The Holy Communion Banquet Room,
Peace Center and Nazareth Missions' Home For the Aged,
Church and Training School, Inc., New York City
The Annual Business Meeting of the Peace Center Church and Home, Incorporated of New Jersey and the Peace Center and Nazareth Missions' Home for the Aged, Church and Training School, Incorporated of New York was Held at the Peace Center Church and Home of New Jersey, 122-126 Howard Street, Newark, New Jersey. The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Nicholas Moses, by the singing of an inspirational composition followed by the Scriptural reading of a portion of the Sermon on the Mount found in the sixth chapter of St. Matthew, which reads as follows:
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise Ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
"Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
"But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
"That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret, Himself shall reward thee openly.
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
"But when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
"Be not ye therefore like unto them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by Thy Name.
"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
"Give us this day our daily bread.
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
"But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."(St. Matt. 6:1-15)
(After the conclusion of the Scriptural reading the President asked for the Minutes of the last Annual Meeting to be read, which the Secretary did accordingly, then the President speaks again as follows:)
President: You have heard the reading of the Minutes of the last Annual Business Meeting, is there a motion to that effect?
Member: I make a motion that the Minutes of the last Annual Business Meeting be received as read.
Another Member: I second the motion.
President: It has been moved and seconded that the Minutes of the last Annual Business Meeting be received as read. All those in favor will you signify by the usual sign?
Members: Aye.
President: And by the raising of your hands?
(All hands were raised unanimously and the President continues speaking:)
President: It has been moved and seconded and carried unanimously. Next we will have the President's Report read by the Secretary:
(The Secretary reads as follows:)
Secretary: Peace, FATHER! Peace MOTHER and Peace Everyone! I thank FATHER to read the President's Report.
Presidents Annual Report of the Peace Center Church and Home, Inc., of New Jersey, for the fiscal year ending March 1, 1954 A.D.F.D.
To our beloved Pastor, Reverend M. J. DIVINE, Ms. D., D. D., the Founder and Establisher of the International Peace Mission Movement and to Your Spotless Virgin Bride, Mrs. Sweet ANGEL DIVINE, both better known, revered and adored internationally as FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE, Peace! Peace to one and all!
FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE, millions throughout the world are declaring Your Deity! Why? Because of the irrefutable proof established internationally by Your Works, the tangible, practical reality of what you have done and are constantly doing for humanity. And now, when it becomes officially necessary for me to come before You with a report of what the Peace Center Church has done, I am compelled to report solely and wholly more of what you have done, for truly you are the Living,Reigning Church Triumphant!
We have just endeavored to carry on in constant adherence to our Church Constitution, Discipline and by-Laws, extending your infinite blessings to the general public, provided they adhere to FATHER DIVINE'S Modest Code.
The Peace Mission Free School, the barber Shop, the snack bar and daily scheduled banquets served at Your private Holy Communion Hall are some of the Church Services which, as a Voice in the wilderness, constantly cry out — FATHER DIVINE is GOD! For these services as extended to one and all under the system of Incorporated Churches of FATHER DIVINE'S Peace Mission Movement, are only realities now daily enjoyed by mankind because YOU, FATHER DIVINE, (GOD HIMSE) are here in Bodily Form and have legally established YOUR Church here on the earth plane that man may find his way back home to GOD, his Creator.
Salvation is free in Your Churches alone, FATHER DIVINE, for truly in any Peace Mission Church throughout the countries of the world, and we are internationally established, one may come in and enjoy modern comforts and conveniences and hear the Gospel of Christ freely given without price. Collections have not and never will have any part, place or space in our order of service, for the only contribution acceptable in any Peace Mission Church is "Your Mind and Attention, your Love and Devotion, your Ideas and Opinions — all concentrated on GOD!
Our Church is open, doing business, that of blessing the masses seven days a week. Devotional Hours and New Day Classes have been held regularly Friday and Tuesday evenings respectively, while praise services continue daily during banquet services in the Private Holy Communion Hall as well as in the Chapel.
