The following are unedited notes and excerpts from letters and other records on the life of R. G. Finch compiled by his grandson, Daniel E. Finch which became available in October, 2009 for posting in connection with the articles on Pilgrim Holiness History. Thanks to Daniel Finch for permission to post these for historical reference. –Keith Drury

R. G .Finch

DEEPENING THE CALL TO MISSIONS

During the pastorate at the Methodist church in Aberdeen, Ohio in the summer of 1910, Ralph had a tent meeting and called Rev & Mrs. Munroe who were “China Missionaries to be the speakers on Missionary Day. Their passion and message further affirmed his call to be a missionary.

THE CALL COMES

During the next summer, in June, 1911, Ralph heard James M. Taylor speak at Gods’ Bible School on the missionary work in the West Indies and British Guiana. He told of how C. O. Moulton gave his life in Georgetown as he worked to establish a mission there. Four years before just after enrolling at GBS, Ralph had gone to hear this firey young missionary speak at the old George Street Mission in Cincinnati, Ohio. Moulton was about 40 with a full beard and dressed in simple clothes. But he was so anointed by God that Ralph said he could have run to the platform and embraced him. Later he had read of Moulton’s untimely death from a broken heart and his burial in South America. Listening to Taylor, the story gripped him again as had Moulton’s message that night in the old mission. Tears flowed from his very soul. Ralph decided he would be the one to take his place. Although far from being qualified to be a missionary, he threw up his arms and offered to go finish Moulton’s work. He prayed that the mantle of Missionary Moulton would fall on him.

When the call came, “Who will go to fill his place”, Ralph G. Finch responded and consecrated his heart and life “To go.” That fall on November 24, 1911 Taylor officially merged his mission work in the Caribbean with the International Apostolic Holiness Church at their General Assembly held at Huntington, West Virginia. Later in a missionary meeting at the Aberdeen church Ralph was asked by James M. Taylor to go with him to the West Indies and British Guiana, South America for a Missionary Campaign. Along with C. C. Rhinebarger and Jessie de Camp. Taylor was greatly impressed with Ralph on this trip and on his return appointed him as superintendent of all his work in the Caribbean and South America

LEAVING THE PASTORATE

Two glorious years on the Aberdeen circuit were about to come to an abrupt end. Ralph went to the Methodist district conference at Walnut Hills in Cincinnati to discover that a new presiding elder had been appointed. Unlike his predecessor he did not care for the revivals and aggressive evangelism of pastors like Finch. When the list of appointments was read off, someone else was appointed to the Aberdeen Circuit and Ralph was not appointed to a church. Going back to the meeting that night Ralph saw a group of people standing on the street corner conducting a street meeting. He joined them and testified and then, lifting up his voice sang in a clear ringing tone the old song:

I have made my choice forever

Twixt this world and God’s dear Son

Naught can change my mind, no never

He my heart has fully won

On and on he sang with a new determination to follow on even if he didn’t know where the path would lead.

Since I made my choice for heaven

Since Christ is my dearest friend

Though by earthly friends forsaken

Yet on Christ I can depend

Several of the delegates passed by the street meeting and had noticed his name was not appointed. Before he started home, he had been invited by a number of pastors to hold meetings for them until he had a whole years work scheduled. In truth he had become God’s evangelist.

After conference the family moved out of the parsonage to Mrs. Woods’s cottage on the other side of the church. Once again he was on his own looking for opportunities to fulfill his call, but God richly blessed this year of evangelism. He had many wonderful experiences beginning in late summer, 1911, when several churches went together and obtained a large tent. Here Ralph preached to the rich and the poor. A local policeman had a strangle hold on his family and the community and was guilty of all the sins that Ralph was preaching against. The people became fearful that Ralph’s life was in danger but he refused to change his message. God gave a great breakthrough and the policeman became a staunch defender saying that is the kind of preaching our families in this town need. Here on March 31, 1912, Naomi was born.

Ruth was also praying about Ralph’s call and she was saying yes to missionary call. Ready to go or ready to stay. During this year Ralph began to make preparations to go on a short term mission trip with James M. Taylor.

FROM ORDINATION TO OVERSEAS

On February 22, 1912, Ralph G. Finch was ordained by M. G. Standley, John F. Knapp, Nelson, Levi w. Standley and E. A. Gergerson, under the International Apostolic Holiness Union. A new certificate was issued to him under the International Holiness Church on March 31, 1921 signed by George B. Kulp Supt and Jay E. Strong, Sec. at Battle Creek, Michigan.

FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Ralph left for New York on the noon train, April 10^th 1912. Sailing on April 12th along with James M. Taylor, C. C. Rinearger and Jessie DeCamp they visited the mission stations that C. O. Moulton had opened up and placed national workers. The missionary party had a wonderful time seeing hundreds finding God on Saba, Nevis, Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad, and Georgetown, British Guiana. SA. They returned to GBS in June just in time to bring a victorious report at the God’s Bible School Camp meeting during the early part of June. There was a wonderful time of salvation throughout the trip with hundreds finding God on the different islands. Their report stirred up much interest in the Caribbean missions. At this camp he was chosen to be the supt. of the West Indies work. James Taylor then asked him to go to the West Indies and South America and take charge of the independent work he was establishing. During the summer of 1912, he traveled in deputation meetings and received much encouragement and interest and support for the missionary work.

THE MISSIONARY FAMILY SETS SAIL

The family of four left Aberdeen, Ohio, Brown County on the C & O RR on October 12, 1912 headed for New York City. Catherine age 5, Esther age 4, Paul age 2 and Naomi was 7 months old. They took passage on the Steamship Guiana and sailed to the Port of Spain in Trinidad. Started off 1913 with a good revival in Georgetown, BG with George Beirnes.

That Christmas was hard for the family being so far from home. In fact, Ralph’s dad Frank wrote these words in a letter:

“Tonight as we two sit by the warm fire, I see the past and present. My thoughts are of Christmas during my boyhood days. What happy days they were. For weeks some mystery was in the air. How we wondered what we would find in our stockings hanging beside a big six foot fireplace, plenty big for Santa or Chris Kringle to get down. How worried I became when my father (Lewis Finch) closed up the fireplace and put it a stove, until he assured me he would leave a window unfastened. Our stockings were always full. Then I thought of how we enjoyed our own children’s Christmas and how hard it was to get them to bed. How they would be the first up and their shouts of joy as they found each new present.

The years have rolled on and now all we can do is mail presents to our grand children, some nearly 3,000 miles away in strange lands. Can you blame grandparents for feeling lonely? It would be better we think if children could only know how especially at Christmas times how lonely grandfathers and grandmothers are far away from those so dear to them. Their home may be plain, but there will be plenty of room, plenty to eat and a merry Christmas and a whole year of happy pleasant memories.”

LIVING ON THE ISLAND OF TRINIDAD

Upon arriving in the West Indies Ralph took charge of the West Indian Mission Field under James M. Taylor. J. W. Coon, wife and daughter from Canada were pastor at the Port of Spain mission until the Finches arrived and they were placed on the Dutch Island of Saba and later moved to Antiqua where Sr Coon died and he later married Alice Coulter from Saba and later died there. The Finches live on the island of Trinidad for 2 years while Ralph pastored the Port of Spain mission church. He also traveled among the Islands, holding revivals and placing and supervising other missionaries as they came from time to time. Since the language was English, new missionaries could go right to work. Taylor had held meetings and established a number of works which he had placed in the hands of native workers. Soon Taylor turned the entire Caribbean work over to the International Holiness Church which later merged with the Pilgrim Holiness Church.

The work was primarily supported by God’s Bible School.

On August 11, 1914 Daniel Logan was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad/midwife and soon thereafter the US entered the war in August.

IMPROVING, GROWING AND EXPANDING ON TRINIDAD

From the time Ralph arrived, he at once began to improve the locations of the mission stations. . In a short time there was a growing interest among the natives. They opened up a number of country preaching points that were manned by converts from the main station.

When Ralph traveled he had a native assistant take care of the Port of Spain Mission Ralph was kept very busy leading people to Christ, baptizing, marrying and burying the dead on the Island where they lived as well as traveling periodically to place workers and give revivals. The meetings were a great encouragement to the workers and their native helpers. George Beirnes, wife and family came to Trinidad for a time and then moved to Georgetown where there was an outstanding revival with Ralph and Beirns preaching turn about. The truth, power and victory that attended the meeting reached the city officials as well as the natives of the town.

MOVING TO BARBADOS

Another missionary came to Trinidad so In October of 1914, the family moved to Bridgetown, Barbados to open up the work there since it was very small with a native worker travelling on the Canadian Royal Mail without lights at night since this was during World War I. They lived at the Jackson Plantation in the country enjoying Christmas there. In the spring of 1915 they moved to town in a section called Strathclyde, a suburb of Bridgetown where the two older children went to Miss Innis’ School until they returned to the States on furlough in (May 1917) April of 1916.

When the Beirens family came to Barbados they moved to the seaside where they lived

HOME TO AMERICA

In April, 1916, Grandpa Wood died at home in Glenrose, Ohio

Upon returning to the US in May (1917) the family went to live at Grandma Woods’ at Mt Carmel, Ohio where the children went to the school at Mt Carmel while Ralph travelled in deputation throughout the Pilgrim Holiness Church. to visit churches and camps in the interests of missions. On August 11, Daniel was 1, Naomi was 3, Paul was 5, Esther was 7, and Catherine was 8.

December of 1916 the children had their first Christmas at Grandma Wood’s home. (She was the granddaughter of William Penn) and continued there until Christmas of 1917.

AN APPEAL FOR MISSIONS

We are partners with Jesus and He has chosen us to bear the glad message of full salvation to all the world. As God’s children, we ought to be glad for the privilege of sharing at least a small par in this great work. God’s seal is upon the work in the West Indies and South America, but we must reach out for great things. We need an army of consecrated workers. Men and Women full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, to go out into these ripened harvest-fields. We want workers not shirkers-not drifters and shifters. Those who will come and stay on the field, and suffer, and build up a work. The need of the hour is for men and women who are good pastors and evangelists as well. The hardest fields in the world are the mission fields. Who will answer such a call?

More in booklet WI & SA on page 47

MRS KNAPP ACCOMPANIES MISSIONARY PARTY TO WEST INDIES

After nearly 2 years in the States in January, 1918, the family left Mt Carmel for N. Y to return again to the West Indies where he would continue mission work in Barbados, St. Kits, Saba and Nevis and British Guiana. They were detained a month in New York because of landing permits. In February they left NY on the S. S. Guiana via Antigua where the Kings went as missionaries because of the death of Rev Coon along with Mrs. King’s mother, Mrs. De Camp. Mrs. Martin Wells Knapp and Rev Schoombie went to Barbados with them staying for a time until his fiancé came from the US and they were married on Barbados and went on to British Guiana with Ralph.

When they reached Bridgetown, Barbados they moved into “Hazel Cottage on Bishop’s Court Hill where they lived from February until August. where the children went by cab again to Miss Innis School in Strathclyde

On the voyage in February they had met Mr. & Mrs. Converse/Cowerse a US Senator/or Congressman who had a home in Bridgetown. They took a liking and interest in the children. When they were ready to return to the US they came to visit the Finches and asked if they would rent “Retreat” a lovely home from them which they did moving in early September and were excited to spend Christmas of 1918 there. It had a large house with lovely grounds with a caretaker and a maid (trusted servants) that had been left in charge of the place.

The work on Barbados was growing so much that a larger church was needed. So George Beirnes came from Demerara SA and built it. He then went on to Georgetown to take over the work in late 1918. (Bro & Sis Will Beirnes went to Georgetown to fill in the appointment)

Ralph spent the following months visiting and holding meetings on the northern islands Antiqua, Nevis, Saba. In May of 1919 (About the 1^st of December) CC Rhinebarger and family came to Barbados to work. At a meal while the Rhinbargers were there, Daniel fell over backwards in his highchair and the family always thought he injured the back of his neck. He had several sick spells. He lost the use of his arms and later of his legs and body. On July 15, 1919 little Daniel died at “Retreat”. This was a very great sorrow and the family had to become reconciled.

On September 28^th, 1919 Robert was born 6^th child at the Retreat. On November 19, 1919 Robert was very sick. . They continued to live at Retreat through Christmas

In May 1921 ?? Ralph returned from British Guinea, Georgetown where Schombie had been left in charge of the work there.

Because Ralph was very sick and broken down on January 1, 1920 they moved to “Engineer’s Pier” out by the sea Lived by the seaside until May, 1920 when they sailed for US because of ill health having been on the field 5 years & 10 months. When they came to the mission field in 1918 they got the measles in NY and enroute home the children all got the measles.

Upon returning from the mission field they lived with Grandma Wood from May 20 to June 21 when Grandma Wood's house was sold and bought another in Terrace Park, Hamilton County, Ohio where they remained until the house was sold in May 1922?

A NEW HOME IN KINGSWOOD

Living in the Cincinnati, Ohio area convinced RG that he needed to find a place where his children would have a good and wholesome Christian education in a place untouched by the world. He was offered tempting positions with good salaries in other places but wanting a good Christian education for his children he felt drawn to this village 7 miles from the county seat of Breckenridge County and four miles from the little town of Harned. That was because Kingswood Holiness College and Christian Academy was located there. The school was originally started by J. W. Hughes, founder of Asbury College at Wilmore. It was named for Kingswood, England, where the famous school of the Wesleys had been founded many years previously. The founder of the school was a Methodist and his purpose was to give the young people of that region an opportunity for a Christian education.

They bought a home and moved to the community of Kingswood which was about 75 miles southwest of Louisville, Kentucky. The orphanage moved there from Carlinville, Ill. C. G. Taylor was president of the college and the editor of the denominational paper.

The debate over the location of the general church headquarters was settled by selecting this as the site. In 1919 KHC was adopted as the general church school. Originally the school acquired several hundred acres of ground, situated on a level plateau surrounded by a little valley shaped like a horseshoe. Buildings were constructed of native lumber cut off the school property. Though it was primitive and simple, RG never regretted taking his family there. The old bell in the school chapel rang the awakening hour and it was the last thing heard at night. Every morning at 6:30 there was an early morning prayer meeting. As soon as he arrived he began to make improvements in his home and surroundings and hurried to plant his garden in which he took great interest. He showed neighbors how they could raise strawberries and sweet corn. He kept his place immaculate, even down to the woodpile. Their old Jersey cow was healed through a fellow preacher's prayers because “the Finch family needed the milk.

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF FOREIGN MISSIONS

1922 was a pivotal year of mergers, leadership and name change. A general Assembly was held at Cin. Ohio on October 3-10. Two general superintendents were elected, one for the homeland and the other for the foreign field. Salaries were set at $2,500 per year. Winfred R.Cox was the General Supt of the homeland and R. G. Finch was GS of the foreign field. Finch was a very effective platform worker both in evangelism and in fund raising for missions. He was well received by the church and proved to be a strong devotional leader. During his years as General Supt of Foreign missions, he made trips to the West Indies, Africa, and India. In 1925 he took a six month trip to Africa and India, going from Cape Town, Durbin and Johannesburg. In India he went from Bombay to Benares and Babatpur.

In 1922 the office of General Superintendent of Foreign Missions was created, for which R. G. Finch was chosen to serve. A headquarters for the foreign work as set up at Kingswood, Kentucky.

From 1922 to 1930 he served 2 four year terms as General Superintendent of Foreign Mission for the Pilgrim Church. Many missionaries gave their best in those early years. Sr Irene Blyden, Taylor, Bro & Sis JW Ivone, Alice Good, Bro & Sis Geo Beirnes, & Will Beines, King, Schoombis Rhinebarger, Ives, J Maxey Walton. Finch found that he had 41 missionaries and 67 native workers dependent on his office for support, with $3,000 needed each month. This forced Finch to become an excellent fund raiser, going to whatever group was available to share the needs.

MISSIONARY ZEAL

The colorful missionary conventions held by R. G. Finch and Charles Slater had a great part in promoting the missionary work in those years. Everything in the church was still financed by special appeal, and when it came to special appeals no one could equal the Finch and Slater combination. They raised money, recruited missionaries and had great soul-saving results; and they may be credited with putting a concern for foreign missions in the hearts of many.

During the 1920’s, the outstanding developments were the beginning of the work in Mexico, the expansion and establishing of the work in the Caribbean, a second beginning of the work in India, and the continuation of the work in Africa and the Orient.

By 1930 the combined Pilgrim missionary enterprise included work in Guatemala, Alaska, Mexico, India, eleven islands of the West Indies, British Guiana, Venezuela, Panama, and three districts in the Union of South Africa. There were also 26 Pilgrim missionaries in Japan, Korea, and China working with other societies but reporting with the other Pilgrim missionaries, since the Pilgrim constituency joined in supporting their work. By 1936, the Georgetown, British Guiana, Pilgrim Holiness Church was one of the largest Pilgrim congregations in the world.

July 22, 1923 Ralph Jr was born in Kingswood. During 1923-24, Ralph traveled in Missionary and revival meetings throughout the Pilgrim Holiness church in the US.

January 8, 1923

RG & Chas Slater were bidden a fond farewell at Kingswood as they began the journey to Cincinnati, stopping long enough to hear George B. Kulp preach, then address the student body, they set out for New York City. Held up here at the British Passport Office, after waiting patiently they got the papers they needed. Reached St Kitts about noon on January 11, 1923 and were met by Bro. Ives from Barbados and Bro Taylor from Nevis. Jumped into a little row boat and made off for shore.

In April, 1925 or 26, he traveled to Africa and India. His 34^th birthday found him preaching at 5pm in India. Returning in August he immediately traveled on to meetings in California. On November 30, 1925 Miriam was born. In 1927 Sr Knapp died and Ralph held a long revival at GBS.

OFF TO AFRICA

April of 1925 found Ralph on his way to Africa and India returning in August then on to meetings in California.

ANNOTHER HOUSE FIRE

In February of 1930, their house on the Corner at Kingswood burned on Sunday morning. They saved a few things and rented the house next door. In the spring they bought and moved into the house on the hill.

ANOTHER CHANGE

The financial crash of 1929 coupled with the organizational chaos that existed in the church was bound to impact the General Assembly of 1930 held at Frankfort, Indiana on Sept 2-8 chaired by Seth C. Rees. The general offices were scattered among five different headquarters. Kingswood for missions, Cincinnati for publishing, Greensboro for Cox, Pasadena for Rees and Battle Creek for Kulp which was still the legal headquarters.

Along with the administrative and economic factors there were 4 main deep-rooted spiritual and psychological factors.

