A Summary of the Three Day Visit of FATHER DIVINE

to Philadelphia in 1939.

 

During a three day visit to Philadelphia on September 3rd, 4th and 5th, 1939, FATHER DIVINE served 10 Holy Communion Banquets and lectured 15 times at both the Phillies ball park, the Baker Bowl at Broad Street and Lehigh Avenue, and at The Music Fund Hall, 830 Locust Street and interviewed many Philadelphia City Officials.

This three-day trip to the 'City of Brotherly Love,' was one of the finest experiences ever witnessed by any people. The full text of this glorious time, including all of the sermons and interviews, can be found in the issues of The New Day dated Sept. 14, 1939 and Sept. 21, 1939 and in the next 14 items in this section. A summary of this wonderful occasion follows.

 

The Parade, The Music Fund Hall and The Baker Bowl, once the Phillies ball park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
on Sunday, September 3, 1939 A.D.F.D.

FATHER DIVINE at
The Baker Bowl

FATHER DIVINE at The Baker Bowl, Philadelphia Ballpark in the 1930s.

 

Words of the human language are inadequate to explain in full detail the beautiful demonstration in the form of a parade that was held on the morning of September 3rd before a beautiful and delicious Banquet was served at the Musical Fund Hall for FATHER, His immediate staff and invited guests. Without question, the citizens of Philadelphia witnessed something on this day that they had never seen in all their lives and it was quite evident that they were very happy and appreciated FATHER'S Personal Presence in their City. Aside from those who traveled to Philadelphia by rail on the sixteen-coach 'DIVINE SPECIAL,' there were many cars from the various states. The marchers carried beautiful banners, placards and flags representing their conscious conviction Religiously, Socially, Economically, Politically, Educationally and otherwise--all of which made a glorious showing and gave information to the Philadelphians as to what we who are with FATHER DIVINE really stand for.

After the parade the masses gathered in the Hall, strangers as well as followers, while FATHER served the Banquet before HE went to the Ball Park in North Philadelphia where the great open-air meeting was to be held.

As in the days of yore, when Jesus had the multitude to sit on the ground that they might eat of both the material and Spiritual food, so did FATHER have the Tables spread, and laden down with every good material food and drink for the sustenance of the physical body. The great long "T- shaped" Table accommodated hundreds of the Followers and visiting friends, and our regular daily noon-day Banquet was served by the LORD, as on all other occasions.

The Banquet Table was as carefully prepared on the lawn as it is in our private dining halls, with snow white linens, gleaming silver, sparkling glasses and glistening chinaware. The beautiful flowers formed a large part of the decoration. All enjoyed this wonderful feast.

FATHER then returned to the Hall and served another Banquet at 2:30 AM where He spoke twice.

 

Monday, September 4, 1939 A.D.F.D.

At the Ball Park FATHER DIVINE served Holy Communion banquet at 3:00PM and at 9 PM

 

Monday, September 4, 1939 A.D.F.D. Time: 10:30 P.M.

As the moment arrived for the radio broadcast of FATHER'S Message to the world over Philadelphia Radio Station WCAU by the Columbia Broadcasting System, the voices of the multitudes which had gathered for this great occasion, rang out loud and clear as they sang in unison, "GOD has blessed America," the theme song spontaneously selected at this time.

 

Tuesday morning September 5, 1939. A.D.F.D. Time: 2:00 A.M.

"FATHER DIVINE again spoke at the Banquet Table, Musical Fund Hall, Eighth and Locust Streets.

 

Tuesday September 5, 1939. A.D.F.D.

"FATHER DIVINE spoke three times at the Ball Park.

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, seemed happy indeed to have the SAVIOR of the world in their midst, for they turned out whole-heartedly--preachers, teachers, politicians, lawyers, doctors: almost every field of professional endeavor was well represented at each and every meeting or banquet where FATHER Personally officiated.

This concludes the summary of all three day events. For the details and speaches of FATHER DIVINE and many others read on.

Thank YOU, FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE.