Rev. Wesley Harrington biography: Breckinridge County, Kentucky *********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgenwebarchives.org *********************************************************************** Copyright c 2003 by Dana Brown. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. BrieSkate@aol.com Wesley E. Harrington was born at Custer, Ky., Feb. 22, 1883. He was the son of Henry and Alice Minerva Blissett Harrington. I have heard him relate many of his experiences from childhood on. How his grandmother would tell him about Jesus, the songs that were sung, his mother's love for him, and many things he always kept in mind throughout the many years of his life. When he had grown to early manhood, someone gave him intoxicating liquor to drink, not realizing what it was going to do for him. He continued on drinking for sometime, finally realizing that his life was miserable. One day he made a great and wonderful decision on the street of Custer, Ky., saying to Mr. Gilbert Pile, that he would never drink liquor again, as long as he lived, and that promise was never broken. One night while he was riding home on his pony, he said, it seemed as though he heard a voice, saying, "Son give me thine heart" and he answered by saying, "Lord what do you want with my heart", and a voice seemed to say, "I want to write My Law in it". He became deeply convicted of his sins, and the next morning, January 20, 1906, he heard his stepfather, A. L. Lynch, say, we must get the corn in today. It looks like it is going to snow. Wesley said he had never disobeyed his stepfather, but he knew he could not help gather corn, as the conviction was too heavy. He started leaving the house and his mother said, "Son, breakfast is about ready." He told her he didn't want any breakfast, and his mother was watching and no doubt wondering why. Wesley went to the woods to pray, and his stepfather went to gather corn. He prayed until he knew Jesus saved him, and went running home to tell his mother, and she said, "Son have you been out praying?" In a short time his stepfather came to the house, wiping his tears, with a large red handkerchief, and said, "Son that was the best thing I ever heard." He could hear him praying in the woods. They were all rejoicing and very happy. In Wesley's own words, "We had a camp meeting." He said he asked his mother to forgive him. She said, "Son you have never given me a short word", and he said, "Mother, I know it, but I caused you a lot of worry and grief by being out and drinking", and his mother said, "Son, let us just forget all of that" - Lest I forget, I would like to mention, when we lived in the little white cottage by the side of the road, Wesley and I, (Phoebe) took a walk to the spot in the woods where he had prayed, and found Jesus the Saviour, some fifty years before. We knelt and prayed together, as we wept. Then we laid some stones as a memorial. Wesley was twenty-two years old at the time of his conversion. The whole community, in and around Custer, heard of the wonderful change in his life. The news was spreading fast. The Doctor had told Wesley, he couldn't live but a short time, as he had contracted T.B. Again, he went to the woods to pray, and was telling God, how that he had just begun to live, and now he must die. He felt that God gave him a divine touch of healing that penetrated his body, and his lungs that were hurting so badly, were healed, and he had no more trouble. At this time, he said he could hear, as though it were in the sky, every part of the song, "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer. Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. Wesley was courting a young Christian girl by the name of Clara Nimmo, of Custer, Ky. They were united in marriage Jan. 31, 1906. They loved each other very much. Two daughters were born to them. Fayth May Harrington was born Sept. 8, 1909. True Naomi Harrington was born July 30, 1913. Wesley felt that he had a call from God to preach the gospel, and that he must tell the story of salvation. He preached around Custer where he was born and reared. The wonderful change in his life was seen by his many friends and loved ones. They traveled extensively in Evangelistic work and preached and sang wherever they had opportunity, in homes, school houses, brush arbors, tent meetings, and church buildings. I never tired of hearing Wesley relate their experiences. In the early days of his ministry, there was much opposition against holiness preachers. While Wesley was in a revival in Galesville, Ill. Many years ago, he went out to the field where men were working. A young man came up with a pitch fork and asked if his religion would stand a pitch fork and Wesley said, "I suppose so." Wesley said the young man stuck him in one of his legs three times. At that moment another young man came running, whose mother had been saved in the revival, and he put a stop to the acts of the first man. Wesley always hoped, the man who used the pitch fork, became a Christian and when they would meet in Heaven, he would say, "I am the man who stuck you with the pitch fork, but God saved me." At another time while he was preaching in a school house, some very