Phineas F. Bresee and the Holiness Movement

Phineas F. Bresee and the Church of the Nazarene

• Phineas F. Bresee (1838-1915) was a Methodist minister who played a key role in the Holiness movement, emphasizing the experience of sanctification and a deeper Christian life.
• In 1895, Bresee founded the First Church of the Nazarene in Los Angeles, California.
• In 1907, several Holiness groups and leaders, including Bresee, came together in Pilot Point, Texas, to discuss the formation of a new denomination.
• On October 13, 1908, the Church of the Nazarene was officially organized at the First Church of the Nazarene in Pilot Point, Texas.
• Phineas F. Bresee was elected as the first general superintendent of the denomination.

The Church of the Nazarene's Heritage

• The Church of the Nazarene has remained committed to its Wesleyan-Holiness heritage.
• It upholds the Wesleyan concept of sanctification, emphasizing the possibility of a second work of grace that leads to a life of holiness and full devotion to God.

The Emergence of the Anglican Church

• The Anglican Church emerged as a distinct entity when King Henry VIII of England sought an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, leading to a break away from the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
• In 1534, the Act of Supremacy declared the King as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, marking the official separation from Rome.

The English Reformation

• The English Reformation led to significant changes in doctrine and worship, including the dissolution of monasteries and clergy's ability to marry.
• During the reign of Edward VI, Protestant theology, with its emphasis on justification by faith and the authority of Scripture, gained prominence.
• The Book of Common Prayer was introduced, providing a standardized liturgy for worship.

The Elizabethan Settlement

• The subsequent reign of Elizabeth I marked a significant turning point for the Anglican Church.
• Elizabeth implemented a religious settlement that aimed to unite the nation and minimize religious conflicts.
• The Elizabethan settlement established the Church of England as the official state church, combining elements of Catholicism and Protestantism.
• It allowed for a degree of flexibility in religious practice, accommodating both Catholic-leaning and Protestant-leaning believers.

This quiz explores the life and legacy of Phineas F. Bresee, a prominent figure in the Holiness movement within Methodism. Learn about his role in shaping the movement and his contributions to the First Church of the Nazarene.