Ralph C. Horner

Horner, Ralph Cecil. (western Quebec, December 22, 1854--September 24, 1921, near Ottawa). Methodist/Holiness movement. Becoming practically obsessed at 17 by John Wesley's doctrine of "entire sanctification," his zeal to work as a Methodist evangelist drove him to overcome a speech impediment and interrupted schooling: he had both primary and high school to complete before he could spend two years at Victoria College, Cobourg, and one at the Philadelphia School or Oratory. After ordination in 1887, he flatly refused to do anything but conduct, in a movable tent, revival meetings not noted for decorum. Since he would neither take direction, nor withdraw, from the Methodist Church, it deposed him in 1895. He and some 5000 followers incorporated in 1900 the Holiness Movement Church, whose activities, mostly in the Ottawa Valley, he superintended until 1916, when he returned to full-time evangelism. His hymns, like his church's doctrine, emphasize the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

--Hugh D. McKellar, DNAH Archives