An Eye-Witness Account by Br. Irving Carl Foss (Elder),
Elder of the Chicago Ecclesia in 1933
[Recorded for his granddaughter, Alys Schneider, on 3/28/83]
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Yes, it was about Aug. 1, 1933 that some of us left The Watch Tower Organization and started what is now The Chicago Bible Students Class. Prior to this, some Brethren (previously associated with Brother Russell) had left at different times and Intervals for various reasons. The first was probably when Judge Rutherford refused to follow the instructions left by Brother Russell as to how the Watch Tower Society was to be operated in the event of Brother Russell’s death. This was really the starting of the Pastoral Bible Institute.
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Then gradually the new Watch Tower Society (under Rutherford) changed many previously-held-to scriptural doctrines, one of which affected three parables having to do with the Harvest periods of three Ages—namely the Jewish Age Harvest, the Gospel Age Harvest and the Millennial Age Harvest, respectively: The parable of the Wheat and Chaff, applicable to the Jewish Harvest; the parable of the Wheat and Tares, applicable to the Gospel Age Harvest; and then, finally, the parable of the Sheep and Goats, applicable to the Millennial Age Harvest.
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Somewhere around 1919, a Tower article under Rutherford’s regime made application of the Sheep & Goats to around that current period, around 1918-1919, giving the Watch Tower Organization the authority to decide that all who opposed to and would not follow that organization were of the Goat Class, whereas those who concurred with that organization were of the Sheep, and a number of Brethren left on that account.
Of course, the Judge attempted gradually and positively to bring all Bible Students’ classes under his thumb, but it was difficult to get the Chicago Class fully under control.
So it seemed to dawn on Rutherford, that officers in the United States Armed Forces had certain training to keep people subservient, and there apparently were certain ones that accepted the Watch Tower doctrines and theories. Possibly three or four such previously Armed Forces individuals were found and sent to Chicago to get them fully under Headquarters’ Brooklyn control.
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The first two didn’t have the best success. Later about in 1920 the Pastoral Bible group seemed to have some success in getting some Brethren to see the error of Rutherford’s way, and including a number in the Polish Class. They had conventions in Chicago largely fostered by the Polish Brethren, and some of the English Brethren attended some of those annual conventions, but not the entire English Chicago Class, but some.
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With this in mind, about 1930, the newly-appointed Service Director from Brooklyn Headquarters (a previously Armed Forces Major officer) was sent to Chicago. By this time, there were, in addition to the Chicago English Class, a Black Class, a Swedish Class, a German Class, etc., all quite satisfactorily under Rutherford’s domination. This Armed Forces Service Director, whom I will refer to as “GO,”* was well accepted by these other-than-English Classes, and measurably so by the English Class.
“GO” evidently reported in great detail how the English Class elders were doing many things not approved by Rutherford. Rutherford then replied to these charges. (It would appear no one else in Chicago ever knew of the charges.) Finally, in 1933, Rutherford wrote to “GO” giving instructions as to what to do—namely, “To Wit” this, and “To Wit” that. “GO” informed other-than-English Classes of such reply by Rutherford. Being fully in harmony with the Rutherford Organization, they were influenced completely thereby.
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After the stage was all set, “GO” informed these other classes that they would do what Rutherford wanted, and notified
them all that, on a certain designated date, they would have a business meeting of all the Chicago Classes at the English Class meeting place to bring the matter up with the idea in mind of getting all Chicago Brethren to indicate full support of the Rutherford Organization. On the date decided, such a business meeting was held, well attended.
them all that, on a certain designated date, they would have a business meeting of all the Chicago Classes at the English Class meeting place to bring the matter up with the idea in mind of getting all Chicago Brethren to indicate full support of the Rutherford Organization. On the date decided, such a business meeting was held, well attended.
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This meeting proved to be the final break. “GO” chaired the meeting and, of course, the six or seven classes (whatever number it was) other than the Chicago English Class pretty well with him and under his influence. Whatever “GO” said was taken for absolute Gospel Truth. After suitable opening remarks, “GO” read the instructions from Rutherford, which began approximately with words to this effect: — “Replying to your letter re conditions in the Chicago Class, my reply is as follows—etc., etc., to wit, etc.”
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After finishing with Rutherford’s reply, one of the English Class elders asked “GO” if it wouldn’t be fair and of interest to the English Chicago Class Brethren to know exactly what the charges against their elders were that “GO” had sent to Rutherford. This he said he couldn’t do because he had no such letter, the impression being given that no such letter had ever been written. That same Chicago English elder then asked would he just read the beginning of Rutherford’s reply, and this same elder then said, “Rutherford says, ‘In reply to your letter,’ and you say there never was such a letter.”
