Bible Students History

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BIBLE STUDENTS IN AUSTRALIA

 

PREFACE

In 1989, the book “Bible Students in Britain” was published by the Bible Fellowship Union, England. The author was Brother Albert Hudson and the book set out in a kindly and generous style an interesting account of the Bible Student movement in Britain from its inception in 1881.

 

Its publication brought home the realization that very little had been documented about the origins and development of the Bible Student movement in Australia and that most of those who might have had personal knowledge of the period prior to the “division” of 1918 had already passed on. Any history of the movement in this country, especially the early days, would therefore have to rely mainly on such written evidence as could be located.

 

The development of the organization, known in Australia since the early 1930’s as “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” was outlined in their 1983 Handbook and provides some material relevant to a Bible Student history, though written naturally enough from a J.W. viewpoint. Its reporting of events around the time of the “division” in particular is evidently slanted and unjust but some interesting material nevertheless is provided. The circumstances surrounding this “division” are set out in Chapter 7.

 

Grateful thanks are extended to brothers and sisters who have provided information and/or documentation used herein. Other sources of information have included reports in the “Watch Tower” prior to 1918, articles in early issues of the locally published “Peoples Paper” and the few records held within the Berean Bible Institute itself. Finalization of this history was held over for several years with the possibility of further information coming to hand. In the event, nothing significant has come to light. Further information on any of the areas covered in this book or relevant to the history of the Bible Students in Australia would still however be very welcome.

 

Berean Bible Institute Inc.

 

CHAPTER 1

THE BIBLE STUDENT MOVEMENT

 

The Bible Student Movement had its origins in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA, during the period 1870–1875, when a small company of seekers after the truth of the Word of God began meeting for study of the Bible. These studies led them to discover more of the lengths and breadths, heights and depths, of the love of God–that God’s promise to Abraham that in his seed ALL the families of the earth shall be blessed, will indeed be fulfilled even though millions have died without receiving that blessing.

 

The years which followed were a time of continued growth in grace and knowledge of the various features of God’s plan of salvation. Charles Taze Russell, a young Pittsburg businessman, became the outstanding leader of this movement, and in 1876 he closed down his business activities and thereafter devoted his time and small fortune to travelling, preaching and writing. His first published pamphlet was “The Object and Manner of Our Lord’s Return”(1877) and in 1879 he began the publication of the magazine “Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence”. (The word “Zion’s” was later omitted.) “Food for Thinking Christians” and “Tabernacle Teachings” were published in 1881, followed between 1886 and 1903 by the six volumes of “Millennial Dawn”, later retitled “Studies in the Scriptures”, also “Tabernacle Shadows”, “What Say the Scriptures about Hell?” and numerous tracts. His writings were translated into more than 35 languages and his weekly sermons were at one time being published in more than 2000 newspapers.

 

The movement grew until at the time of his death Brother Russell (as he was known) was pastor of more than 1200 congregations of Bible students in various parts of the world. The following chapters seek to present some account of the movement in Australia from its earliest recorded beginnings.

 

CHAPTER 2

EARLIEST ACTIVITIES IN AUSTRALIA

 

Around 1901 Brother Russell had in mind to dispatch a small party of Bible Students to Australia to commence a local work. Accounts vary as to exactly how many came and precisely when they did so, but it seems fairly clear that the visit did not eventuate until 1905. Available records show, however, that some individual witness work had been carried on prior to that mission.

 

A report of one such effort came to light in 1963 through an elderly sister (Louise Fisher) who related that over seventy years previously, when she was a child living in a Melbourne suburb, her parents who were then attending the Methodist Church became interested in the preaching of a Mr. Miles Grant. He was an elderly man, who had come out from the U.S.A. and spent a short time in Melbourne in about 1893, preaching the truth about hell and the trinity. Evidently he had received the Bible truth on these subjects from the teachings of Brother Russell, whose messages had been going out throughout America and other countries for some time previously.

 

The ministry of Mr. Grant was apparently quite effective and some families were expelled from their churches because they had attended his meetings. Those who left churches at that time were openly declared to be “heretics”. Mr. Grant did not stay long in Melbourne, his seems to have been a travelling mission, but the impression he made and the benefits received by those ready to think and study for themselves were much appreciated. (P.P. 49/4) Three years later, in 1896 Arthur Williams, a miner in the goldfields of Kalgoorie, W.A., received a copy of “The Divine Plan of the Ages” and was attracted by the truths presented in it. In 1902 he joined with others in Perth for Bible study; afterwards he moved to the country town of Donnybrook, W.A., where he worked in a family store, witnessing to customers and distributing copies of “Millennial Dawn” volumes (later renamed “Studies in the Scriptures”) in the surrounding countryside. (Y.B. 83) Further evidence of local activity is given in a letter to Society headquarters by a Brother Alfred Pearson in late 1896 (reprinted in the 1 Feb 1897 issue of the Watch Tower–R 2104) in which he states that “we are still holding fast to the truth and endeavoring to the best of our ability to spread it among others”.

 

Another early worker in Tasmania, whose name is not recorded, wrote to the Australian Branch Manager of the Watch Tower Society in 1904 welcoming the setting up of a local office, and stating that he had previously had to rely on America for answers to queries, supply of literature, etc. He added–“for several years I have been trying to help Christian brethren by lending them copies of “Millennial Dawn”, but as yet have met with no hearty response, one dear brother excepted. . . . Years before hearing of Mr. Russell’s books, I was deeply interested in the themes of which he so ably treats, and since reading them have continued to be so.” (R3379) No doubt there were others whose names are not recorded.

 

Eventually, in 1905 a small party of Bible Students was sent out from U.S.A.; the main Australian cities were visited and many sets of “Studies” were placed in the hands of the people. This effort no doubt laid a foundation for the later work here, as the books found their way into the hands of many sincere ones who were longing for the light of truth. Some records suggest that there were four in the party, but in a booklet “The Bible Student Movement in the Days of C T Russell” (1975 ed.) the author, James B Parkinson, lists the following five names–

Brother & Sister S J Richardson

Brother & Sister R E B Nicholson

Brother L F Zink (or Zinc)

 

This visiting mission came some four years after Brother Russell had first mooted the idea and  meantime, in early 1904, the Australian Branch office of the Society had been established in Melbourne–see next Chapter. In a letter sent to Society headquarters in 1908, Brother Richardson reported that in the two and a half years since he and his wife had come to Australia, they had been “privileged to circulate about 20 000 (!) volumes of Dawn” (R4120, R4134). This report would confirm 1905 as the year of the visit.

 

The Richardson’s settled in South Australia and evidently remained on active service for some years, being mentioned in the Branch Office report for 1909. The Nicholson’s returned to the U.S.A. after a time, but Brother Nicholson was later recalled by Brother Russell to take over management of the Australian Branch Office in 1909, when his wife and he returned to settle in Australia.

 

Nothing is recorded of Brother Zink, but he evidently returned to the U.S.A. after a time, being listed as a speaker at the “Re-Union Convention of Bible Students” held in Pittsburg, U.S.A., in 1929. In the Notes he is described as “an old-time warrior in the Truth, having served many years as Colporteur and Pilgrim.”

 

All these and others who sought to present a witness here in the early 20th century must have met with much physical hardship including long, uncomfortable travel and spartan living, to pass on to others what they themselves treasured so highly. These efforts continued for many years, even remote areas being reached.

 

CHAPTER 3

AUSTRALIAN BRANCH OFFICE

 

Late in 1903, plans were put in hand to establish a branch office of the Watch Tower Society in Australia, with Brother E C Henninges to be the Branch Manager. He had been managing the Elberfield branch of the Society in Germany, but by December 1903 he and Sister Henninges were en route to this country to open an office in Melbourne. (R3255) The Society’s report for 1903 states— “Little has yet been  accomplished in Australia, yet everywhere we are able to learn about, it seems to imply that it should be ripe for the sickle of truth. Its population is chiefly British and we believe intelligent and liberal-minded. Its claims appealed to us as being in line with the leadings of the Lord, and accordingly Brother Henninges has been dispatched thither to open a Melbourne Branch or Mission. Brother Henninges has had considerable experience in Allegheny, and later in London, and is, we believe, every way competent to push the work there. He will doubtless make it a success if the conditions are as favorable as we hope — if the Lord has “much people” there. Although this is in the nature of an experiment, we have already shipped nearly eight tons of literature there — chiefly Dawns — so great is our confidence.” (R3288) By mid–1904, the branch office had been set up at 32 Johnston

St., Fitzroy, an inner suburb of Melbourne, and Bro. Henninges reported to Bro. Russell that the work was opening up, not rapidly, but that he hoped that “the velocity will soon be considerably increased.” Some colporteurs were already active but the field was great and more would be welcome, including any so minded from the U.S.A. Letters received at branch office expressed pleasure and appreciation at the setting up of a local office. (R3379)

In 1907 property in George Street, East Melbourne, was acquired and this continued as local headquarters until the “division” in 1918. Those who stayed within the Society used the property until 1929 when the Australian headquarters of the Society were moved to Strathfield, N.S.W., and still later to Ingleburn, N.S.W. (The East Melbourne property was re-sold in August 1992.)

 

Following the setting up of the Branch Office, Bible classes were established in the main cities and the colporteur work was extended, with considerable quantities of “Studies” and other literature being distributed.

 

The Bible classes were, and to a less extent still are, referred to as “Berean” Bible classes. The Australian Branch report for 1907 shows–

 

Publications Circulated

Dawns and Studies 21, 903

Tower–Dawns 1,220

Booklets 1,315

Tracts & free W. Towers 418,450

 Studies in W. Tower format

 

Unfortunately, not very long after this differences arose between Brother Henninges (with others overseas) and Brother Russell over teachings related to the Covenants and the Atonement, and it ultimately became necessary for a new Branch Manager to be appointed. The appointee was Brother R E B Nicholson, a Scot, who had been closely and actively associated with the “truth” cause since about 1890, first in England and then in Canada. He had previously been in Australia in 1905 and engaged in

colporteur work for a short time. He later returned to North America, from where he was recalled by Brother Russell to take over as Branch Manager in Australia in 1909.

 

A considerable part of the Melbourne Bible class went with Bro. Henninges to form a separate group, which has continued to the present time, being now known as the “Christian Bible Students”.

 

The activities of the Branch Office of the Watch Tower Society continued under the leadership of Bro. Nicholson, and in the 1909 branch report he, with Brother E Nelson, stated that little of Australia (and New Zealand) remained to be colporteured. Appreciation was also expressed for the decision by Bro. and Sis. Richardson of South Australia to stay on in this country, notwithstanding that it had meant so much of self-sacrifice to do so. (R4563/4)

 

Over 13 000 books and booklets had been placed during that year and more than 90 000 free tracts, etc., had been distributed. By 1912 these figures had grown to 15 000 and 730 000 in Australia alone. (Previous years’ reports appear to have included statistics for New Zealand also.) In 1913, 21 colporteurs were in the field and classes were growing in numbers as well as in interest and grace.

 

Brother Robert Hollister was en route from the U.S.A. to visit the Australian brethren, while the following year 1914 would see the arrival of the Photo-Drama with its quickening of interest. (Refer Chapter 6) By 1914, therefore, the field in Australia and New Zealand had been fairly extensively penetrated. In Australia, there were Bible classes in various places from Brisbane in the north to Perth in the west and about 35 newspapers were publishing Brother Russell’s sermons.

 

Conventions were being held in  Sydney, Melbourne and elsewhere. A description of the final session of one of these reads–“The brothers and sisters would all stand around in a circle, clasp hands and then sing ‘God be with you till we meet again’. Tears would flow. Then a plate of fresh grapes would be passed around. This was called a love feast. It allowed the brothers and sisters to enjoy final fellowship before departing for home.” (YB83)

 

Note 1: It is not clear whether the Branch Manager had the support of an Advisory Committee from the outset, but one was operating at the time of Bro. Nicholson’s removal from office by “Judge” Rutherford in 1918.

Note 2: As at 1992, the property in George Street, East Melbourne, remained, externally at least, very much as it must have been at the time the Watch Tower Society branch office was established there. Some references allude to “identical houses side by side, but with separate deeds” and the dwellings currently numbered 16 and 20 match this description. A small building at the rear of No. 20 is also mentioned as having become known as the Tabernacle – whether before or after 1918 is unclear. There was still (in 1992) a separate gateway with the number 20A leading to this one-time stable, which was later used to house printing machinery for Watch Tower literature (after 1918).

 

The press report on the 1992 auction of the property at 20 George St. refers to prior occupancy by “Jehovah’s Witnesses” but this name was not adopted until some years after the Watch Tower Society had moved from East Melbourne.

 

CHAPTER 4

AN EARLY OVERSEAS VISITOR

 

Available records show only one visitor from overseas between the time of the setting up of the Australian Branch Office in 1904 and the death of Brother Russell in 1916. The visitor was Brother R R (Robert) Hollister who arrived late in 1913 and spent several months of the following year in Australia and New Zealand Recalling events of the time very much later, Brother Hollister in a letter dated 20 June 1980 (to Bro. & Sis. W Price of W.A.) remarked: “The preparation of the Photo-Drama was a great task, and that was the reason he (i.e. Bro. Russell) had to give up his plan to visit Australia in person, sending me to convey his love and regrets. No doubt its illustrated presentation of the Truth followed to present it more vividly and detailed.” (Bro. Russell was invited several times to visit but never managed to do so.) Bro. Hollister was due to arrive in Australia in time to celebrate Christmas 1913 with the brethren in Melbourne (R5398) and in the following year he undertook a lecture tour of Australia and New Zealand. He drew mainly good crowds to hear discourses on “Where are the Dead?” and “Hell—Two Ways Out.” In the letter of 20 June 1980, he recalled: “The earliest part of my tour was not good as regards the number of public. Brother Russell had written that I was coming. I was a businessman not a preacher — that put a brake on advertising. In fact Brother Nicholson . . . wrote me at Manila advising me not to come at all but fortunately I ignored that, . . . We did get good newspaper reports and attendances: Perth 500, Hobart 500, Adelaide over 1000, Auckland 500, Christchurch 600, Wellington 2000.”

