This tribute was written in the days when Aimee Semple McPherson was believed to have drowned, before she reappeared in Mexico. The cablegram below, from her mother, reported her death.
The following cablegram from Los Angeles was received by Pastor George Jeffreys on Thursday, May 20th:
JEFFREYS ELIM CLAPHAM LONDON SISTER McPHERSON DROWNED WHILE SWIMMING TUESDAY SOUL GLORIFIED SISTER HAD ANNOUNCED YOUR CAMPAIGN WHOLE WORLD LOOKING TO ANGELUS TEMPLE FOURSQUARE EVANGELIST IMPERATIVE NEED YOU HERE IMMEDIATELY THIS CRISIS HOUR CABLE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE YOU CAN LEAVE MOTHER KENNEDY
Words are inadequate to express the deep regret experienced by myself and all the Elim workers. We felt that one of ourselves had been called home. She loved Elim and Elim loved her.
Like all triumphant pioneers who have gone before, she was loved by countless multitudes everywhere, and was also a target for the poisonous arrows of envy and jealousy. To-day, she is beyond the aim of those who hurled them, and who, if they are determined to continue in the sordid business, will have to find another to take her place.
The hundreds of thousands led to the Saviour through her loving ministry will look forward with joy to the bright and happy reunion with her in the presence of the Lord.
As one who was privileged to gain her confidence whilst working with her in the British Isles, I can truly say that Aimee Semple McPherson was not only a princess among preachers, but also one who behind the public scene of life was a really humble soul and a true saint of God.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to "Mother Kennedy" (Sister McPherson's mother), and the darling children, whom we prayerfully commend to the God of all consolation and hope.
(Pastor George Jeffreys has cabled intimating the impossibility of his going to the Angelus Temple at present.—Ed.)
In Memoriam
Six years ago, or more,
One whom our Saviour healed
Read of this handmaid of our Lord,
And longed to see revealed
The secret of her healing touch—
To meet her face to face—
Feeling that she whom God used much
Must needs show forth His Grace.
And then this year she came!
Drawing us more and more
To her Beloved and ours,
Leading us to adore
Her Saviour and our own,
Filling with love anew
Some who had weary grown,
And kindling dead souls too.
Love was her motive power—
Love to her Lord and us.
We thank Thee Lord for her,
And thank Thee too, for thus
Granting her heart's desire,
To tread where Thy feet had trod,
And taking her now to be with Thee,
Home to our Father, God.
—J.C.M.