WE HAVE THIS HERITAGE - revised -JTP

WE HAVE THIS HERITAGE......

By Rev. James T. Pennell

Hebrews 12
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Prayer Meeting at Mickleberry Merritt’s Residence in 1852:

Rev. Hiram Phinazee, Rev. Absalom Ogletree along with ten other lay persons met in the parlor of Mickleberry Merritt’s residence in Monroe County on May 8, 1852 and made plans for the organization which led to the founding of the Congregational Methodist. (House located at on I-75 Johnsonville Exit)

Rock Springs Church was established in 1852 under the leadership of Rev. Absalom Ogletree.... Six other churches were established in this area between May 8 and August 12, 1852.

As members of the Harper family - we have a special family connection with this historic event. Rev. Absalom Ogletree was the grandfather of Grandpa William Absalom Harper and Rev. Hiram Phinazee was the grandfather of Granny Mary Lee Darden Harper. This makes both of these ministers the great- great grandfather for all of us who are first cousins ... and you can add a “Great” to each of the next generations......

Now a word about Absalom Ogletree, the founding pastor of the Rock Springs Congregational Methodist Church...... You will recall that his grave was moved to the Rock Springs Cemetery several years ago.

Born in Wilkes County GA in 1811

Died - July 21, 1861 (Age 50 years)

Epitaph grave marker:

“A man who practiced in his life the great truths of truths of peach and righteousness which he preached for 30 years. He served his own generation faithfully and now rests in the bosom of his Savior.

And now a word about Grandpa William Absalom Harper:

Birth - May 13, 1863

Death- April 29, 1918 (55 years old)

....Fire

As a child was trapped in fire that started in a cotton gin and escaped the fire with his clothes burning - almost lost his life. His family often said he must have been saved for a significant purpose.

(John Wesley described himself as a “brand plucked out of the burning” --- parsonage fire ... Feb. 1709....).

...call to preach

Responded to call to preach 35 years of age ..... Tr9ied to escape call of God ... caught train to Texas... checked in hotel – a group of men invited him to their room and it turned out to be a prayer meeting... He discovered that the God he tried to escape in Georgia was still calling him in Texas - Returned to Georgia and became Pastor of Rock Springs for the next 19 years - the church which his Grandfather Absalom Ogletree has started forty six years earlier.

Served as pastor of Rock Springs from 1899 until his death 1918.

Quote from Granny Mary Lee Harper: (6/2/1952)

“.... our beloved Rev. W. A. Harper chosen pastor of Rock Springs in l899. He was strong, forceful preacher, faithful pastor, zealous worker, and loved by all who knew him, making friends and holding them.. He served the church continuously and faithfully for better than 19 years, probably­ longer than other ministers to preach here. He preached his last sermon just one month before he passed away; therefore; there was a crown awaiting him on the other shore.”

Favorite Text:

Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.