1. Deep rooted sectionalism which resulted from the manner in which the church had originated—as small groups operating on a sectional basis

2. There was a strong spirit of individualism, depending on each leader’s understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit

3. There was a lack of loyalty and respect for authority.

4. There was a suspicion and lack of appreciation for organization.

As it was years ago when in 1911 RG went to the district assembly and came home without appointment it happened again. The assembly of 1930 saw another change. The office of general superintendent of foreign missions was discontinued. Finch was elected as a member of the new General Board on its foreign missionary committee but was given no general office. The assembly did create a new office for him by naming him a “general evangelist. With his typical vigor he plunged into this new role by holding revivalist prayer conferences inviting all who would come. He focused on calling the church back to its revival and holiness roots.

OFFICE OF GENERAL EVANGELIST

During 1930-31, he was the evangelist in state camps and in 32 became pastor of the church at Kingswood and in charge of the orphanage and debt. The school was closed and moved to Frankfort. R. G. Finch became the superintendent of ‘CHILDREN’S HOME, under the auspices of the Pilgrim Holiness Church.

On September 21, 1931, the entire family bid a tearful farewell to the oldest son and brother as he left with Paul Thomas to enter full time active ministry in Colorado.

1932: On November 28 he wrote: Bro. Russell drove him to the board meeting in Indianapolis in a Model A Ford. While Grandpa attended the meetings, Bro Russell went to the Auto Bone Yard and bought a glass for the front door for $1.00. Other purchases there consisted of a tire and wheel for the spare attached to the rear of the car for $3.00 and all the brake parts needed for 50 cents. He put the heater back inside and bought a new battery. In writing about the board meeting, he said, “The General Board Meeting is over and it was the best meeting I have ever attended. The men see things well in view of the current depression. There was no friction as all were humble and careful. Bro. Rees is in California and so poorly it seems he will never be able to function again. So Bro. Surbrook was put in charge of the executive work while Bro Rees is limited to the spiritual supervision for one year. Bro. Hodgin was made field supt. of Africa and P. W. Thomas supt. of the West Indies. Thomas continued as sec/treas and will soon come to Kingswood to work out the details of the KHC problems. The plan is to sell PHC to the Cumberland Presb., if possible. So far nothing has been done about the orphanage.

To his two preacher son-in-laws he wrote. “Let me again urge you to study, study and study some more. Oswald Chambers, the wonderful Scotch preacher and teacher urged his student preachers to study until their brain ached. He knew the trend was to exhort extemporaneous with little preparation. “Exhorting is fine, but it is good only as it can bring a solid response to establishing truth in the hearts and minds of the people. Usually exhorting doesn’t reveal truth but moves truth from the mind to the heart which brings about obedience to life change. Let me challenge you to be systematic. Adopt a regular time to rise in the morning, to pray, to eat, to read and to retire. Read your Bible by the verse, chapter and book. The more you read the more you can preach without repeating yourself. The Word will open only as one reads it by the hour, or half day. Study it like lawyers study law books. They live in their books. I am amazed at how my lawyer runs to different law books when we are asking him legal advice. And, he knows what book to go to each time. I am just finishing reading Genesis and Exodus and they have affected me so much more this time than ever before. I find we need to read constantly and read complete chapters at a time to keep ourselves where the Bible is fresh, sweet, satisfying and explaining itself to us in such an impressive manner we can turn around and expound it to others.” -Lots of love and peace, Father

Preached the Pilgrim Holiness Camp Meeting in Huntington, in early 30’s.

In December of 1932, he was called to be the associate pastor of a Tabernacle in Toronto, felt it was God’s will. At about the same time, he received a call to the Panama Zone where 160 people requested that he come at once and plant a church. That also appealed to him because it would be warmer than Kentucky and was considered at that time to be healthier than any city in the US since the mosquitoes were controlled.

He wrote to his children that his heart cried out for a chain of mission stations that would be true to the Word of God and behave like believers in the New Testament and would be happy soul winners. Churches go down to defeat when they fail God

Christmas of 1932 was a great day tinged with sadness. Three children were unable to come home, so Ruth was busy for days getting ready mostly by baking big fat apple pies, a wonderful coconut cake and a big fat chicken. Since her two oldest daughters were not there to help, she began on Wednesday to clean and shine up the house. By Saturday night the windows were washed and the house swept and dusted until it looked like a spring cleaning. As she cleaned every nook and corner she had lots of memories of how her girls had done these tasks for years. As Ralph observed her, he also felt sadness at knowing how things change in life and both Ralph and Ruth missed their married daughters and their families acutely. But as Grandpa wrote in his family letter, “but it was all honeycombed by the wonderful facts of what God has done for you all and where He has taken you, so we went right into the Christmas season to make it as pleasant as possible for the little fellows still at home. Since they were unable to buy any candy or nuts or any toys, he overheard his children talking with other children. Esther said they were too poor to have Christmas while Ralph, Jr declared it was not so. “We are not poor but ‘wich’”. On Saturday night, Christmas Eve they exchanged presents. The children got handkerchiefs, a pair of gold and black bantam chickens, a homemade black scarf for Father and a homemade rimless automobile hat for Mother. Christmas Sunday dinner was topped off with Poky’s cream on the big apple pie.

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCEPTS OF R. G. FINCH’S LETTERS

January, 1933. After experiencing a great revival, RG saw as never before what it means for pastors to teach lead their people up to where the revival will break out. Real revival is a result of the seal of God on preaching about character inside rather than works on the outside. The right kind of works will follow the right kind of preaching and teaching and it is no use to think we can hurry the spirit. Certain seed must be sown, cultivated and harvested. At this time RG had a tract printed and sent out for distribution. Don’t move to the right or left but keep solidarity which lasts after all the fog, froth and foam is gone. –Father

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

Oct 18, 1933 Moved to Colorado and began to deal with a man in Sterling Colo regarding a house to rent or buy. There was an awful dust storm. He admitted that he did not enjoy breathing and eating dust all the time. RG said, “Give me a good thunder storm and down pour of rain instead of dust. But, they say it rained here yesterday. RG went out looking for the evidence of rain but then decided that he would have to use a magnifying glass to find Kansas rain. Even the sidewalk didn’t look wet, so he supposed it was raining but hadn’t reached the ground yet. It was only moisture not rain.

In the fall of 1933, He began pastoring the Pilgrim Holiness Church during the winter and was evangelist during the summer in different camp meetings. The work in CS appeals to RG because of a school and its vision to train leaders. He went on to say, “Our work is evangelizing, raising up a holy school and missionary work—100%. Let others do what they want to make a living. There are so many who cannot or will not let God use them in the office of soul winners. The enemy has slyly led many souls away from God’s best by getting them interested slowly in legitimate things but things which others should be doing. So, beware, all of you about the cares of life, getting too much attention

The Pilgrim Church was formerly the People’s Mission Church. Under the motto, “A Work for the neglected, churchless and Christless,” The People’s Mission Church founded in 1902 by William H. Lee had its origin in 1898 when Seth C. Rees came to preach in a camp meeting. He wrote, “The Rocky Mountain Division of our Army led by William H. Lee and his wife, went into battle in CS August 10, 1898. At every service, the altar was thronged with seekers for pardon or purity, and there were many blessed victories.

When Paul planned to get RG’s furniture and he had to go to the county officials to get an exemption to move it to Colorado.

In 1934 RG travelled back to Kingswood and on to Frankfort for General Assemble of PH church.

Monday morning, Nov 26^th 1934. He was glowing with praise for the services on Sunday. This in spite of family difficulties such as Miriam was sick, Mother burned her hand and Ralph Jr sprained his ankle. Even R.G had a bad stiff neck and a general good-for-nothing feeling. Some attacks could be satanic because of the great work of the Holy Spirit in many lives. The services grew in power and the presence of the Lord. Building was crowded each service. Tonight will begin an all night prayer meeting in the chapel at 9 p.m. Convention begins tomorrow with a missionary meeting. All the activities caused him to feel like he had already been through all the services before they began. This life, he writes is surely high tension and great if one can hold out. 60 delegates were pre-registered.

There never has been a time when spirit filled leaders are needed like they are now. There are more fences for them to break down and rescue the sheep from the devil’s pasture. He wrote, whatever you do or don’t do, be sure to pray enough so you will preach with a smile on your soul but without an ounce of compromise in your heart or message. Preach about hell and the judgment until hypocrites are bent to the breaking point. Until repentance is complete and solid, only then can God build a new spiritual structure on the new foundation.

MOTTO FOR 1935: HOLY AND HUMBLE

March 13, 1935: RG was focused on getting the church ready for Easter Services. They decided to do some remodeling which consisted of ordering 30 new pews each one 10 feet long. The entrance through two sets of doors into a 12 foot square anteroom then up three steps and thru folding doors into auditorium was changed to a more commodious lobby with a picture of Jesus hanging on the pulpit wall.

We shall spend the rest of our days holding our children up in prayer. Some folks have become soft, sentimental, sour or crabby, but if they could do it over, a lot of them would pray enough to keep sweet and fire baptized. Amen. Then you have no regrets. Stay where God wants you and it is O.K. Read lots, pray regular and keep that Godliness with contentment which is of great gain. We are glad you are pushers. So few seem to have the grit, grace and backbone to push into anything or anywhere something is not already opened up. Where would we all be if somebody had not been energetic enough to open a new church or mission? He spoke in a recent camp meeting where he declared our young men would open new churches or prayer meetings within twenty five miles of their own pastorate. An unworked church soon fails.

