Souvenir Notes — Conventions (1941)
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Report of the
EHOVAH'S WITNESSES ASSEMBLY
(1) 15,000 children rise. (2) Judge Rutherford leaves platform followed by children. (3) Children filing out to get Children. (4) Leaving with Children. (5) Children audience at camp. (6) Distributing Children at The Arena. (7) Examining new book. (8) Happy owners of Children. (9) What a book! (10) Receiving Children at camp. (11) A nap before reading Children. All in!
REPORT OF THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES ASSEMBLY
(Held at St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A., August 6-10, 1941)
THE greatest convention of all record has now become a matter of history. Never before were so many Christians assembled as at the Theocratic Assembly of Jehovah's witnesses held at St. Louis, August 6-10, 1941. On the last day of the convention the attendance reached a peak of 115,000 persons, who endured heat and dust to hear two of the most powerful messages from Jehovah ever delivered to men. Of this great audience 15,000 were children, whose smiling faces and cheering applause betokened their joyful reception of Judge Rutherford's climactic lecture, "Children of The King." At its conclusion there was a delightful surprise for these 15,000 ecstatic youngsters! Each received a copy of the blue-and-gold book, Children, as a lovely gift from its author, Judge Rutherford. The children were the first to receive this sparkling new volume, never even seen until its release on this occasion. As little hands clutched this treasure to their hearts, many were the voices that were choked and the eyes that were wet!
This was "Children's Day", shared by a hundred thousand parents and friends! Those of us who saw the sight of them will never forget it. By twos they came in orderly procession, the floor of The Arena emptying first, some to the sides, some to the rear, some to the back of the platform—great armies of enthusiasm marching obediently to the proper exit; and on the way out receiving each a copy of Children. Boys and girls, their ages ranged from five to eighteen; most were white Americans, but every race and state was represented. Their clothes and deportment indicated Godly rearing. But no parents were in the center and sides of The Arena to guide them; for this had
been reserved exclusively for this young contingent of the "children of the King".
On and out they went waving the new book. Some passed the beloved author, greeting him with smiles and thanks; and the lines seemed interminable; applause burst out here and there from little groups, young voices shouted "Thanks for the book", etc. There was no confusion nor undue noise, which was remarkable in an audience of children which alone would almost have filled Madison Square Garden. Parents waited happily at appointed places for the youngsters so favored by Christ, the King. That day will live in the memory of countless thousands. It was a day the Lord had made to bring joy to the hearts of His people!
This was the climax of months of preparation. It was a sight to be for ever graven on the memory. For ever? Most of those who witnessed that sight will live forever in the Kingdom, and they will forever praise the Almighty God, who was pleased to enlighten and instruct them by, among other means, the book Children, designed for children and adults as well, to assist them to follow the Lord's way, and hence the only way to life. It is said in simple truth that this day will live forever in the minds of many.
Children the Outstanding Feature
There have been thousands of children at other Watchtower assemblies, but never before were 15,000, who had been previously registered, seated entirely by themselves in the main portion of one of earth's greatest auditoriums. Never before were more than 1,300 children immersed at one time. Never before was each child given a new book (here the book Children)a scene unique in all history.
An artist described it thus:
It is pretty hard to explain just how it feels to come upon 15,000 children and young men and women all sitting in one place, expectant, orderly, and radiating that intense interest and vitality characteristic of youth. One might say that the word "charming" would describe the scene, or "fascinating", or "beautiful", or "lovely", or "hearteningly exuberant"; but words are weak in this instance. Dressed in their colorful summer apparel, the entire Arena looked like a flower bed—even more delightingly colorful than any flower bed—a flower bed that scintillated and vibrated with movement and constant vitality.
But now a tall, handsome figure in gray-green steps upon the platform, and at once the whole Arena—as one child—gives forth a cheer and claps hands—30,000 hands—and it is as though the entire place were an electric storm of gladness and heartfelt greetings. The tall figure is Judge Rutherford. He waves with his handkerchief and 15,000 hands wave back children, young girls and boys, maidens and youths—and you sense at once that there is an unseen bond of fellowship between these young folk and the man on the platform whose air seems to be no older than his audience. Presently the stir and greeting subsides and in a few minutes the man begins to talk; and if the place was orderly before, it is quiet as peace itself now as all present give eager and rapt attention to what is being said.
This audience is vitally alive to all that is said and needs no prompting to laugh or clap hands of approval as the case demands, denoting an awareness that is amazing even to one who would expect it to be so. They quickly grasp the tenor of the talk and eagerly accept that which is offered to them. Scanning the crowd, searching their faces, only a heart of stone would not be moved at the spectacle of youth seeking righteousness and facing the world and its horrors with complete trust and faith in their Jehovah God. And though the speech is over an hour in length, no impatience or weariness is observable, save in the youngest—and only a few of them—and these all come to greater animation when the man on the platform presents the book Children and
tells them they shall each have a copy free then and there.
And when they all shouted "Aye" to the man's question, it was something thrilling to hear, and rousing to the spirit.
When they filed to the platform to receive their book, the tall man in gray-green is completely surrounded by youth from 5 to 18 years of age and you recognize at once that they belong to each other, and you don't know which is the most appealing—the deep-felt joy of the man, which is strikingly apparent in his voice when he speaks, or the enthusiastic response of the children. As the seats empty in an orderly manner you wonder at the entire scene, the flower bed has come to life and all is movement and color.
Some who received the gift
But now the man has gone, and you still look on—and are surprised to note that the 15,000 children are on the blond side—brown hair, yellow hair, light-brown heads—only a very few really black ones, and you don't quite understand why this is so, but it is. And you come away feeling refreshed as though you had seen something exceedingly rare in this evil day—something clean and honest and pure; something unforgettable—a promise of that sweetness and harmony which will be in God's kingdom.
(1) Children fill Arena, boxes and first balcony. 11 a.m., "Children's Day."
(2) As adults sing the children march out orderly to receive a "gracious gift".
The Children Scene at Arena Retold
One writer sees a thing one way, and another another, yet both are right. The Scriptures themselves recognize this principle in the correlative writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and in the writings of all the prophets. Hence, those who have enjoyed the foregoing by the pen of the artist will also enjoy the following story which comes through the kind offices of a much appreciated witness living three thousand miles away from the one last named:
August 10 was set aside as "Children's Day". What took place at The Arena at 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is hard to describe in words; many eyes were filled with tears of joy—joy that could not be contained, and an hour which will never be forgotten.
Picture before you The Arena, which seats some 25,000, and all the ground seats, and half of all the seats on the sides—15,000 filled with children, 5 to 18 years of age! Never have we seen such a beautiful sight, who are on their way into the Kingdom and prospective children of the King.
Tremendous applause when the chairman said, "This is 'Children's Day' at the Theocratic convention of Jehovah's witnesses at St. Louis, Missouri. The total attendance yesterday [9th] was 105,000 [great applause], and today it is much more." (More applause) Judge Rutherford was introduced, and gave the most thrilling talk ever given, and under circumstances never before seen—"Children of The King"—impossible to convey in words the reception of this message by the thousands of children and also all on the grounds—at least twelve times The Arena and other buildings resounded with joy and applause. Again the speaker referred to the return of the prophets and how all these boys and girls should follow their advice. After concluding his talk he said to the children: "All of you who have agreed to do the will of God and have taken your stand on the side of The Theocracy, and have agreed to obey God and His King, STAND UP!" It was a heart-thrilling, joyful sight to see 15,000 children rise up as one man before Jehovah; and what applause filled The Arena! Their big brother on the
platform shouted: "Behold, more than 15,000 witnesses to the King!" (Long applause) Again he said: "All of you that will do what you agreed to do, say Aye!" Then came a thunder of "Aye" from 15,000 children on their feet (and more applause). Again he asked: "If you had an instrument in your hand which you could use to the honor of Jehovah's name, would you be diligent to use it?" "Yes!" came like the sound of many waters. (And more thunderous applause from 100,000) Then he said to the children, "Be seated, and I will tell you about that instrument," and immediately held up one of the most beautiful books ever printed, and he then shouted with joy: "The name of the book is 'CHILDREN'." (And what a tremendous applause ensued!) Then he said that as a gracious gift from the Lord each of the children would receive, free, one of these books! (And imagine, if you can, the joy and clapping of 15,000 who are marching into the Kingdom!)
Then we witnessed a most beautiful sight, the platform was so constructed that it has two stairways in front of it, one coming up on each side—palms adorn the platform. Many children have been wanting to see Judge Rutherford at close range, and he himself evidently wanted to see some of them. Therefore the ushers were instructed to direct the children up the steps from both sides, have them get their books, and pass on down the steps in back of the platform; and while their big brother was happily looking on, these consecrated children who shall soon be the real workers under the direction of the "princes", Daniel and others, and will fulfill the divine mandate to multiply and fill the earth, in their thousands, were going up the steps amidst the "palms" (Revelation 7:9) while the orchestra played some songs of joy, and provided a picture of the entrance of the "great multitude" into the everlasting Kingdom of Jehovah God.
The same writer, after another had drawn attention to the fact that on the first day alone 7,000 children had been registered, earlier made the following statement, which is also of interest and value: There are many thousands of children that have had the privilege of coming to this convention, and parents are lined up by the thousands registering themselves and their children—something that has never occurred in history since the convention called by King Hezekiah in days of old, and recorded for our comfort.
That convention was called to clean out religion which had been adopted by Ahaz. It was an important convention—a time of reform and reorganization. To make that convention a success, 'letters went from the hand of the king' inviting them to that passover convention. It is written, 'some came,' and 'many laughed the messengers to scorn'; but in spite of this opposition "much people" came to Jerusalem, even as to this St. Louis Theocratic gathering—"an exceeding large" convention.
Prior to the St. Louis gathering, letters went from Jehovah's organization calling the people, old and young and children, and as in days of old, 'even to the registering of all the little ones . . . their sons and daughters.' 2 Chronicles 31:14-18.
St. Louisans Generally Fair
The great audience which heard the words of consolation contained in the lecture "Children of The King", and later returned to their homes in a caravan of countless cars, on train and plane, to carry the message to others, presents just one section of the great event which was the Theocratic Assembly at St. Louis. As it was a forward move in the advance of The Theocracy, it was to be expected that enemy opposition would be manifest. Satanic opposition particularly made itself felt through the religious St. Louis Chamber of Commerce and Convention Bureau.
Such, however, were vastly in the minority. A few business firms and householders listened to their false reports, and were the losers. But St. Louisans, for the most part, demonstrated their love for the American principle of free worship. To these the efforts of the press and officialdom to belittle this vast assemblage of those who love Jehovah and
study His Word served only to expose such enemies and to inspire more friendliness for His humble servants. Opposition to the Lord always rebounds upon the heads of the opposers. It can be said, then, that St. Louis, with the few exceptions noted, who were no doubt influenced by "Father O'Hooligan's" crowd, greeted Jehovah's witnesses with open arms. Many were the loving expressions of kindnesses, which will be quoted later.
Months after preparations had been under way, the mayor wired the Brooklyn office of the Watchtower to ask the number of delegates that were expected. When he was wired back that 75,000 was the estimate, he expressed amazement. No doubt his eyes were opened when the convention began, on Wednesday, with 64,000; and had 105,000 by Saturday, and more than 115,000 on Sunday. St. Louis has seen conventions and conventions, including one of The American Legion, but nothing that approached this one either in numbers, in orderliness, or in value to the city. The merchants profited in what the newspapers described as a "customer blitz". The householders who rented rooms or kept Jehovah's witnesses had as guests lovely people who are rich in the love of their Father. There was not a loser among those who had dealings with or had befriended His servants.
