Rev. Harry E. Scism

While Ellis and Marjorie Scism were attending the Bible Training Center in Oakland, California, Harry Ellis Scism (named after Harry Morse) was born on March 9, 1934.

After living in Tieton, Washington, where Harryís only sister, Ferne, was born, the family moved to Idaho. Harry was baptized in Jesus' name at nine years of age. The family eventually made Oregon their home. Ellis and Marjorie had felt a burden for India for over fourteen years. They were given missionary appointment and plans were made to travel to India. Thankfully, Harry received the baptism of the Holy Ghost after an all-night prayer meeting in Bend, Oregon, before leaving for India. 

On January 30, 1949, Harry, at fourteen years of age, along with his mom, dad, and sister, Ferne, waved goodbye to their family and friends from the deck of the China Mail, not knowing when they would meet again. The sea voyage of two months took them to many ports in six nations and finally to Madras, India, by the end of March. Harry arrived in India at fifteen years of age to begin a new and very different life.

Harry was placed in a boarding school in Kodaikanal, South India. After completing high school at nineteen years of age, Harry, who had already become involved in missionary work when going to the plains during the school holidays, was appointed as an assistant missionary. As a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church and as an appointed missionary, his work began in 1953. 

Following two years of missionary work, Harry, with his family, returned to the US for furlough in l955. He had planned to spend four to five years in Bible college and secular college. At the beginning of the first year attending Conquerors Bible College in Portland, in prayer he felt he should return to India at the conclusion of the first year of study. At the conclusion of the school year, Harry married Audrene Hruza, from Rupert, Idaho. Their honeymoon was spent traveling on deputation.

In October 1956, they began working in the Bible school in South India. Here their first child, Stanley, was born. They felt the need to evangelize and plant churches in North India. At last, they made the long 2000-mile trip by jeep to language school, where they studied the Hindi and Urdu languages.

In time, they were able to open churches in North Central India. The Lord blessed them with a daughter, Loretta. They founded Calvary Bible Institute, which over the years has trained hundreds for the Northeast harvest.

Eventually, Harry and family moved to Manila, Philippines, as this was a central location for the region and travel was easier. Travel was extensive and expensive, so he, with his family, arrived in Portland at midnight from Hong Kong, in January 1976, to raise more support.

Brother Scism received a call from Robert McFarland, general secretary of the UPC, explaining that with T. F. Tenneyís resignation as general Foreign Missions director, the General Board had appointed Harry to fill the unexpired term. He then asked, ìWill you accept this appointment?î Robert McFarland explained that he had to have an answer within two hours. Harry and Audrene moved to St. Louis in May 1976, where many adjustments had to be made. 

After two years of sickness with cancer, Audrene passed away in October 1989. Missionaries and constituents all over the world loved her. The staff at the office was so kind and patient as Harry struggled with grief and heartache.

On December 8, 1990, Harry Scism and Helen Stewart of Columbus, Ohio, were united in marriage.

For twenty-five years, Brother Scism was privileged to serve as general director. He traveled all over the world meeting precious people everywhere he went. Harry Scism went to be with the Lord on February 6, 2025.