Phineas F. Bresee - A Prince In Israel - Media Sabda Org

definite written form their desire or request. This recommendation or petition was brought to the
Conference by Brother Knotts, one of the men who planned to enter into the new arrangement, and
by his arguments and persuasions, Dr. Bresee was induced to undertake the work.
The understanding was that he was not to begin regular preaching services immediately, but was
to secure a suitable lot and to proceed as fast as possible with the erection of a church building. Early
in 1882, a very desirable corner was obtained, the financial arrangements being made by Brother
Knotts and Judge Wright. When this was accomplished. Dr. Bresee deemed it wise to begin a service
in that part of the city, without waiting for the erection of the church building; so he rented an old
theater, where he held regular services.
During the winter of 1881-82, a tremendous storm, accompanied by a cloud-burst, swept over
Council Bluffs. It filled the little stream that ran through the city to overflowing, and caused
immense damage, especially in the portion of the city where Dr. Bresee and his friends were
planning to carry on their work. In fact, the loss caused by the storm was so great, that they
concluded that it would be impracticable to continue the enterprise.
Attention Directed To California
In the meantime some pressure had been brought to bear upon Dr. Bresee to induce him to go to
California, and upon the abandonment of the new church enterprise in Council Bluffs, he was led
to give more serious consideration than he would otherwise have done, to the suggestion that he
make California his future home.
Outside conditions entered so largely into this matter, as to require somewhat detailed explanation
in another chapter.