Notre histoire
L'aube – son ministère
« Envoie ta lumière et ta vérité. » — Psaume 43:3
L'objectif principal de l'Aurore est de faire connaître la vérité et la lumière de la Parole de Dieu. L'Aurore s'efforce de montrer que le véritable évangile n'est pas une nouvelle théologie, mais l'ancienne théologie, non pas un nouvel évangile, mais l'ancien évangile, celui prêché à Abraham, celui proclamé par le Seigneur Jésus lui-même et par tous ses apôtres. Pour apprécier cette proclamation de l'évangile aujourd'hui, il nous faut remonter quelques années en arrière.
La diffusion du message du plan divin de Dieu pour les siècles commença à travers les États-Unis à la fin des années 1870 et atteignit son apogée en 1916, lorsqu'environ 1 000 hommes et femmes donnèrent bénévolement de leur temps pour diffuser le message en tant que colporteurs ; 70 autres se rendirent en voyage comme orateurs publics ; près de 4 000 journaux transmettaient ce message au public chaque semaine ; et des millions de tracts furent distribués. L'année 1916 fut également l'année de la mort du pasteur Russell, le chef de l'Association internationale des étudiants de la Bible (IBSA). Plusieurs groupes d'étudiants de la Bible furent créés à partir de l'IBSA, tous plus petits par rapport à l'IBSA de 1916.
Le frère Norman Woodworth a lancé un programme de témoignage radiophonique alors qu’il était membre de l’IBSA, en utilisant des dialogues qu’il avait écrits. Le programme s’appelait « Frank et Ernest ». Il a été lancé au début des années 1920, lorsque la radio en était à ses balbutiements. Les radios pouvaient être construites en utilisant un cristal comme détecteur de canal, et on les appelait donc « postes à cristal ». Les meilleures radios de l’époque utilisaient des tubes à vide et fonctionnaient sur batterie. La station de radio s’appelait WORD, car elle présentait la vérité concernant la « Parole du Seigneur ». Cependant, la nouvelle direction de l’IBSA n’a pas vu d’un bon œil ce type de témoignage. Le frère Woodworth a été renvoyé et « Frank et Ernest » a cessé ses émissions.
Frère Woodworth a trouvé d’autres frères qui avaient été exclus de l’IBSA et leur a parlé du succès de l’émission radiophonique « Frank et Ernest » mentionnée ci-dessus et du nombre de réponses reçues. Quelques frères intéressés ont collecté 1 300 $ pour parrainer « Frank et Ernest » sur la station de radio WOR à New York – Norman Woodworth était « Frank » et John Dawson « Ernest ». Cela s’est fait pendant treize semaines sous les auspices de la Congrégation des Étudiants Associés de la Bible de Brooklyn, New York. Les auditeurs intéressés se sont vu offrir un exemplaire du dialogue sous le titre « Radio Echo », qui était imprimé deux fois par semaine. La première émission, en avril 1931, a suscité plus de 200 réponses.
Au début, ces dialogues étaient imprimés dans une imprimerie de journaux et diffusés à l’antenne. Les frères de tout le pays furent informés de la possibilité d’aider à élargir la liste des abonnés en devenant eux-mêmes abonnés réguliers, ce qui leur permettrait d’utiliser un permis pour l’envoi postal de deuxième classe, ce qui serait plus économique. Mais après la fin du contrat de treize semaines en juin, il y eut à nouveau un manque de fonds et les programmes « Frank et Ernest » cessèrent à nouveau. La Grande Dépression avait commencé et l’économie du pays était mauvaise. Entre-temps, la brochure « Radio Echo » avait été accueillie favorablement par les frères de tout le pays et les réglementations postales exigeaient que le journal soit distribué à des tiers.
Le journal était imprimé régulièrement. En 1932, le nom de « Radio Echo » fut changé en « The Dawn » et fut publié mensuellement au lieu de bimensuellement. Le coût d’impression commerciale de « The Dawn » était élevé et frère Woodworth proposa de s’en charger. Une presse à pédale d’occasion fut achetée et installée au sous-sol d’un immeuble d’appartements de Brooklyn, où vivait l’un des frères. Là, avec l’aide d’assistants bénévoles, frère Woodworth imprima « The Dawn ». À mesure que le travail augmentait, il devint évident que la puissance humaine nécessaire pour actionner la presse à l’aide de la pédale ne suffirait pas à la demande.
L’installation de lignes électriques et d’un moteur dans l’immeuble était prohibitive en raison des tarifs d’assurance. Il fallait trouver un nouvel emplacement. Un membre de la congrégation de Brooklyn avait remarqué une annonce d’un imprimeur de Brooklyn qui souhaitait louer son immeuble et son équipement pour pouvoir prendre sa retraite. Il avait imprimé des tracts pour l’ancienne IBSA et lorsqu’il apprit que la nouvelle œuvre utilisait le même message, il loua le bâtiment et l’équipement situés au 251 Washington Street à Brooklyn, NY, à un prix très raisonnable. Les étages supérieurs de l’immeuble comportaient deux chambres, qui servaient de logement aux frères qui se portaient volontaires pour aider.
