contrast in the tools used, for our Barbadoans used mostly native made tools, while here electrical tools lessened the labor. At last the last pew was made and in place. From this point of retrospect this was the last major task undertaken, but group pressure continued from time to time which hinders the work of the Spirit.
One instance occurred during a revival. A brother was in another part of the state holding a meeting. One night we were surprised to see this brother enter the church. After the congregation had finished singing our brother rose to his feet and in a very confident manner stated that there needed to be a confession meeting in our revival. Bro. Bolender immediately stood to his feet and in a calm but positive voice said, “I have no objection to a confession meeting but I require each one confess their own need or failure and not that of another.” Regardless of the pastor’s definite requirement, the brother turned toward a sister sitting across the house and, calling her by name, asked a very insinuative question. All were in suspenseful silence as the sister questioned rose to her feet with the gravity of a lawyer or judge and only asked another question which her accuser certainly did not wish to answer. And so the confession meeting ceased. The service continued but the Holy Spirit had been grieved. The revival closed with little results. All who knew anything about the old festering trouble that split the church knew both questions related to the tap root of that trouble and others clearly saw that there was schism (1 Cor. 12:25) among professed holiness people. As I recall this incident of over 30 years ago, there is no desire to accuse or defend anyone, but there is a deep cry in my heart for unity and condescending[1] love among those professing godliness. Oh, that we might have the grace to suffer wrong rather than do wrong. At no time or place are we to condone sin, but it is important that all be done in the spirit of meekness, examining our own hearts lest there be within us a desire of self-defense or self-glory, lest any root of bitterness spring up to trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. How easy it is to overlook our own weaknesses as we dwell too long on the faults of others.
With all of the physical strain and spiritual burdens we had a good pastorate and some refreshing revivals. We especially recall the one held by Rev. Edgar Poe. He was a gifted chalk artist as well as an effective preacher. His wife assisted him at the piano and singing. Many of the dear people endeared themselves to us and are friends to this day. Some are gone on to their heavenly reward. Four of our teenage girls formed a quartet. They were not trained, but they loved to sing and sang with youthful enthusiasm. We used them often in our church services and sometimes they sang in other revivals. I remember one night God so wondrously blessed and used their singing. A young man came to the altar and was saved. One of those girls is still a member of that church.
One of our joys at Owensboro was once more being near our children. Warren and Elsie were in Elizabethtown and had four lovely little daughters. Juanita and Victor were near us. Their third son arrived in 1953 while they pastored Livermore. Grandpa seemed to never tire of the little ones on his lap and clustered around him as he told Bible stories and, taking a boy on both knees, took them imaginary horseback riding and coon hunting, calling each horse and dog by name. Grandma loved to listen to their prattle and cook the thing each one like best. We also had a wonderful family reunion of my brothers, sisters, spouses, and children cousins and some friends. What a gathering it was.
When our fourth year was drawing to a close Bro. Bolender began to feel our work about finished there. The debt was not cleared but finances were stabilized, a small salary paid with a regular monthly pounding, which was a great asset. So many articles they brought were staple necessities that saved and stretched our limited salary. Then there would come a delicious surprise, a home baked pie or cake. Two brothers who were not saved were great fishermen. Often they brought long strings of fish. One brother who lived in the country always remembered us generously when he butchered. Another family faithfully drove several miles to attend services and tithed. They always welcomed us to visit their home. Many times we spent the night enjoying blessed fellowship. This brother passed to his reward several years ago.
[1] Condescension here is not referring to a patronizing attitude, but rather to the voluntary descent from one’s rank or dignity in deference to others. When we speak of Christ’s condescending love, we refer to how He voluntarily emptied Himself of rank in order to live among us.