 

No figures are recorded for other cities but the Australian Branch Manager in his report for 1914 stated: “We are glad to say that the visit of Brother Hollister in the early part of the year was very much appreciated and much good was accomplished, not only in encouraging the brethren everywhere, but also in creating new interest. (R5617) After completing his mission he returned to America, arriving back just as war broke out in Europe.

 

Brother Hollister died in October 1980 at the age of 96; at the time of his visit he would have been 29–30 years old, having already spent 3 years or so lecturing in Europe and the Orient. A leaflet advertising his lectures in Wellington, N.Z., on 25 and 26 March 1914 quotes press comments that “though young in years (he) is ripe in knowledge and experience” and that his lectures were enlivened by accounts of his experiences from earlier travels.

 

CHAPTER 5

THE COLPORTEUR WORK

 

Early Australian outreach with the good news of God’s plan of salvation relied very considerably on the work of colporteurs. These travelled alone or in pairs and penetrated surprisingly far into the outback of this country. Sisters usually travelled in pairs, in the first place by train, with transport to settlements beyond  railheads by horse-drawn vehicle. Accommodation would no doubt have been Spartan and often dependent on the goodwill of individuals in the areas visited. Most of the sisters who undertook the work were evidently relatively young and their courage and zeal are to be admired.

 

Door-to-door witnessing was also proceeding in the cities and larger towns. As a young man of 27, Brother Ernest Martin, who later managed the Berean Bible Institute for many years, undertook colporteur work in several Victorian cities and towns including Geelong. At times during the first

two decades of the 20th century there were evidently over 20 colporteurs active around the country, and through their missionary zeal many were reached and blessed by the good news of God’s love for all mankind.

 

This type of outreach is now largely confined to two organizations, whose style and approach have spoilt its image. In its time, however, many were brought to an understanding of God’s plan by this means. While the early Bible Student colporteurs were certainly zealous and no doubt persistent, there was an essential difference between them and the present-day door-knockers — they carried a message of real hope and blessing, not just for a select few but ultimately for all people. This included a resurrection for all, a new world order of peace and righteousness and the truth on many subjects obscured by dark ages tradition and fears. Though vast numbers were not brought to a love for and knowledge of these truths, nor was this to be expected, many were in fact reached and blessed, and the consequential benefits are still evident. The end results of our service for the Lord are often not known to us — one plants the seed, another waters it, but it is God who gives the increase as it pleases Him. The following account of the seed sown by two lady colporteurs early in the 20th century may in many ways be typical. Their identity is not positively known but one is thought to have been Sister Emillie Ford (later Jeffery) who died in 1990 at the age of 101.

 

Some time after 1910, the two ladies came to the town of Coleraine in the Western District of Victoria (about 350 km from Melbourne) with copies of “The Divine Plan of the Ages” (Volume 1). They called on an old man who lived near the town and he eventually bought a copy for a shilling (10 cents), not out of any  interest in it but to terminate the call. At the time another man named Reg Burgess was hawking fruit in the district and when in Coleraine he used to lodge with the old man overnight. He saw and was greatly interested in the volume and was given it by his host. Reg Burgess had a friend in the small village of Digby some 30–35 km from Coleraine; the friend was a cripple and had a small shop where he repaired farmers’ boots. The two began to study the volume together whenever the fruit hawker was in Digby. At the same time, Roy Simkin of Digby was seriously ill and for a long period unable to work or even walk far. In later years, he saw the illness as providential, for during that time he often went to the boot repairer’s to chat. One day the latter said to Roy: “I’ve got a book here.

 

I wonder if you’d like to read it.” He answered yes and was handed what he discovered was Volume 1. To use his own word when speaking of the occasion in later life, he found it “exhilarating” and he later obtained all 6 volumes.

 

Recounting this story as an old man in his 90’s, his eyes still lit up as he recalled the joy of his first encounter with the grand news of God’s plan. Seventy years on, that joy remained with him and was very evident as he spoke. Through him, Lynton Simkin also came to a personal appreciation of the truths of God’s word and soon after came to Melbourne where he joined the Bible Student Class in that city. He was for many years an elder at the “Russell Street” class (see Chap.16). No doubt there were many other such cases, but most if not all of those reached in those early days have now gone from us. Others have however been blessed through them and their witness for their Lord to this day.

 

The early colporteurs certainly travelled far and wide in their time across this country which was even more sparsely settled in many parts then than now and when travel was slow and arduous. To all who so valiantly labored in this way over the years, much is owed. The assurance of God’s word to all who labour for Him is sure—“your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

 

CHAPTER 6

THE PHOTO-DRAMA OF CREATION

 

During 1914 the “Photo-Drama of Creation,” a pictorial presentation of the Plan of God beginning with creation, became available for showing in this part of the world. It was first shown in New Zealand (and Fiji) and it was reported that about 40 000 saw it in Wellington. All the indications even at that stage were that “good will be accomplished by this means of declaring the whole counsel of God” as revealed in His word.

 

Late in the year, it reached and was shown in Melbourne, where total attendance was about 22 850, with 1200 on the final day. Over 200 people registered further interest and were followed up. It was next shown in Geelong, a provincial city about 75 km from Melbourne, and the 1914 Branch Report states: “Geelong is a city of churches, hard to wake up. But the Lord arranged to stir them up. The Council of Churches made a strenuous effort to hinder our having the theatre, which is under the control of the Town Council.” (R5617)

 

The Photo-Drama continued to attract attention during 1915 and a review for that year records: “In Australia, there have been about 286 exhibitions with a total attendance of about 295,000; in New Zealand, 63 exhibitions with attendance of about 50,000; in Fiji 25 exhibitions with an attendance

of about 6,800. These figures may seem small. . . as compared with the U.S.A. and England, but our conditions are so different. Our territory is larger than the U.S.A. and yet the population of Australia is only about 5 millions, a little more than the population of Greater New York. The one Drama operating in Australia has travelled some 5,000 miles to visit from Queensland to Western Australia. Good work has been done, and while it is surprising how many can see it without lasting good, yet there are some in every State now rejoicing in the truth and giving evidence of thorough consecration as a result of this work.” (R5827)

 

Very few alive today would remember seeing the Photo-Drama and only poor quality video copies of portions and audio copies of the commentary are known to survive here. There are also a few copies of the Photo-Drama book held by brethren.

 

A replica edition was printed in 1998 by the Dawn). From remarks of older brothers and sisters who have since passed on, it is clear that in its day the Photo-Drama made quite an impact on many who saw it, and was instrumental in bringing quite a number into fellowship and personal commitment to the Lord. As far as is known, there were no subsequent showings in Australia.