The actual cost necessary for the continuance of these limitless blessings to mankind has been met through the last year as in all former years, in cash by the Church independently without any solicitation, begging or borrowing. And I might add right here, that the Public Utility Service as well as the many private tradesmen are one and all most satisfied with our patronage, for over the years we have established ourselves as Cash — "Pay as we go " patrons.
Throughout the past year the continued volunteer services of co-workers,
Rosebuds, Lilybuds and Crusaders have made these various practical and spiritual blessings a reality, for to be like FATHER and MOTHER, is to express our love in practical, unselfish service. Of course the real holidays of our past year were the many times we were blessed to have the Personal Presence of our Pastor and His Spotless Virgin Rosebud Bride with us. Those supreme blessing are as our reward for having recognized Their Ever Presence, for truly we can attest:
"The Spirit of the Consciousness of the Presence of GOD is the source of all supply."
FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE, there is no vacation in YOUR consecration, YOUR devotion and service to us. YOUR loyalty is not seasonal, but ever constant! YOU have continued to give us wholly of YOURSELVES every minute of the day, every day of the year. We are utterly unable to express in words what YOU mean to us, but being DIVINE, YOU know the heart and mind. Thus, in joyous anticipation of soon celebrating YOUR eight Wedding Anniversary, may we conclude this report by repeating that:
We Love YOU as we never loved before,
May YOU Will that we prove it in deeds and actions more,
As the bounty of YOUR Wedded Love extends from shore to shore
May we, YOUR Church to YOUR Precepts be ever true,
Going on in the hope that some how, some day
We may be worthy of YOU!
Yours in deepest reverence
Mr. Nicholas Moses, President
(After the reading of the Report, the President speaks again as follows:)
President: Peace, FATHER; Peace MOTHER; Peace Everyone! You have just heard the reading of the Presidents Report. A motion is now in order.
Member: Peace, FATHER; Peace, MOTHER; Peace, Everyone! I make a motion that the Presidents Report be received as read with the necessary corrections, if any.
Another Member: I second the motion.
President: It has been moved and seconded that the President's Report be received as read. Are there any necessary corrections? (As it didn't seem to be any necessary corrections the President continued speaking:) All in favor of the President's Report being accepted as read let it be known by the usual sign.
Members: Aye.
President: And by the raising of your hands.
(All hands were raised unanimously as the President says:)
Are there any contrary?
(As there were none contrary the President said:)
It has been moved and seconded that the President's Report be received as read. Next we will have the Treasurer's Report. (The Treasurer came forth and spoke as follows:)
Treasurer: Peace, FATHER; Peace MOTHER and Peace Everyone! I thank YOU to read the Treasurer's Report.
Treasurer's Annual Report for the Peace Center Church and Home Inc., of New Jersey and the Peace Center and Nazareth Missions' Home for the Aged, Church and Training School, Inc., of New York - for the fiscal year ending March 1, 1954 A.D.F.D.
To the Treasures of our hearts:
Reverend M. J. DIVINE, Ms. D., D. D. and HIS Spotless Virgin Rosebud Bride, known, loved and cherished by millions internationally as FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE - Peace! Peace to one and all!
FATHER and MOTHER Dear, by holding fast to YOU, the Keyflower Treasures of our hearts, we have maintained and expressed perfect mastery over all situations and conditions from every angle expressible. YOU have answered our every call, solved our every problem, healed each wound, mended each broken heart and established our going in the land of the living through the Hallowed Love shed abroad from YOUR Holy Heart!
Truly, through YOUR materializing Righteousness, Justice and Truth in the hearts and lives of mankind, there is today a mighty congregation of the Redeemed, a volcanic force, seething and bubbling over with every DIVINE Virtue of GOD; yet erupting disappointment. disaster, doom and utter failure to those who come nigh inharmoniously!