rough fellows pushed a pole through the back of the building, and it just missed him where he was standing. They went through many trials and tests of faith, but they had a happy home, with peace and love. In those early days of his ministry, he didn't receive very much finance, but always felt that God would supply their needs. Many were the times he walked or rode horse back to the places where he was scheduled to preach. He was Pastor for sometime in Evansville, Ind. and also Tuscola, Ill. The greater part of his ministry was spent in Evangelism. Some times he was engaged in laboring with his hands for a while. He studied the Bible very much, and committed much of the Scripture to memory. He loved to preach. He had a wonderful memory through many years. His wife, Clara, was ill with a heart condition for some time. His daughter, Fayth had a stroke and was very ill. These were dark and sorrowful days for all the family. I heard Wesley say, he became very weak in body, but was glad that he could take care of them. His wife, Clara, passed away March 27, 1937. Daughter Fayth passed away May 21, 1937. Fayth was married to Virgil Lucas and left a little girl, Norma Jean. At this writing, Norma has been married to Grady Culpepper for a number of years. They have three children, Henney, Norman, and Sandra. Wesley loved them all very much. Phoebe Redinger Johnson I, Phoebe Rediger Johnson, was born near Gridley, Ill., July 31, 1894. I was the youngest child in a family of seven. I have always been thankful I was born into a Christian home, and taught the Christian way of life, and I became a Christian in my youth. As a child I sought the Lord many times, but I did not understand how to receive Christ by faith. I was always looking for some great miraculous feeling, as I wanted to be very sure. One night while at an altar of prayer, being yet a child, I did believe that Jesus saved me, and I was very happy as I was riding home with my father in the buggy. As I grew up, I had much to learn. I made mistakes, but God knew my heart. He knew that I wanted to serve Him, and live for Him. As I was some older now, and understood better, I made a renewal covenant with God in a greater commitment and deeper consecration. My mother died in January, 1919. Shortly before her death, I felt led to preach the gospel. In 1921 I had my first Pastorate in Hoopeston, Ill. From that time on I was engaged in Pastoral or Evangelistic work most of the time. October 3, 1926 I was married to Arthur Johnson of Hoopeston, Ill. After six short years of our marriage, he passed away in August 1932. I was very heartbroken and ill for several months, but through God and many prayers I was raised up to start life anew. Wesley E. Harrington and I, Phoebe Johnson, were untied in marriage June 5, 1938 by the Rev. L. L. Rawlings, Pastor at Hoopeston, Ill. Our marriage was solemnized in the Church of God at Jamesburg, Ill., where I had been Pastor for five years. Rev. Rawlings resigned the Pastorate at Hoopeston, Ill. And the church chose Wesley as their Pastor, which position he held for almost five years. I continued in the pastoral work in Jamesburg, Ill. until 1943 when we, my father, Wesley and I moved to Custer, Ky., in April, 1943. My father passed away in June of the same year. We were living on Wesley's farm about two miles from Custer. After my father's death, we moved into Wesley's house in Custer. Wesley bought a filling station from Earnest Meador. We operated that for a while. In a few months Wesley sold it back to Mr. Meador. We also operated the store at Stinnettsville for a short time. We then engaged in Evangelistic work and went wherever we were called. Mr. And Mrs. John Bennett donated a plot of ground on which to build a church house. This ground had to be cleared. On the 14th day of Feb. 1947 a beautiful day, Rufus Lynch and his wife, Katie Mae, Wesley and I went to clear this ground. We worked hard but we enjoyed the labor, knowing that a house in which to worship God was going to be erected. This building is located one mile east of Custer. Prayers had been answered. Sister Katie Mae Lynch had conducted Sunday School during the summer months in the open for a number of years, teaching those of her own family and all others who would come. Now the building was completed in the fall, Rufus Lynch and Wesley were the main workers, but there were also others in the community who came and donated of their time and means. There was much rejoicing and thankfulness because of this new house of worship. Regular services were started, with Wesley Harrington as the Pastor. A revival was started with Rev. Mildred Edens as the evangelist. We had immense crowds. Wesley and I pastored this church about two years. This church is known as the Memorial Chapel First Church of God. God blessed this work and souls were saved. Wesley and I received a call from Casey Creek, Ky. Desiring us to consider the Pastorate of the Mount Zion, Church of God, at Casey Creek, Ky. Sister Lynch had already received her call from God to preach the Gospel, so we left the Custer Church in her care. We were with the Church at Casey Creek for almost a year. Wesley then built a new hose east of Custer, near the Church, in which we lived a short time, and sold it, and we moved to Elizabethtown. For various reasons we desired to return to Custer. Rufus Lynch gave us some ground on which to build a house. Wesley was now seventy years old. He, with some help built a four room house and bath. We lived there about six years. It is close to Rufus and Dora Whitworth. We received a call to Albuquerque, New Mexico to have a revival and Wesley assisted in building a church. We came back and stayed with daughter True and Elbert Shadrick, and baby Daryl. He was only a few weeks old and we took care of him for several months. Then we went home for awhile, but we returned at various times to take care of Daryl, as True was working. We always loved Daryl so very much and became closely attached to him. Many times I heard Wesley say, "He is so sweet", "You are my sweet doll". I too, loved Daryl very much, and still do. Wesley was experiencing some difficulty in walking and began using a cane. In Dec. of 1958 we bought a home in Louisville, Ky. And moved into it Jan. 31, 1959. This home is located at 5001 New Cut Road. In April of this same year we were called to Hillsdale and Hudson, Mich. for revivals. Wesley did very good preaching, and I assisted some. The Pastor of the Hillsdale Church would set out a chair for Wesley to sit down while preaching, as he though it would be easier on him, but Wesley preferred to stand. I don't think I had ever heard him preach any better, than he did in these revivals. I always thought he was a very good minister. These revivals were the last we ever conducted. His failing health called for retirement, which was hard for him to do. We came home from Michigan and attended the Anderson, Ind. camp meeting in June, as we had done for many years. We had a dormitory room which we kept from year to year. As the months passed by, walking became more difficult, and Wesley's cane was no longer enough support. One day, for a surprise, Brother Minkler came, and brought a new walker, and Wesley used it for several years, in fact as long as he was able to be up. He loved to get out on the porch and also to sit in the yard. He always wanted to cut the dandelions and weeds out of the lawn, and he would pull his chair from place to place. He loved the neighbors children. They enjoyed combing his hair, and he enjoyed it as much as they did. He enjoyed telling our visitors, what wonderful good neighbors we had, how they kept our lawn mowed, and assisted us in many ways. He loved people and liked to talk. In all of our travels it seemed that no one was a stranger. He would start a conversation with anyone. It seemed that he was always the happiest when he was preaching and singing, and he really loved it. He could preach for hours without getting tired. He never could see why church people wanted a short sermon and go home, while the non-Christian was just getting out to be engaged for many hours in worldly entertainment. He always felt that a Christian had something better, and why are they in such a hurry to get out of the services. Below are places where Wesley and I conducted revival meetings at various times during our ministry. We really enjoyed our work together: Monticello, Ill. Centralia, Ill. Kinmundy, Ill. Girard, Ill. Newman, Ill. Beecher City, Ill. LaClede, Ill. Jamesburg, Ill. Lawrenceville, Ill. Mulberry Grove, Ill. Pekin, Ill. Harvey, Ill. Patoka, Ill. South, Ky. Casey Creek, Ky. Elizabethtown, Ky. Livia, Ky. Brandenburg, Ky. Gifford, Ind. Hartford City, Ind. Kempton, Ind. Pennville, Ind. Portland, Ind. Boma, Tenn. Celina, Tenn. Hilham, Tenn. Cero Gordo, Tenn. Albuquerque, New Mexico Harrison, Ark. - In town Harrison, Ark. - In country Hillsdale, Mich Hudson, Mich. There may be other places which I do not remember at this time. Wesley conducted two revivals in Greenstown, Ohio, one in Belleville, Ohio and one in Wise, Va. I would like so much to have been with him in these revivals, but I could not go when these revivals were held. According to all reports they were wonderful and many were saved. I conducted two revivals for a church near Paxton, Ill., one for Memorial Chapel at Custer, Ky., and Jamesburg, Ill. In the majority of our revivals we had the privilege of working together. During our ministry, we had five Pastorates. His entire ministry was fifty-three years. We had a Thanksgiving dinner in our home in 1964. Wesley's granddaughter, Norma Jean, her husband, and three children, Kenny, Norman, and Sandra Culpepper, were with us, also daughter True and grandson Daryl Shadrick. Wesley was at the table, and said the blessing, as he had for many years. Wesley and I loved them all very much. Since Wesley has passed away, I still love everyone, and want to live in such a Christian way that I may always have their love in return. Wesley's daughter, True and her son Daryl are living in Louisville, Ky. Her husband, Elbert Shadrick, passed away Sept. 4th, 1964. We all miss him very much. But we must say "Not My Will But Thine Be Done". Even though we cannot understand why, God's way is best for us. Some day the curtain will be lifted and we shall clearly see and know and understand. As long as I live, my prayer shall