Photo Reveals Early Nazarene Symbols

Described by Nazarene historian Timothy Smith as “Spiritual Shock Troops” Nazarene youth organizations can trace their origin back Phineas Bresee’s church in Los Angeles.(Breese) Initially organized into two groups, the Brotherhood of St. Stephen for boys and Company E. for girls. Over the years the Nazarene youth organizations went through a series of restructuring to become the Nazarene Youth International (NYI) we know today.(Girvin)

From the early days we find fascinating references to youth that were fired up for worship and evangelism. The youth groups in Dr. Bresee's church grew to over two hundred average attendance and demonstrated that while they were eager to do God’s work, they were not averse to incorporating fun into their activities. Each year the church would charter a train that carried up to 1000 people to spend a day at Long Beach or Plaza del Rey. Fun activities included “boating, bathing and a picnic, followed by a late afternoon evangelistic service;” these beach getaways were described as “the real way of having a picnic, as is customary with the
Nazarenes.”(Smith)

Due to the primitive state of photographic technology in the early 20^th century, very few pictures are available showing these early Nazarenes in their frivolity during their trips to the beach. Fortunately, Holy Hijinx has recently acquired a photograph that may depict what Phineas Bresee may have looked like when he was at the beach. In the Photo Dr. Bresee appears to be modeling tattoos that may be prototypes of contemporary Nazarene logos.

The upper tattoo centered on his left deltoid depicts Jesus providing care to the sick, this symbol is similar to the logo used by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. The second tattoo appears to be a pseudo-tribal depiction of the descending dove and flame, a common graphic depiction symbolizing the Holy Spirit cleansing and empowering followers of Christ. The image of the dove and flame are similar to those that are now part of the denominational seal.

Our archivists speculate that the discovery of this photograph demonstrates that Dr. Bresee's visionary leadership extended beyond the theological and organizational development of the denomination and into the creation of the symbols that would become important in inspiring his followers to greater piety and service to others.

Holy Tortilla! Nazarene Founder's Image Discovered on Tortilla

Pilot Point, TX (Nazarene Information Communication Service) Nazarenes from around the world are flocking to the site where the denomination was founded. They are coming here to view a tortilla bearing the likeness of Phineas Bresee, the founding General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene.

Current Nazarene leadership can hardly contain their excitement regarding the discovery. One elder commented that the discovery of this unique artifact at the site of the denomination's founding, and on the eve of it's centennial celebration, is certainly evidence of God's continued favor on the small, but visionary denomination. He further went on to state that the tortilla, an undoubtedly foreign food in a land of smoked brisket and brats, serves as confirmation of the international stance of the denomination.

To prevent the many hungry and enthusiastic pilgrims from consuming the tortilla, it has been secured in a hermetically sealed display case where pilgrims may view it, but not mistake it for an item in the potluck line. Arrangements are being made to display the tortilla will be displayed at the new denominational headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas.