RADIO CHURCH OF GOD WORLD HEADQUARTERS PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91109
HERBERT W. ARMSTRONG PRESIDENT and PASTOR
Broadcasting The WORLD TOMORROW Publishers of The PLAIN TRUTH
March 27, 1960
Dear Brethren in Christ:
GREETINGS, in the name of Jesus Christ, the living Head of our Church! This SPECIAL LETTER contains important announcements and instructions about the coming PASSOVER and Days of Unleavened Bread! Be sure to read every word—and especially read carefully the sections pertaining to the areas nearest you!
This year, the Passover comes on the date of April 11th, corresponding to Nisan the 14th of the Sacred Calendar. Of course, it is at the beginning of Nisan 14th, which means the evening of the 10th of April. Make SURE you remember this date—even writing it down, or carrying this letter with you! PASSOVER, the evening of April 10th, 1960, and the FEAST begins the following evening, or the night of April 11th! Check the area you plan to attend for time and place.
God willing, Mrs. Armstrong and I, accompanied by our son, Garner Ted and his family, will be at the big tabernacle near Big Sandy, Texas again this year. We fully expect the largest attendance in the history of God's Church for this age!
Brethren—I wonder if we fully appreciate the TREMENDOUS significance of this commanded Feast of God? I find that only a very few have written requesting one of our booth-houses on our own grounds for this Spring Feast, and only a few letters have been coming in to our Pasadena office requesting Passover information, or reservations. Are there some in God's own Church who are going to DISOBEY God—NOT attending this commanded assembly this Spring? This is the most solemn spiritual Feast of the year—the beginning of God's sacred year, and the picture of the BEGINNING of the plan of salvation. It is not only vitally important that ALL of God's people attend this sacred service, but IT IS COMMANDED!
God has blessed us with more and more local Churches. He has provided ample facilities on the Tabernacle grounds. Now—no matter where you may live in the nation, there will be PASSOVER SERVICES held within, at the most, a few hundred miles from your home! There may be a few exceptions to this, of course, but only a few. I wonder if there are some of you reading this important letter who had already, through negligence, disinterest, or spiritual carelessness, decided NOT TO ATTEND this Passover season? I surely HOPE not! God says "And this day shall be unto you for a memorial, and ye shall keep it a feast to the Eternal throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance (statute) FOREVER!" (Ex. 12-14)
PLAN to attend. I know some, not having enough second tithe to attend these annual Feasts TWICE each year, would rather save their tithe so they can attend in the Fall Feast—during the Feast of Tabernacles. But many others can attend both—as God commands —for God is making it possible!
And now, here's BIG NEWS!
For the first time in the modern history of God's Church— several of our local Churches will be holding services for the FULL EIGHT DAYS!
NEW YORK CITY: Mr. Carlton Smith, Pastor of the New York Church, will be joined by Mr. Raymond Cole, Pastor of the Churches in Oregon, and Evangelist over the ministers in the field. Full eight-day services will be held, with services each day. Passover services will be conducted in the Americana Ballroom, at 551 Grand St., on lower East Manhattan. It is in the second block from Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive. Passover services will be at 7:30 P.M., Sunday, April 10th. The "Night to be much remembered" of the FEAST day will be held at the same location, with services beginning Monday evening at 7:30 P.M., and all day services the following day, Tuesday, April 12th, beginning at 10:00 A.M., and at 2:30 P.M. Members are to bring covered dishes, already prepared at home. Those traveling can purchase suitable prepared foods. Any further instructions as to the time of meetings and place during the succeeding days will be made by the ministers in charge.
CHICAGO: Mr. Dean Blackwell, Pastor of the Chicago, Milwaukee and El Paso (Illinois) Churches, will be joined by Mr. Roderick C. Meredith. Mr. and Mrs. Meredith will remain in Chicago the full eight days, and will be assisted in conducting services by Mr. Blackwell, Mr. McCrady and Mr. Jackson.
Passover services will be conducted at 7:00 P.M., April 10th, at the Pulaski Ball Room, 1709 South Ashland Ave., in Chicago. Telephone TAY 9-6109. The NIGHT of the Feast, Monday night, April 11th, services will begin at 7:30 P.M., at the same location. Further announcements will be made at this service as to the time and place of other meetings. Preaching services, Bible Studies, personal counseling will be conducted during the entire eight days —brethren living within reasonable distance of Chicago should make every effort to be there!
DENVER: Assisting the Pastor of the Denver, Pueblo, and Garden City Churches, Mr. Burk McNair, will be Mr. Albert Portune, Elder in the Headquarters Church. Passover services will be conducted in the Victory Grange Hall, near Denver. From Denver, take Highway 40 to Cofax Ave., EAST to KOA Radio Station transmitting towers (clearly visible), turn left at the towers, and go only one-eighth mile—the Hall will be on your left. Those arriving early, in time for the weekly Sabbath, April 9th, may attend Sabbath services at this same location. Services will begin at 3:30 P.M. on this weekly Sabbath.
The Passover will be observed at 7:30 P.M., April 10th. All day services will be conducted on the annual high days, and on the weekly Sabbath of April 16th! The FEAST (the "Night much to be remembered") will be held at the Grange Hall commencing at 7:30 P.M., April 11th. Brethren should, as usual, bring prepared foods for a wonderful feast!
PORTLAND: Since Mr. Raymond Cole, Pastor of the Churches in Oregon, will be in New York City during the Days of Unleavened Bread, Mr. Benjamin Rea, Pastor, and the Dean of Ambassador College in the United Kingdom, as well as head of the Spanish Department at Ambassador College, will take charge of the services in Portland. He will be assisted by Mr. Dale Hampton, Elder in the Headquarters Church, and Mr. David Antion, Assistant Pastor to Mr. Cole.
Services will be held in the same hall used for weekly Sabbath meetings, the Washington Masonic Hall, located at 722 East Burnside Street, Portland. Passover services will be conducted BOTH at Portland and Eugene. The time for both will be 8:00 P.M. The "Night much to be remembered" will be observed in PORTLAND ONLY. This night of the FEAST will be the usual "pot-luck" type dinner, with members bringing covered dishes. Services begin at 8:00 P.M. Similar type meals will be enjoyed on each annual and weekly Sabbath! Meetings will commence on all Sabbaths at 10:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. and on all other days during the Feast of Unleavened Bread at 10:00 A.M. and 7:30 P.M. Ample Hotel and Motel facilities are found in and near Portland—so ALL who can possibly do so be sure to attend!
PASADENA: Mr. Herman Hoeh, assisted by other Elders and Deacons of the Headquarters Church, will conduct Passover Services, Sunday the 10th, at the usual location, the Shakespeare Club, 230 S. Los Robles, in Pasadena. Services will begin promptly at 7:30 P.M., with the Services of the "Night to be much remembered" Monday, April 11th, to begin in the Shakespeare Club at 7:30. Sherman Oaks brethren will attend Pasadena for these occasions, while services will be conducted at the other outlying Churches in the Southern California area. On the night of the FEAST, April 11th, brethren should bring prepared foods to "Mayfair" on the college campus prior to assembling at the Shakespeare Club. After a brief service, all will return to the campus for the Feast. Services will be conducted the following day at 10:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. All further services, Bible studies and preaching services will be announced at these vitally important Holy Day meetings.
GLADEWATER: Passover services will begin at 7:30 P.M. in the big tabernacle building. The next night, which begins the Days of Unleavened Bread, the meeting will begin in the big tabernacle at 7:30 P.M., followed by the joyous FEAST in the dining hall, or the old tabernacle building. This is to be the really BIG PHYSICAL FEAST of the year, in addition to the spiritual significance. It commemorates the Israelites' release from Egypt—the NIGHT TO BE MUCH REMEMBERED—and also pictures OUR release from the "SPIRITUAL Egypt" and Babylon around us!
Facilities: Do not plan to bring tents for this Spring Feast! While God will surely give us good weather for the Feast, the recent bitter weather throughout the South brought ice, snow, rain and cold to our grounds in Gladewater, and we may have colder than usual temperatures. There are ample motels, hotels, and apartments in and near Gladewater, Big Sandy, Greggton and Longview for all.
There will be ample house-trailer space on our own grounds— and those desiring to stay in one of the metal booths on the grounds may do so. Very few requests have come in as yet for the booths—so, should you desire to utilize one of them, you may be sure of accommodation. However, these booths are not heated, unless some type of portable heater or stove is brought, which is entirely safe around children, and would not cause a possible fire hazard.
Meals will be served, as usual, at cost, in the dining hall. The charge is 75› for adults, 40› for children from 6 to 12 years of age, and no charge for children under 6.
Booths may be occupied for the entire time of your stay for a donation to the building fund of $55.00 for a large booth, or $40.00 for one of the smaller ones.
DIRECTIONS FOR FINDING THE TABERNACLE: For those of you who have not yet attended one of the Feasts at the tabernacle the following information is given: The grounds are just off highway #80, about 9 miles west of Gladewater, Texas, and 2 miles east of Big Sandy. Gladewater is a little over 100 miles east of Dallas, toward Shreveport, La. You won't be able to miss the huge steel tabernacle building, which rears up above the surrounding landscape, dominating the scene for miles. Turn in at the sign, through the brick entrance way, and drive straight to the registration booth, where you will receive a sticker for your car.
Those of you who come by train or bus can get taxi service at Gladewater, and at Big Sandy. It would be more advisable to go to your place you have reserved first, get settled, and then go to the tabernacle grounds.
OTHER LOCAL CHURCH AREAS:
FRESNO, California: Services at 7:30 P.M. for Passover and Feast, in the IOOF Hall, 1915 Merced St., just off Broadway (Business Route, US 99). Mr. Kenneth Swisher will officiate.
LONG BEACH, California: Services begin at 7:30 P.M. for Passover and Feast, at the Long Beach Womens' Club, 1309 E. 3rd St., Long Beach. Mr. Leroy Neff will be in charge.