 

CHAPTER 7

DEATH OF BROTHER RUSSELL

 

Together with brethren around the world, Bible Students in Australia were stunned and saddened by the death on 31 October 1916 of Brother Russell, one whom they had all come to love and respect as a faithful brother in Christ and pastor. To quote Brother Nicholson, Australian Branch Manager of the W.T. Society: “For over a quarter of a century I have loved him, not only for his work’s sake but for his beautiful character.” Many around the world shared these sentiments.

 

There had been previous crises in the U.S.A., and earlier in Australia also, but events following Brother Russell’s death were to have sad and far-reaching effects among erstwhile brethren, dividing brother from brother and sister from sister. This however did not happen immediately, and in this country Brother Nicholson continued as Branch Manager. There were nevertheless some early misgivings over the changes in the organization and spirit of the W.T. Society under the new president, “Judge” Rutherford. The catalyst which was to set off the final reaction came in the form of the so-called Seventh Volume titled “The Finished Mystery”. This was Charles Taze Russell published in 1917 and was promoted as the posthumous work of Brother Russell, but was actually put together by two others–C J Woodworth and G H Fisher. Along with other brethren, Brother Nicholson was not impressed with it, feeling that it had neither the spirit nor scholarship of Brother Russell. Apart from its merit or otherwise, however, it soon became a test of loyalty to the Society and an inevitable division.

 

In an article “The Parting of the Ways” published in Vol. 1, Issue 1 (June 1918) of “Peoples Paper”, Brother Nicholson outlined the events which culminated in his removal as Branch Manager by “Judge” Rutherford. To summarize, he had communicated his reservations about the Seventh Volume to Society H.Q. but was warned to change his attitude or risk removal. He agreed to continue handling the volume but not to promote it His Advisory Committee endorsed his stand but one Committee member, a Brother E Brewster, on return from a Sydney convention cabled Society H.Q.: “Nicholson opposing the Society”. A prompt reply came, addressed to “Brewster, c/- Nicholson” and reading: “Nicholson removed, Brewster appointed manager pending arrival Johnson South Africa.”

 

The Advisory Committee (less Brewster) promptly cabled Society H.Q. refuting Brewster’s charges but to no avail and Nicholson had no choice but to hand over control of the Branch. No exact date is known but it would have been in late 1917 or early 1918.

 

CHAPTER 8

THE BEREAN BIBLE INSTITUTE

 

Whether the work as previously carried on under Brother Russell’s leadership could or should continue, and if so how, must have greatly exercised the minds of faithful brethren following the change in direction and spirit of the Watch Tower Society and the inevitable division that occurred. In the U.S.A. a Committee was set up to consider the future nature and direction of ministry to the Lord’s people and out of this the Pastoral Bible Institute was established in 1918.

 

In a letter dated 2 July 1918 to that Committee, Brother Nicholson wrote: “I had expected to look for some living in another way when I left the position I had held so long, but some of the friends earnestly requested that I “take up the organization” of the Bible Students Tract Society (BSTS) and carry along as hitherto, in harmony with what we believe would be Brother Russell’s wish. A Committee of five has been formed and we have had good support already, and we trust just to press along as the Lord may

open the way, our first object being to comfort and encourage the interested and then to do good to all as we may have opportunity.”

 

By March 1918, the BSTS had been organized and an unnumbered issue of the “Peoples Paper” came out bearing that date. A further issue numbered Vol. 1 No. 1 came out dated 1 May 1918 and another identically numbered is dated 1 June 1918. All subsequent issues are numbered from the June 1918 issue, which carried the following notice: “The Bible Students Tract Society has been organized under a Board of five members. The object is to carry on the service of truth along the lines instituted by Pastor Russell–to preserve a centre of interest for all who desire to co-operate in the work and thus to comfort and sustain the Lord’s people in the particular trials of this day; also to supply Scripture Studies, Bible aids, and such other literature as may be helpful. Step by step the way opened up, and the support seemed to indicate that it was the Lord’s will that the Society be formed.”

 

The original membership of the Board (or Committee as it was usually referred to) was–

Bro. R E B Nicholson, Secretary

Sis. F. I. McMahen, Treasurer.

Bro. W. G. McLean, Member

Sis.—Gibson, Member

Bro. G. J. Langdon, Member

 

Later in 1918 or early in 1919,  the Berean Bible Institute (BBI) was set up for the purpose of publishing certain books on Bible topics locally. The first such book was titled “Foregleams of the Golden Age,” a hard cover volume of selected studies on Bible themes. This was issued in July 1919 at a price of 2/6 (25 cents).  Before this, however, the Institute had published a booklet by Bro. C F Main of Adelaide titled “Notes and Comments on The Finished Mystery.” Other booklets and books have followed over the years—see Appendix C. Membership of the BBI and BSTS Committees was the same throughout.

 

After 1924, the activities of the BSTS and the BBI were merged under the name of the Berean Bible Institute, though for a period the name Berean Biblical Institute was used. Since 1925, the BBI has published the “Peoples Paper,” numerous booklets, “The Voice” (an occasional leaflet type publication for general distribution), convention summaries, etc. A pocket edition of Daily Heavenly Manna was published locally in 1928/9 (later re-issued) as well as roneoed editions of The Ten Camels, Poems of Dawn and Tabernacle Shadows during World War II. The Plan of God in Brief was also printed locally in 1950.

 

During 1922, the BBI collaborated with the Pastoral Bible Institute (USA) and the Bible Students Committee (UK) (now known as the Bible Fellowship Union)— to produce a pocket edition of “The Divine Plan of the Ages.” This was printed in England but showed all three organizations as  joint publishers.

 

A later edition printed in the USA in 1932 also bore all three names. For a time after the setting up of the BBI, minutes of Committee meetings were kept. The minutes for 8 June 1919 refer to drafting of “the article of association” but no such document has been traced. The final entry in the Minute Book is dated 7 January 1929. Details of this entry are given in Chapter 9. The offices of the BSTS and the BBI were for several years in the Melbourne city area, later moving to the Hawthorn/Glenferrie area

(inner suburbs). From 14 September 1936, the BBI office was at 19 Ermington Place, Kew–Brother E E Martin’s home. Following his death in 1988, the office was transferred to the present address in Briar Hill, also a Melbourne suburb.

 

CHAPTER 9

INSTITUTE PERSONNEL

 

For the first 70 years of the Berean Bible Institute’s existence, management of all activities was effectively in the hands of two men– Brother R E B Nicholson From 1918 to 1929 Brother E E Martin from 1929 to 1988.

 

Until at least 1929, a  five member Committee was providing formal support but, apart from Sister McMahen who continued to assist in Institute activities for several years as she was able, this support seems to have lapsed soon after 1929.

 

R E B NICHOLSON

As earlier stated, Brother Nicholson had been Watch Tower Society Branch Secretary for several years before the “parting of the ways” and he was instrumental in setting up first the BSTS and later the BBI. From 1918, he managed all activities with the help of Sister McMahen in the office. He wrote and prepared articles for the Peoples Paper, published various booklets on Bible topics, gave public and class addresses, and as well undertook intrastate and interstate visits to the brethren.

 

Early in 1929, he planned to travel overseas and on 7 January 1929 the Committee resolved: “As Mr. R E B Nicholson is likely to be absent from Australia for some considerable time, it is agreed that Mrs. Florence Ida McMahen shall act as Secretary, pro-tem, in addition to the position of Treasurer which she has hitherto held. It is also agreed that Mr. Ernest Martin be appointed as Assistant Secretary during Mr. Nicholson’s absence. Should any difficulty arise, it is agreed that Mrs. McMahen may consult with Mr. A C F Faehrmann of Murray Bridge, S.A., and Mr. W Reeves of Hawthorn Grove, Hawthorn (Vic).”

 

As it turned out, Brother Nicholson never resumed duty as Secretary and spent most of his remaining years in Western Australia, where he died on 22 March 1955, aged 84. Sister McMahen predeceased him on 30 November 1954. E. E. MARTIN With the non-return to duty of Brother Nicholson, Brother Martin effectively took over management of the Institute, with Sister McMahen’s assistance while she was able to give it. He continued to do so until just before his death on 28 June 1988, being ably assisted in the office and in visitation work by Sister Gwen White during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Sister E Langdon also assisted as housekeeper at the Institute for a number of years.

 

Brother Martin continued the activities commenced by Brother Nicholson, as well as preparing scripts for the “Frank and Ernest” broadcasts which began in 1942, and the advertising of free booklets in mass circulation magazines, such as the Reader’s Digest, New Idea, etc.  Despite failing health, Brother Martin prepared and had the June/July 1988 issue of Peoples Paper published early in June 1988. A tribute to him appeared in the following issue.

 

SINCE 1988

From 1983, Brother David Simkin was on record as Assistant Secretary but took only limited part in activities until May 1988 when Brother Martin’s failing health made a handover necessary. Since then, he has carried on the activities of the Institute, with office equipment, literature stocks, etc. being progressively transferred to Briar Hill. Responses to advertisements offering free booklets are ably dealt with by Sister Susan Charlton.

 

Over the years since 1918, the Institute has enjoyed the support of individual brethren and the Bible Classes in Melbourne and elsewhere and a meeting of interested brothers and sisters in Melbourne was held on Sunday 21 May 1989 to review the position and decide the best future arrangements. At a later meeting on Sunday 5 November 1989 a Committee of five members was appointed, as had originally been provided for in 1918. The initial Committee members were—

Brother Joseph Hiam President

Brother David Simkin Secretary

Brother Raymond Charlton Treasurer

Sister Audrey Grant Member

Sister Elizabeth Simkin Member

 

Excellent support continues to be received from brethren in the various parts of Australia and overseas, while  good relations continue with other Bible Student organizations in the U.S.A. and the U.K. as each seeks to maintain a witness to the wonderful plan of God.

 

INCORPORATION

On legal advice, the Berean Bible Institute, Inc. was incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 on 27 November 1990. Later the Australian Taxation Office confirmed the Institute’s exemption from the requirements of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936. These actions were necessary but do not affect the daily activities of the Institute.

 

CHAPTER 10 .

THE RADIO WITNESS

 

In the early part of 1942, the possibility of a “radio witness of the truth in

this country” was raised by the brethren of the Adelaide, S.A., Bible Class, with the suggestion that the advice be sought of the Dawn Bible Students Association, USA, which had been sponsoring such broadcasts in America. Some enquiries of local radio stations had earlier been made, but the cost had been thought prohibitive at the time.

 

Enquiries of the Dawn and local radio stations on this occasion seemed favorable to the undertaking of a radio effort, the Dawn offering to provide recordings free for a 3 months series or alternatively scripts of their programs or dialogues, as they were known. At the time, importation of recordings was not permitted, no doubt a wartime measure, and the offer of scripts was taken up and initially these were used. Later on, scripts were locally written or put together by Brother E E Martin.

 

Despite early interest, the national broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Commission, declined the programs and commercial stations were approached. Successful arrangements were concluded with

Radio Station 3GL in Geelong. Although situated in a provincial city, 3GL was received clearly in many parts of Melbourne as well as in some country areas of Victoria and northern Tasmania. The first program went to air on Sunday 17 January 1943 at 10 PM, the topic being “God’s Remedy”.

 

The script of this program was included in the January 1943 issue of “Peoples Paper”. The programs were announced as the “Frank and Ernest Dialogues” and took the form of a question and answer discussion between the two participants, Frank and Ernest. The names indicate the roles.

 

Through all the years of broadcast (1943 to 1980), Brother Ernest Martin took the part of Frank, with Brother Norman Marshall as Ernest for the first 25/30 years and Brother David Simkin over the final years. Earlier dialogues were recorded on large discs in the 3GL studios in Geelong, but later ones were recorded on audio tape at the Institute premises in Kew. A few scripts are still held as well as cassette recordings of half a dozen or so, but little else now survives.

 

In addition to 3GL, some 21 other radio stations in various parts of Australia were used for longer or shorter periods during the 38 years that the programs were running, but 3GL proved the most productive and the programs ran continuously on that station until 31 December 1980. From 1978 it was, in fact, the only station taking the dialogues. At first the programs went to air on 3GL at 10 PM, but from 5 September 1943 this was changed to 10 AM, a very good time “Frank” Bro. E Martin and “Ernest” Bro. D Simkin (about the mid 1970s) slot. This was retained until March 1979, when in the interest of better listener “ratings” 3GL moved all its religious programs to Sunday evening, with preference to Geelong based programs. “Frank and Ernest” was allotted a time around 11 PM –this proved quite unsuitable and eventually led to a decision to cease broadcasts after the end of 1980. A list of all stations used is at Appendix G, with a typical “Frank and Ernest” script at Appendix H. For short periods in 1977 and 1978, programs produced by the Dawn (USA) were broadcast on two country radio stations; this was arranged directly by the Dawn brethren.

 

Very few religious programs are now carried by any of the main radio stations and, for the present, there seems to be little or no opportunity for this form of witness in Australia, or for any television effort, the cost of which would be prohibitive.

 

During the 38 years that the programs were on air, quite an impact was made in terms of enquiries received at the Institute and some were brought into fellowship.

 

A further number have kept in touch with the Institute through the Peoples Paper or by  correspondence, particularly from the more remote country areas of Australia. Whether any comparable effort will be possible in future remains to be seen.

 

CHAPTER 11

OVERSEAS ASSOCIATIONS

 

From its inception in 1918, the Berean Bible Institute has corresponded and collaborated with the PASTORAL BIBLE INSTITUTE (USA) and the BIBLE FELLOWSHIP UNION (UK)–previously known as the Bible Students Committee (UK). Both of these organizations were set up at very much the same time as the B.B.I. for similar reasons and with similar objectives. This close association has continued to the present time.

