Evansville Assembly, IN

John Bowes was introduced to the PB in the late 1830's, befriending George Muller, Robert Chapman, Henry Craik, William Trotter and others, initially as a Methodist Episcopal preacher, later as an independent, with opportunities to preach at various assemblies in England. In 1866, he and John Sommerville left Scotland to spend six months in the United States and Canada on an evangelistic campaign, preaching in open air and many denominational churches, starting in Quebec then Ontario. Sommerville and Bowes split directions at St. Catherine's, Ontario, with the former to New York, and Bowes to Toronto, before reaching the U.S., by way of Milwaukee.

Bowes' Journal

• July 27th: "Arrived at Evansville at 10 p.m. Found my friend Troup with difficulty. He and sister Troup overjoyed to see me after more than fifteen years. Evansville is on the banks of the Ohio, which divides Indiana from Kentucky. River a mile wide here."

• July 31st: "In the Methodist Episcopal Church Lecture Room; a good attendance. Mr. Pentecost enters heartily into the Lord's Second Coming, and prayed earnestly after I had done. Mr. Sims, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, told me today that all the ministers of this church are temperance men. This must have a mighty influence for good in the denomination and in the world. This nice letter of introduction was given to me from Mr. Pentecost to Mr. Sims:

• • July 28, 1866: Brother Sims, I have the pleasure of introducing Brother Bowes, of Scotland, who is now in this country, earnestly laboring in the cause of Christ, presenting three especial points: The simple Gospel as received by all evangelical Christians; The great subject of "Christian Union"; The Second Advent of Christ. He comes well recommended, and I think his cause is a good one. I have offered him, very cordially, my pulpit for the morning; I bespeak for him yours in the evening, especially as you preach in the afternoon. He is also an earnest out-of-door preacher. He will, however, speak for himself. I introduce him at his own request. I am, &c. George F. Pentecost."

• Aug. 5th: "Addressed the colored children in the Baptist Chapel; they are as well behaved and intelligent as white children. At half-past 10, preached in the Methodist Episcopal Church, Ingle Street; a large attentive assembly. At 8, preached to the crowded audience of colored people in the Baptist Chapel. Above a dozen came forward to seek the Lord. I trust some found him."

• Aug. 10th: "Left the hospitable home of my friends, amid some tears, and started for York, PA, which I reached at 10 a.m. on the 12th..."

Sources

• Autobio of John Bowes