Program
As an introduction to a further description of events the program is here reproduced:
Wednesday, August 6
AFTERNOON
3:30 Convention Assembles
3:45 Chairman's Welcome
4:00 President Addresses Theocratic Conventioners J.F.Rutherford
5:00 Convention Activity Announced T. J. Sullivan REPORT OF THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES ASSEMBLY
EVENING
Saturday, August 9
7:00 Songs
7:30 Zone and Regional Servants' Duties
8:30 Discourse
MORNING 9:00 Assembly for Theocratic Activities 9:30 To the Field
Thursday, August 7
MORNING 9:00 Assembly for Theocratic Activities 9:30 To the Field
AFTERNOON
AFTERNOON
1:30 Songs and Declarations
2:00 Advice for Kingdom Publishers H. C. Covington
2:30 Assembly for Public Meeting
3:00 Discourse "COMFORT ALL THAT MOURN"
J. F. Rutherford
AFTERNOON
EVENING
7:00 Songs
7:30 Discourse W. P. Heath, Jr.
8:00 Discourse A. H. Macmillan
EVENING
7:00 Songs and Declarations
7:30 Zone Assembly and Its Purpose
T. J. Sullivan
(All regional and zone servants assemble in the main arena in front of the speakers' platform.)
8:30 Discourse A.M.Hoffman
Friday, August 8
MORNING
AFTERNOON
9:00 Assembly for Theocratic Activities 9:30 To the Field
3:00 Pioneer's Place in the Organization G. Suiter Pioneer Requirements N. H. Knorr (All pioneers assemble in the main auditorium in front of speakers' platform and show identification cards.)
J. F. Rutherford
4:30 Discourse P. Chapman
4:00 Greeting the Pioneers
EVENING
Sunday, August 10
7:00 Songs
7:30 Theocratic Service Meeting
M. N. Quackenbush R. W. Kurzen
J. R. Pierce C. D. Quackenbush
8:30 Discourse A. Kershaw
CHILDREN'S DAY
MORNING
MORNING
7:30 Discourse "Baptism" M. G. Friend
8:00 Immersion
9:00 Discourse W. E. Van Amburgh
9:30 Discourse M. M. Downie
10:00 Assembly
(All children of consecrated parents between the ages of 5 and 18 and having reserved seat tickets will assemble in the main arena directly in front of platform.)
11:00 Discourse "CHILDREN OF THE KING" J. F. Rutherford
AFTERNOON
2:30 Declarations M. A. Howlett
3:00 "Your New Work" N. II. Knorr
3:30 "Solving the Problem" F. W. Franz
4:00 "When to Begin" C. R. Hessler
T. J. Sullivan
A. II. Macmillan
4:30 J. F.Rutherford
EVENING
7:00 Songs and Declarations
7:30 Discourse M. C. Harbeck
8:00 Discourse S. H. Toutjian
8:15 Discourse J. C. Rainbow
Judge Rutherford, at ease and in action at The Arena
Judge Rutherford's Addresses
It is seen that the president was scheduled to appear four times. But the Lord is always generous beyond expectation. The brethren and friends were overjoyed to hear five speeches, in all nearly seven hours, from the head of the Watchtower, who has been preaching "this gospel of the kingdom" for more than thirty-five years. His introductory speech on Wednesday, entitled "Integrity", sounded the keynote of the convention; on Friday his address was "Greeting the Pioneers"; both the Saturday lecture, "Comfort All That Mourn," and that of Sunday, "Children of The King," were advertised intensively, especially by automobile banners and invitation leaflets, in all parts of St. Louis, and the environs for forty miles around. There was one more given, an impromptu address of farewell. Although not recorded as were three of the other speeches, it will be remembered by the army of Jehovah's witnesses who were setting their faces for the homeward trek. It was in truth a battle cry delivered to fellow warriors for the King Eternal.
Every word betokened the enemies' impending doom. Yet there was not a harsh syllable uttered. The futile efforts of the Hierarchy were described in passing, in good-humored derision, as emanating from "Father O'Hooligan", who took orders by 'long-distance telephone' from Vatican City. The crowd roared as the tall, distinguished Missourian, back among his own people, imitated the Irish brogue of "O'Hooligan" protesting in horror at the exposure of Catholic "purgatory" and other pet rackets. The shock of terror with which "O'Hooligan" viewed all the activities of Jehovah's witnesses was recounted in amusing Irish idiom. 'Most all the people of the Shamrock, except those poisoned by religious prejudice, would have enjoyed it. They would have seen the ridiculous futility of trying to defend falsehood by violence and "shushing" such as employed by the Irish
"Father", learned only in Romanism. Many an O'Riley, O'Sullivan, McGinty, and Casey, however, will have a laugh at the dilemma of "O'Hooligan's" gang for their failure to stop God's message by blacklisting and defaming His witnesses. The Lord too is laughing at them. Psalm 2:4.
The three main discourses, "Integrity," "Comfort All That Mourn," and "Children of The King", may all be had in print. As the "O'Hooligan's Dilemma" remarks will not appear in published form, a few excerpts are set out below to show its rollicking irony. The speaker, Judge Rutherford, was never in finer form, his wit was like a rapier thrust, and his good humor never ruffled. The press which described this lecture as "vitriolic" simply does not understand the English language. They fail to distinguish between satire and caustic. Perhaps for too long their perspective has become distorted by adherence to "O'Hooligan's" orders. As will appear later, their manner of breaking their word must have been learned from the priestly tribe as well.
(Excerpts)
"... Several months ago, the representatives of the Society came out from Brooklyn to see about having this convention. And these are conservative boys that come from Brooklyn. They don't come along here and tell you we are going to have 20,000 and expect to bring about 5,000, but they meant what was said, 'We are going to have 70,000, and except to need a great many things.' They went to the Chamber of Commerce and talked to them about it. One said: 'Wait a minute, wait a minute. I will have to call up "Fayther O'Hooligan" and ask him what about it.' 'Fayther O'Hooligan' answered, 'Have nothing to do with it. And faith, they are a bad lot and shock the religious susceptibilities of us religious people anyhow.' And so the Chamber of Commerce put the 'kibosh' on the whole thing; and they wrote the hotels that they better listen to 'Fayther O'Hooligan's' advice, and the hotels had everything 'engaged'.
'No, haven't any room.'
Awake before mother, on the Arena lawn. Victims of the Hierarchy-engineered boycott.
"Our boys weren't discouraged. They went right on. They knew the Lord was going to run this convention; so they went out and engaged a lot of rooms from many good people. 'Fayther O'Hooligan' heard of that, and so he sent out word, 'Faith and begorra, you better not let those people stay in your house'; and some of them canceled the rooms, and said, 'We don't want you to stay, because our "Fayther O'Hooligan" says we mustn't do it.' Well, here's the difficulty. They weren't familiar with the Scriptures, because 'Fayther O'Hooligan' would not let them read the Scriptures. He says, 'Just read the prayer book and cross yourself every time I come to the door.'
"If these good people had read their Bible, they would have found out that the Bible says that the fear of man leads them into the snare of the Devil. They feared 'Fayther O'Hooligan'. They did not want to displease him. They said, 'And faith, in a town like this, where they run a cockatrice hatchery all the time, we must keep in line.' [Applause] And consequently the Chamber of Commerce fell into a trap. They turned up their snoots and went the other way.
"You know at this time, if they would have read their Bible, they would see that this was the time Jesus said He would have all the nations before Him judging them, and He put those who want to do the right thing toward their fellow creatures on His right side of favor. He called those His 'sheep'. These Christ spoke of as His 'other sheep'. And to those who wanted to listen to some man who wore lace curtains whenever he walked down the street, or else a long-tailed coat, and who had to ask 'Fayther O'Hooligan' every time they turned around whether they should go to a meeting or not, Jesus said, 'You fellows, go to persecuting my little children, and I will put you all in the "goat class.' And so the Chamber of Commerce and some of the others here put themselves in the 'goat' class here. [Applause]
"But I want to tell you about the good people of St. Louis. I happen to know something about Missourians. They are a liberal class of people. That, I reckon, is because I was born in Missouri myself. Anyhow, they love fair dealing. And when many of these good people of St. Louis heard about how the Chamber of Commerce was working against the interests of the city and against the interests of the good people who come here, they kept the wires hot telephoning and telegraphing into the office here, telling our people, 'Our homes are open, and you people come.' Some of them went to the railway station, met trains coming in, and said to them, 'Are you Jehovah's witnesses?' 'Yes.' 'Come home with us. Our house is open.' [Applause]
"Thousands of other good housekeepers, housewives, and house-husbands of St. Louis, when Jehovah's witnesses called at their door, said, 'Come right in. It is so hot. Sit down, please, and rest. Will you have a glass of cold water? Could I get you a cup of tea or something?' They did not know, probably, at the time, that they were fulfilling a prophecy of the Lord Jesus; because
The crowd was packed into the stadium, with many people standing and watching the performance. The stage was filled with a large number of people, and the atmosphere was lively. The performers were engaging with the audience, and the crowd was enthusiastic.
1 2 3
(1) Delivering Jehovah's message. (2) Section in Hall "B". (3) Part of crowd that packed Hall "B".
(4) Hall "A"; cafeteria closed for speech. (5) Children campers hear by wire. (6) Children in camp grove.
Aerial views:
(1) Full view of the Arena grounds. (2) Parked cars. (3) Trailer camp. (4) More parked cars. (5) Camp view from lower elevation.
Jesus said, 'Whenever you do something kind to one of my children or one of my servants who go about, you are doing it for me.'
(Matthew 25:40) So, you see, these good, honest, straight-forward Missourians during this convention have put themselves in the 'sheep' class, and they are going to get the Lord's blessing. [Applause]
"So it will be a happy time, not only for Missouri, but for all the earth, when
body. You are not holding anyone up to ridicule. You are trying, by the Lord's grace, to bring them the information that will open their eyes of understanding, that they may break away from the fetters in which they are bound and stand free to worship God in spirit and in truth. Therefore the work you do in carrying to them the message of God's kingdom is a work of love, a voluntary service in which you rejoice to engage."
all the religionists have to quit business. . . ."
"Some of my old-time political friends remain in Missouri. By their side I fought in politics when I was a younger man and when I didn't look so old and knock-kneed. [Laughter and applause] Some of these fellows were reared Catholics, and even the priest said, 'And faith, if I can do anything for you, I will bring down all the votes in the church!' And he did! They were pretty good fellows. I wouldn't say anything against them
"The Globe-Democrat sent a question up to me and asked me to answer it, which I did; but they would not publish the answer. I can't blame them, because Fayther O'Hooligan' might object to the answer. . . . " (Laughter)
Hierarchy Refused to Debate
On several occasions Judge Rutherford has challenged the Roman Catholic Hierarchy to select a man for a public debate, expenses to be split, and the people left to judge whether Catholic doctrines have been misrepresented by him
personally. The attack we have got to make is just what Jesus did. You know that when Jesus was on earth the religionists wore long robes. They didn't have much of lace curtains at that time; they wore phylacteries, greased their head with goat-grease, and smelled a good deal like billies. And, no doubt, that is where Jesus got the thought that it was a 'goat' class. They smelled as if they should be put in that class. So, when He spoke about the 'goat' class, He meant the Jews of that class of billy-goats with long whiskers, and long faces that
Although 2,600,000 people—Catholics and others—signed a petition requesting such a debate, the Hierarchy refused. On this point the speaker continues:
"Well, I got them into a scrap. So I issued a booklet, took up all those questions that we were going to discuss; and I first discussed the Catholic views, taking it from their Encyclopedia and other writings they could not deny. Then I took the argument on the other side, with the Bible, and punctured it full of holes. And then they threw up their hands and said,
"So now I tell you we should not feel unkindly toward any individual, because all these individuals that have got caught in Satan's trap are to be pitied. And so the Lord Jesus Christ says to you, 'Children, all you who expect to live and serve me, go and tell the good people that their hope for life, liberty and happiness rests solely in THE THEOCRATIC GOVERNMENT. Go and tell them.' That is what you are doing. You are not here to injure any-
'That shocks our religious susceptibilities.' [Laughter] They did not want the people to know the truth. They didn't want any discussion; so when you, as faithful servants of the Lord God, went straight on handing out these [Uncovered booklet] to the people and telling them about God's gracious provision for them, 'Fayther O'Hooligan' and the rest who lead Catholic Action for the Hierarchy said, 'Faith, and we have got to stop them in some way.