 

Since the establishment of the DAWN BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (USA) in 1932, similar close cooperation has been maintained with that group also. The B.B.I. has throughout acted as a local contact and representative for all three overseas organizations, handling subscriptions for their periodicals (Herald, Bible Study Monthly and Dawn), and arranging supply of books and other literature from these sources.

 

The CHICAGO BIBLE STUDENTS –BOOK REPUBLISHING COMMITTEE was set up later to reprint the Watch Tower (1879–1916) and other writings and sermons of Brother Russell. The B.B.I. maintains close relations with this group also, providing a local source for their publications, not only for the brethren but for other interested enquirers. The B.B.I. is also in touch with other literature publishing brethren in the U.S.A.

 

As mentioned elsewhere, a special edition of “The Divine Plan of the Ages” was jointly published in 1922 by the P.B.I., the B.S.C. and the B.B.I., a three country effort. A number of individual overseas brethren also maintain contact with the B.B.I. and Australian brethren through the Peoples Paper, seasonal correspondence, financial support, etc. These are mainly in the U.S.A. and U.K., but include some in New Zealand, Canada, Israel, Germany, India and elsewhere.

 

Fellowship with others around the world who love the same Lord and rejoice in the wonderful plan of God for the ultimate blessing of all people is indeed a sweet joy and privilege.

 

We thank Thee that Thy Church unceasing,

While earth rolls onward into light,

Through all the world her watch is keeping

And rests not now by day or night.

(J Ellerton)

 

 

CHAPTER 12

LATER OVERSEAS VISITORS

 

Apart from the small party sent out by Brother Russell in the early 20th century to start a work here, there is no record of anyone other than Robert Hollister (refer Chap. 4) visiting this country prior to World War I. On more than one occasion Brother Nicholson urged on Brother Russell the desirability of his visiting here. The last such invitation followed a resolution passed at the 1915 Melbourne Christmas Convention; Brother Russell’s reply early in 1916 read: “I cannot promise anything definite in

respect to a visit to Australasia, much as I should like to greet you all in the flesh, to say some words of comfort and encouragement and to personally receive assurances of your continued Christian love. However, we know not what the Lord’s providence may indicate, but assure that we will seek to follow His leading in this and every matter.” (R5868,9) In the event, no visit was ever made by Brother Russell, who passed away later in the same year.

 

Between the two world wars, several brethren came out from England to settle here for varying periods, nearly all returning to England for health or business reasons in the mid to late 1930’s. (Names included Clipsham, Perrin, Fletcher, Wheeler) There is no record of visitors in the usual sense from the U.K. until shortly after World War II when a Brother Green came out by ship. He spent some time in Melbourne but left rather disappointed that he had not met many whom he had particularly meant to converse with. Later in the early 1980’s Brother John Oakley came out from the U.K. for a short stay.

 

Most overseas visitors have been from the U.S.A. and over the post- WW2 years the fellowship of quite a number has been enjoyed. Among the earliest were Brother and Sister Lanowick. Brother Casimir Lanowick was an expert on affairs and events in Israel and his lectures on the subject were much appreciated. Brother and Sister Pollock and Brother and Sister Fay were other early visitors, both Brothers Russell Pollock and Ed Fay giving public lectures during their visits here. The two brothers also became very familiar to the Australian brethren through “The Bible Answers” films shown here. Quite a considerable number of other U.S. brothers and sisters have also visited for varying lengths of time, names of many being listed below.

 

On one occasion, Brother Carl and Sister Margie Hagensick brought out a party of 17 brothers and sisters in all, one of whom (Susan Nippa) later married Brother Ray Charlton of Melbourne, where they and their children now live. There have also been visits by Brother Gary and Sister Ruth Gowryluk from Canada and Brother Akira and Sister Terue (Grace) Yamano from Japan.

 

The differing backgrounds, outlooks and styles of presentation of all the visiting brethren have provided an enriching experience for all. It is hoped that the blessing has been mutual and some recompense for the sacrifices that are made by those who journey so far to a distant country.

 

Apart from the encouragement they give, especially to small or isolated groups or individual brethren they are able to call on, their visits remind us of the essential unity of all the Lord’s people around the world, regardless of race or colour or circumstance.

 

“Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love!”

 

More recently, there have been further visitors from the U.K., including Bro Denis and Sis Uta Sutcliffe, Bro Peter and Sis Julie Webb and Bro Jim Callaghan, the latter twice.

 

These came primarily to visit the C.B.S. brethren but were able to meet with others. There have also been visits from Poland by Bro Danael Krawczyk and Bro John Kopack to the Polish brethren.

 

POST-WW2 VISITORS

Names of  visitors not already referred to above include–

Br. & Sr. Buss, Br. Mali, Br. & Sr. Tate and daughter, Br. & Sr. Burton Brown, Br. & Sr. Nekora, Br. & Sr. Lamel, Br. & Sr. Wilson, Sr. Berna Bolton, Sr. Martha Mull, Peter, Robert & family, Br. Panucci, Br. & Sr. Lankford, Br. & Sr. Allers, Brs. Pazucha & Knapp, Br. & Sr. G Rice, Br. & Sr. Jeuck, Br. & Sr. Jezuit, and Bro & Sr Luke.

 

Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

(J Fawcett)

 

CHAPTER 13

BIBLE STUDY CLASSES

 

Following the pattern established in the U.S.A. and elsewhere, Bible study classes were set up from earliest days in each State of Australia under the auspices of the Watch Tower Society. Since the separation from the Society in 1918, independent Bible classes have been held in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. At various times there have also been regular meetings and/or conventions held at Gawler, SA, Canberra, ACT, Burnie, Tas, Williamstown and Digby, Vic, and possibly at other unrecorded venues.

 

Prior to 1972 only occasional meetings appear to have been held in Queensland but, following a gathering of interested brethren in July 1972, arrangements were made for regular meetings in both Nambour and Brisbane, and a first Convention was held in Nambour in July 1973. The Bible study classes and what is now an annual Convention have continued and grown since then. Some increase in numbers is the result of migration of brethren from Southern States to the warmer Queensland climate for health or family reasons. Much of the credit for these activities is due to Brother Greig Tosh of Nambour, who, as well as being largely instrumental in planning and co-ordinating them, records and distributes tapes of all conventions (Nambour and elsewhere in Australia) to isolated brethren in this country and to various overseas brethren.

 

Currently there are two English language Bible Classes meeting in Melbourne–the Berean Bible Class at Camberwell and the Christian Bible Students (New Cov’t) at Ashburton, both Melbourne suburbs.

 

Between the 1920’s and 1949 there was a further Bible Class–the Christian Fellowship (often referred to as the Russell St class, its meeting place being in that Melbourne street.) When it disbanded, members linked up with either the Berean or New Cov’t Classes. A comparable third Class met in Sydney also during much the same period.