A phone message came to the superintendent advising that the building was to be sold on the courthouse steps at public auction during the camp meeting. The saints went to prayer while Bro. Houston called back entreating him to postpone the sale until he and the district treasurer could come and make some payments and arrangements for future payments. They, with some reluctance, agreed. That was an answer to prayer, but only a chip off the iceberg. Where could a down payment come from? Where could a loan be obtained, and who could be found to assume the pastorate of a church with such problems? The majority of the people attending the camp meeting were concerned and praying. There was some whispering that the Bolenders might accept the church, but Bro. Bolender declined to consider the thought.
Early the next morning he told me that he hardly slept any all night. Owensboro was before him. He wanted to know what I thought about it. My reply was, “Do as you feel the Lord would have you to.” Early before the morning prayer meeting, he found Rev. F. M. Singleton, the assistant superintendent, and told him he was willing to take Owensboro. We little knew news could spread so fast. Everybody seemed to think it settled even before the district board had passed on it. In the morning service an announcement was made that the Bolenders had volunteered to go to Owensboro. Then the superintendent plainly laid the need before them, asking people to give what they could toward a payment on the debt. We were thrilled as the Holy Spirit fell on that congregation in a wave of sacrificial giving. The crowd was not large and mostly composed of average working people. Once as people were voluntarily rising to their feet stating what they would give, Rev. S.M. Stikeleather, a retired minister from Kingswood, stood and said, “I will give my cow.” Bro. Stikeleather was a truly striking southern gentleman who had spent his life in the ministry of our church and had served several years as District Superintendent of North Carolina. He and his wife had led lives of sacrifice and had now retired in a comfortable, but far from luxurious, home, raised a garden, and milked a cow that he was fond of.
Bro. Stikeleather was loved and held in high esteem. When he so humbly made that statement it so move the people that others began giving. Finally Dr. D.F. Long, a medical doctor from Elizabethtown arose and said, “I will loan $5,000 with no interest for a year and 6% afterward. With that and cash and pledges, Bro. Houston felt that the property could be saved, although he knew that another loan would have to be obtained.
At the close of camp we went to Owensboro to look the situation over. Sister Wilson, the church treasurer, lived very near the church. She offered us a room in her home and meals until living quarters could be fixed in the Sunday School rooms at the rear of the church. We appreciated this very much. Bro. Houston and the district treasurer came and deposited all of the cash that had been given, plus the $5,000 loan, in the bank that the church had dealt with. Then began the unpleasant task of facing the angry creditors, paying as much as possible, assuring them of complete payment. Afterwards he visited every bank and loan agency, but everywhere he was refused a loan that he must have to meet the demand. We were praying that God would meet this need. Someone told Bro. Bolender that a bank in the next county might make the loan. He drove over and talked with the bank president who said that he would make the loan, but made it clear that if the church failed in making payments, he would not hesitate in foreclosing. Bro. Bolender called the district superintendent and told him of the offer. He came at once, secured the loan, and paid off the creditors.
My, what a load was lifted. Bro. Bolender could now look those business men in the eyes knowing the church had cleared the record, yet at the same time the task before us was tremendous. The Sunday School rooms where we were to live must be finished. There was one outside door at the rear. This would be the only door to our apartment, except as we came through the church. I refrain from trying to describe some of the first impressions, but God had led us to Owensboro, and already accomplished what was humanly impossible, He would see us through. First, cement floors had to be poured in the back rooms and asphalt tile laid, septic tank made, utilities installed for both men’s and lady’s restrooms, and a kitchen sink installed. These things, plus many others, involved many hours of hard labor for Bro. Bolender. There were not many men left in the church after the split, but there was volunteer help and progress was made steadily. We had sold our furniture before going to the mission field, so that faced us also. A good pastor and his wife in Indiana gave us a used bedroom suit, some of the church people gave some articles they were not using, and we bought several things at a used furniture store. One of our members had discarded a coffee table which Bro. Bolender retrieved. Half of it was broken but another party supplied part of another table. Bro. Bolender combined the two and made quite an attractive table; it is still in use.