Get up a mob. Get the sheriff and the city attorney, whom we have elected, and let them tell the mob they can do as they damn please. Go after them.'
"Right over here across the river* they destroyed a lot of automobiles, and burned up a lot of property, at the instance of the priest, because honest Americans were telling the truth. And officials let them do it.
"They think that is going to frighten somebody and make them quit, but it is not. Every time they do a thing of that kind, those who love the Kingdom take another hitch in their belts and say, 'Boys, let's go after them,' and they go after them.
"Now when I say, 'We are in a fight,' I wouldn't harm a hair on the head of any Catholic priest or Catholic official in America. I would be glad to do something good for them if they would listen; but they have been reared in a cockatrice den down in the hatchery, and they are doing the best they can. I apologize for them, but I say to you young people, if you want to live, you better look into God's Word and decide for yourself whether you want to follow some man or whether you want to do the Lord's will. It is squarely up to you. It is nothing to me.
"The Lord's people are Jehovah's witnesses; and when I say Jehovah's witnesses, I don't mean a sect, cult or organization. I mean honest, fearless men and women who love God and the Lord Jesus Christ and who love righteousness, who don't fear any man or any devil, but who are determined to tell the truth at all costs." [Applause]
"I state this here for the benefit of my old neighbors. Some of the boys are still here that I grew up with in Missouri. I state this here because I know that in this state there are many sincere men who don't think much of men who wear long
skirts and lace curtains and hide behind somebody else for their nefarious work; but who believe in honest, open, fairminded speech. I say for the benefit of such men, If you expect to live, get your Bible, read it and find out that you are living today in the most marvelous time in the history of the world, when we stand at the very portals of the new age, observing that The Theocracy is coming now and through it blessings will flow to all families of the earth. . . . "
TO THE LEICESTER ASSEMBLY:
"I want to ask you to join with me in a cablegram to the Leicester (England) convention. I will read it. Then we will take a vote.
Your fellow, servants, assembled 115,000 strong at St. Louis, bid our British brethren be very courageous and hold fast your integrity. Theocratic victory is certain.
[Signed] JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES IN AMERICA
"Those in favor of sending that, say Aye. [Unanimous shout of 'Aye']
"Well, my dear brethren, the Lord bless you. Now I won't say 'Good-bye', because I expect to see you at some time again."
The Aisle of "Good-byes"
A native son had said good-bye. Once more a long, gray car moved slowly along a corridor of smiling people. A little avenue was parted through this vast throng and firmly kept open by a double line of ushers with locked hands. Behind were tiers upon tiers of faces, waving hands, shouts of "Good-bye", all the evidence and expression of the love of those of "like precious faith" for a fellow servant dear to every heart. Never before were so many Christians assembled together. The car passed on. The sides of the aisle of "Good-byes" flowed together like a river. The great assembly turned their faces and thoughts toward the battle ahead where lay victory for THE THEOCRACY.
Attendance and Transportation
The Theocracy Triumphant
"And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage, and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without, in a place where two ways met: and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way; and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest."—Mark 11:1-10.
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. . . . Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." Revelation 7:9,10,15.
"[Ezra] read therein before the street that was before the water gate, from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. . . . So they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."—Nehemiah 8:3, 8.
"Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced; for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced; so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off."—Nehemiah 12:43.
Throughout the United States in the week ending August 21, 1941, in all the RKO Pathe Newsreel Cinemas, films were shown attesting that at the Watchtower convention held in St. Louis Missouri, August 6-10, 1941, "Jehovah's witnesses, braving the hottest period of the year, crowded into The Arena 115,- 000 strong."
It was literally true that the assembly at St. Louis was 'a great crowd which no one could have numbered' (Revelation 7:9, Diaglott) But, inasmuch as those best qualified to estimate the attendance agreed that 115,000 is approximately correct, let the figures stand. They have a peculiar interest in view of the fact that there were 15,000 children present, and children both in the divine law and in human law are counted in as part of the parent until they attain the age of responsibility; so there were 100,000 adults at St. Louis, Missouri, (10× 10× 10× 10). In the holy of Israel's tabernacle were five pillars; a suggestion that in some way this fifth power of 10 is of interest to Jehovah.
Jehovah's Convention
For anybody who loves God it would be impossible to have been present at the St. Louis convention and not have discerned the hand of the 'Giver of every good and perfect gift' in everything connected with it. The program was of the highest order, the speakers were carefully selected, the convention machinery was exquisitely designed and moved without a jar or hitch. Surely the holy angels and perhaps the risen members of the body of Christ were present supporting and directing the work of the remnant and their companions and the
(1) Jam in between The Arena and Hall "A". (2) Overflow outdoors hears by sound-car. (3) Parking lot during sessions.
children in this great witness to the honor of Jehovah's name.
Some of the most unofficial estimates of attendance were the most interesting. The little woman at the north end of the overhead bridge into Forest Park volunteered the information that this was the greatest assembly St. Louis had in many a year, and she has been selling peanuts and chewing gum at that location for almost a lifetime.
Signs on St. Louis streetcars and buses on August 7 read: "80,000 people can't be wrong." An enthusiastic bus conductor said to a witness: "There are millions of them here, and this time I am going to hear Judge Rutherford."
A St. Louis businessman asked one of the youths of the Bethel family, "How is it possible that you could bring such an immense assembly to the hottest city in the United States in the hottest season of the year?" The youth answered: "By a notice in The Watchtower about that long" (separating his finger and thumb by approximately two inches). Without a question of doubt, the St. Louis convention was a revelation that thousands are marching into the Kingdom, and that the time has arrived when—
the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob: and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.—Isaiah 2:2,3.
The Arena a Good Place
The Arena is a good place to hold a great convention. The seating capacity is 4,000 more than Madison Square Garden in New York City. The area in front is landscaped in an amphitheatrical lawn able to hold many more than the great Arena itself. A colossal structure, without interior pillars to mar the view, The
Arena needs but a few thousand dollars' worth of soundproofing to be attached to its ceiling to be almost ideal.
Roadways, parking areas and paths were graveled with perfectly smooth, round brown pebbles from the bed of the Meramec river in the southern part of the city. The smallest size, shot gravel, laid on a base of tar made walking delightful. Though dredges have been digging brown gravel from the Meramec for a generation, there is enough left to last for many generations more.
Above the platform in The Arena, as used by Jehovah's witnesses, appeared the words "Salvation unto our God . . . and unto the Lamb.'—Rev. 7:10"; and the platform was adorned with palms, in harmony with the preceding verse. The orchestra of 136 instruments (16 different kinds) was composed of 57 violins, 2 violas, 4 cellos, 2 bass viols, 2 guitars, 12 accordions, 3 flutes, 22 clarinets, 1 oboe, 1 double bass, 6 saxophones, 5 cornets, 14 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 baritone, and 1 piano. The youngest instrumentalist was an eight-year-old girl violinist. On "Children's Day" all the child instrumentalists up to 18 years of age left the orchestra and sat in the reserved seats in The Arena. Favorites of the chorus of 115,000 voices were "Children of the Heavenly King", "The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon," "Who Is on the Lord's Side?" and "Give Praise to Jehovah". These were sung many times during the convention. A member of the musical staff of the Watchtower radio station WBBR was director of the music at the convention.
Blue is the style in 1941, and it was the style at the convention. Jehovah's witnesses do not go around dressed in black nightgowns, lace curtains, flat-topped hats, "Mother Hubbard" gowns, black hoods, elephantine collars, and with strings of beads swinging and dangling They dress sensibly, like other people If people wish to dress like monkeys, that is their affair.
So, back to The Arena. It would not be possible to imagine nicer-looking people than faced Judge Rutherford. Blue in every shade and tint imaginable greeted the eye. Dresses, hats, hose, shoes, shirts, trousers, neckwear, contained anything from a gentle whisper to a mighty shout of the predominant color, and there was enough pink, white and green to set it off—along with those nice, stiff, yellow programs. By the way, it was hot, and those yellow programs waving to and fro as fans lent a wealth of golden color to the scene that would have to be seen to be appreciated. Judge Rutherford said of the Arena crowd that it was the best-looking one he had ever seen in his life; and, as he has seen many great crowds, in all parts of the earth, he ought to know. In the distance the waving yellow fans looked like beautiful butterflies.
The acoustics of the Arena proper were best when every seat was occupied; most, but not all, could then hear all that was said. But the crowd soon learned that every word could be heard outside, from the loudspeakers skillfully and strategically placed, and so many sat outside on the grass, or sat in their automobiles, or gathered in the shade of the buildings in any old way, only so long as they got what was said.
Special Trains from the East
Two special trains from Boston carried 906 witnesses to the convention. The Pennsylvania had numerous special cars, air-conditioned wash-stand coaches, the seats of which were "broken down" and adjusted with steel straps to provide comfortable sleeping space, with 18 sections to each car. Many rented pillows at 25c each. Lights were extinguished during the night to insure rest and sleep. Though the outside temperatures hovered around 80 degrees, a light cover was comfortable in the air-conditioned cars. Pullman costs were saved. Breakfasts and luncheons were served in dining cars at 50c and 75c respectively.
There were 1,200 from Detroit and 50
Mexican witnesses from San Antonio. It is not known for sure if these came by rail or by auto. A hundred autos met incoming trains and whirled conventioners to their destinations.
There was considerable suppressed excitement over the presence of 2,500 from foreign lands which are under the domination of subversive fifth columnists connected with the greatest religious system. Some of these foreigners counted on spending six months in jail if caught associating with Christian people who love God and His Word, but thought the convention worth the cost of the sentence. They had thrilling tales to tell, which will be told some time, but not now.
There was a representative from British Guiana. There were several from India.
Ten Thousand Automobiles
There were perhaps 10.000 automobiles (1 0 × 1 0 × 1 0 × 1 0) involved in bearing Jehovah's witnesses to the convention. That would account for approximately half the attendance, and is reasonably accurate. As they came forward, from every state in the Union, they all bore the same witness of The Theocracy. If they carried signs the slogans were all alike, "Hear Judge Rutherford at The Arena, Saturday the 9th, 3:00 P.M., 'Comfort All That Mourn'—Sunday, August 10, 11:00 A.M., 'Children of The King.' All persons of good-will welcome. Free"; thus literally obeying the commandment to "all speak the same thing". (1 Corinthians 1:10) This in itself made a great witness.
Perhaps the car had a Watchtower, or a Consolation, or the book Religion, in the back window while coming; if so, it had the book Children on the return. This also made a witness. Hundreds of miles before reaching St. Louis every major highway leading in that direction had a stream of cars bearing those who are glad to give their all for the honor of Jehovah's name. Tuesday afternoon, on the Municipal Bridge, there were two solid lines of conventioners coming from all over the eastern part of the United States.
Jehovah's witnesses constitute a good cross-section of all stations in life, and the cars were like their owners, but mostly above the average, one would say. Besides automobiles new and old there were interesting variations, new buses, old ones, lots of trailers, and several "covered wagons", so called.
One of the "covered wagon" buses left Yakima, Washington, at 2 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, with 23 persons on board, 10 of whom were no longer young, but there were children in the group down to age 11. By driving day and night, this vehicle reached its destination Sunday-over 100 hours on the road. Another large busload from the west coast was on the road for one solid week. It started on Thursday, July 31, and arrived at midnight August 6, having driven night and day and been embarrassed by five blowouts on the way.
Another "covered wagon" bus had only to come 640 miles, from Bucklin, Kansas. The canvas top constructed over a 21⁄2-ton truck made a cozy equipage for 16 witnesses, eight of them "children of the King", and two brothers in the flesh and in the spirit brought the wagon to its destination in 23 hours of non-stop driving.