 

Since 1963, a Polish language Bible class has been held in the Melbourne area. Several years ago these brethren purchased their own meeting hall, but other classes meet either in hired premises (Melbourne and Adelaide Classes) or in private homes (all others).

 

Meetings in Nambour and Brisbane are held on various days and in differing locations as most suitable; other classes meet each Sunday morning/afternoon.

 

The Polish language class has a fortnightly address with other sessions devoted to Bible study. The Christian Bible Students of Melbourne (refer Chapter 14) have a morning Bible study followed after lunch by an address. Apart from conventions, other Bible classes normally use all sessions for Bible studies. Convention programs are more varied and include addresses, fellowship and hymn sessions, Bible studies in full or group sessions, young people’s activities, occasionally film or audio/visual presentations.

 

Current Convention venues are–

Melbourne (Berean)–live-in accommodation at Marysville

Melbourne (New Cov’t)–live-in accommodation at Yarra Junction

Nambour–live-in accommodation at Alexandra Hdlds

hill country resort

seaside resort 

 

OTHER CLASSES Few details of other individual classes over earlier years are recorded but some further information has recently come to hand as follows:

 

SYDNEY – Br Greig Tosh has reported that his father (Br Arthur James Tosh) was an elder in the Sydney Berean class before and during WW2. His mother (Sr Irene Tosh) was an usherette in the Newtown, Sydney, theatre which was showing the “Photo-Drama” and both she and her husband were involved in colporteuring work in Sydney.

 

Br Greig attended the Sydney class during WW2, when there were about 10–12 members. (As a sidelight, Br Greig mentioned that it was as a result of reading Scripture material which his parents placed in a fruit box that was being returned to Victoria that the Hiam family first became interested in the good news of God’s Plan.)

 

PERTH – In a lengthy personal letter to Sr Margaret Guy of the Perth class, Br Wilf Price recalled some memories of the Class which he joined in 1935 soon after his consecration. The class at that time was some 40 or 50 strong and in the late 30’s three of the Hiam family of Victoria moved to W.A. (Brs Nat and Will and Sr Rae) Br Wilf later married Sr Rae Hiam and together they were mainstays in the class and for a witness to the good news of the gospel for over 45 years. Br Wilf recorded that his aunt, Sr Stirling, joined the Perth class (IBSA at that time) in 1908 but no further details are available.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL classes have been held from time to time, as needed, two notable leaders in the Melbourne Berean class being Sr Audrey Charlton and Br Jack Harmsworth (and his “chaps”) The Berean Bible Institute seeks to assist the Classes and the brethren generally wherever possible, but each Bible class is entirely autonomous.

 

CHAPTER 14

THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE STUDENTS

 

As already described in Chapter 3, differences arose around 1908/9 between Brother Russell and Brother E C Henninges, the Australian Branch Manager at the time for the Watch Tower Society, over the teachings concerning the Covenants and the Atonement. As a result, it became necessary for a new Branch Manager to be appointed –Brother R E B Nicholson.

 

A considerable portion of the Melbourne Bible Class went with Brother Henninges to form a separate group and this fellowship has continued to the present time, being now known as the “Christian Bible Students”. Bible classes are held regularly in Melbourne and an annual Easter Conference is held at “Adanac Lodge” Christian Centre in Yarra Junction, a beautiful location in the hill country about 43 miles (68 km) east of Melbourne. Brethren from other Bible classes are welcomed to attend and take part.

 

It is of interest to note that the 1983 Jehovah’s Witnesses Yearbook mentions the “defection” of Brother Henninges and that, while 80 out of 100 associates reportedly went with him, “the Henninges group soon died out.” In reality, it has continued and, among other activities, publishes a periodical newsletter “The New Covenant News”. It maintains contact with similarly-minded groups in the U.S.A. and elsewhere, and with other Bible Students in this country.

 

The Christian Bible Students have also given public presentations of the “For This Cause” and “God’s Kingdom” videos. Doctrinal differences still remain between those associated with the Christian Bible Students and what might be termed the “Berean” Bible classes, but good relations exist between the groups, including some joint participation in annual conventions and conferences. A small New Covenant group has also met in Sydney over the years.

 

 

CHAPTER 15

THE POLISH BRETHREN

 

Some years after the close of World War II an influx of migrant brethren from Poland to this country began. Most eventually settled in the Melbourne area in Victoria. The first to arrive were Brother and Sister J Pulyk with their two children. They linked up with the Berean Bible Class in Melbourne, where they fellowshipped for many years until Bro. & Sis. Pulyk moved to Queensland for health reasons. Later, they returned to Melbourne, Sis. Pulyk passing away soon afterwards. (Bro Pulyk passed away 25/8/98).

 

The main Polish migration began in 1962 with the arrival of Bro. Adam Zurek, followed by the Kopczyk and M Kozub families and later the Ciechanowski, Grudzien and Merski families. A separate Polish language Bible Class was set up in Melbourne in 1963, with meetings being held initially in the homes of the brethren in turn. In 1965 the Class began to meet upstairs in the Masonic Hall in Richmond, where the Berean Bible Class was meeting downstairs. Midweek meetings continued to be held in the homes.

 

Later the Polish brethren rented a hall belonging to the North Blackburn Baptist Church until an opportunity arose to purchase a suitable hall, previously an Open Brethren Church, in Blackburn. By this time the brethren had their own homes, mostly in the Blackburn area, and felt the need for a settled place of worship, independent of landlords. Several brethren banded together to finance the purchase and the hall has since been the centre of their worship and fellowship. The hall was extended in 1991/2. Nearly all services are still held in Polish, though most attending would now be reasonably competent in English.

 

Most of the Polish brethren migrated from the cities of Krakow and Chrzanow. More than half were born into the Roman Catholic Church but became Bible Students as a result of witness work in Poland. Pioneer in this was Bro. Hipolit Olesczynski, who was born in Warsaw but migrated to the U.S.A in 1891. He was personally entrusted by Bro. Russell with practically all the work among the Polish brethren and undertook three missions to Poland prior to 1914 and again visited in 1922. Other pilgrims visited after

World War I, including Bro. Stan– these travelled throughout Poland and their efforts were supported by means such as the Photo-Drama, distribution of literature, public lectures and conventions.

 

Leaders of the Polish Bible Class in Melbourne have been Brothers L Kopczyk, Ciechanowski (deceased), Czapla, Grudzien and Merski. In the early days of the Polish presence in Melbourne it was not  uncommon for Bro. L Kopczyk to bring along a group of brothers and sisters to any special service at the Berean Bible Class and, between meetings, lead them in singing Polish hymns and accompanying them on the violin. After a “love feast”, the Polish brethren would sing along with the English-speaking brethren in their own language in “Blest be the tie that binds!”, a surely universal expression of Christian love. Their “auf wiedersehen” blended strangely beautifully with the English “till we meet again”.