be, we will all be together in eternity. On the 2nd day of December 1964 Wesley took very sick. He was bedfast from that time on, until God took him to his heavenly home on April 12, 1965. He was in the Christopher Home in Louisville, Ky. from January 17th to March 17th, 1965. He suffered much from hardening of the arteries. This condition cause his mind to be confused. When he was taken to the home on Jan. 17th, I left him in their care the first night, but I could not bear to leave him alone. I wanted to stay with him. I got a private room and had a bed in the same room with him. I was thankful that I could stay with him and help to take care of him. I loved him very much and felt deeply sorry for him, because of his condition. We had many visitors from the Larchmont Church of God, also relatives and friends from other places. Brother and Sister Irvin Whitehouse came daily and prayed, and there were many prayers for us. I am thankful and deeply grateful to the church for the financial help, their love, kindness and great concern which was shown us in our sorrow and heartache. Other congregations in Kentucky and out of the state were also praying for us. I am thankful to everyone. Our Pastor, the Rev. Ross Minkler and wife, were in Barbados visiting their daughter, son-in-law and grand daughter. As soon as they arrived home, Brother Minkler came to the Christopher Home and Wesley recognized him and was glad to see him. Brother Minkler sang "Amazing Grace" and Wesley joined in the singing of this beautiful hymn, and then Brother Minkler prayed and came almost daily. I shall never forget the earnest prayers. Wesley had times of rejoicing and praising God, which will never be forgotten. As the weeks passed, Wesley became weaker and I decided to bring him home the 17th of March. He had been in the Christopher Home two months. I felt that I was able to take care of him in our own home. Wesley had two half sisters, Leura Allgood of Irvington, Ky. and Dora Whitworth, of Custer, Ky. One or the other of these sisters were with us all the time, and the last few days of his life, both the sisters were with us, and we were glad to have them. They were very helpful in many ways. After coming to our own home it seemed that Wesley's mind was not as badly confused as he had been. Shortly after coming home he said, "God has brought us over an awful route"; "I have been in a terrible dilemma"; "God has been good to us". It seemed as though he realized he had come through a terrible dilemma. Many times I would sing for him, while sitting at his bedside. It seemed to calm him. Sometimes he would help to sing. Our main songs would be "Oh, How I Love Jesus" - "Jesus Loves Even Me"; "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms"; "Something Better Than Gold"; "Amazing Grace"; The chorus of "Oh Sweet Wonder"; "At the Cross". I am sure there were others, but I do not call them to mind now. I remember very distinctly, at one time, he sang by himself, "Oh, How I Love Jesus"; "Oh, How I Love Jesus", because He first loved me. I said you love Jesus, don't you, and he said, "Sure I do". Many times he would look at me and say "You are the sweetest thing in the world". About the last understandable words were "Sweet thing". Only God knows how many times I kissed him and told him that I loved him. I am thankful I had him and the privilege of taking care of him. A few days before his death, I said to him, you are my doll. He answered by saying "Big Doll". Wesley loved his step father and his half brothers and sisters as well as his own sister, Minnie Hardaway, who passed away in 1957. He told me many times, they grew up, as one big family. At his passing, he leaves his wife, Pheobe, his daughter, True Shadrick, a grandson, Daryl Shadrick, a grand daughter, Norma Culpepper, three great grand children, Kenny, Norman and Sandra Culpepper, two half sisters, Leura Allgood, and Dora Whitworth, two half brothers, Rufus and Luther Lynch, also many nephews and nieces. Rev. Wesley E. Harrington passed away very peacefully at his home in Louisville, Ky., April 12, 1965, at 5:15PM. Funeral service was conducted in First Church of God, Custer, Ky. This church house he helped to build in 1947 and he was the first Pastor. Rev. Ross Minkler, Pastor of the Larchmont Church of God, Louisville, Ky. delivered the funeral message. In June 17, 1961, Wesley chose the scriptures for his funeral, also the songs. Psalms 17:15 was to be the main text. John 14:1-3 and John 17:24. I desired the reading of Psalm 91 and Brother Minkler also read Psalm 71. The sons Wesley had chosen were "Face To Face"; "There's A Crown For Your Cross". My selected song was "Where We'll Never Grow Old". There was a large attendance, and many commented on the wonderful message by Rev. Minkler. Singers were Lovera Preston, Shirley Hoskinson, Dorothy Ward, Twylane Preston, pianist. The pallbearers were nephews Leonard Harrington, Alfred Allgood, LeRoy Whitworth, Floyd Lynch, Veo Lynch and Hansel Lynch. The undertaker was Mr. J. L. Alexander, Irvington, Ky. *********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgenwebarchives.org ***********************************************************************