F.F. Bosworth and Thoro Harris: A moment in Black History

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer"
Copyright (c) 2020

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters
#ThoroHarris

Thoro Harris
Songwriter, Composer, Publisher
(1874 - 1955)
Photo from Cyberhymnal

Much has been written about F.F. Bosworth's relationship with prominent revivalists and Pentecostal church leaders. However, very little has been written about his work with African Americans. A famous photo shows a picture of him in a group with William J. Seymour. As it turns out, Seymour was one of only a few well-known blacks that Bosworth came to know. Another prominent and highly respected person of color that played a role in his ministry was Thoro Harris. Harris was a hymnist whose writing and publishing brought him name recognition and success. He and Bosworth shared a love for music. The two worked together during the 1920s.

Bosworth used Harris' services to publish the songbook, Revival Flame: Bosworth Campaign Special. The extent of Bosworth’s relationship with Harris is not known. However, given the quality of the book published, it appears that he fully endorsed the ministry of Harris. The book consists of 138 pages. While 12 of the songs included were written or arranged by B.B. Bosworth, most were written by Harris. The significance of the Bosworths’ relationship with Harris is underscored by the fact that just over a decade earlier, F.F. suffered a severe beating for preaching to blacks in Hearne, Texas. Also, during the 1920s, segregation was actively practiced in the United States.

Harris, who has also been called a Pentecostal gospel songwriter and composer, was born on March 31, 1874 in Washington, D.C. His mother was white and his father was black. Historian Dale H. Simmons described Harris as a child prodigy whose compositions in the Methodist Holiness style found appreciation among Pentecostals. According to Darrin J. Rodgers, director of Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center, Harris "was well-loved across the racial and theological divides within the Holiness and Pentecostal movements."

In his article, "Remembering the Assemblies of God’s Black Heritage," Rodgers noted Harris' success in working with different church groups. He explained that Harris "moved seamlessly in both white and black circles, as well as in both Holiness and Pentecostal churches." Harris, he wrote, "made a substantial impact on Assemblies of God hymnody in its early decades."

Historian Estrelda Y. Alexander suggested Harris' work was also respected by Aimee Simple McPherson, who often featured the singing of Negro spirituals in her church. In Alexander's book, The Dictionary of Pan-African Pentecostalism, Volume One (Cascade Books, 2018), she wrote about Harris' contribution to McPherson's ministry. She observed: "McPherson's regard for prolific African-American hymn writer, Thoro Harris, led her to work with him to compose at least two hymnals for the congregation."

Harris died on March 27, 1955 in Eureka Springs, Ark. He was 80 years old.

Photo from WorthPoint

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Reminder: "F.F. Bosworth History" is now on Twitter. Follow @bosworth_fred

Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer," can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

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Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth? 

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog! 

You can start right here:

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For more information:

Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @bosworth_fred and @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMention #BosworthMatters

'Christ the Healer' Teaching Series

#FFBosworth

Charity Christian Church, 915 Morgan St, Martinsville, Va. is hosting a teaching series on the book “Christ The Healer,” by F.F. Bosworth, at 7 p.m. each Tuesday for the months of February and March. The Rev. Ramona Martin is the facilitator for these sessions.
Source: martinsvillebulletin.com

#ChurchHistory #FFBosworth #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters

Bosworth Meme: Billy Graham Comparison

#FFBosworth

#BosworthMatters #BosworthMention #ChurchHistory #ChristTheHealer

Michelle Higginbotham Promoted to Executive Administrative Assistant

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD

Chaplain, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

Copyright (c) 2020

#MTCChangesLives

Michelle Higginbotham

 WOODVILLE, Miss. – Michelle Higginbotham is the new executive administrative assistant for Warden Scott Middlebrooks at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF).

“She does a phenomenal job every day,” said Middlebrooks. “I look forward to her contributions as my new executive administrative assistant.”

Higginbotham has been employed at the facility since January 2019. She previously worked as the Sergeant Investigator. Before that, she worked as a Disciplinary Clerk and Mailroom Clerk.

“I am excited about my promotion!” Higginbotham said. “I’m grateful to Warden Scott Middlebrooks for recognizing my accomplishments in the past year by promoting me to this position. I look forward to the continued success of our team.”

Deputy Warden of Program George Castro said Higginbotham has proven to be a great asset to WCCF. “In addition to being reliable, she is multi-talented, and always prompt,” he said. “She brings professionalism and passion to her job. I’m sure she will be excellent in her new position.”