The Wilsons had made us so welcome and had helped us in so many ways, but we were anxious to get settled. Although we were sparsely furnished we moved in as soon as possible. The bedroom suit that I mentioned was a big item but it came without a mattress. But I had a good supply of bedding so I used that over the springs, and we were managing okay. One Sunday morning, to our surprise and delight, the Nichols family from Elizabethtown walked in the church. I mentioned Bro. and Sr. Nichols when writing about our pastoral work there. The parents, the daughter and her husband belonged to the church when we were there. Others were connected with other churches but were our good friends. Sr. Nichols had passed away two years earlier. True to family tradition they brought food prepared and we enjoyed a royal get-together dinner after church and a great time of fellowship before they had to leave. They were down to earth common people who, by hard work and integrity, had achieved considerable success. We were not embarrassed by our limited house furnishings. To the contrary, we were rejoicing in the way God was providing for and helping with our seemingly hopeless situation. Somehow they discovered that we had no mattress for our bed. Without our noticing it they conducted a one to one family conference and just as they were leaving we were presented cash for Bro. Bolender to go to town on Monday and purchase a new mattress. We were so surprised that we could only make a poor effort to express our gratitude. God had again, through his children, fulfilled Phil. 4:19. The father and three sons have all gone to their rewards, but the daughter, her husband, and three widows are still our close friends. It might be of interest to you, the new mattress was not a Beauty Rest, but on Monday night and many nights after that, two weary workers had beautiful rest.
One by one people began stopping by to see the progress. Soon more volunteers showed up to help with the hard work and a warm welcome was extended to some of the former members when they dropped in for a service. Before freezing weather, the septic tank was completed and water lines were laid so deeply that there was little danger of freezing. This line had to be laid 300 or more feet. This had to be done by hand, for finances were very limited and Bro. Bolender was determined that not a payment of the loan should ever be overdue. It was a great satisfaction when we could turn a faucet in the kitchen and discontinue the use of the small building back of the church. Pressures began to lessen and we hoped for more time for calling, but before long we learned that a very inferior job had been done on the flat roof of the back part of the church. We were soon using pans and buckets to catch the water that came through when it rained. Bro. Bolender, with some help, tried to mend the roof, but each time a leak was stopped it seemed two others came. This procession continued for over a year.
We were gaining ground. The Sunday School was growing, several of those who had left the church had returned, but we were still far from being on a solid financial base. So we could not see our way clear to hire an experienced roofer. God has ways and means of progressing His kingdom. Our daughter and her husband with two sons had moved from California and were pastoring the church at Livermore, 20 miles from us. Bro. Gibbs only had to be with us through one hard rain to see our predicament. He readily offered help, for he had worked with an excellent roofer and oversaw the job as Bro. Bolender helped him put on a new roof. (As I write these lines, we are lovingly being cared for in their home at Morgantown, Kentucky where he has preached and taught school for 20 years.)
We faced another dire need in that first year, a capable pianist. We prayed much about it. Many times when in prayer a name and face came before me. This occurred so often that I mentioned it to Bro. Bolender. He had been thinking of Sister Acree also. She had been a member when we pastored in Carrolton sixteen years earlier. We hesitated, for we knew that she had been a great blessing in the Carrolton church and felt it might not be the proper Christian ethics to entice her to come and help us. We were making a trip to see Father and Mother Bolender. As we were through Carrolton, I suggested that we stop to see our friend. As we drove up to her home, Bro. Bolender said, “You go on in; I want to go in to see the Fallise's.” They had been very loyal friends to us. As I stood at the door I heard the voice of prayer. I waited until that ceased, then knocked. Soon she came to the door and with open arms she welcomed me. I could tell that she had been weeping. She exclaimed, “Oh! Sister Bolender, the Lord sent you.” Sensing my surprise, she began to explain that she had been having some very trying experiences that she could not understand and as she prayed about it, something kept coming to her with the impression that God had a plan for her. About that time Bro. Bolender was at the door. My heart was singing praises to God as he came in. Now we were free to tell her of our need. We rejoiced together. How just like our Heavenly Father. He was working on both sides without either of us knowing. “As an eagle stirreth up her nest” so God had allowed our dear sister’s comfortable nest to be stirred and now she was ready to try her wings for other spheres. In just a few days she was with us filling important places in the church. The Lord honored her step of faith, for the church had no finances to repay her for services. She was hired as a sales lady in a gift shop near the church owned by the Wilsons.