SAN DIEGO, California: Members will meet at the Vassa Club, 3094 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Services begin at 7:30 P.M. for both Passover and Feast, with Mr. Norman Smith, Evangelist in the Head- quarters Church, and our Radio Studio Manager, in charge.
SEATTLE, TACOMA: Passover will be held at the Norway Center, 300 3rd., West Seattle, at 7:00 P,M., April 10th. Feast night, April 11th, will be at the same location, at the same time. Services on the Sabbaths will begin at 10:00 A.M., and 2:00 P.M. Mr. Jimmy Friddle will be in charge.
SPRINGFIELD, Missouri: Passover services begin at 7:30 P.M. Sunday, April 10th, at the American Legion Home, Kimbrough and Trafficway. The same location will be used for all services, with the FEAST night service beginning at 7:30 P.M., April 11th, and Holy Day and weekly Sabbath services beginning at 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Mr. Bryce Clark will be officiating.
ST. LOUIS, Missouri: Passover services will begin at 7:30 P.M., April 10th, at Ivy Halls, 3505 N. Grand. All other meetings will be at the same location, with the night of the Feast beginning at 7:30 P.M., and all other meetings at 10:00 A.M., and 2:00 P.M.
HOUSTON, Texas: Passover services commence at 7:30 P.M., Sunday, April 10th, at the usual meeting hall, the American Legion Hall at 1610 Chenevert St., only one-half block off U.S. highway 75 in Houston. The night of the Feast, April 11th, services begin at 7:30 P.M., in the same location. Then, on Tuesday, April 12, there will be services at 10:00 A.M., and 2:30 P.M.
DALLAS, Texas: All Dallas brethren, or those living in the vicinity, should go to the tabernacle.
SAN ANTONIO and CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas: Brethren will partake of the Passover together at Beeville, Texas, in the Recreation Hall, at the Fairgrounds. Anyone can tell you where the Fairgrounds are located in Beeville. The night of the Feast will be observed at the same location, with services beginning at 8:00 P.M. Then, on the First Annual Holy Day, Tuesday, April 12th, services will be conducted in Corpus Christi at the ODD FELLOWS HALL, at 9:30 A.M. Then, an afternoon service will be conducted in San Antonio at 3:00 P.M., in the Municipal Auditorium. On the final Holy Day of the Days of Unleavened Bread, services will be conducted at 9:30 A.M. in San Antonio, and at 3:00 P.M. in Corpus Christi. Mr. Allen Manteufel, Pastor of the San Antonio and Corpus Christi Churches, will be in charge.
Brethren—this should be truly the most enjoyable, exhilarating time of the year so far! The Passover is a very SOLEMN occasion, commemorating the time of the DEATH of our Savior —and is NOT a time of rejoicing—but a time of showing forth our Lord's DEATH till He comes again! Then comes the happy time of the FEAST, and the Days of Unleavened Bread.
It is a vital PART of your Christian life that you ATTEND THESE FEASTS! They are to keep you constantly in remembrance of God's great PLAN He is working out here below, showing the great PRICE that was paid in our stead—the life and body of Jesus Christ Himself—that our sins might be forgiven, and that we might receive physical healing when we're sick! It is a time of solemn SEARCHING of the self—and also a time of real spiritual REJOICING! Your very life depends on it!
And so PLAN to come! Make EVERY effort to be there! If there are circumstances which are real, and are not just carnal "excuses" or a lack of real spiritual ZEAL—then your Heavenly Father surely understands—but if you simply don't attend, when you ARE ABLE— God will hold you accountable.
If any of you find it necessary to observe this sacred service in your own home, then write IMMEDIATELY, and we'll send you complete information. Better do it RIGHT AWAY, and send your letter air mail!
Remember, only those who have completely REPENTED of their past sins, who have been CONQUERED of God, given themselves to Him in unconditional surrender, should partake of these symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. THIS IS NOT THE TIME OR THE PLACE TO BRING UNCONVERTED FRIENDS OR RELATIVES! THIS IS NOT an "evangelistic" service for the world—but a solemn occasion FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD ONLY!
ALL brethren should remember the seriousness and solemnity of the Passover. If arriving from a distance and seeing old friends and other brethren—do not visit or engage in anything more than a quiet, brief greeting on the night of the Passover. Put it off until the following day, or the night of the FEAST—a more appropriate time for visiting and fellowship.
Finally—REMEMBER to be extremely careful! As God's minister I call upon all of you to PRAY for each other's safety. I'm going to pray for YOU—and I want you to pray for ME, and all of God's people. It seems, each year, we must be saddened to hear of some accident, or mishap to one or two. DON'T LET IT HAPPEN THIS SPRING!
Some have perhaps assumed that nothing can happen to God's people—that God will supernaturally intervene, no matter HOW CARELESS WE GET! That is NOT true. It will be a terrible thing if I am forced to announce that any of God's own called ones have been injured or killed in a car wreck!
In closing—PLAN TO COME! You can't afford not to. Let's all rejoice in this Holy Day season—and GROW in grace and knowledge, spiritual ZEAL and strength, and in love of the brethren!
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