Looks like we are all doomed to work the rest of our lives. Work hurts no one. Sometimes it is distress, worry, anxiety and trouble but God promises to deliver us out of all them. The Christian has no place for excuse or defeat or anything but 100% victory. Glory to God forever.

March 28, 1935

Every week there was a missionary prayer meeting during which he would read his diary letters written aboard the Windsor Castle Steamer, a Royal mail Boat. People from Kingswood had given me a “Powder Box” to be opened and read once on board ship and to read one “powder” each day. He would meet with fellow ministers and look at his West Indies pictures and talk of the prospects of more ministry there.

The awful dust storms in the west were causing a plague of sickness to break out called Dust Pneumonia as well as the worst scarlet fever scourge swept across the US and was projected to reach its peak according to the news magazine, Path Finder.

The more he saw of half baked religionists, the more he challenged faithful workers to hit the road with the full gospel message. Pay little attention to the compromisers who will only weaken your own foundation. ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS MARCHING AS TO WAR WITH THE CROSS OF JESUS GOING ON BEFORE. Only Jesus and the cross can bring a crucifixion to the carnal self. He will save the savable and sanctify the sanctifible. People who resist the crucified life will rebel and continue their deadly work until Jesus comes back again, but we must go right on believing and trusting. Look up and keep on your wedding robes, the rapture is surely nigh and instead of a dust cloud it will be the cloud of angels coming for the saints.

April 8, 1935

Couldn’t have prayer meeting because the church was so torn up getting ready for Easter. The walls have been kalsomined, floors are being sanded and re-waxed, new seats are all finished and will be put in Saturday evening ready for Sunday. It will be like a new building inside. They took the camp-meeting benches which were used in the back of the church for a long time back to the camp meeting tabernacle. Some of the chairs will be used in the basement for SS and the rest will go to the School Chapel. The SS is over 200 and steadily growing as is also the church. No spasmodic swell, but a steady healthy growth on a solid foundation.

A trip was planned with Paul, Bro. Reynolds and the Butlers to leave for Indianapolis on April 29 to attend the General Board Meeting. Paul went on to Kingswood to pack up as much of the Finch possessions in the car and trailer and then dispense with the rest. Paul would then return to Indianapolis to pick up everyone for the return trip home.

On the next Sunday, RG preached on the covenant from the Pilgrim Holiness Manuel bearing down on “Neglect Not the Assembling Told them something would need to be done about the folks who invariably took a long walk, gadded about or did extra work on prayer meeting days then could not come to meeting. The new seats made it so more could be seated and the house was full both am and pm with God’s blessing on the whole day.

He said I have a list of things to do that make this a busy place and a great life if one don’t weaken and we do not intend to do that.

R. G. closed the Kingswood chapter of his life while back in Indiana around the first of May. He wrote, “It has been an interesting book and the last chapter would truthfully say that I was faithful to both Kingswood and the General Church. Contrary to what some may say, I am assurance from above that I did my best. Keep looking up and be true to God for there will always be a demand for pure men of principles.

Although the church was enlarged and re-seated just before Easter, it has become so crowded that they had to use chairs in the isles both morning and evening on Sunday.

Students from CSBTS attend and several have found real victory.

A rift was occurring during the fall of 1935 with the Pilgrim Church.

He talks about the widening breach between false and genuine leaders. False leaders are harsh in their condemnation of sin and wickedness while genuine leaders dig deep but with sweetness and unction until it works righteousness inside and out. He expressed the need of a Holiness Periodical that would clearly proclaim full salvation and a holy life to all who would read. “If I were educated enough to edit one I would be tempted to start one at once. Maybe it is something our children should do.” Meanwhile he felt he was growing stronger in grace and learning a lot of things of untold value for future assignments.

November 5-6, 1935 General board dealt with the problem of the Rocky Mt District supt. and president of school who were present. Admonished to bring teaching and practice more in harmony with the PH Manuel

December 6, 1935

It takes more than diagnosing a case, in fact more than giving the patient a prescription. All of this must be done but what is necessary to procure a healing is drastic means. If the patient can be caught and put on the operating table and numbed to submission the doctor can operate. Fasten the old nature to the electric chair and God’s electricity will do the rest. But, very few spiritual doctors seem to know how and be willing to take the sick soul far enough and be patient long enough for a complete cure to be wrought. Then the patient has his or her battle—not to believe but to surrender to the operation. The struggle is to come to the electric chair, climb in, sit down and submit to the will of God’s destruction of the sinful nature.

God was so blessing the CSPHC that they were ready to support their own home missionary party to launch into Denver or other cities who will do something great for God.

December 16, 1935

Didn’t see how the school could go much better. Rejoicing and determined to obey God here as long as God keeps us here. Maybe God will hold us here for years to come.