In April 1951 we received a call that Father Bolender was very ill. He was 93, so Bro. Bolender left on Monday morning to spend the week. When he returned he was very much concerned. His brother was so overworked but still trying to care for the aged parents. His wife cooked food for them and did all that she could, but Father needed a man to care for him. We talked it over. The church was very cooperative so we planned that Bro. Bolender would leave home Monday a.m., stay there over one Sunday, returning on Saturday, be home two Sundays, leaving Monday, to repeat the cycle as long as the emergency required. This put more responsibility on me. I was grateful God had sent Sister Acree to us and now our daughter and her husband were only twenty miles away. It had been hard work but things were now so that we could live comfortably. There was a large lot at the back of the church, so Bro. Bolender had gotten it prepared and we had started an early garden. So I had my time well filled with church work and a garden, but my husband had by far the hardest lot; the care of the aged parents, driving back and forth, and the week that he was home we spent so much time calling, for our long years of experience had taught us that over half of a pastor’s duty is outside the pulpit. God continued to bless the services and attendance increased in spite of some very knotty problems that developed from time to time.
For five months we held to this strict schedule. Through the week as my husband cared for his father, he called in his trembling weak voice, “Harry, doesn’t the Bible say, ‘These light afflictions, which is but for a moment, work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory?’” Then assured that it was true, he seemed to be comforted. In a few days he would repeat the same question. He never mentioned dying, but loved to talk of Jesus coming. He did not seem to be in great pain but he was just worn out. By Sept. 1st he was scarcely able to leave his bed. The last words my husband heard him say were, “My dear Sylvia, my precious wife.” And then, “My precious Saviour.” Herbert came and the sons both knew death was near. Mother said but little although she too realized it, but laid down by his side as they had done through the long years. Herbert left late, telling Harry to call if he saw any change. A rigid vigil was kept and a check of pulse every few minutes. Mother slept soundly for she knew that Harry was there. As once again he slipped into the room and leaned over his father, there was a shallow breath, a gasp, and his redeemed spirit left the worn body. He simply slipped away on Sept. 10, 1951 without a struggle. Herbert arrived quickly. They gently awakened Mother to deliver the dreaded information. She took it calmly but was very disappointed for she had been earnestly praying that they might go together. After the funeral, Mother went to her daughter’s home for a short time, then they brought her to our place where she stayed for two weeks. She then told us that she was going home. We all felt it was not safe for her, but she was not to be persuaded, so we took her home. She had adjusted to her complete deafness and had complete confidence that God would care for her. Herbert and his wife were near.
It was good now for both of us to put in full time in the church work. A missionary society was organized with Sister Acree, a capable president. This was a boost to individual and church growth on a spiritual level. The Sunday School grew much through home visitation, special programs, and rally days.
We still had one great need; our seats were inadequate, both in quality and quantity. We were aware of this from the first, but Bro. Bolender had always been conscientious about priorities. Thank God he could now go to the bank and into business places downtown without feeling humiliated. People were being saved and sanctified, joining the church, and tithing. One party gave $400 toward new pews. The time had come. Bro. Williams, who with his wife was coming to church, had had experience in building church pews and offered his help. This was truly a direct answer to prayer. Bro. Williams knew what wood to order and where to buy more reasonably. Soon the nice new pews were replacing the crude ones we had been using. It was a fulltime job for both Bro. Williams and the pastor, who had really taken an apprenticeship on woodwork in Barbados under the efficient natives who made beautiful furniture – church pulpits and pews. But there was quite a contrast in the tools used, for our Barbadoans used mostly native made tools, while here electrical tools lessened the labor. At last the last pew was made and in place. From this point of retrospect this was the last major task undertaken, but group pressure continued from time to time which hinders the work of the Spirit.