WCCF is a maximum security facility that houses 950 male offenders. It is privately managed by the Management & Training Corporation (MTC) of Utah.

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

Rev. Nelson Fears, a Former Inmate, Brings Message of Hope to Wilkinson Prison

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.

Chaplain, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

Copyright (c) 2020

#MTCChangesLives

Rev. Nelson Fears, left, and Warden Scott Middlebrooks

WOODVILLE, Miss. – The Rev. Nelson Fears, a former inmate in the federal prison system, has a special message for men doing time. He believes that they can find hope in the middle of hopeless situations.

“You’ve got to trust what you can’t see,” he said. “When you do better, and give respect to others, your situation will get better. Yes, there are benefits to making good choices.”

That’s the message that Fears delivered recently during a visit at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF). The Alabama-based pastor shared his personal testimony and a message of encouragement with 50 men incarcerated at the facility.

Ultimately, he said, it was his acceptance of Christ that made the biggest difference in his life. That acceptance helped him to change his mind and his behavior, he said.

Fears is a native of Valley, Ala. and the pastor of Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church in Salem, Ala. He served more than 15 years in federal prison. Interestingly, he spent some of those years working as an orderly for Warden Scott Middlebrooks, who is now the warden of WCCF.

According to Middlebrooks, Fears is a good man who really cares about people. It was for this reason, among others, that he brought him to Woodville as a guest speaker. He suggested Fears has a message that is relevant, practical, and meaningful to the WCCF population.

“Our guys need to hear what he has to say,” Middlebrooks said. “He’s been where they are. So they can relate to what he says about life in prison.”

Most of the men who came out to hear Fears are participants in a new WCCF initiative known as “Thinking for a Change.” It is an integrated, cognitive behavioral change program for offenders. Some of the men are preparing to go home.

During his 40-minute talk, Fears quoted what is called the “golden rule” as he highlighted the importance of showing respect. “When you give respect, you will get respect,” he said. “The way you carry yourself will make the man next door respect you.”

Fears noted the respect that “you give to other folks will take you a long way.”

Rev. Nelson Fears addressing audience at
Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

When men are doing time, they often feel lost and all alone, Fears said. Sometimes they feel discouraged. But it’s important for them to keep believing and keep doing the right thing, even when nobody is looking, he said. Eventually, something good will come their way.

In his case, it was after 16 years of incarceration. He received a letter from the court saying he would be released. At first, he said, it seemed too good to be true. The news shook him. And as he thought about his freedom, his mind flooded with thoughts about his family. On the day that he left prison, he saw his family waiting to pick him up.

“When I left home, my son was one,” he said. “Now he’s 17 and standing there taller than me. But thanks to God, my family was united. We stood there and hugged each other and just cried.”

Fears went on to rebuild his family. He found a job and soon became a supervisor. He eventually became a pastor. “I once was lost and at my lowest, but now I’m a well-respected man in my community,” he said.

Fears told the men: “Whatever you’re going to do in life, remember it starts today. If you’re not going to do it today, you’re not going to do it when you get out.”

Rev. Nelson Fears with Saheed Davis

Several men said they enjoyed the presentation, and they thanked Fears for coming. One said he wept as Fears spoke.

“It was a message of hope from somebody that’s been where we’re at,” said Christopher Myers. He explained that Fear’s point about respecting others resonated with him in a special way. “Sometimes you have to respect others even when they’re not respecting you,” he said.

Warden Middlebrooks followed the presentation with a few words of encouragement. “I’m a firm believer that good things come to good people,” he said to the men. “The choice is yours. You’ve got to make the right choice.”

Fears encouraged the men to never give up. “Keep your heads up,” he said. “Keep pushing forward.”

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WCCF houses 950 male offenders. It is privately managed by MTC or Management & Training Corporation of Utah.

Rev. Nelson Fears with Glen Conley II

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

A Visit to Anne Moody's Resting Place

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD

Photo by Roscoe Barnes III

Today (2/8/20) I visited the burial site of Anne Moody. She is resting beside her mother in the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Centreville, MS. Moody is always on my mind. I was driving along Highway 24 when I looked over at the gravesite and saw flowers near her grave. I stopped and took this picture.