 

Brother Ciechanowski, the oldest of the Polish leaders, came into the “truth” at a very early age. Of great faith and stable character, he was for many years very active in the Lord’s service. He was greatly trusted and loved by all the brethren, to whom he acted as a wise and loving counselor when called upon. During World War II, he and his wife risked their lives by sheltering a young Jewish girl in their home in Poland. Her parents could only escape on their own and had to leave her behind. After the war, her parents returned and took her with them to Israel.

 

Sunday classes, as already stated, continue mainly in Polish and addresses by visiting English speakers are translated. Likewise, addresses by visiting Polish-speakers are translated for the benefit of the English language Berean Class. Not all Polish brethren, however, have elected to stay with the Polish group. From the outset several have fellowshipped on a regular basis with the Berean Bible Class. Both classes maintain close ties and share in special activities. In areas other than Melbourne, any Polish brethren join with local English-speaking brethren.

 

The younger folk among the Polish brethren hold separate mid-week classes and have held occasional camps with services in English, in which most are fluent. Others  from outside the Polish group are welcomed and join in these activities.

 

Baptisms of some of the younger Polish brethren have been conducted in the Yarra River, no doubt reminiscent of our Lord’s baptism in Jordan.

 

The meeting place of the Polish brethren in Blackburn has a name board reading–“Prayer House of Polish Bible Students”, an apt and appealing witness.

 

CHAPTER 16

The “Russell Street” Class

 

Apart from what are now known as “The Berean Bible Class” and the “Christian Bible Students,” a third Bible study group met in Melbourne for some time in the 1920’s until 1949. In its later years it was often referred to as the “Russell Street Class,” its meeting place in its final years being in the Y.W.C.A. premises then situated in that street.

 

For identification, the first two groups are referred to hereafter as the “Berean” and “New Covenant” groups or classes. In Sydney also, there was for a number of years a third Bible class, which during World War II years met in Rawson Chambers, Sydney, which it appears was earlier the venue of the “Berean Class.” The circumstances leading to the setting up of this class and how long it lasted are not known, but it may be significant that at least two of the leaders held “unorthodox” views on one or two

points. One of these was Bro. Alfred A Hart, who had been a Watch Tower representative for Bro. Russell in India for some time before coming to Australia.

 

The origin of the third Bible class in Melbourne is somewhat better known. As can often be the case, it was a personal, and not a doctrinal, issue that led to several of the “Berean” class withdrawing from around the mid 1920’s and subsequently meeting separately. After a few years this breakaway group decided to seek reconciliation and went together on a particular Sunday afternoon to rejoin their former brethren. Sadly this only led to some, but not all, of the “Berean” class withdrawing at the conclusion of the service and setting up a separate class, known since then as the “Berean Bible Class”.

 

The remainder, with the former breakaway group, continued to meet for some time in what had been the “Berean” class venue under the name of the “Christian Union”, which according to the 1926  convention program was the name hitherto used by the “Berean” class. Later a Melbourne University Christian group adopted the title “Christian Union” amidst some publicity and the brethren took the name of the “Christian Fellowship” until the class was dissolved in 1949. At that point, remaining brethren linked up with either the Berean or New Covenant classes.

 

CHAPTER 17

MEDIA ADVERTISING

 

Bible Classes in past years customarily advertised their meetings in the daily press, Saturday edition–the Berean Bible Class advertised monthly while the Christian Bible Students weekly. These have not proved productive but are felt to be a means of witness. From time to time, special advertisements have given notice of public lectures, visiting speakers, conventions, video presentations.

 

Daily newspapers were also used in earlier years to offer free booklets, advertisements being placed both by individual Bible Classes and the Berean Bible Institute. They often began with one or more questions to readers, followed by an offer of a free booklet on the subject. Some examples are at Appendix J. One advertisement placed in the Adelaide press by the brethren there invitedreaders to attend the Freemasons’ Hall, 68 Weymouth St., Adelaide, to hear (and see) several Bible questions

dealt with in 2 hours of American T.V. films. These were presumably from “The Bible Answers” series, featuring Brothers Pollock, Fay and Woodworth.

 

In more recent times and particularly since the radio witness ceased, the Berean Bible Institute has placed advertisements in mass circulation magazines such as “Reader’s Digest”, “The New Idea” and “Womans Weekly” These have brought in quite considerable numbers of requests for the free booklets offered–up to 300 for some booklets but 1000 or more for “Archaeology Proves the Bible” –the most popular by far. Other literature is offered when sending out the requested booklet and follow-on

enquiries are received in about 5% of cases. Currently (2005/6) only “Reader’s Digest” is being used.

 

Sustained interest is however small, as is probably to be expected, but we cannot limit what our Heavenly Father can do when seed is faithfully sown. Sometimes results show up many years later, a case in point being a request from a great-grandmother for 6 copies of a booklet she had heard

advertised on a “Frank & Ernest” broadcast at least 15 years earlier and which she felt would be helpful to her family. (The booklet was, providentially, still available.)

 

Booklets published locally have been used in this work in the past, but in recent times those published by the Dawn, USA, have mainly been offered. These efforts have achieved varying results and at least some ongoing interest and seem to represent one avenue of witness which is still open and is reaching some seeking souls. Booklets are provided freely and gladly by the Berean Bible Institute to any classes or individuals wishing to undertake an outreach in their own areas.

 

CHAPTER 18

WHAT OF THE FUTURE?

 

The era of public lectures and of radio witness seems clearly passed, at least in this country, though it is noted that broadcasts still apparently continue in some other lands. The advertising of free booklets brings in an initial response and some ongoing interest, with some expressions of real appreciation being received from time to time. Activities such as publicly advertised video/ film presentations or leaflet drops, etc., bear little, if any, fruit. At the same time, Bible Class numbers are generally declining overall.

 

How then should such resources as still remain by way of able personnel and available finance be used? No doubt, this is not a problem unique to Australia and is engaging the minds of brethren in other countries. Brother Albert Hudson (“Bible Students in Britain” page 194) points out that God has never left Himself without a witness and, in these momentous times, that witness must still be given even though the present conditions may call for quieter, less obtrusive, more personal means than in earlier times.

 

As far as outreach is concerned, our day would seem to be one of “small things” and further substantial response to the message of the gospel of great joy which shall be to all people probably cannot be expected.

 

But even today, there is the one here or one there who is still hungering and thirsting after righteousness and it is up to us to watch for and grasp whatever opportunity arises to meet

such needs, both as individuals and as Christian groups.

 

Meantime, the ministry to the Lord’s people of comfort and encouragement, of mutual edification and exhortation, is set before each brother or sister, young or old. Many today are elderly and frail and need our practical help from time to time. Some are burdened and in need of our prayers and where possible a reassuring word. Youth can also be a time of uncertainty and the wise, kind counsel of an older brother or sister, quietly given at just the right time, can be very precious and of lasting value. “A word in due season, how good it is!”

 

May our gracious Heavenly Father guide and bless us each one as we daily seek to serve and witness for Him and for our dear Savior!

 

Amen.

 

 

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