A Superb Police Force
A uniformed member of the St. Louis police force sat in his car trying to figure it all out. A witness came along and said, "Want to know who your visitors are? Read this." Said the officer, "That's just what I want to know; thank you; I'll read it right away." And at length he drove off with it in his cap, the copper's catchall for important papers. What he may get out of that God and the State booklet may mean to him the difference between life and death.
The conduct of Jehovah's witnesses and their loving obedience to instructions made a powerful and lasting witness to the people and to the officers of the law. One policeman said, "When we handle so many cars, the people won't listen to us, but here they do just as directed; you have no fights and no smashups, not even fenders bent." The traffic service on the grounds was marvelous. Only two police were detailed, and they had nothing to do.
One policeman was overheard to say that if the world were filled with people like Jehovah's witnesses, the police would have very little to do except to direct traffic. One of the directors of traffic at The Arena is a St. Louis ex-policeman and now one of Jehovah's witnesses. He hopes soon to be in the pioneer ranks.
This bit of conversation took place on the Arena grounds Saturday, August 9. Two policemen meeting so that they could change duty: First policeman: "Have they converted you yet?" Second policeman: "No, but if a person can't see that what they say is the truth, then he should have his head examined!" Possibly another sheep in the Lord's fold!
After three hours of inspection in The Arena and round about a fire captain of St. Louis said, "I have never in all my experience been able to send in a report so nearly perfect. During the three hours I have been over this place, inside and outside, I have failed to find a single person smoking."
One night, when a thousand people were sleeping on the lawn in front of The Arena, certain persons entered waving a flag and disturbed Jehovah's people, and some person unknown socked the ringleader for the count. The police came and got the crowd of evildoers and took them all away. They didn't bother to find out who did the socking. It was a good, wholesome job.
If any of the St. Louis police force are other than kindly and competent for their work, we have yet to hear of it. They seem to be an A-1 lot of men.
The image shows a vast vineyard with numerous rows of grapevines. The vineyard is surrounded by a few trees and a small building in the background. The sky is clear, and the overall scene is peaceful and serene.
Listening on the grassy lawn of The Arena. (1) Western view. (2) Eastern view.
Overcoming Accommodations Boycott
Pre-Convention Work at St. Louis
Many weeks before the convention the work of getting ready for it was under way. Convention office rooms and their furnishings, main auditorium decorations and signs, sound-equipment arrangements, water supply, gas supply, ice supply, sanitation, and a thousand and one things for the needs of the cafeteria, were some of the things that required attention.
Early in the game the manager of one of the larger hotels, having been "reached" by enemies of Jehovah's witnesses, called on other hotel managers not to open up to Jehovah's witnesses; they did not believe as he did, and so were "unpatriotic". It worked for a time, but fell down flat in the end, and the hotel people subsequently admitted they had never entertained finer people than Jehovah's witnesses.
From the hotels the conspiracy spread to the homes, and in a suburb (Maplewood) some were arrested and held all day for soliciting rooms for which they were prepared to pay the rent desired. The mayor had been "reached". Hitler's religion is his, and he does what he can to please Hitler and those for whom Hitler is working.
The identity of the conspirators and of their tools soon became clear. One lady in St. Louis said that members of the American Legion came to her house four times, asking her to turn Jehovah's witnesses out. The last time they came was at one o'clock in the morning, and she then said to them, "I have four in my house now and I am going to have six tomorrow." These functionaries told this woman that she was un-American, to which she replied that she was a true American and intended to remain one as long as she was treated like one, but that the American Legion did not pay her bills or her rent, and that she was capable of running her own house and conducting her own affairs without any of their
assistance or interference. So Mary B. Nonkes, Bessie T. Bell, Janie H. Broadrup and Nannette B. Cahoon report.
This lady was not a Catholic, but had relatives who were. When the Legion fell down on the job of bluffing, the relatives were called in. They said their mother could have had 15 in her home, but would not have one of them in her house. This courageous woman replied, "You go home and tell your mother that she is missing the grandest privilege of her life by not having these people in her home, and that I am daily thankful that my husband, my children and I can sleep on the floor that these people may have a place to lay their heads." "Then shall the righteous answer [Christ], saying, Lord, . . . when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? . . . And the King shall answer and say unto them, . . . Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. . . . Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."—Matthew 25:37, 38, 40, 34.
One of these un-American "patriots" grabbed and tore up several copies of Consolation from the hands of a street witnesser at St. Louis. An officer made him pay for them at 5c per copy, and offered to arrest him if the witness so desired.
Slick Work of the Priests
The priests of the oldest religious organization always prefer to have the dirty work done by the American Legion, Protestant pastors or other persons or things under their control. They keep out of sight and are trained in the art of posing. For example, there was "Father" Lyons, priest of the Catholic church at 2721 Pine street, St. Louis. On Wednesday morning he asked how many of his parishioners had rooms with which they could accommodate Jehovah's witnesses; that those who had such rooms should list their names and addresses with him, and he would take care of the matter.
And did he? He used the list so that he would know upon whom to bring pressure to cause cancellations.
Weeks before the convention took place the priests and others that go to make up "The St. Louis and St. Louis County District League, Catholic Union of Missouri (Affiliated with the Catholic Central Society of America)" addressed all members with an inflammatory.circular demanding if they knew "that for the past six weeks efforts have been made to secure lodgings for 75,000 delegates to this convention"; that "more than 300,- 000,000 copies of the Watchtower publications have literally papered the earth"; "that an average of ten tons of their literature is being trucked into St. Louis alone every month"; and, "What are you doing to counteract the influence?" etc., etc., ad nauseam. This circular did the business.
At 3941 Compton street, St. Louis, two women dead tired from a long railway ride were undressing for bed when a Catholic priest invaded the home and ordered the two women to get up and dress and get out of the home. A. L. MacDonald, of New England, is ashamed about this because he used to be a Catholic and his mother was born in Ireland and he cannot understand why Irish priests should be so mean while the Irish people are so kind and good. In telling the story he explains that a taxi-driver, a Mr. Gallagher, said to him that he had met some of the witnesses, and liked them, and he had a five-room bungalow outside of the city heat which he would be glad to let him have, or any other couple that needed a room could have it. So it isn't the Irish that are at fault; it is the religion.