#AnneMoody #ComingOfAgeinMississippi #CivilRights #PublicHistory #Mississippi #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #BlkTwitterstorians #Twitterstorians

For more information, visit: http://roscoereporting.blogspot.com/2018/07/anne-moodys-final-resting-place.html

F.F. Bosworth Recording: A Review of His Message on 'Mass Faith" and His Unchanging Belief in Divine Healing

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer"
Copyright (c) 2020

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters

A 1954 audio recording of F.F. Bosworth shows his continued and unchanging belief in the availability of divine healing to all believers by simple faith in God’s word. This is a position that he held for decades, beginning with the early days of his ministry of healing. He experienced a turning point on the issue in 1920 during meetings in Lima, Ohio.  The audio recording features his message, “Mass Faith,” which was delivered on July 21, 1954, in Chicago. At the time, Bosworth was 77 years of age. He’d spent a number of years working with William Branham, Gordon Lindsay, and The Voice of Healing. In his later years of ministry, he seemed even more convinced of his position on divine healing.

Copies of the audio recording are available online, on YouTube, and through the 

Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (iFPHC.org). An excerpt of the recording 

can also be found here.

“The Bible removes every bit of uncertainty from the mind of the person in need on any subject in the Bible where God’s will is revealed,” Bosworth said. “There are 3,827 promises, every one of which is a revelation of what God is eager to do beyond the power of any person to realize.” Bosworth said that he has proven many thousands of times that his message of faith in God’s word is true. He explained:

By the simple presentation of nothing but the written word, the Bible … any incurable man or woman, I say incurable from the standpoint of the human side, can by the simple presentation of the written word, be brought to the same state of certainty and assurance and freedom from fear, before anything happens, as any sinner can be brought to the same state of mind with reference of the healing of the soul. If that isn’t true, I never would preach on the subject of divine healing. Faith presupposes that the sick person has found foolproof reasons for what to expect.

Bosworth taught that divine healing is in the Atonementof Christ. He emphasized the belief that the Greek word for “saved” is “sozo,” and that it is the same word that is used for salvation for the soul and healing for the body in the New Testament. For him, it all boiled down to believing the promises of God and the provisions God has made for deliverance from sin, and from sickness and disease. The process for receiving divine healing is so true and simple, he taught, that people can be healed without the laying on of hands. They can also experience healing en masse, where thousands can be healed at one time by having simple faith in God’s promises. For him, “mass faith” can result in “mass healing.”

In addition to God’s promises, healing also involves the love of God, according to Bosworth. “The love of God is so far beyond our conception, only so far as we experience it, that it can’t be illustrated,” he said. “God is yearning to do what you want him to.” For this reason, there is no need for people to beg God for healing, he explained.

Some people say, “If I’ll just beg enough and pray earnest enough and get others to pray with me”… they think by ganging up on God, they can get him good enough to be interested. That is as far from the nature of God as you can go.

In Bosworth’s view, God’s love for humanity has not been fully understood or appreciated. “No man, no preacher ever was able to illustrate the intensity of God’s desire to do for everybody anything that’s right,” he said in his message. “The Bible tells what is right by His promises. So [we] can come to Him without entering into any uncertainty whatsoever. If God can have his way, every sick person would be healed tonight.”

Bosworth’s unwavering conviction on divine healing grew out of an experience he had following the death of his first wife, Estella. She died of tuberculosis in November 1919. In 1920, when Bosworth visited Lima, he was asked to preach on diving healing. That request became the impetus or nudge, if you will, for discovering God's will for his healing ministry. In my doctoral work on his life history, I described his experience as follows:

[Bosworth] apparently had been uncertain about the will of God to heal all believers of all sicknesses and diseases. However, after prayer and study of the Scriptures, he became convinced that it was God’s will to heal all. He came to believe that healing is a part of salvation and that it can be received in the same way that salvation for the soul is received (Perkins 1921 & 1927; Bosworth 1948). He became an apologist on the subject and insisted that divine healing was in the atoning work of Christ.

This epiphany in Lima was a significant moment for Bosworth. It shaped his theology and allowed him to become grounded in his beliefs on healing. The revelation he received became the cornerstone of his ministry and the central thrust of his preaching throughout his career. It also resulted in the publication of his classic, Christ the Healer (1924b & 1948) in which he offers instructions, and makes numerous arguments in favor of divine healing.

More than three decades following his epiphany in Lima, Bosworth’s conviction and teaching remained unchanged. He stayed the course in his theology and in his defense of divine healing. “I know what I’m talking about,” he said in the 1954 recording. “I don’t know much, but I know what I’m talking about on that subject, because we’ve taken time to find out what God’s word says.”

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Reminder: "F.F. Bosworth History" is now on Twitter. Follow @bosworth_fred

Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer," can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: BOSWORTH25.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth? 

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog! 

You can start right here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:

Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @bosworth_fred and @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMention #BosworthMatters