One instance occurred during a revival. A brother was in another part of the state holding a meeting. One night we were surprised to see this brother enter the church. After the congregation had finished singing our brother rose to his feet and in a very confident manner stated that there needed to be a confession meeting in our revival. Bro. Bolender immediately stood to his feet and in a calm but positive voice said, “I have no objection to a confession meeting but I require each one confess their own need or failure and not that of another.” Regardless of the pastor’s definite requirement, the brother turned toward a sister sitting across the house and, calling her by name, asked a very insinuative question. All were in suspenseful silence as the sister questioned rose to her feet with the gravity of a lawyer or judge and only asked another question which her accuser certainly did not wish to answer. And so the confession meeting ceased. The service continued but the Holy Spirit had been grieved. The revival closed with little results. All who knew anything about the old festering trouble that split the church knew both questions related to the tap root of that trouble and others clearly saw that there was schism (1 Cor. 12:25) among professed holiness people. As I recall this incident of over 30 years ago, there is no desire to accuse or defend anyone, but there is a deep cry in my heart for unity and condescending[1] love among those professing godliness. Oh, that we might have the grace to suffer wrong rather than do wrong. At no time or place are we to condone sin, but it is important that all be done in the spirit of meekness, examining our own hearts lest there be within us a desire of self-defense or self-glory, lest any root of bitterness spring up to trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. How easy it is to overlook our own weaknesses as we dwell too long on the faults of others.
With all of the physical strain and spiritual burdens we had a good pastorate and some refreshing revivals. We especially recall the one held by Rev. Edgar Poe. He was a gifted chalk artist as well as an effective preacher. His wife assisted him at the piano and singing. Many of the dear people endeared themselves to us and are friends to this day. Some are gone on to their heavenly reward. Four of our teenage girls formed a quartet. They were not trained, but they loved to sing and sang with youthful enthusiasm. We used them often in our church services and sometimes they sang in other revivals. I remember one night God so wondrously blessed and used their singing. A young man came to the altar and was saved. One of those girls is still a member of that church.
One of our joys at Owensboro was once more being near our children. Warren and Elsie were in Elizabethtown and had four lovely little daughters. Juanita and Victor were near us. Their third son arrived in 1953 while they pastored Livermore. Grandpa seemed to never tire of the little ones on his lap and clustered around him as he told Bible stories and, taking a boy on both knees, took them imaginary horseback riding and coon hunting, calling each horse and dog by name. Grandma loved to listen to their prattle and cook the thing each one like best. We also had a wonderful family reunion of my brothers, sisters, spouses, and children cousins and some friends. What a gathering it was.
When our fourth year was drawing to a close Bro. Bolender began to feel our work about finished there. The debt was not cleared but finances were stabilized, a small salary paid with a regular monthly pounding, which was a great asset. So many articles they brought were staple necessities that saved and stretched our limited salary. Then there would come a delicious surprise, a home baked pie or cake. Two brothers who were not saved were great fishermen. Often they brought long strings of fish. One brother who lived in the country always remembered us generously when he butchered. Another family faithfully drove several miles to attend services and tithed. They always welcomed us to visit their home. Many times we spent the night enjoying blessed fellowship. This brother passed to his reward several years ago.
[1] Condescension here is not referring to a patronizing attitude, but rather to the voluntary descent from one’s rank or dignity in deference to others. When we speak of Christ’s condescending love, we refer to how He voluntarily emptied Himself of rank in order to live among us.