December 23, 1935

Yesterday there were 285 in church

JANUARY, 1936

On January 8, 1936, General Board of PH church asked for the resignation of DS Reynolds and RG member of board of trustees.

On January 26, 1936, it was announced from the pulpit of the PHC in CS that a new movement was being launched to be called the Immanuel Missionary Church and that they would open a Bible School in the fall.

The PHC General Board and the Executive Council were forced to take drastic action when they heard that there was a possibility of losing the Bible College in Color Springs. During a recent district board meeting, Reynolds was removed as district superintendent and RG was also removed from the board. The board meeting was then moved to Lamar and further actions were unknown at the time.

In the eyes of the PH Church Finch was a well-meaning but mistaken leader. The whole affair was a saddening and painful episode.

APRIL 17, 1936 This is the last letter with the Pilgrim Holiness Church letterhead.

Glory to God forever. In the midst of whirl winds, the saints are growing in grace more than during calm weather.

RG felt the physical pressure and spent many sleepless nights praying and thinking but determined to be bright as a sunny May Day. This is one of those times which test us completely, but we are amazed at the steadiness of young and old.

The PHC General Sup and Gen Treas admitted in RG parlor just before leaving that we surely had some deep spiritual students in school and members in church. History was being made as they began to see what lay ahead. The die has been cast. The Immanuel Missionary Church was born with D. W. Reynolds as superintendent.

April 27^th, 1936 written under a new letterhead, Immanuel Missionary Church.

Reynolds and I were tried before the General Board and the sentence was that we must stop the abnormal conditions out here or else lose our positions. Such of course was impossible unless we compromise and stop what has proven to be the most gracious work of the Lord ever carried on in this district. How differently the preachers would feel, if they knew the exact truth about the school then and now but so far God seems to hold us in silence. I can now see clearly how absolutely necessary it was to form the Immanuel Missionary Church or something of this kind to hold things steady at this time

Ralph and a few others opened up a school in Manitou Springs and later moved to a hotel building in CS in the fall of 1936

National Hotel is now the Immanuel Missionary Christian College and Tabernacle and swill be the General Headquarters offices. It is a fine building. It may be another 30 days before we can get established but we will move fast from now on.

Next letter undated—IMC general head. Letterhead

School moved into the new building Saturday and working at re-adjusting things for the school—arranging the chapel for services.

Talent and gifting are fine if wholly in God’s hands and wholly purged. It is not great sermons it is truth the people must have. Many think being radical is hitting a lot of things with sledge hammer blows but it is the hidden recesses of the heart that must be reached. All I want to say is, Watch, study, size up your workers and use those who are 100% on the right line and type. Some preachers are able to preach good sermons and entertain the people but are they up to what God requires. O that God can be glorified 100%.

January 29, 1937 They advertised through the Pentecostal Herald, the Christian Witness and the Revivalist. Grandpa wrote many articles for the Pentecostal Herald.

Felt the January issue of the Immanuel Missionary was best of all.

Feb 8, 1937

R G finally got a real office, real book case and wonderful desk. The best outfit I ever had. Can’t take credit for it. Mother bought the desk and the three children fixed the office—Miriam fixed up book cases, the desk and letters.

Paul is mighty close to me in fellowship as my boy, as a Christian and business man. He surely has a vision and keen insight into things. Everyonce in a while he talks of going into evangelistic work or taking a pastorate but He is where God wants him now as president of the school.

In retrospect, the IM’s could never have done what they were are doing had they stayed with the PH so even if there had been no visible reasons, the IM should have launched anyhow. . M. G. Standlley assured RG of his confidence but wondered if there could not be some kind of reconciliation.

Sept 8, 37 CS

We are advancing in God’s grace and glory without fighting with carnal weapons anybody or anything. We find that there is but one thing necessary and that is to just keep on Being Christians.

Nov, 1937

If taught tithing properly could be fully supported by both. A weakening practice of start up churches is the pastors willingness to work for a living thereby relieving the church of their responsibility to support their pastor. Had a vision for 100 students at a school in Lebanon, Ohio or some God ordained place. What about starting a church there with a tent meeting? IM paper is up to 20,000 printing. God wants us to be on fire and we want to mind Him.

Dec 37

Immanuel Missionary Church General Headquarters, 2418 W. Colorado Ave

Looking for church properties everywhere. The present building here at first looked impossible—too large, too heavy financial burden but God stopped us right there and it was secured and has been wonderful. On Sunday extra chairs had to be put out in front and at the back to accommodate the crowd. When we purchased the present building we were small in people and finances but God opened the way and has helped us miraculously ever since. Amen

All through this period there were numerous calls for revivals and tent meetings. Passion to also begin a school in the east.

Dec 13, 37

Planning for next summer, he wanted to get in 3 camps each month during June, July & August.

Undated letter. The committee finally bought the National Hotel and we hope to take possession in thirty days.