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Three or four of the Chicago English Class elders knew things were not right between the Class and Rutherford, and they had discussed it among themselves from time to time prior to this meeting (beforehand). So, while this meeting was going on, they left the meeting to look for a suitable place where they could call a meeting at some early future date for all who were unhappy at the turn and nature of this meeting. They returned shortly, possibly an hour or two, while the meeting was still in force, and they had found a suitable meeting place at 1016 N. Dearborn Street. While the meeting was still going on, the aforesaid English Class elder got up and made an announcement that such a meeting would be held for all who were not in harmony with “GO”s’ method and objects. “GO,” the chairman, said he wouldn’t make such an announcement. The aforesaid English Class elder (who had been more or less the spokesman for the opposition) said he did not request “GO” to make such an announcement, as he himself had already made the announcement.
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The next Sunday at the announced place sixty brethren attended, and immediately they decided to start a separate class and elected elders and officers. Possibly three or four who attended this meeting did go back to the “GO” organization the next Sunday, but gradually others who did not attend this first meeting became regular attendants at the newly-formed class, and later some of them were elected elders and officers. That first meeting, I believe, was August 1, 1933.
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*Gene Orrell
Can you tell me if you have the same teachings of the Jehovahs witness ? I am not judging anyone, God loves us all…but it is a question that I’d just like to have answered. You sent me three booklets and I am so excited to read them, they look wonderful and I hope they teach me the Word of Truth. Bless you for sending them to me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Diana
Good afternoon Diana,
I will admit that the the JWs and Bible Students have a similar history. However, the major difference between the JW and Bible Students is we believe that God will bring everyone back from the dead by means of Christs Ransom. We don’t believe that Jehovah will destroy those who dont belong to a certain religious organisation. I can do on an on about the differences but is there anything specific about the beliefs of the Bible Students that you’d like to know? We believe in freedom in Christ. We dont believe in obedience to an organization or man or governing body. Ar believe God has a plan for all of mankind. We believe Israel is still part of Gods plan.
Hi Diana, Like most Christian denominations there are similarities and differences. The Jehovah’s Witnesses are actually an offshoot of the Bible Students, and we can trace both our histories to Pastor Russell, it was Judge Rutherford who strayed. One simple change caused a domino effect, which rippled through the whole Divine Plan of the Ages.
Both groups share some basic teachings, we believe in the scriptures, God and Jesus,we reject the trinity, hellfire and immortal soul, we believe in the Kingdom on earth, and that about is where we agree. To list all our difference would be too lengthy, but I’m sure that those here are more than willing to discuss those differences.
Bible Students have Christian liberty. When we study, any participant may ask questions and all may offer answers. We use many different translations as no one translation is 100% accurate. We are free to live out our consecrations as the Lord reveals to every heart. This freedom includes pursuing college educations, choice of occupation, decisions about how to raise our children, and even if we want to attend meetings. There are no membership lists, and no mandatory tithing, We do not keep tabs on each other. We practice love. I don’t know if this comment is helpful, as I’ve never been a Jehovah’s Witness, but some who have left the organization have shared their stories with me. May our wonderful Father bless your studies.
Hi, I found very interesting your Website and the information provided.
I live near Orlando, Florida and wonder if you have a local meeting place here in the area.
Regards, Erick
Erick – There is a Bible Student Congregation/Ecclesia in Orlando Florida. I will pass on your email address and you will be contacted by a local Bible Student.
I just wanted to say a thank you to the brothers and sisters that write me back so quickly by email! Real personal responses not just a form letter! I really appreciate that I was very surprised reading on the web how Jehovah’s witnesses separated to commercialize . I was not ever told how it happened but brothers and sisters quantity does not always produce better quality and as I read and pray to jehovah each day to help me understand his bible. I am beginning to understand that I am a bible student in what I believe and no wonder I do what you do! I read the Bible believe what it says and I don’t try to make it support my religion instead I let it change me! It is from god what business do I have making gods word fit me? I need to change to fit gods word!well I sure hope theirs a congregation near me I’m looking forward to meeting my spiritual grand parents and perhaps hearing the real truth first hand with out a lot of kingdom casserole to hide what little meat I find elsewhere!
I got someone near you and will pass on your info to them. If there is a phone number where they can reach you pleas put it on the contact form and only Admin will see it. Take Care