At a time when charge accounts are invited, even in Woolworth's, every Church incorporated under the banner of FATHER DIVINE"S Peace Mission Movement can proudly declare they are real true Americans, because they express their absolute financial independence organizationally even as our country has declared it documentally. In our every business transaction, we have expressed and mean to continue expressing True Democracy in Action, whether the transaction involves hundreds of dollars or just a few.
We buy nothing, absolutely nothing on the installment plan, but pay cash as we go and refuse to owe! All current expenses incident to maintaining a modern, comfortable Church, Home and Training School have been promptly met without solicitation of any kind through the strict adherence to the Teachings and Principles of Righteousness as expounded by our Pastor, FATHER DIVINE. I know, State , City and County Officials, as well as our many local tradesmen with whom we deal, all readily agree, they appreciate our patronage as through the years since our incorporation they have always found us to be prompt cash paying customers. How can these things be? It is all because of YOU being Personified and Personally Exemplifying the Perfect Sample and Example for us to pattern after in the world of business, profession, labor and trade.
Thus, You have freed us from the bonds of financial lacks, wants and limitations! YOU have lifted us out of the quicksand's of credit plan business and as a result thereof, today, it is common knowledge internationally that the followers of FATHER DIVINE have unlimited purchasing power! Yet, may I pause here just a moment to say, we, the true followers of FATHER DIVINE and Members of the Incorporated Churches of the Peace Mission Movement, extend our patronage, transact our business and co-0perate in any way, only with those who stand with YOU, FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE, as this is the Dispensation of the Kingdom of Heaven and every base and filthy mind that speaks evil of the Virtue and Dignity of GOD HIMSELF and of HIS Kingdom shall be cursed with the curses even as described in the twenty-eighth chapter of Deuteronomy; that is, from the fifteenth verse to the end of the chapter.
Truly, YOU came to us as the poorest among men, yet YOU have made millions rich, but firstly — rich in Virtue, rich in Honesty, rich in Truth, and through that richness the material blessings have overtaken us until there is not room to hold the bounty of YOUR Infinite Blessings. And in return for the constant sacrifice of YOURSELF and YOUR Virgin BRIDE so wholly unto us, what have YOU required? No, not a salary! We have never paid YOU a cent! No, not even a day's vacation from the unending Personal service extended to all, but Minds and Attention, Love and Devotion, Ideas and Opinions, all concentrated on the Fundamental! In reality, what have we to offer? We are YOURS — bought with a price, for we enjoy life only because YOU Live, Move and have YOUR Being within us. Thus, Precious Treasures of our hearts:
Tonight, as before, still sincerely we say
There's just one 'Bill' as yet we are unable to pay.
We can't catch up to YOUR Blessings DIVINE,
For YOU've been blessing us since the beginning of time.
But we mean to keep trying and with persistency true,
Let each heartbeat be an Installment of Love, Praise and Service
On the debt we owe to YOU.
So FATHER and MOTHER Dear, again may we submit to YOU,
A report that we love YOU truly, and have collected YOUR every Virtue,
Each precious Gesture and Mannerism into the storehouse of our minds,
For YOU are our Treasures, cherished safely, deep in the vault of our hearts for all time.
Ever Sincerely,
Miss Lovely Peace, Treasurer
(At the conclusion of the Report, the President takes the floor again and speaks as follows:)
President: We have just heard the Report of the Treasurer. Will someone make a motion to that effect?
Member: I make a motion that the Treasurer's Report be accepted as read.
Another Member: I second the motion.
President: It has been moved and seconded that the Treasurer's Report be accepted as read. All in favor of it let it be made known by the usual sign , Aye, and by the raising of your hands.
(Aye resounded throughout and all hands were raised in unison and the President continues speaking:)
President: Peace, FATHER; Peace, MOTHER and Peace, Everyone! It has been moved and unanimously carried, and the Treasurer's Report has been accepted as read. Now we will have the Report of our branch Church, the Peace Center and Nazareth Missions' home for the Aged, Church and Training School Inc.
(The Secretary came forward to read the Report, and spoke as follows:)
Secretary: Peace, FATHER; Peace, MOTHER and Peace, Everyone! I thank YOU, FATHER to read this Report.
Annual Report of the Peace Center and Nazareth Missions' Home for the Aged, Church and Training School, Inc., 13-17 West 128th Street, New York City.
For the past year this Church, under the Spiritual guidance of our Founder, Bishop and Pastor, FATHER DIVINE, has endeavored to rescue the perishing and care for the dying by the thousands through the service of our Holy Communion Banquet Tables. Our doors are open to whomsoever will, that they may come in and break bread with us. There is no compulsion that one must be a believer of the Faith to dine at our Holy Communion tables. All that is required of anyone who enters the Holy Communion Halls is to exercise FATHER DIVINE'S International Modest Code which quotes:
"No smoking, no drinking, no obscenity, no vulgarity, no profanity, no undue mixing of the sexes, no receiving of gifts, presents, tips or bribes."
We also have what is known as the Buffet Nook, that those who cannot attend our regular banquet services at the scheduled times, may go there and feast lightly until the banquet service time. It is our conviction that through the recognition of the FATHRHOOD of GOD, that the Brotherhood of Man is established; and this has brought us together in the Unity of Spirit, of Mind, of Aim and of Purpose. We find as we dine together as one big happy family without regard to race, creed or color, the Spirit of real true Americanism, Democracy, Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism synonymously are in evidence.
The Church also maintains a Home for the Aged for both sisters and brothers, with separate housing accommodations. They are fed, clothed and sheltered through the love and kindness of those who have endeavored to be helpmates to our FATHER in HIS great Work and Mission.
This Church considers it a great blessing and privilege to be able to give to the general public FATHER and MOTHER'S Words of spirit and Life by way of the wire recording machine. These Words are given to us by FATHER gratis, and as freely as we receive them, so freely do we desire to give them to others. Thus, we are truly grateful to YOU, our Redeemer and Maker, for the mental and spiritual food for our minds as well as the material food for our bodies.
On Monday evenings at 9 P. M., a Bible Class is conducted for those who care to study the Bible. Then on Tuesday Evenings at 10 P. M. there is held in the Chapel, the Rosebuds Devotional Service. On Friday Evenings at 8 P. M. we have our regular Righteous Government Meetings where we discuss topics of interest in our government as well as in other governments. We also have educational movies for children and adults without charge to all who may be interested.
Through FATHER'S Blessing, this Church provides free schooling for all those who may desire an education. It is free to the followers as well as to the general public. There is also a Commercial Class that gives a complete course in secretarial training to those who are interested in securing a business career without any fee.
The Church provides a Free Employment Courtesy Service to the employer as well as to the employee, without charge. This service is not confined to the followers of the Movement alone, but to the general public as well. Everyone is required to give references that are in good standing. The employment office provides a Nurses Registry which is available for service at any time, day or night for those who may be in urgent need of help. This employment service is open from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M., Monday through Friday.
The service of the Teachers, employment staff and co-workers are given gratis, and no charge is made for the use of the school rooms, heat or light. The Church undergoes continuous repairs and modern conveniences are installed that the Church might be kept in first class condition.
We also thank YOU, FATHER for YOUR Rosebud Choir, who by the transmission of YOUR Holy Spirit provide the music and inspirational compositions which depict so explicitly YOUR Work and Mission here on earth among the children of men.
We, YOUR Children, in humble submission do thank YOU for the Personification of Perfection that YOU have put before our mind's eye, YOUR Spotless Virgin Bride, MOTHER DIVINE. We are so happy to see that in HER Deeds and Actions SHE produces what is true service to GOD. We thank YOU and appreciate the Living Sacrifice of YOUR Holy Body to emancipate the children of men all over the world, that we may live an abundant life of Peace and prosperity.
Respectively submitted,
YOUR Co-workers
at128th Street, N.Y.C.
