History (continued)

In 1918 the Lord provided a precious couple lovingly referred to as "Ma and Pa". Walter Taylor and his wife, Ethelwyn, faithfully served the Lord at Pacific Garden Mission through the roaring twenties. It was during their leadership that the song, "Calvary Covers It All" was written by Ma Taylor. The song was based on the testimony of a man whose life before Christ was as black as midnight. This powerful song has been sung around the world, and is included in many hymnals today.

As the Taylors tended the mission, Pa's foghorn voice stopped many a derelict dead in his tracks, turning him into the Mission's doorway to heaven. As Pa (also known as "Pop" and "Dad") preached the Gospel and told how to find forgiveness of sin through Christ, Ma prayed for the outcasts of society who filled the mission auditorium. Then while the invitation was given, she played the piano.

On January 30, 1923, due to the shifting of the hobo jungle, God brought Pacific Garden Mission to its present location at 646 South State Street. This area of Chicago, just south of the loop, was referred to as "Murderer's Row" because so many people had been killed there in recent years. Some 5,000 men flopped nightly in cheap hotels along the Row. Satan peddled his wares in the most brazen manner imaginable. The Mission found its new home, in the center of Satan's stronghold, in a three-story building that had formerly housed the notorious "White House", a den of drink and sex. Here, men would be offered overnight accommodations, as well as food.

The Taylors served until 1936. Upon Pa Taylor's retirement, T. Donald Gately, a convert of the Mission, headed the work for the next four years.

In 1940, Harry Saulnier became the new keeper of the Old Lighthouse. A former employee of Commonwealth Edison, Saulnier began to turn up the wattage of the Mission to cause it to shine as never before in dark places—even around the world. More buildings next to the Mission were purchased and renovated. The existing ministry to homeless men was expanded. New ministries were started including a Servicemen's Center, a Women and Children's Ministry, a Medical and Dental Clinic as well as the world-wide radio drama, "UNSHACKLED!"
Ethelwyn Taylor
Walter Taylor
Harry Saulnier
David Saulnier

Harry Saulnier spent much time with the Lord in prayer. He was also a soul winner. Harry would often talk with men from the street after the gospel services conducted regularly at the Old Lighthouse. And he loved to conduct street meetings and personally pass out tracts.

Even into his 80's, Harry Saulnier endured increasing arthritic pain to work late into the night at the Mission. During Gospel meetings at invitation time, he regularly hobbled up and down the aisles of the Mission auditorium, tenderly placing an arm on the shoulders of sin-ravaged men, nudging them to go to the prayer room for personal counseling to receive God's pardon and a new life in Christ.

In 1986, Harry handed over the leadership of the Mission to his son, David Saulnier. The younger Saulnier was no stranger to Pacific Garden Mission. He was 11 years old when he began to visit the mission after his father became superintendent.

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