Lorsque le propriétaire de ce bâtiment et de son équipement décède, ses héritiers décident de tout vendre pour régler la succession. Le Dawn déménage au 136 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, vers la fin de 1935, et imprime le numéro de janvier 1936 du magazine Dawn dans ce nouvel emplacement. Il leur faut alors acheter du matériel pouvant être utilisé pour l’impression, alors qu’auparavant ils avaient un loyer raisonnable pour le bâtiment et le matériel. Malgré la dépression, des fonds sont trouvés. Comme le travail augmente, un local plus grand devient nécessaire. Un ancien bâtiment bancaire est acheté à East Rutherford, New Jersey, au début de 1944. Le matériel doit être déplacé vers le nouvel emplacement : « On the Triangle ».
Le Dawn est resté à East Rutherford pendant plus de 75 ans, diffusant le message du royaume, jusqu'à ce que l'opération soit transférée en Floride, où le travail s'est poursuivi sans problème. Notre équipement est très varié et moderne pour cette tâche, et la page imprimée continue d'être la pierre angulaire de cette activité de témoignage. Notre grande presse offset, dont nous célébrons le 25e anniversaire d'argent, est capable d'imprimer des feuilles de 25 X 36 pouces, à 7 000 par heure. Au cours des 25 dernières années, plus de 70 millions d'exemplaires ont été tirés sur cette presse. En outre, une petite presse offset, un duplicateur à grande vitesse et une vieille presse typographique (qui utilise des caractères en plomb) sont tous utilisés pour de nombreux projets d'impression. Au cours de cette période, la composition typographique est passée de la machine Linotype à un Compugraph, puis à un ordinateur, utilisant un logiciel de composition typographique.
Trois plieuses à grande vitesse sont disponibles pour plier les feuilles imprimées en livre ou en brochure. Une grande feuille de papier imprimée sur la grande presse peut contenir jusqu'à trente-deux pages d'un livret. Les machines d'assemblage et d'agrafage assemblent, agrafent et coupent les brochures et les magazines à une vitesse de 3 500 par heure. L'équipement supplémentaire comprend une relieuse à colle chaude, un grand coupe-papier et divers équipements utilisés pour assembler la littérature, des tracts d'une seule page aux livres à couverture vinyle de 1-1/2 pouce. En plus des livres et des brochures : des enveloppes, des lettres, des catalogues, des formulaires, des cartes, des étiquettes et des programmes de congrès sont imprimés pour être distribués ici à Dawn, ainsi que pour des cours à travers les États-Unis et d'autres pays. Le nombre estimé de pièces de littérature imprimée produites et distribuées par l'intermédiaire de Dawn est d'environ deux millions de pièces par an.
The full-color covers found on “The Dawn” magazine and on some small booklets are printed by brethren in the Chicago area. These brethren also assemble approximately 250,000 Dawn booklets for us annually.
Each month 12,000 copies of the English “Dawn” are printed and distributed worldwide. “The Dawn” magazine is also printed in six foreign languages, six times a year: Spanish, Italian, Greek, Polish, French, and German.
The booklet, “Hope” is used to provide comfort during time of bereavement. Throughout the United States and other countries, individuals and classes mail out hundreds and even thousands of copies free to family members of loved ones lost in death. The brethren in Chicago have greatly expanded this effort through use of a computer program, mailing out almost 50,000 “Hope” booklets each year. The Dawncontinues to supply “Hope” booklets and postage for this large effort in Chicago.
Another popular booklet is “Hope for a Fear-filled World.” Here at the Dawn we mail out approximately 150,000 of these booklets each year. The brethren in Detroit have funded a project to mail out 25,000 of these booklets locally. In New Haven, CT the brethren are mailing out 50,000 copies of this booklet annually. The Dawn supplies booklets and postage for this effort. The cost of paper and in-house printing materials amounts to about $50,000 a year. The cost of postage keeps rising and this past year, $80,000 was spent for postage.
Les imprimeries extérieures sont utilisées pour produire de grandes quantités de livres en vinyle et à couverture rigide tels que « Études des Écritures », « Photodrame » et des livres de cantiques. Une grande partie de ce travail a été effectuée à l’Aube jusqu’à ce que nous perdions une partie de notre personnel d’atelier. Au cours des dernières années, l’Aube a partagé 50 % des coûts d’impression avec les frères du Nouveau-Brunswick pour l’impression d’exemplaires des « Études des Écritures » en roumain et en polonais. Récemment, une Concordance polonaise a été imprimée en Pologne et financée par l’Aube. L’année dernière, 93 000 $ ont été dépensés pour l’impression extérieure. Malgré le nombre décroissant d’aide, l’exhortation de notre texte continue d’être observée : « Envoie ta lumière et ta vérité. » Dans la Bible, l’argent est utilisé pour représenter la vérité. Par conséquent, il est tout à fait approprié de célébrer un jubilé d’argent pour l’équipement utilisé pour envoyer le message de la vérité. Pourtant, aucun de ces équipements ne pourrait fonctionner tout seul. Il faut des personnes dévouées et consacrées pour faire fonctionner les machines et accomplir les desseins de Dieu. Le Psaume 43:3, LSG, dit aussi à propos de la « lumière et de la vérité » : « Qu’ils me conduisent. » En plus de notre désir de suivre la lumière et la vérité, nous espérons que d’autres personnes qui recevront ce message voudront également nous suivre. L’objectif est clair, à mesure que nous lisons plus loin. Ce verset continue : « Qu’ils me conduisent à ta montagne sainte et à ta demeure. » Tel est donc le grand objectif de tous ceux qui sont impliqués dans l’envoi et la réception de ce message de lumière et de vérité : se rapprocher de Dieu, apprécier plus pleinement son plan et l’adorer en Esprit et en vérité.
« J’entendis une voix du ciel. » — Apocalypse 14:13
Lorsque nous examinons les débuts des Étudiants de la Bible de l’Aube, nous aurions dû souligner que la diffusion du plan de Dieu par le biais des programmes radiophoniques « Frank et Ernest » a joué un rôle important. La Grande Dépression s’était répandue dans le monde entier et les fonds manquaient pour financer la diffusion des programmes. Le message radiophonique a donc été interrompu en 1932. Tous les fonds disponibles ne pouvaient être utilisés que pour l’achat de matériel d’impression afin de soutenir la publication du magazine « L’Aube ».
Il semble qu’une brève tentative ait été faite en Californie à la fin des années 1930 pour diffuser le message de Dieu, mais les détails manquent. La première reprise du message du Royaume par radio eut lieu le 23 juin 1940, sur une station de New York, WMCA, 570kc, une fois par mois le dimanche matin à 9h30 pendant une demi-heure. La station WIP de Philadelphie fut également obtenue. Une conférence d’une demi-heure fut donnée sur les deux stations, intitulée « Le remède de Dieu pour un monde devenu fou ». Plus d’un millier de demandes de publications furent reçues dans les trois jours qui suivirent la diffusion. Les congrégations de tout le pays furent invitées à participer à ce nouveau témoignage et, en août 1940, quatre stations supplémentaires furent obtenues.
En octobre, le nom du programme a été changé en « La Voix de Demain », avec un dialogue de quinze minutes entre « Frank et Ernest ». À cette époque, cinq stations diffusaient ces programmes. Les congrégations ont été invitées à trouver des stations pour diffuser le programme. Différentes classes ont formé des comités radio et ont étudié la disponibilité des stations.
L’Aube a proposé de couvrir les frais des stations, bien que dans de nombreux cas les congrégations aient proposé de partager les frais, ou dans certains cas, de les couvrir entièrement. Certains groupes confessionnels se sont opposés à ces programmes, mais entre-temps, d’anciens Étudiants de la Bible ont également été trouvés qui ont renoué avec leurs frères. En mars 1941, le nombre de stations diffusant « La Voix de demain » était de 22. Les dons de « Good Hopes » pour la période de juillet à décembre 1940 comprenaient pour la première fois un « Fonds radio ». En avril 1941, le nombre de stations était passé à 25, et deux stations diffusaient en plus une version polonaise de « La Voix de demain ».
De nombreux frères s’engagèrent dans ce nouveau projet de témoignage qui s’amplifia progressivement et ils en firent de bons rapports. Un de ces rapports fut publié dans le magazine Dawn de juin 1941 et était typique de ceux reçus. Il s’agissait d’un rapport sur l’activité radiophonique à Chicago, et il disait :
“Dear Brethren: April 27th we completed thirteen weeks of broadcasting over radio station WJJD, and the broadcasts are to continue for some time to come. By reason of the hearty financial cooperation of numerous classes in this region, it has been possible to use WJJD, which is a 20,000 watt station and practically covers the entire middle-west. The brethren have been supporting the programs very enthusiastically and are rejoicing in the privilege of having a share in this work. We have been gratified with the fruitage resulting from our efforts to thus proclaim the kingdom message. An average of twenty to twenty-five requests for literature are received weekly as a result of the radio witness. Many cards and letters of appreciation are received from the listeners, as well as small donations toward the cause.
“The ‘Voice of Tomorrow’ programs are chiefly advertised through the distribution of ‘kingdom cards.’ Three to four thousand of these cards are distributed weekly by the Chicago friends. A large number of cards are also distributed by surrounding classes whose supply of radio literature came from the Chicago class, serving as a central supply for their needs.
“Another interesting feature in connection with the radio activity is the follow-up work. This consists of brethren calling at the homes of those who have shown interest by their requests for literature. Many interesting experiences greet the workers in calling at the various homes. It is the attempt of the follow-up workers to keep alive the interest for the truth and to endeavor placing a First Volume wherever sufficient interest is shown. In some cases the volumes are loaned, and in other cases sold. We have twelve hundred names of people to call on in the Chicago area and over fifty percent of these are in the hands of the workers at present. Out-of-town inquiries are sent to the nearest class for similar follow-up work. Many volumes have been placed.”
Later the Chicago congregation helped support a Denver, CO, station, and a Shenandoah, IA, station that covered a large area of the midwest.
The radio witness reached a stable condition by 1943, averaging seventy stations. It was called the “Frank and Ernest” broadcast. There were an additional ten stations in the United States carrying these programs in the Polish language. An opportunity arose to air these programs on a national network, ABC (American Broadcasting Company). The contract cost was very high, but trusting in the Lord, Dawn management went ahead with the contract. Broadcasting began on ABC, October 16, 1949 over a network of 174 stations. The Dawn was barely able to finance this venture. After one year on ABC, the airing of these programs was switched to MBS (Mutual Broadcasting System). This was a larger network but, in many cases, made up of small stations and more within reach financially. Broadcasting on MBS started on October 15, 1950. There was a promise of having the program on more than 300 of their 500 stations, and this promise was kept. Broadcasting began over 352 stations. This was a peak in radio witness work.
The Dawn continued with MBS for ten years. However, the stations carrying the “Frank and Ernest” programs kept diminishing, and eventually all contractural agreements were made with individual stations as at the beginning of this witness.
