The Messenger—1941

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“The MESSENGER”

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WATCH TOWEB BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY and

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION 34 Craven Terrace, London, W.2

Other Offices: Brooklyn, Strathfield, Mexico City, Oslo, Cape Town, Berne, Buenos Aires, Shanghai and other cities.

ANNUALLY Jehovah’s witnesses in various parts of the earth assemble together to praise and worship their God, JEHOVAH, the MOST HIGH. Herein is published a full report of the proceedings of the 1941 ASSEMBLY FOR WORSHIP of Jehovah’s witnesses held at Leicester, England, from Sept. 3 to 7, 1941. This assembly was organized and conducted as an extension of the THEOCRATIC ASSEMBLY of Jehovah’s witnesses held at St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.

All Christians worship JEHOVAH GOD in spirit and in truth. All such love Jehovah and Christ his King and love those who truly worship Jehovah and the King. It is a joy to such and a source of great spiritual strength to assemble together to worship the Lord, and it is certain that such is pleasing to the Most High.

All of the Lord’s people today appreciate the words of the sweet singer at Psalm 148:12,13: “Both ************************************** young men and maidens; old men and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.” The assembly of the young men, the maidens, the old men, and the children was a joy to all those associated in the Theocratic Government; and when assembled together in one place, all have ureat jov in singing the praises to the name of the MOST HIGH.

J. F. Rutherford, President of the H atch Tower Bible & Tract Society and the International Bible Students Association delivered five important addresses at the St. Louis THEOCRATIC ASSEMBLY. One hundred and fifteen thousand Jehovah’s witnesses attended this greatest of assemblies. Three of Judge Rutherford’s addresses were recorded and sent by air directly to London in time for presentation at the Leicester Convention. The texts of Judge Rutherford’s remaining two discourses and other material were airmailed to the London office to be used in the identical programme at Leicester. Both the St. Louis assembly and the Leicester assembly demonstrate the marvellous unity that exists between the brethren of all nationalities in their devotion to the Lord and their unfailing hope in the THEOCRACY, the Kingdom of God under Christ.

—******—

THEOCRATIC ASSEMBLY at ST. LOUIS, Mo., U.S.A.

UNIVERSAL DOMINATION as the great issue before all creation was powerfully brought to the fore at the opening address of the president of the Watch Tower Society to the Theocratic Assembly in St. Louis, Mo., August 6-10, 1941. Referring briefly to the prophetic drama in the Bible concerning patient Job and the severe test of his integrity toward God, the speaker said:

“The issue between Satan and Jehovah was not raised for the first time in Job’s day, but centuries before that time. The prophetic drama of Job discloses what Jehovah requires of all creatures who shall receive his boundless blessings. While the question for determination raised by the prophetic drama wras and is, ‘Can Jehovah put men on earth, who under the most severe test, will prove faithful and true to God?’ yet that great issue embraces much more.....Long

before that time Satan had challenged the supremacy of Jehovah and raised the great issue. Many other scriptures support that conclusion. Satan’s accusing charge was made before the angels of heaven, and hence was known among the host of heaven, but not properly understandable and appreciated amongst men till the present time. God’s due time now appears when those on earth devoted to him are given an understanding of the real issue. The primary issue raised by Satan’s defiant challenge was and is that of UNIVERSAL DOMINATION.”

To successfully hold the five-day Theocratic Assembly in St. Louis in the face of both contemptuous official indifference and bitter religious opposition of those who would now rule the earth in the place and stead of God’s Kingdom by Christ, this in itself was a triumphant answer to Satan’s challenge of Jehovah’s universal domination. It also proved to be a test of the integrity of Jehovah’s covenant people, but which was faithfully met by a multitude, 115,000 strong, to the honour and vindication of Jehovah’s name.

The throngs packed out the mammoth bowl of The Arena, which seats 25,000, filled to overflowing the Hall “A” eastward and the Hall “B” westward and the remaining scores of thousands sat out in the grounds and the park listening to the discourses over loud speakers. Every one heard perfectly.

At the southern end of the huge oval of The Arena was the speakers’ platform, large and spacious, with purple and white drapings and with platform railings all overlaid with shimmering gold. It was also bedecked with ferns and pink gladioli. Up above this, and thirteen feet above the Arena floor, was the orchestra pit. with a broad banner in front, having a back-ground of brilliant red, upon which was the 1941 year-text, “Salvation to our God . . . and unto the Lamb.—Rev. 7:10,” all in letters of white bordered with glittering spangles of gold.

An orchestra of 126 trained musicians and a chorus of several hundred led this multitude in songs of praise. Brethren from every state in the Union and two thousand Canadian brethren attended the convention; also large numbers from Mexico, Cuba and South America. Field service was engaged in throughout territory of a fifty mile radius of St. Louis. Hundreds of thousands of pieces of Bible literature were placed during this greatest of Christian assemblies. 12,000 were accommodated at the trailer camp on the outskirts of the city. 3,903 presented themselves for w’ater immersion on the Sunday morning. Sunday was “Children’s Day.” 15,000 children of the consecrated assembled in the front part of The Arena to hear Judge Rutherford's talk “Children of the King.”

This was undoubtedly the greatest convention ever held by the Lord’s people in America. Further details will be found later in this report.

Theocratic Convention Report of

1941 ASSEMBLY for WORSHIP

LEICESTER - September 3-7

12,000 WORSHIP THE MOST HIGH GOD, JEHOVAH

Epoch-Making

IF EVER the Lord’s people in Britain had conclusive proof that JEHOVAH’S THEOCRATIC ORGANIZATION is in complete operation and is marching forward unwaveringly to final victory against all that the Devil may contrive against it, that proof was supplied by the epochmaking Theocratic Convention held at Leicester from September 3 to 7, 1941. The very fact of holding this marvellous assembly for worship in the heat of war in this country is a further answer to Satan’s challenge of universal domination.

There is no exaggeration in the term epoch-making. This indeed was an outstanding event to the Lord’s people, evidence of his spirit poured out upon his servants, an overwhelming testimony also to the fact that the Almighty has separated his organization from Satan’s world and he himself makes every provision for their comfort and care.

J. F. RUTHERFORD

Little did the pressman who in his report referred to the “superbly efficient organizers” realize that here was at least one true phrase in a welter of calumny. This was the Lord’s Convention, called at his direction, and Jehovah God and Christ Jesus saw to it that every detail of the assembly was carried out with complete efficiency and harmony, despite the fact that the Devil had his representatives in Leicester—nor were they by any means idle. All who shared in its joys and privileges echoed the words of the psalmist: “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.”

“JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES IGNORE WAR” headlined one newspaper. To a nation in the throes of total war, whose politicians speak daily of the threat of invasion, the decision of Jehovah’s witnesses to assemble to worship the great Creator may well have seemed extraordinary. Certainly no other organization, no religious organization, would for a moment have considered such a step. But the Lord’s people knowing that it was his will that they should assemble at one place to his praise, put themselves in his hand, knowing that with Jehovah all things are possible.

And so it proved. Coupled with the difficulties inherent in the war situation, were deliberate attempts to disrupt the Convention on the part of the “evil servant” class. As always J ehovah out-manoeuvred the latter. The former as time went on proved scarcely to be difficulties at all.

Advance Preparations

July 15th the work of organization commenced. A body of ten pioneers established themselves at Leicester and at once began to call from house to house in quest of accommodation for the brethren. From August 1st their number was increased to twenty-five. Advertisements were inserted in the local press. Accommodations were found at the rate of 150 a day, and a fortnight before the opening of the Convention provision had been made for 5,000 brethren. The last fortnight sawr that figure consider

ably increased. The people of Leicester showed themselves very willing to co-operate, many persons of good-will expressing delight to entertain the brethren.

It was known that many of the brethren would be arriving with housecars, trailers and tents, and provision for these was likewise made. A twenty acre field on the outskirts of the city was rented, and here 750 brethren were comfortably housed. This rendezvous, appropriately named “Camp Gideon was one of the outstanding features of the whole assembly.

Transportation: Here might have been a problem, indeed, for in recent months the Government bad placed considerable restrictions on travel. Early on it was apparent that travel by road, either in coach or private ear, was almost completely out of the question, owing to petrol rationing. Two thousand, mostly pioneers, were known to be travelling by bicycle, but this still meant that the railway companies were called upon to transport some ten thousand of the brethren.

The Lord was about bis business, and from the first these bodies showed a willing spirit of cooperation. Guaranteed this avenue the transportation department set up by the Society responded readily by obtaining from the various companies exact particulars as to the numbers and times of brethren travelling. And so. in some cases accommodation on trains was reserved for the brethren; in other cases special coaches were provided, and in a few instances special “relief” trains were run. A highlight of the convention was when the “Glasgow Special” steamed in on Tuesday night, bringing a joyful band of 600 from all over Scotland; while special expresses from London bore no less than 1,400 Southerners Leicesterwards.

On arrival publishers submitted details of their plans for the return journey, the convention transport department co-operating with the railways, the Theocratic conventioners left Leicester as they arrived, quietly, orderly, and systematically. Police on duty at the Leicester station commented favourably.

Beyond Expectation

It was confidently expected that Leicester would see the Lord’s people assemble in such numbers as never before in this land but the total of over 12,000 attendance at the lecture “Children of the King” on Sunday morning was entirely beyond expectations. From the start, however, it was apparent that the Lord purposed to give a mighty witness to His name and kingdom. On Wednesday already 7,000 brethren were present at the convention and magazine bags were encountered one might say in every street of Leicester.

As was only to be expected this mighty influx did not go unheeded by the Devil and bis associated demons, and mischief was soon afoot. The press was not slow to pin the name of “conchies” to the brethren, even erroneously “pacifists” in some cases.

Reaction on the part of the “goats” was immediate, and a steady' flow of abuse began to issue forth.

Reproaches

Brethren engaged in pavement witnessing were the chief targets, and patiently bore the same reproaches that fell upon their Master when he himself was in similar conspicuous circumstances. Language, much of it filthy, was freely hurled at both men and women by members of both sexes also. In some cases men in uniform stopped brethren in the street, and endeavoured to pick a quarrel. The culminating point came on Sunday night when a brother and sister were attacked by a crowd of soldiers, and the brother’s jaw injured. Another brother was attacked by a group of soldiers on Sunday night in front of the convention grounds and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Two sisters had their magazine bags and literature taken from them and destroyed before their eyes. A young lad was the victim of a particularly mean trick, bis magazine bag strap being cut with scissors by some local sneak-thief.

Through all this the brethren remained unruffled, having been advised at the opening session that a soft answer turneth away wrath. This proper conduct served only to infuriate some of the billy-goats the more, and there were several instances of demonism in action. One man drove his car up to a sound machine and -ei the engine running to drown the Kingdom message. Finding this of no avail be crossed the road and smashed the phonograph record of a publisher who was calling from house to house. Several people bought copies of the booklet God and the State and the Watchtower from pavement witnesses, and immediately tore them up, while a woman was so far out of her mind as to point to her infant son, shouting: “His father’s a soldier, and when he grows up he’s going to be a soldier too.”

More subtly tin* Devil got to work by means of a Jesuitically-minded press. A scare was raised to the effect that the presence of Jehovah’s witnesses meant that the Leicester people would be deprived of food, and this appeal to mass selfishness met with a ready response in many quarters. The true facts were that ample catering arrangements were made, and most of the brethren brought their own rations, but throughout the convention the hue and cry was maintained, and one National newspaper even went so far as to print the lie that the brethren left the city foodless. The Lord manoeuvred certain of these devisers of mischief, however, so that they made jackasses of themselves. It was darkly hinted

Theocratic “Special” arriving from London

in some newspapers that there would he no cigarettes for Leicester people, as the witnesses would grab them all. They were compelled to swallow their words when it was pointed out that Jehovah’s witnesses do not smoke.

Malice once aroused was not slow to set in motion other slanders. One was to the effect that Jehovah’s witnesses must all he loafers and slackers seeing that so many could arrange to he at one place at the same time. Pointed references were made to “stalwart men and women,” and the advice was freely given that they might he better employed harvesting or making munitions. How could it he expected that the world could appreciate a zeal which would determine every one of Jehovah’s people to answer his call to worship at any cost or sacrifice, even at the “sacrifice” of their only week of holiday in the year?

One brother as he stood in the gutter was told by an irate passer-by: “You’ll do anything but work.” That brother is a Durham miner, engaged in the hardest toil that the Devil’s organization can impose upon human creatures. Such blind followers of the blind “god of this world” deserve to end up in the ditch they're heading for.

Another brazen piece of lying, worthy of Dr. Goebbels himself, or his teacher of the Vatican, was to the effect that Jehovah’s witnesses intended to pay for their “holiday” with the money thev received from literature placed with the people of Leicester. One brother, greeted with this accusation by a woman at the door, hastened to make known to her the true facts, whereupon she burst into tears, exclaimed: “It’s wicked!” and expressed herself as determined to lose no opportunity of correcting this calumny.

"Sheep" Identify Themselves

While some cursed, swore, blasphemed—as did one crowd of men and girls heard chanting “Down with Jehovah” nor hesitated to seek occasions to offer violence—on the other hand there were many in Leicester who assuredly will shortly be found among the “great multitude.” Foremost among these will be some of the hospitable householders who took the brethren into their homes—and many of them into their hearts also. In some few cases, notably among the Catholic population, brethren were refused admittance to homes where they had arranged to receive accommodation, but in most cases the brethren were made heartily welcome. Some householders surrendered their own beds to brethren, others insisted on giving up their meat rations to provide a Sunday dinner for the visitors. Everywhere the account wras the same, of landladies and their families listening intently and intelligently to the kingdom message, expressing their appreciation, and promising to attend the lectures. Many a model study was conducted by the brethren with these householders during the evenings of their stay.

One lady who, though an invalid, surrendered her bed to a pioneer sister, said she was disgusted with the Leicester people, and she was not the only one. One Leicester lady, hearing of a supposed shortage of food, arrived at the De Montfort Hall with an offer to entertain six publishers to lunch each day. Two witnesses who asked the way to a cafe of a man in the street found themselves invited to lunch at his own home, with an invitation to come again.

A pioneer sister who got into conversation with a girl of about the same age at a bus stop found her listener so thrilled with the kingdom message that she asked if she could come “all day on Sunday.” She was assured she would be most welcome and, come Sunday, there they both were, strolling arm in arm through the De Montfort Gardens, setting a pretty conundrum as to which was the happier-looking of the two. A sister who took a dog that had been injured by a car back to its mistress placed literature with the lady and the crowTd of sympathetic neighbours, and arranged a model study for the next evening at the mistress’s house. Maybe Fido suffered in a good cause.

Two of the boys from Kingdom Farms found themselves received into the home of a wealthy Leicester business man. Host and hostess invited them to return for a holiday at any time, begged them to correspond, and declared: “As soon as vou walked into the house we said to each other. ‘Here come two honest men.’” A pioneer brother and sister as they parted from their kindly host and hostess heard ringing in their ears the statement: “We wish you were staying all the winter.”

Discipline

It is the Lord, not his people, who has a controversy with the nations. Any trouble that occurred was not sought by the Lord’s people. Let the Leicester firebrands, both civilian and military, the “patriotic” agent-provocateurs who lacked but a flag to make the counterpart of their American brother-hoodlums, bear in mind that had they been dealing with any other people than Jehovah’s witnesses their city might well have been the scene of ugly deeds which would have sullied its name for a very long time.

Under emphatic Theocratic direction to avoid all disturbance at any cost, the brethren exhibited a discipline that was beyond praise. Chief source of provocation was the military element, well represented in Leicester, with its parade ground adjoining the convention grounds. The first sign of trouble, however, manifested itself not at the convention hall, but at “Camp Gideon,” which no doubt offered a more fruitful site for mischiefmaking.

Mischief

On Thursday evening two sisters were returning from the farm nearby, whither they had gone to fetch milk to the camp, when they spied a handful of members of the Home Guard (a uniformed body recruited in each district, and trained to deal with enemy parachutists) crawling along close to some of the tents and flashing torches. Becoming suspicious, especially when a request to see their identity cards was not pressed, they hastily informed brothers who had not yet retired for the night.

The warning was timely, for a few moments later clouds of smoke were seen issuing from among the tents in the centre of the camp. Brothers who hastened hotspeed to the spot were just in time to see half-a-dozen men in khaki battledress dashing for the nearby railway line, some of them uprooting guy-ropes as they went. Some few tents were wrecked and their occupants, mostly women and children, were caused some discomfort.

Dense clouds of filthy smoke from home-made smoke bombs drifted across the camp for several minutes, and from them emerged another detachment of Home Guardsmen led by an officer who officiously, if somewhat agitatedly, demanded to see the identity cards of all present. At this point the police intervened, holding up a third body of Home Guardsmen who arrived down the road in cars. The Home Guard leader threatened to arrest all the brethren who could not produce their identity cards, but took no such action when a number declared theirs were in other parts of the camp. The Police authorities seemed satisfied that unauthorised work had been afoot, but the brethren, having provided them with the evidence of smoke bomb canisters and a khaki forage cap picked up on the camp grounds, and having been assured by a police inspector called to the spot that the incident would not be repeated were well satisfied wTith the night’s work. Altogether thirty soldiers of the Home Guard took part in this mischief between eleven and midnight. Thereafter the police kept a strict watch around the camp premises, and there were no further incidents.

Brethren on the spot had no doubt in their minds that the invaders planned to use the smoke screen as a cover to the despicable work of uprooting as many tents as possible, and causing chaos in the camp. But the Lord upset their evil designs, as he has done in far bigger things before, and will do yet again.

Intruders

Checked at the outpost of “Camp Gideon” the demons thereupon transferred their fields of operation to the hub of affairs at the De Montfort Hall. On Friday night one of the brethren who acted as night patrol of the property guard encountered a small body of soldiers who had climbed the railings into the convention grounds, and who were hiding in the bushes. In the scuffle that followed the brother was knocked unconscious (he recovered in about twenty minutest, but assistance was on the spot at once.

Some newspapers call these “cranks”

A stalwart Bethel brother who learned how to take care of himself whilst pioneering in Southern Ireland, faced the intruders with a crowbar, and threatened to "bash the brains out” of the first one who moved (what a pacifist!). Not one of the six soldiers accepted the invitation and were thus held at bay until the police arrived removing the soldiers in the "Black Maria.”

The following night some civilians broke into the grounds and pinned one of the brothers, a night guard, up against the railings. Brethren soon came to his rescue giving one of the hooligans a good caning until he beat a retreat clearing the five foot fence in one jump. Finally on Sunday night the remnants of a querulous crowd which had growled outside the main gates most of the day removed the rear gates of the De Montfort Gardens from its hinges, and invited the brethren to attack them. Under this, as under every form of provocation, the brethren maintained a dignified and restrained attitude, and let their adversaries howl in vain. And so once again the demons were foiled.

Not a single item of damage was done to either the convention hall or the gardens, which the brethren had undertaken to protect. Perhaps the Leicester people who set up a howl because their hall was let to such a body of law-abiding citizens, who paid every penny that they were asked for it, will reflect in their more sober moments what might have happened to their property if their own demonized citizens had been able to incite the riot which their intention was to bring about.

Local Authorities

One fact that stood out amidst all this controversy was the friendly attitude of the local police. All the convention officials who came in touch with them praised their courtesy and willing spirit of co-operation. The police of Britain are proud of their reputation for integrity, and although the war circumstances have brought into being organizations, such as the Home Guard, which in some degree are a law unto themselves, events at Leicester manifested that the officers of the law show no disposition to relinquish their role as guardians of the public safety.

On their part the Lord’s people amply demonstrated that they were anxious to do nothing to embarrass the authorities of Leicester. When complaints were voiced that the brethren were crowding workers from the tramcars during rush hours, and that they were denuding the cafes to the detriment of the latter, steps were immediately taken to silence the criticism. The brethren were requested not to patronise local restaurants, and the following resolution was passed and submitted to the press and published by them:

AIn view of the statement made in the local press concerning the inconvenience to the local townspeople by the witnesses of Jehovah, we wish it to be made known that we do not desire to interfere in any way with the ordinary transit of the city, and the convention delegates have decided not to use the buses and trams during the rush hours, namely 12 to 1 and 4 to 7.

"We have come to Leicester in order to worship Almighty God in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Bible, and we appreciate the kindness shown us by thousands of Leicester people both in their homes and in the door-to-door service. We wish to draw the attention of the people to Mr. J. Hemery’s statement made public this afternoon that we are not pacifists or against the prosecution of the war in this country.

*’W e like all (fliristian people in this country are supporting God’s kingdom as outlined in the prayer ’Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth.’”

Again it must be emphasized that it was the selfish, goat-like element of the city which was at the root of all the troubles. The authorities were not unfriendly. True, the Leicester A.R.P. (Air Raid Precautions) Committee publicly washed its hands of responsibility for the brethren in the event of a blitz on the city—but how could they, in the midst of a faithless and perverse generation, be expected to know that Jehovah, having called his people to worship had power even over the dreaded Luftwaffe to prevent them from interfering.

No Cause for Complaint

While shoppers grumbled even while drawing their full rations - about the food of which they were being deprived, the Leicester Food Office raised no opposition, nor made complaint, sure testimony that no regulation within their jurisdiction was being infringed. As a matter of fact, on leaving the city Jehovah’s witnesses made a gift of 600 lbs. of bread to the Leicester Royal Infirmary and another large consignment was received by the Guardians (Committee for the benefit of the poor. Estimates suggest that well over £9,000 must have been spent by the brethren on beds and breakfast alone. No, the "city fathers” had little cause for complaint. With such, money does a lot of talking, and the brethren of necessity brought much of it to Leicester.

Thousands queue for tea

The transport authorities, and their employees, also had good reason to sit hack and feel satisfied. Not only did they reap a rich harvest of fares daily. hut on Sunday morning the Society took over the entire tramway system of the city and ran it for a few hours in the interests of the brethren. Leicester trams on a Sunday do not commence to run until well on into the morning, and the brethren had to be at De Montfort Hall by 9 a.m. for the first session. Drivers and conductors willingly volunteered their serv ices in return for double rates of pay. and the expenses were met by a standard charge of 6d. per ticket Io the brethren. The convention tramway dept, sold 6.000 tickets in advance for this special Sunday morniiiji service.

Even here Satan sensed an opportunity for misrepresentation. ■"Jehovah-ites Got Trams: Workers Walk” headlined the London “News Chronicle’ next day. Ton also note the implication that Jehovah's witnesses are not included among the ■"workers?''

Street Witness Questioned

The most significant encounter between authority of this world and Jehovah’s Theocratic organization came, however. upon the issue of pavement witnessing.

On July 22nd a permit was issued by the Chief Constable of Leicester for the street yvork to be done by the brethren. On W ednesday and Thursday of the cony ention upwards of 1,000 brethren yvere in the business district standing ten yards apart with booklets, magazines and folders, some bearing signs advertising the lectures of Saturday and Sunday . (The remaining 5,000 field workers were confined to the residential section of the city >. Such a spectacle unto men and angels speedily stirred up the wrath of opposers of the Theocracy. The usual tactics of coercion were employed, phonecalls and letters of protest pouring into the police headquarters.

The first reaction was apparent when Leicester local papers came into the hands of the brethren on Thursday evening, announcing the surprising news “Leicester police step in. Witnesses' pavement sales banned.” Later that evening A. D. Schroeder announced from the platform that the convention committee knew nothing of any ban. and that the yvork would go on in the same way on the morrow.

At an interview with the Deputy Chief of Police the next day the brethren pointed out that they held a letter from the (Chief constable authorising the pavement witness to be done in any part of the city provided no obstruction was caused. The Deputy Chief held that this authority was given to the local brethren and did not cover the increased activity of the cony ention. He yvas advised that the yyork would be continued, and that in the city centre the brethren would be spaced at intervals of thirty yards: furthermore that literature yvould be presented free to any interested person.

Public Reaction

The day following there yvere many furious looks east at the faithful brethren as they assembled once more for the street witnessing, and the newspapers of Friday night made another attempt to intimidate the bold men, women and children—for the courage of the pavement yvitnesses yvas remarkable by declaring that under a bye-law dated 1868 no pamphlet of any kind could be distributed in the streets, even free of charge.

The yvork. nevertheless, continued, and on Saturday a few names and addresses yvere taken bv the police. By now, feeling among the billy-goats was running very high, and it yvas almost as much as a citizen of Leicester dare do as to approach one of the witnesses in the gutter, for fear of being butted by his neighbours. Brethren in trams yvere subjected to open insults by fellow-passengers and conductors and conductresses, but through it all the Lord’s people kept right on doing the yvork their God commanded them to do. and Jehovah saw to it that his iny isible protectors were abroad in the streets to shield his servants from all harm.

This controversy, blazed abroad in heavy headlines by newspapers all over the country, will undoubtedly cause a great stir in all those parts of the country where pavement witnessing is carried out. \\ bile many in Leicester seemed to yearn for fascist action to deny Jehovah’s witnesses the right of freedom of worship and freedom of speech, there was evidence that some heartily disapproved of this attempt to gag the message of the Kingdom. One shopkeeper called from his shop: “Good luck! I’m glad to see you carrying on.’’ A young man after loitering nervously for some time approached a sister and said: “Please tell me all about it. I admire your pluck, and its wonderful the way you people are organized.” A Czech refugee, despite angry looks from passers-by, spent twenty minutes in conversation with a brother in the heart of the city, and promised to call at the bookroom for literature in his native tongue. One lady expressed her appreciation to an elderly sister in the words: “That message for only twopence?’

A school teacher met by a pioneer on the street work, wrote to her the next day as follows: “By the papers you seem to have been up against it in Leicester, but I expect you meet with a mixed reception in most places, and know it to proceed from ignorance of mind both organized and unorganized. Your reaction to it all shows dignity and charity, and will only result in making the man-in-the-street respect you.”

The Military

In fairness it must be said that not only the police, but the military authorities did their best to maintain order. The Major of the regiment stationed locally is understood to have expressed himself as willing to do all in his power to prevent any trouble from a military source, and there were many in khaki who expressed appreciation of the kingdom message. The Major sent several military police to patrol outside the convention grounds.

Two military officers approached one sister (one with a Bible in hand, which he always carried with him he said), and said they were keenly interested in the Theocracy. A. stalwart Cumberland farmer brother, a veteran of the last war, spent a pleasant time explaining why he had transferred his allegiance from earthly rulers to that of the Theocracy to two “tommies." One of the Home Guard who took part in the night raid on “Camp Gideon” expressed himself to a sister as follows: “I’ve spent twelve hours working in a factory today, and now I’m called upon to take part in this silly nonsense. It's all a lot of rot.”

Men in the uniform of Army. Navy. R.A.F.. Marines, Auxiliary Fire Services, police and A.R.P. wardens were to be seen mingling among the crowds during the public addresses, and one of the most dramatic declarations was that of a young soldier, new lv acquainted with the truth, who told how his commanding officer had granted him an extension of leave in response to a telegram expressing the wish to attend all the sessions of the Theocratic convention. This brother was loudly applauded when he affirmed his determination to stand for the Theocracy.

Dividing the People

11 there was one fact that clearly stood out in the minds of the brethren as a result of the experiences at Leicester it was this -that the Lord, in fulfilment of his expressed purpose, is now carrying out a sharp dividing work in the earth. In this Midland city, typical of so many in Britain, by the time the Theocratic convention of Jehovah’s witnesses reached its close there were sheep and there were goats. A division was created there among the citizens, a breach that will never be closed. The mighty and unparalleled witness to the great Theocracy w ithin its borders has made that certain.

I hat there are goats now was amply demonstrated, and their blind and malicious hatred against those who came to them voluntarily with Jehovah’s message of life proxided a new insight to the Scriptural statement that they shall not be lamented when a just retribution falls upon them at Armageddon.

But the sheep! Blessed indeed are those brethren in the Leicester company w hose lot it will be to gather in the by no means small addition to the “great multitude. Lot entertained angels, the spiritual messengers of Jehovah, unawares, and therebv was saxed when Sodom was destroyed. 1 hese "other sheep of Leicester, many of whom doubtless little knew who thex were to entertain, or that once again the Lord was sending his messengers among men to try them, when they offered

Queue for luueh

Outside the book room

their beds and their food and their kindness to Jehovah’s witnesses.

Well, the Lord has promised them a rich reward, the great privilege of sitting down with Abraham. Isaac and Jacob in His kingdom. Thanks be to Jehovah that the day is not far distant when not only they but all of the Lord’s people will witness these faithful princes in full control in the earth, and all surviving mankind will rejoice in that blessed spirit of concord and peace and exaltation which was the keynote of this Leicester Theocratic convention.

Christianity Calling

The convention was given such national publicity that three leading Protestant clergymen from London, the “Revs.” A. D. Belden, W. Oyler-Waterhouse and Eric Tilton, sent the following telegram to the convention on the Friday:

CHRISTIANITY CALLING. UNITING

PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANS IN ALL CHURCHES. CONGRATULATE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES ON THEIR MORAL COURAGE AND BRAVE STAND FOR FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND OPINION. WE DO THIS MOST WARMLY EVEN THOUGH WE DISAGREE WITH MUCH OF THEIR TEACHINGS.

Several of the Leicester clergy were present at various sessions. One “reverend gentleman” invited a brother into his house with the question: “What is it that you’ve got that we haven’t?” The brother lost no time in giving a witness. A Baptist clergyman who had attended several of the sessions and who had many a discussion with a brother staying at the same hotel insisted on being the brother’s porter carrying his bag to the railway station on the Monday morning.

Even in Parliament a question was asked the Home Secretary as to Jehovah’s witnesses holding this large assembly in war time at Leicester.

So much for the stir caused on the outside by this great assembly. Now for a report of the brethren themselves and the convention proceedings.

Pleasant Surroundings

What of this city of Leicester? Brethren found it pleasant, clean and spacious, with broad ways, many fine buildings, a conspicuous absence of slums, and several beautiful parks. Radiating from the busy centre of the city were bus and tram routes to all parts with frequent services. Brethren were unanimous in speaking of the cleanliness of the dwellings which were their homes for the five days of the convention. The people revealed themselves as homely, and industriously engaged in the many factories which both in war and peace employ the greater part of the many thousands of the city's workers.

The first sight of the De Montfort Hall and Gardens was an experience eagerly awaited by the brethren. While they had heard much to enthuse them to keen anticipation of many rich pleasures to come, special stress had been laid on the marvellous provision the Lord had made for the great assembly together with its pleasant surroundings.

Brethren who walked up the rise from the railway station and came upon the wide and spacious approach to the Victoria Park must have experienced an anticipatory surge of expectance, which became a thrill of joy when they obtained their first glimpse of the convention grounds.

Built in 1913 and with Judge Rutherford one of the first to address an audience within it, the De Montfort Hall is a magnificent building, kept beautifully clean and fresh. The Lord could not have chosen a more fitting spot for His people, for in addition to the Hall itself, capable of holding 3,000, there was accommodation for several thousands more in a vast natural amphitheatre in the gardens adjoining. One of the most appreciated features incidentally were these same gardens, in which the brethren were able to stroll amid trees, and along grassy ways, flanked by attractive flower beds. The privilege of enjoying these gardens was one that was fully appreciated by all who attended, and one of the complimentary testimonies to the Theocratic spirit which inspired the gathering was that of the park keeper, who stated not a single flower was picked or even disturbed by any of the hundreds of children present.

Even the weather became ideal for this blessed event. The sun smiled by day and the moon beamed by night. The sun was so strong and hot the first few days of the convention that it seemed Leicester was going to be an exact duplicate of St. Louis even to the detail of a heat wave. For the five weeks prior to the convention the weather throughout the country was unsettled full of rain and showers and cold weather. Since the accommodation of the large audiences at the convention depended largely upon warm weather, the Lord blessed the event accordingly and all praise belongs to him for His smile of approval.

Vision of God's Organization

The brethren had heard much of Jehovah’s organization in preceding months, and now he graciously permits them to see it in full operation. By all that occurred both before and during this convention it was manifest that the Theocratic Government is indeed functioning under the direction of Christ Jesus: that it functions with a harmony that wrings tribute even from those that hate it; that this mighty organization of the Lord henceforth functions independently of every element of Satan’s world, which from now on it is IN A POSITION TO IGNORE; and that every effort of Satan and his forces to embarrass it the Lord turns, as ever, to their own confusion. And now the proof of these statements.

“Jerusalem,” cried the exultant psalmist, “is builded as a city compact together,” and his glad cry was echoed by every one of Jehovah’s witnesses who beheld how every minute detail of the assembly was planned and carried out without even a ripple of discord. The huge five-day programme of discourses, songs and declarations was carried through without a hitch, and in every case to the very minute. There was never an interruption, for the husky band of ushers took good care that anyone who even slightly resembled a trouble-maker did not even get a glimpse inside De Montfort Hall.

Convention Accommodation

The many needs of the twelve thousand Theocratic publishers in the course of the day were admirably cared for. In the days immediately preceding the convention a body of pioneer brothers of the construction department—they included ships’ riggers, carpenters, works’ foremen and a master builder—erected the fifteen tents or marquees on the grounds. The two largest tents were 240 feet by 30 and 200 by 40. Every bit of the four acres of the convention grounds was utilized and laid out for the assembly. After the final erection of all the tents, paths and parking spaces the whole grounds looked like a circus come to town, with De Montfort Hall in the centre of a field of canvas all properly camouflaged. Aircraft flew many times over the grounds to check the camouflage which was finally adjusted to the satisfaction of the authorities.

These large tents housed the two catering departments; one on the north side of the grounds and the other dining tent on the south side. Two more large tents furnished sheltered seating for 4,000. Smaller tents were used to house the various departments necessary for the organization of the convention. Prior to the convention Leicester officialdom declared that tents of any sort were unobtainable as the government had taken them all over for the military. But there was a Theocratic government in the picture also, and these tents were found by the Lord’s grace and were brought from London on three ten-ton lorries.

Feeding the Multitude

All the catering was undertaken and supervised by the Society. Kingdom Farms furnished large supplies of vegetables including two tons of tomatoes. For six w’eeks prior to the convention stores of all kinds of unrationed foods were purchased and stored in two warehouses in Leicester. A local bakery firm, operated by people friendly to the truth gave close co-operation. However, the demand for baked goods was so great that he turned his bakery over to the Society which in turn supplied their own master-bakers from v olunteers, and so supplies continued uninterrupted. Not a soul went unprovided for, and that without imposing any burden upon the people of Leicester. The Lord supplied

Wilf. Emery and his gang of “heavies”

3. HEMERY A. D. SCHROEDER

(By courtesy of ’ Picture Post")

every material need and the multitude was well fed. In view of all the war time difficulties the feeding of the brethren was providential bringing to mind Jesus’ feeding the five thousand.

Opening Session

At last V ednesday 2 p.m. was here. The glorious convention opened on time. The Hall was packed, the amphitheatre was full, joyfully seven thousand sang the opening songs in conjunction with the orchestra, chorus and organ. My! whal sweet praises were sung to the* Most High and whal volume! The chairman’s opening greetings were given followed by an outline of all coin ention field service activity. All these instructions were carefully followed. Now it was three o'clock, another song was sung and then came the first great feature of the convention—Judge Rutherford’s opening address. It was heard crystal clear throughout the grounds, hall, tents and amphitheatre accomplished through one of the finest sound engineering hookups in this country, all built, designed and operated by servants of the Theocracy. Everyone paid close attention, just as if the whole audience was sitting before Judge Rutherford at Si. Louis. (The three sets of recordings for this convention were flown over the Atlantic by transatlantic airmail shortly after the St. Louis convention. These were the finest and clearest recordings ever received of Judge* Rutherford's broadcasts, i

The subject of “Integrity,” with its new light on the Book of Job, was an unexpected thrill. Everyone was encouraged by' this revelation that the sufferings of that “hated” one, Job, who had done no wrong, pictured the sufferings of the Lord’s remnant and their companions today, and that a faithfulness like to Job’s would result in a reward as bounteous as he enjoyed when his integrity had been proved under severe test. The brethren duly noted the emphatic statement of Judge Rutherford that the issue was that of UNIVERSAL DOMINATION, and resolved henceforth to resist to the utmost the Devil’s mighty campaign to dominate the whole of living flesh. At the conclusion of this wonderful lecture the following cable was sent to Judge Rutherford:

7,000 YOUR BRITISH BRETHREN OPENED ASSEMBLY FOR WORSHIP TODAY. DELIGHTED TO HEAR YOUR VOICE AGAIN. GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR TALK “INTEGRITY.” OUR ZEAL FOR THE THEOCRACY HAS BEEN THOROUGHLY AROUSED. WE ARE DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN OUR INTEGRITY COME WHAT MAY AND FIGHT AGAINST SATAN’S BID FOR UNIVERSAL DOMINATION. — LEICESTER THEOCRATIC ASSEMBLY.

Wednesday Evening

\\ ednesday evening J. Hemery, vigorous and confident, jubilant and exultant, even as the president revealed himself, lost no time in communicating to his audience some of the reasons for his enthusiasm. The brethren hung upon his words as he stressed the statement, ““This is not our swan song,” rejoiced as he exclaimed. “We shall meet again next year. I don’t think it will be here in Leicester, for they don’t seem to like us very much,” and pondered deeply over his suggestion that Nazism was only a passing and preliminary phase, and that the great clash of the two opposing organizations is yret to come. The brethren were delighted to know of a probable further opportunity to contact those whom the present emergency of w ar holds in a tight grip with a “quick, sharp witness,” and were keenly appreciative of his exposition of the abundant qualifications of the faithful princes for iheir positions of authority in control of the new earth.

Following J. Hemery a discourse was given on "Zone and Regional Servants’ Duties” and a call given Io all brethren to give closer heed to organization instructions, to abide carefully within the fold and render that true obedience to the higher powers, Jehovah, the Theocrat and Christ Jesus, the King.

The Second Day

The morning of the second day was spent in the field service by nearly five thousand publishers. By* tlie afternoon a few more hundred brethren arrived at the assembly bringing the attendance on Thursday to 7,500. The brethren throughout the grounds listened carefully to the discourses dealing with “Pavement Witnessing,” “Study Groups” and the “Victory Song.” J. Hemery spoke again Thursday afternoon further developing his theme—The Theocracy now here. He elaborated on Daniel 2:44, “In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven SET UP a kingdom,” showing the “setting up” meant action just like a phonograph SET UP means running the lecture. The THEOCRACY is now here and taking ACTION.

Thursday evening after several songs and many interesting declarations, the com ention servant spoke on “Zone Assembly and its purpose”; the point being made that Jehovah was dealing with a people just as in the days of Israel, and that as in Israel it was necessary for the people to assemble together to gain the Lord’s instructions. Eor this reason it was vitally necessary for everyone to attend this great assembly for worship and for the same reason zone assemblies are of vital importance to be attended at least twice each year. The chairman concluded the evening session with a discourse “When The Righteous Rule.”

Field Campaign

By Eriday the convention was gaining momentum and the attendances rose to 8,500 for the day. Another host of locusts covered the city during the morning in regular field service, the field service plans being that each day the same territory be covered. By placing two publishers with phonographs to do the house to house work on each block, two publishers on the street work with the magazines and two Information walking, in this manner of field organization it was possible to put five thousand brethren in the residential parts of the city and another thousand on the streets in the business centre. Thus Leicester, a city of 300,000, received a concentrated locust attack each day and every soul knew that Jehovah’s witnesses were in town holding a great convention.

Pioneers

Eriday afternoon the Convention Servant spoke on "Pioneer’s Place in the Organization.” 1,250 pioneers were seated in the front part of the Hall. W hat a stirring sight it was to see all those full time zealous warriors of the Theocracy. \\ hat a happy band! They gathered every shilling they could get to come to this great convention. The Lord saw to it that everyone of these full time scr-\anis attended this assembly for worship. A. D. Schroeder opened with a surprise by reading to this vast convention Judge Rutherford’s informal talk to the pioneers at St. Louis. Judge Rutherford’s words opened: “Well, it should refresh anyone’s heart to greet a company of real fighters, that are not only willing to fight, but to fight for the greatest thing that has ever been known or ever will be known, namely, the great Theocratic Government.” Applause after applause followed the reading of this speech. The most touching part which greatly moved all the brethren to unprecedented applause were the following closing words of Judge Rutherford: “You saw a supposed picture in the (St. Louis! paper the other day of an old, tall, baldy man—that picture says, ‘This is the leader.’ I am glad the Lord understands. He knows that this is not the leader, but this is just one of the boys fighting along with you. I was born to fight for righteousness, and by the grace of the Lord, 1 will keep on doing it. . . . Don’t think you are the whole thing yourself because you are a pioneer. XV hen you go, work a town, and work it up and get ready to leave; don’t leave until you have turned over to some zealous local witness for the Lord the full results of your work so that they can carry on. Keep on encouraging those who love the Lord, and want to do His will.”

The afternoon programme continued with further advice to the pioneers and several extremely interesting declarations from some of these front line fighters. A timely talk followed on the counsel and advice given in the May 15th Watchtower on “Noah’s Day.”

British Review

The Eriday evening session was opened by J. Hemery giving a review of the work in the British field during the past fifty years. He gave a brief history of the work in this country from its start in London about 1888. He stated that there were two brothers in attendance at this assembly who

Joining the full-time ranks

Inside general catering tent

have been faithful in the work since 1888. (J. Hemery was one of the two). The evening session continued with a most instructive Theocratic service meeting conducted by four of the brothers from London. A discourse on ‘“Covenant Obligations” finished off the Friday programme.

The Big Day

Saturday, the big day of the convention, now arrived. Hundreds more of the brethren were rolling into the convention city. The attendances were now well over the ten thousand mark. The climax in the field service was reached when 6,177 faithful publishers were in the field facing the rising tide of resentment and opposition. The brethren hurriedly returned from the field, went to the dining tents for their lunch to get ready for an early opening of the afternoon’s session.

Promptly at 1: 30 the afternoon songs and declarations opened followed at 2 o’clock by a most instructive talk on “Advice to Kingdom Publishers.' Between 2:30 and 3 o’clock the vast throng were being assembled, marshalled and seated for the great public lecture by Judge Rutherford to be given at 3 p. m. on COMFORT ALL THAI MOURN. This was to be the focus point of the whole convention. An air of expectancy pervaded the entire assembly. The orchestra rendered a few selections. Then prompt at three the chairman made a brief opening announcement concluding bv saying that “we will now be tuned into the vast convention of Jehovah’s witnesses assembled at St. Louis, Missouri to hear Judge Rutherford’s great lecture COMFORT ALL THAT MOURN.”

Judge Rutherford's Voice

Then burst forth over the speakers the closing refrains of the orchestra at St. Louis. The American chairman’s introduction followed, then boomed forth the clear, bold, pleasing and familiar voice of Judge Rutherford, as strong and better than ever before. Everyone sat spellbound, quiet, following every word being uttered. And when the magic name of Daniel did indeed fall upon their ears one could sense a great sigh of satisfaction wafted through the audience. What was that? “The king of the north” the Axis powers and “the king of the south” the British Commonwealth of Nations? Ah’ that was the key. For months many of the brethren throughout Britain had been wondering when the Lord would open up an understanding of the great prophecy at Daniel 11 and now here this precious great key was being presented to them. As the lecture continued a promise was given that a full exposition of Daniel 11 would be forthcoming in the Watchtower. The delight of the brethren knew no bounds and the applause at the conclusion of the address was thunderous. What a sense of deep satisfaction that the beastly combine known as the “Axis powers” was certain to end and fail in its efforts to dominate the world, and that the Theocratic Government which Jehovah was setting up would proceed to full establishment despite all that the Devil could hurl against it.

Immediately following this epoch-making lecture the chairman read the following cable which had come from the American brethren:

TO LEICESTER ASSEMBLY SAY YOUR FELLOW SERVANTS ASSEMBLED 115,000 STRONG AT ST LOUIS. BID OUR BRITISH BRETHREN BE VERY COURAGEOUS AND HOLD FAST YOUR INTEGRITY. THEOCRATIC VICTORY CERTAIN.

—JEHOVAH’S SERVANTS IN AMERICA.

To the already thrilled audience this cable from our American brethren brought forth another great shout of joy and applause which was tremendous. In reply to these loving greetings it was proposed that the following message be sent to our American brethren:

TO JEHOVAH’S SERVANTS IN AMERICA WE SAY THRILLED WITH LECTURE COMFORT ALL THAT MOURN. EAGERLY AWAIT END OF AXIS POWERS. WE WILL HOLD FAST OUR INTEGRITY TO THEOCRACY REGARDLESS OF CONDITIONS WHICH MAY COME. OUR DELIVERANCE LIES SOLELY LN THE HANDS OF ALMIGHTY GOD. TEN THOUSAND LEICESTER THEOCRATIC CONVENTIONERS SEND YOU GREETINGS.

This suggested cable greeting was accepted with a great shout of “ayes.” Then as one more surprise it was announced that copies of this great lecture COMFORT ALL THAT MOURN were now available in booklet form and could be obtained then outside the hall and in the grounds. This brought forth another tremendous applause and the meeting ended with a quick dispersal to obtain copies of this great lecture. Twenty-four thousands of this booklet were placed immediately following this climax of the convention.

Judge Rutherford's Informal Talk

Saturday evening the convention continued to newer heights. J. Hemery opened the evening session with a discourse on “Our Commission” as recorded at Isaiah 61. In Jesus’ day this only had a partial fulfilment but now in this day it has its complete fulfilment. He encouraged everyone now to press on courageously in carrying out this commission and to comfort all that mourn. Following this the brethren were again surprised by hearing the reading of another thrilling informal talk given by Judge Rutherford at the St. Louis convention. Judge Rutherford’s warm heart to heart talk was immensely appreciated. His description of the great trailer camp at St. Louis, his report of the opposition encountered in preparing for the convention at St. Louis, how "Fayther O’Hooligan" seemed to have a lot to say. What laughter and applause followed these remarks of his. “Itou know when Jesus was on earth, those religionists wore long robes. They didn’t have much lace curtains at that time: they wore philacteries, greased their head a great deal like the billies. And no doubt that is where Jesus got the thought that it was a goat class. So when he spoke about the goat class, he meant of the Jews that class of billy goats with long whiskers, long-faced, that smelled to the top of the mountain."

SOCIETY’S ZONE SERVANTS

Full-time Itinerant Ordained Ministers of the Gospel

(By courtesy of “Picture Post”)

Early Assembly

It cannot be denied that the greatest moment of the convention was to come on the Sunday. Early Sunday morning while* most of Leicester was still asleep, Jehovah’s witnesses everywhere were busy getting ready to attend the nine o’clock morning session. All the tramcars in the city were specially engaged to run between 7:30 and 9. Only brethren who had special tickets filled these cars and had a direct ride to the hall without changing. Tramcar after tramear came up to the hall unloading the brethren. By 9 o’clock a large number were assembled for the first discourse. This talk dealt with instruction and proper training in the way of the Theocracy. This talk was followed by another taken from the “X ictorv Song."

Children's Day

At ten o’clock the De Montfort Hall w as cleared to make ready the reserved section for the children. This was CHILDRENS DAX at the convention and there was great excitement amongst the children and their parents. The information that at this convention the Lord had some special provision for his little ones had been received with keen interest and expectation, and special arrangements had been made to register all children between the ages of 5 and 18, Each child or family of children had a special green card entitling them to have a seat in the reserved section.

There was every indication that the children too realised the importance of the occasion. They no less than their parents were keenly desirous of registering at the appropriate booth, and one could trace in the demeanour of many an appreciation of the fact that Jehovah yvas henceforth to deal with them as individuals, a realisation which gave them pleasure to think that the Almighty did not disdain to accept the service and devotion of even the tiniest one.

Given the place of privilege at the front of the hall the young people, boys and girls, tall schoolboys and diminutive Scotch lassies in their picturesque kilts, some grave, some gay, many of them sisters and brothers after the flesh, and all of them after the spirit, filed through the front door of the hall, presenting their tickets and then ushered to their special seats. They presented a scene which could not but fill the heart with praise to the great Theocrat. At the front door they left their parents, then eyes forward with great expectation they tripped through the hallway into the hall just as if they were marching right into the kingdom. By 10:45 all the two thousand children found their seats filling the entire ground floor of the hall and also filling the first section of the balcony. The remainder of the hall was open only to the parents of the children. What a moving sight it was to behold those two thousand little hearts of gold beating excitingly on this momentous occasion. Those on the platform who were privileged to behold this sight found lumps in their throats and tears of joy filling their eyes.

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