A witness in the street work stated that a fat priest came up to him, along with a woman. The woman pulled out a gun, pointed it at his face, and when she pulled the trigger, he said, he thought
surely he was gone, but it was only a water gun. This shows the spirit, how ever.
Four priests and two women came to the cafeteria on the night of the 6th and tried to get into an argument with the workers, but all in vain. The dirty work of the press in backing up the priests in their efforts to make trouble was beneath contempt. They showed their subservience to error and their hatred of truth at St. Louis as they do everywhere else. Like Balaam working for Balak, they construe their mission as to curse Jehovah's people, but all in vain. The people see the falsity and hate and distrust their motives. When an attempt was made to inflame the minds of the people because there was no flag in The Arena, the manager of The Arena explained that there had been none there for many years. But why pay any attention to persons and institutions long since discredited? To hell with the press!—See Psalm 9:17.
There was quite some joking among conventioners as to who arrived "B.C." (before cancellation) and who came later. The minds of some of the citizens had been well poisoned. One businessman reached under the counter and pulled out a rifle, threatening the life of a witness. Demoniac control was there plainly seen.
Two witnesses were assigned to a Catholic home. On arrival they were refused the rooms engaged; so they rented a storeroom for $12 and put 40 cots in it. Two days later, the landlady said that though she is a Catholic never again will she tolerate unkind language against Jehovah's witnesses, as the property after two days was in much better condition than when she rented it.
Many Splendid Catholics
A place called "The Tavern" refused to take in Jehovah's witnesses, but others, not knowing of the refusal, kept coming, until at last the owner realized there was a great crowd in the city and let them in. The lady afterwards stated that she had never before met such lovable people, and was mad at the priests that had told her not to let them in.
The result was that she offered her private home for their use and her private back yard for them in which to encamp.
One family was put out of their rooms four different times. At the last place of expulsion the lady was of good-will but her husband was dead from the neck up and qrordered them out. The lady ran after them and gave them $1.50 to help on their carfare, saying she was angry with her husband for sending them away.
Three Catholic priests were expected to come from Louisiana and to declare publicly that they have taken their stand for the truth. They may have done so. To scrutinize each face in a crowd of 115,000 and take only one second for each face, it would require 32 hours to finish the scrutiny. So don't expect too much.
One pretty good joke was that the Daughters of Isabel, auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, had a convention in St. Louis at the same time as Jehovah's witnesses. Five buses had been chartered. Four had loaded and pulled out, when the girls for the fifth noticed the advertisements of Judge Rutherford's lectures at The Arena. They refused to ride until the offending signs came off (contrary to contract); but the four other buses went through the city providing "Father O'Hooligan" with a sight for sore eyes. How he must have enjoyed seeing these dames in a car advertising the meetings of Jehovah's witnesses!
One Catholic woman was visiting at the home of another Catholic woman when a witness called, played the phonograph and offered the literature. The visiting Catholic woman said it was wonderful; also that she was going to tell her family not to say anything more to the discredit of Jehovah's witnesses; that they were the finest people she had ever met.
A witness from Danville, Virginia stated that the attitude of the Catholic
people of St. Louis seemed to have changed; much more friendliness was manifested after the convention got under way than previously. Previously some had been ejected from homes in the middle of the night, but towards the last better treatment prevailed and all were taken care of as to rooms. The dividing work is going on. Even before the convention some Catholics wrote lovely self-sacrificing letters to those who had been assigned to their homes.
A sister was staying at the home of a Catholic woman. The priest came and tried to get her to throw out the witness, but she refused. The priest stayed until 3 a.m. and then she said, "Father, I want to go to sleep and would like you to leave." As the priest left he shook his fist and told her she must throw the witnesses out. Then she replied, "These people are such nice people; I have nothing against them." Finally, as the priest was going out of the door she said, "I am through with you and the church."
A witness from New Orleans reported calling upon the McNamara, the police official, referred to in Kingdom News No. 6. When she called she did not know it was he, but after a record was played his identity was revealed and he disclosed that he does not wish eternal life. He has a right to have his choice. This is Jehovah's arrangement for all mankind.
The Spirit of St. Louis
Everybody has heard at one time or another about the "Spirit of St. Louis", name given to the plane on which Lindbergh flew from St. Louis to Paris. The first part of August enabled 115,000 of Jehovah's witnesses to actually experience this spirit of hospitality, friendliness and good-will. Those who were entertained in the homes of these kind people will never forget their heart-warming welcome and tender solicitude for their bodily comfort during their stay. Thousands of St. Louis residents slept on the floor to enable Jehovah's witnesses to sleep in comfortable beds.
The image provided does not contain any text. It appears to be a grayscale photograph of a landscape with a body of water in the foreground.
(1) Woods in lower foreground hide the camp extension. (2) City on wheels, and its overflow (in the upper left).
A conventioner who happens to be a wholesale food dealer writes: "My brother, Ira Houser, who was attending his first big convention, and myself visited the St. Louis Independent Packing Co.
on Friday. We related to one of the leading executives that we were attending the convention of Jehovah's witnesses at The Arena. We explained to this gentleman that Jehovah's witnesses had been grossly misunderstood and mistreated by the American Legion and others. This party said to us, 'I know very little about your organization but I do know that up to now (Friday) we have sold Jehovah's witnesses between 10,000 and 15,000 worth of meats, etc., and that the credit of this organization is ace-high. And as for the American Legion, well, it has just about done itself with the people.'"
Most St. Louisans were not intimidated by the Hierarchy's frantic efforts to retain its prisoners. Instead, they proved to be real Americans, possessed of remarkable sheep-like qualities. They firmly stood their ground by keeping open their hearts and their homes for the 'strangers within their gates'. Many listened with a willing ear to the Theocratic message as it came from the lips of their guests, and accepted literature still further explaining the hope that awaits the meek. Money would be an inadequate recompense for the kindnesses shown in many homes. The Lord will repay all in His own good way and time, as having been done unto himself.
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