Today the radio witness continues with 35 stations in the USA, 14 stations in Canada, and 10 stations outside the United States: in Africa, the Caribbean, the Philippines, South America, Mexico, and Central America. The Dawn continues to make efforts to procure radio stations for congregations that have requested one for a given area.
The arrangements used in the early days of radio witness continue in a few places, where classes cooperate with the Dawn in finding and financing stations. This cooperation of brethren is much appreciated by the Dawn. A continuous review of all stations is done periodically to ascertain good coverage. A large portion of the Dawn’s witness budget continues to be used for this radio message.
It can be said that the radio witness has been more effective in contacting brethren who had left the IBSA and were searching to find the message of truth again, than any other form of witness. Likewise, many new brethren were found that God was seeking. This was the principal objective of the radio witness. Many in the world heard this wonderful message, as if a ‘Voice from Heaven’ had spoken!
« La vision est encore pour un temps déterminé ; mais à la fin elle parlera et ne mentira pas ; si elle tarde, attends-la, car elle s’accomplira certainement, elle ne tardera pas. » — Habacuc 2:3
IN OCTOBER, 1958, the radio witness was proceeding well. A successful fiscal year ended on the Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS) during this month, and the contract was renewed for another year. Responses were increasing and the radio witness was finding ‘old-time’ Bible Students, who rejoiced in hearing the message of truth. It enabled them to have an opportunity for sweet fellowship with others of “like precious faith.” (II Pet. 1:1) The nationwide aspect of the radio witness also made it possible to serve thousands of isolated brethren.
THE ADVENT OF TELEVISION
It was now twelve years after the end of World War II, and new technology was being applied. People were excited about television, because, at long last, it was possible to transmit a signal via the airwaves that could be used to make a picture on a screen. Brethren saw a new witness opportunity and began talking about the possible use of television for experimental broadcasting. Chicago was one such class. They produced thirteen fifteen-minute programs in black and white, using scripts committed to memory by the moderator and panelists. The camera for the television showing served as a film shoot of the program. The film could not be edited; instead, the program was shown directly to the TV audience at the time of presentation.
The Chicago brethren made a film called “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,” for Christmas and Easter showings on free time, using Brother Ed Fay. It was a one-shot affair, and color film was used, though all transmission was in black and white in those days. The dollar value of radio broadcasts was better than that for TV. Plans were made to start television programming, but progress was slow.
EXPERIMENTAL USE OF TELEVISION
Experimental trials of television programming continued in Chicago, IL; New York, NY; Madison, WI; Meridian, MS; and Buffalo, NY. A series of fifteen-minute programs called “The Bible Answers” were made in black and white, and were available for stations with free time. The television industry was growing, but it was still in its infancy. Letters sent to the classes solicited getting free time on neighborhood TV stations. Class response was good. During the closing month of 1959, the fifteen-minute series of “The Bible Answers” was being shown on a number of stations, and the half-hour film, “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” was televised free in Philadelphia, PA, and Wheeling, WV.
Meanwhile, the production of half-hour films was progressing. Charter Oaks Studio was used to film the programs, permitting advance preparation and improved quality. Brethren in California took on the task of promotion and distribution of programs. The radio response was adversely affected by television, resulting in fewer radio responses. Since we could only afford the cost of making the programs, we needed free time to show them.
TELEVISION FREE TIME
By 1960, the half-hour programs in black and white were completed, and by June they were used successfully on seven stations; and the fifteen-minute programs were scheduled on three stations. During the year 1960, the number rose to eleven stations televising the half-hour programs, and the fifteen-minute programs were on six stations. The next year these grew to 30 stations. By the end of 1961, twenty-six programs had been made, some in color. Color television was rapidly becoming available, and several of the original black and white programs were reproduced in color. By 1967, all programs were made in color.
By April 1962, forty programs were available. Under the direction of Brother Foss, the Los Angeles Class was sending out the films to TV stations which aired the programs on forty stations, all on free time. Stations were also being contacted by local classes, and Brothers William Bertsche, J.Y. MacAulay, Stephen Roskiewicz, and Sam Baker were asked to make personal contact with many stations during their travels.
At this point, responses from television programs were four times greater than those from radio. To facilitate getting more free time on television, services were solicited from the agency, Modern Talking Pictures Service. A reasonable fee was charged for every television station placement, and by June 1962, sixty-three TV stations had been acquired. This agency also placed our films for viewing at churches, schools, nursing homes, and senior citizen clubs.
As the television witness grew, the brethren were made aware that the value of the free time was $6,000 per week, or over $300,000 per year. It was costing the Dawn $2,000 to produce a program. Paying for time on television would be prohibitive. Some of these films could be made an hour long simply by splicing two together for use at public witness efforts.
Programs continued to be made, and by 1974 there were 100 available for use, of which more than half were in color. Some free time was still available. Producing new programs ceased for a while, until, “The Bible Family” series was made in 1970. It was during this period that the television expenditures exceeded the radio expenditures for the first time, but only for a short period. Television free time was becoming unavailable also, as television stations were able to fill in the time with programs sponsored by commercial customers.
END OF FREE TIME
A network of stations was acquired by paying for time on Modern Cable Network, which carried about 100 small stations. Free time was only available on cable TV, however, and eventually 270 cable stations carried the program.
Television entered the ‘Eighties’ with the use of Satellite Cable for “The Bible Answers” programs. It was in 1977 that film distribution in California came to the Dawn as an activity to be managed by the Dawn. It supplied films as needed. These were sent to churches, schools, nursing homes, clubs, and television stations. Modern did a similar work.
Not much change occurred in television through the ‘Eighties,’ since the single outlet was Satellite Cable Network. In 1990, “The Bible Answers” programs went on Channel America, airing at 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. It carried thirty-seven stations, but these were either cable or low power stations. Free time was rarely available, and we now depended on paying for televising “The Bible Answers” programs. In mid-1992 we added Nostalgia Network in the U.S.A., and Cable Vision in Canada. Funds were made available by the Canadian brethren for the Canadian witness. Nostalgia Network had good response, but was very expensive, so it was used only for a limited time.
NEED FOR NEW PROGRAMS
It was now apparent that all of our films for television and public showings were old and outdated, having been made in the 1960’s. New films had to be made. Two 42-minute films were produced for public showings, and were also made into three 28.5-minute formats for television. The cost of making films in the ‘Nineties’ had dramatically increased, each film costing $40,000. To reduce the cost, we tried using parts of an old film while reshooting the rest, but the cost was still high. Four new films were made. Techniques were changing and video cassettes were being used by television stations. All of the programs on film had to be converted into cassette format.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Class had produced a very effective, automated slide presentation of “For this Cause.” This program was also made into a film; and later into a cassette format. They offered to work with us on making more new programs, with the Dawn supplying funds for necessary equipment. “For this Cause” was split into two half-hour presentations for television. “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” was redone to make it a new video. Additionally, four more new programs were made in video format. “The Bible Answers” was now acquiring a new look. Five old programs were revised making them more presentable, and eight of the older programs were used ‘as is’; making a total of twenty-four programs.
These are now being used on Cable television. Several stations and networks have been tried, at a cost of $100,000 to $150,000 per year. Responses have been good. When responses drop off, we seek another station, area, or network. Many brethren have contacted local television stations to obtain “Public Service Free Time.” Where acceptable, the Dawn has supplied the twenty-two regular cassettes, and two special occasion tapes (Christmas and Easter) for this purpose.
VIDEO CASSETTE SERVICE
The advent of video cassette to replace film changed to the advent of the DVD. And today, many of the old programs are available on DVD, or are available for viewing or downloading online, including the Bible Students General Convention of discourses, and many other convention programs.”.
So then we ask: ‘What is this vision which Habakkuk wrote about, and which the Lord’s people at the end of this age are endeavoring to make plain by means of television?’ It is, as the prophet states, “The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Hab. 2:14) Can our faith reach out and fathom the immensity of the situation that the God and Creator of the universe has invited us to be coworkers with him in presenting this wonderful message of truth?
Let us endeavor to grasp the full importance of this matter, so that the joys and cares of this present life will seem to be trifling compared to the glorious message of God’s great love and plan!
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” —Matthew 28:19
GREAT BRITAIN
When the message of truth, or God’s Plan of the Ages, was presented with vigor in the United States of America, the first country to be visited by evangelists of the movement was Great Britain. Having the same language was an advantage. Two missionary efforts were made in 1881, and in six months the first Bible Student congregation of twelve people in Glasgow started meetings. Over the following thirty-five years, there were many brethren that heard the message. Every Sunday the 1,200 seats of the London Tabernacle were filled.
When Pastor Russell died in 1916, turmoil set in. The ‘power struggle’ in the United States had an impact on England. Those sent by the IBSA (International Bible Students Association) to assist in making a smooth transition, instead made matters worse. By 1924 one hundred and eighty-one local centers had left the IBSA.
It was into this atmosphere that Brother Woodworth of “The Dawn” went by invitation of the Committee of England, and his arrival was described as a ‘bright star.’ He gave a chain of public talks in nine cities, with attendance varying from 80 to 360. The newly formed “Dawn” was interested in their brethren overseas, and eager to help them. The involvement of Great Britain in World War II curtailed much of the activity that had been regenerated by the brethren of England, as well as by the visits of pilgrim brethren from the U.S.A.
From the time of Brother Woodworth’s first visit, a close relationship developed with Great Britain, and in 1946 a branch office to store and distribute Dawn literature was set up there. The Dawn sent pilgrims regularly to Great Britain for the Yeovil Convention, and other conventions. Visits continue to Great Britain, and literature continues to be distributed, although a considerable number of the old stalwarts have passed on, as in other congregations worldwide.
DENMARK
World War II caused communications with brethren in Denmark to come to a halt. The Bible Students in Great Britain were the first to contact them again. They had enjoyed a close association with them in the past. In 1942, a letter from an old time pilgrim brother of Denmark said: “I myself, and the friends I have the privilege to serve, are faring very well.” He told of their freedom to study the Bible, to meet at conventions, and to send out a little ‘paper.’ At Christmastime he was able to visit brethren in Sweden. After the war, contact was also made with brethren in other Scandinavian countries. Brother Luttichau made visits to England to serve the brethren as a pilgrim.
Prior to World War II, Norwegian-Danish brethren in the United States had their own meetings. There was a need in the late ‘Thirties’ for Volume One in Dano-Norwegian, and the Dawn acted as a central clearing house in collecting these volumes from those who had them. As conditions began to ease in Europe, the Danish brethren continued to translate Dawnarticles, and to print a Danish Dawn in Copenhagen, Denmark. This was initiated in 1931, but they were limited by funds, until in 1954 they announced that they would be able to increase the size of the Danish Dawn by several pages.
In that same year they held an annual convention that was attended by 75 brethren. Ten were from Sweden, and two from Norway. Although this was not their first convention, nor their last, this represented the peak attendance of all their conventions. As later conventions were held, fewer brethren attended, and eventually most of the ‘old-timers’ passed away. At one point the class dwindled down to three elderly sisters, and one new couple, and a visiting sea captain.
A letter from the brother who was in charge of the Dawn office (for fourteen years) in 1968 said, “Only a few are left this side of the veil in Scandinavia and there is not a great deal that we can do.” Because of meager finances they had to reduce the number of pages in the Danish Dawn, and to curtail much of their former work; but they were faithful to the end.
SWEDEN
Following World War II, the principal Scandinavian meetings were in Denmark. Although there were brethren in Norway, Sweden and Finland, the brethren were few in number and elderly. Nevertheless the Swedish brethren managed to print a condensed version of “The Dawn” in their language every month. A convention was held in Stockholm in 1957, and was well supported. It was their first convention in many, many years. The meetings in Sweden became smaller and smaller, until attendance was meager. Only a few brethren remain in that country currently.
FINLAND
A similar convention to the one arranged in Stockholm, was held in Finland. The situation in Finland paralleled the one in Sweden, but, nevertheless, they were very active in promulgating the message of truth. Several booklets were translated into Finnish, and unlike Sweden, whereas the elderly died and finished their course upon earth and there were no young people ready to step in and continue the work, in Finland there were young people who kept the work going.
Prevailing among the Scandinavian brethren in the United States was a movement called, “Stand Fast.” These believed that brethren who consecrated before a certain date were the last ones called to the Heavenly reward. As might be expect-ed, these had an influence on brethren in all Scandinavian countries. Young brethren were told that the door was closed, and their consecration was in vain. How glad we are that these younger brethren persisted in serving the Lord in spite of this discouraging philosophy. The younger members of one class in Finland made plans to translate all six volumes from English into Finnish. The few copies which had survived into the sixties were almost gone. The plan was also to print many small Dawn booklets. Thus, the work has continued in Finland, where the brethren have used magazine advertising and other means to spread the news about the kingdom. A picture of a small Finnish congregation was published in the December, 1989, Dawn magazine.
Whereas we have virtually lost complete contact with the brethren in Denmark and Sweden, we have continued to have close contact with Finland. When a young Finnish couple first subscribed to the English Dawn magazine, they liked it so much that they translated some articles into Finnish to enable them to share the message with their brethren. In a phone conversation to seek permission to do this, contact was made with the Dawn, and a cooperative arrangement ensued. The booklets, “Life after Death,” and “The Blood of the Atonement,” were the first to be printed. Then Volume 1 was translated and printed, and later Volume 5. The brethren in Finland continue to be active, and the Dawn is pleased to help them.
ITALY
The first contacts made with Italian brethren occurred after World War II. Prior to the war there was no semblance of religious liberty in Italy. The change from a monarchy to a republican form of government made possible the breaking of religious restraints that existed for many centuries.
Italian-speaking brethren in the United States were quick to proclaim the glad tidings to ‘whomsoever would hear’ in that nation. The Dawn shared this opportunity by translating in Italian and printing the First Volume, “God and Reason,” and “God’s Remedy for a World Gone Mad.” Additionally, old Italian literature in the possession of these Italian-speaking brethren was made available to the brethren in Italy.
The witness in Italy was successful. By June of 1952, there were a considerable number of brethren who were rejoicing in the Truth message. Jesus said, “the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few.” (Luke 10:2) Assistance was sent to Italy in the form of an old-time pilgrim of Lausanne, Switzerland.
By 1953, an Italian Dawn office was established in Italy, forging strong ties between the Italian brethren and the Dawn. It was the beginning of the regular publication of the Italian Dawn magazine. In addition to the First Volume and booklets printed, the Dawn also printed an Italian “Manna,” and “Hymns of Dawn.” At a convention in 1954 held in Naples, 75 brethren attended, and 22 were immersed.
But all was not going smoothly. The clergy opposed the work, and at times took matters into their own hands, trying to hinder the distribution of literature and the holding of meetings. In 1954, one such attempt went to Court and was won by the brethren, granting them freedom in the witnessing work. Several Protestant churches asked the Dawn office for a transcript of that trial to be used for their situations.
Also, in that year, twelve thousand copies of the Aurora (Italian Dawn magazine) were sent out. Subscription renewals now came from countries such as Argentina, Spain, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Turkey, Greece, Israel, North Africa, East Africa, and the United States. Each year since the war ended, Italians emigrated to other countries. The Dawnbroadcasts Italian programs on Radio Monte Carlo, and the Italian brethren received many requests for literature.
An important part of the work in Italy was an Italian Pilgrim Service. This was needed because the brethren were widely scattered. Economic problems affected many of the brethren in Italy, as well as old age. The work diminished during the ‘Sixties,’ but revived again in the ‘Seventies,’ and continues to this day.
In Sicily, between 1950 and 1962, there were twenty classes of Bible Students. These decreased to one or two, as brethren changed viewpoints. A class was set up in Agrigento in Sicily, and this class has flourished. They held a convention in l979. One of the members of that class has devoted much time to the Pilgrim Service.
Two Italian-speaking brethren from the United States have served as liason for the Dawn, one having served about 25 years. From the ‘Seventies’ onward his successor has been able to acquire several radio stations to broadcast “Frank and Ernest” programs in Italian and has made many trips to see the brethren.
The Italian Dawn continues to be published, and God’s people in Italy are being blessed with the message of truth.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” —Matthew 28:19
THE ACTIVITIES OF OUR overseas brethren, and the Dawn involvement with them, was briefly summarized for the countries of Britain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Italy. This is a continuation of the experiences of brethren from other countries.
GERMANY
There was quite a large number of German brethren in the early days of the Truth movement. Volume I was translated and printed in the German language in 1888, and Volume II in 1892. A German Tower was printed also. The brethren in England were mainly responsible for taking the message of God’s Divine plan to Germany, though we have little information on how they began, or how the different ecclesias came into existence. The two World Wars that were fought involved the German people deeply. In between these wars, there was turmoil in the International Bible Students Association (IBSA), and, as a consequence, we do not have a clear picture of the experiences of the brethren in Germany during that period of time.
In 1947, the Dawn was contacted by German brethren desiring literature. Those who survived the horrors of war were eager to resume their association and activities in the truth, and the Dawn promised thorough cooperation with them. Shortly after their initial contact, Brothers Joseph Heinen and Norman Woodworth went to Europe to visit these brethren; but only Brother Heinen was able to obtain a permit to enter the country.
He found that the German brethren were doing well spiritually. They had endured almost fourteen years—from the beginning of Nazi control to the end of World War II—without meetings, which had been banned. Many had their books and Bibles confiscated; others were put into concentration camps where many died; and still others were shot for refusing to obey military laws.
Travel through Germany at that time was still difficult, and living conditions were hard. Brethren from America, Switzerland, Denmark and Great Britain sent packages of food and clothing. For some it meant survival. Some of the principal classes that had resumed meetings were in Hanover, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. Brethren began to reassemble in large numbers. At Leipzig, in the Russian Zone, a convention was held where 850 consecrated brethren attended, all living behind the Iron Curtain.
In the city of Kerschlengern, word was somehow transmitted to those in the city and around it, that Brother Heinen was coming, and 200 brethren attended the meeting. Plans were made to have closer cooperation with the “Dawn” once a “Dawn Office” was established in Freiburg. Although printing could be done in Germany, paper was scarce. A German “Dawn”magazine became available in 1950, and has continued to the present time.
At first, there were only 29 subscribers. Five years later, the subscription list had increased to 1000. The German “Dawn”is now printed at “The Dawn” plant in East Rutherford, NJ. In 1955, a German General Convention was held for the first time, and since then it has occurred annually. This convention averaged close to 200 brethren in the earlier years; but has become fewer in recent years. It is noteworthy that there were at that time, thirteen ecclesias of German-speaking brethren in Switzerland, totaling about 500 brethren.
A letter written some years ago from Germany expresses their sentiments well, in spite of the declining number of brethren. We quote, “We continue to trust in the Lord, who has brought us thus far, and who has kept us in the Truth. We shall not become weary during the years in doing good, but will be full of zeal in the service of the Lord.”
FRANCE
Very little can be learned about the French brethren in the early days of the Truth movement. At the beginning of the twentieth century, France set aside the Concordat that allowed the Church to live off the support of the state. France continued as a strong Catholic country, but it also included many disinterested skeptics and revolutionists. France, too, as was true of Germany, was deeply affected by the two World Wars, and recovered slowly from their effects. It was during this time that many Polish-speaking brethren, living in Poland, emigrated to France, to form a nucleus of French brethren in that country.
In 1947, Brothers Norman Woodworth and Joseph Heinen made a trip to Switzerland, where they visited brethren. Their itinerary also called for going to Germany, Denmark, and England. They met with French-speaking brethren in Lausanne, in the Western zone of Switzerland. One of the brethren had been rejoicing in the message of Truth since 1903, and had served as a pilgrim in those early days. They were interested in issuing a French “Dawn”. A committee appointed by the French-speaking brethren met with the American visitors and established a Swiss branch Dawn office in Lausanne for the French-speaking brethren, which was also to serve the interests of the brethren in France.
This Swiss branch office continued until early 1959, when it was moved to Nice, France. A few years later (1962), it was changed to Mulhouse, France, and was established at Sister Schoenberg’s home. There it continued until she was unable to do the work due to old age; at which time a committee of French brethren took over the translation and publication of the French “Dawn”. Currently, The Dawn plant in East Rutherford, NJ prints the French “Dawn”, since the cost for it to be done here is much less. Throughout its existence, the French “Dawn” has been financed by the brethren in America.
The most successful witness attempt made in France was the offering of the booklet, “Hope Beyond the Grave,” as advertised in the French Readers’ Digest in 1964. More than 1700 responses were received, and about 250 of these asked for additional literature. There were later witnesses given, but none were as successful as this one.
In 1974, 270 brethren attended a General Convention in France. Most of these were French-speaking Polish brethren.
POLAND
Among the Polish immigrants to the United States in the early days of the Truth movement, there were some who had become acquainted with the Truth message and accepted it. Ecclesias for Polish-speaking brethren were formed in a few cities, notably: Chicago, Detroit, Buffalo and New York City. Some English First Volumes got into Poland in the 1880’s, and one Polish brother, who could read English, obtained one of these. He visited another Polish brother living in England, and they were determined to translate Volume One into Polish.
Meanwhile, the Polish-speaking brethren living in the United States were busy translating Truth literature into Polish. Eventually, many copies of Polish Volume One became available. This factor, plus the return to Poland of some of the immigrants after World War I to visit or to stay, was responsible for reaching many new brethren by bringing the message of Truth to the new country. Before the war, when Poland was divided into three parts—one under Russia; a second under Austria-Hungary; and a third under Germany—it was difficult for brethren in one sector to communicate with those in the other sectors. After the war, it was possible to unify brethren all over Poland.
During the period following World War I, a power struggle occurred for control of the IBSA. Actions taken by the English-speaking brethren were mimicked by the Polish-speaking brethren. Some left the IBSA very shortly after Pastor Russell’s death. Others stayed with the IBSA for ten years more before leaving. One of the brethren who left the IBSA early was Brother Stahn, who traveled throughout Poland in the 1920’s and 30’s to assist brethren in establishing ecclesias. To this day, the Polish brethren speak reverently of him. Assistance was also given by the Polish-speaking brethren in the United States. Eventually, they set up the Polish Bible Students Association in Chicago, and supplied pilgrims and literature to brethren in the USA, Canada, and Poland.
When World War II broke out, and the Nazis invaded Poland, matters changed. At first brethren were able to meet freely, but later they were prohibited, with severe penalties being imposed. Brother Stahn was among the first to be arrested and sent to a concentration camp. After one and one-half years in this camp, he was transferred to another camp, where he was severely beaten and died because of his wounds several days later. Many brethren died violent deaths during the war period. Elders were sent to concentration camps where some died, and those that returned were physically shadows of their former selves. Some were shot to death in their homes, or nearby; and some were buried alive. Sisters died, too; and young men were beheaded. During this entire violent period, brethren continued the work of the Lord underground.
When the war came to an end, there were difficulties with communication and transportation. However, in 1945 twenty conventions were held throughout Poland, with an average of 600 brethren attending these. At these early conventions, baptismal services were held, in which a total of 200 brethren were immersed. Conventions have continued in Poland ever since. As many as 2000 brethren have attended their General Convention.
One local convention illustrates the strong desire that Polish brethren have for hearing the Word and having fellowship. There were 120 brethren attending this local convention. The main room, where the speaker stood, accommodated thirty people. An adjoining room, allowing a partial view of the speaker, accommodated another thirty people. A third room held twenty more, as did the sunporch; and two vestibules held ten each. The sound system was piped into these remote areas; and the sisters prepared a huge pot of nutritious soup which, with bread, was the main meal.
The ecclesias all over Poland continue to grow in number. The key factor for this growth is the involvement of the children in the worship of God. In contrast, in the United States, all of the Polish classes have dwindled, or disappeared, because the children became members of the English-speaking classes.
Truth activities continue in Poland, where a committee in Krakow handles Bible Student projects, including a bimonthly magazine. The Dawn has been involved in assisting the Polish brethren from the time that a Polish Association was set up in Chicago, to the present time. Assistance is given in financing the purchase of paper, as well as joint assistance with others who are publishing the six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures translated into modern Polish. Immediately after the war, there was a great need for food and clothing. The Dawn served as a forwarding agent for such donations.
LITHUANIA
Very little is known about how the message of God’s Plan came to Lithuania. This is a small country that, prior to World War I, was under German and Russian dominion. No mention of the early days of the Truth movement in Lithuania can be found. There were immigrants from Lithuania to the United States in those days, who settled among other Lithuanians in various cities. Another wave of immigrants arrived after World War I.
But it is not clear how the Lithuanian brethren in the USA received the Truth. Whether they first heard of it in Lithuania or in the USA is not known. What is more important is that ecclesias of Lithuanian-speaking brethren sprang up in Chicago, IL; LaSalle, IL; Detroit, MI; Pittsburgh, PA; and Bridgeport, CT. Some of these brethren, in later years, went back to Lithuania—some to visit; others to stay. Those in this country sponsored “Frank and Ernest” radio programs in the Lithuanian language in Lithuanian communities, with Dawn assistance, and received many responses.
Meanwhile, the ravages of World War II, and the occupation of a country like Lithuania, brought many hardships which made contact with the brethren impossible. At that time the Russians took over the country, confiscated the land, and sent the former owners of the land to Siberia. This was at the beginning of the Lord’s program to bring the message of Truth back to Lithuania.
One who had been sent to Siberia in 1949 was a boy of 14. His engrossing story of finding the Truth message was reported in an article in the April, 1996 Dawn magazine. In essence, he received Truth literature from Ukrainian brethren who had also been sent to Siberia. Later, when he was able to return to Lithuania, he received a Lithuanian Volume One from a Lithuanian brother who had returned to Lithuania from the USA, and had been there in 1956. We observe with amazement how brethren were used to bring this message back to Lithuania—from brethren of the Ukraine, to the United States brethren in Lithuania.
Contact was made with the Dawn to seek assistance in printing literature, and to receive films to be used with an audio tape in Lithuanian. Regular meetings of 30 to 60 brethren continue on Sundays in a Kuanas Library building. Pictures of this meeting place and congregation, were brought to the General Convention in Johnstown, PA, for many to see. These brethren continue to be active, and when they hold a public meeting, as many as 100 attend.
World War II brought changes of language in many places in Europe. All literature in the old Lithuanian language has been sent to these brethren since it is useful although it is in old Lithuanian. The Dawn has offered financial assistance to publish in modern Lithuanian.
The zeal of these brethren has been an inspiration to all of us.
