Harry R. Morse Sr. (1896-1973) was the eldest son of his parents’ second set of children (both were previously widowed with children). His father, a former cattle scout, hotel owner, farmer, and carpenter, had a reputation for being irreligious and profane, but honest. His mother was the daughter of a Civil War surgeon and plantation owner from Mississippi. Upon his father’s death, young Morse quit school to support the family. As a young adult, he became a member of the Disciples of Christ, to his mother’s consternation (she was a Methodist). Eventually, he lost interest in church activities. Later, because of a miracle healing in his youngest daughter, the prodigal returned. He joined up with Grace Gospel Church in Waco, Texas, and became a minister upon retirement from the local telephone company. He served for many years as a Bible teacher. He also assisted several churches in East Texas and pastored a congregation in Alice, Texas.