(The President takes the floor again, speaking as follows:)
President: Peace, FATHER; Peace, MOTHER; Peace, Everyone! You have heard the reading of the Report from the Branch Church. Is there a motion?
Member: Peace, FATHER; Peace, MOTHER and Peace, Everyone! I make a motion at this time that the Report of the Branch Church be accepted as read.
President: Is there a second?
Another Member: I second the the motion.
President: It has been moved and seconded that the Report of the Branch Church be accepted as read. All in favor let it be made known by the usual sign, Aye, and by the raising of your hands.
(As Ayes resounded throughout all hands were raised in unison unanimously and the President speaks again.)
President: Are there any contrary?
(As there was no response, the President says:)
President: It has been moved and seconded and carried unanimously. Now we thank FATHER for a selection from the Rosebud Choir. (Which they in turn did accordingly. Then a soul-stirring praise meeting took place until FATHER, MOTHER and the remainder of the staff entered, and FATHER rang the bell for the Holy Communion, which HE served Personally, satisfying the appetites of one and all who partook, as there was an abundance of every good thing. After the appetites were satisfied the President turned the Meeting over to FATHER, and FATHER in turn arose and spoke as follows:)
FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE, 128th Street, New York City
Peace, Everyone! ("Peace FATHER, Dear!" came the happy response.) Apparently all have dined well. I hope you have dined well with the material food, if not the Spiritual. However, it is your chance and your privilege to dine more and more by dining on the Spiritual and mental food. I understand the Business Meeting is just about over. I have been informed, the Minutes have been read and the Church Discipline, Constitution and By-Laws, and ready now for the election and re-election of the officers and other members. But one thought I would like to bring to your mind; if for any cause those who are concerned, and those who are not concerned, if they find that there are any officers, trustees or even co-workers they desire to have succeeded by others, it is your privilege to make your election, for it is one thought I would desire you all to know, and let it go on record as has been read, just what is required of the officers to do. And those who do not want any of the officers, they should move to vote them out or move to have them expelled.
For this cause, if any of you have any nominees you desire to replace any of the officers presently filling the office, you should present your nominees; and if you do not know within yourself, if the same officers fill office for the next fiscal year, the same old thing will be going on as has been going on! First, the office of the President; even though you have read the Minutes, it may be good to re-read the authority vested in the President and other officers since this is truly a Church. May I have the names of those whose term expires at this present Meeting? Will you read them please.
(The secretary reads as follows:)
Officers:
President - Mr. Nicholas Moses, Vice President - Miss Lovely Peace, Second Asst. Vice President - Mr. Herman, Third Asst. Vice President - Mr. Cheerful Determination, Secretary - Miss magnetic Love, Asst. Secretary - Miss Mary Justice, Second Asst. Secretary - Miss Meekness Faith, Third Asst. Secretary - Miss Lillian Tompter, Treasurer - Miss lovely Peace, Asst. Treasurer - Miss Peace Branch, Second Asst. Treasurer - Miss Joy Love, third Asst. Treasurer - Mr. Henry Rainson.
Trustees whose term expires this year:
Miss Mary Justice, Mr. Vincent Daniels, Miss Love Faith, Mr. F. Crabbe, Miss Sweet Peace, Miss Victory O. Israel.
Two trustees are to be added. Thank, YOU, FATHER Dear.
FATHER: Peace, Everyone! May I have the duty of the officers and trustees read at this time; so that those of us, if any, that feel that those of the trustees and officers usurp too much authority, I want this brought to the surface here and now according to parliamentary law.
Secretary: Peace, FATHER! At this time we thank YOU to read from our Church Constitution and
By-Laws, the particular By-Laws that deal with the Church officers. That is under Article 17, found on page fifty-four, Section 6, Church Officers:"
"The Officers of this Church shall consist of the Author of the Peace Mission Movement as Permanent Pastor; an Assistant Pastor if the Pastor sees fit to appoint one; a President; Board of Trustees, a Secretary and a Treasurer.
Pastor: Reverend M. J. DIVINE, better know as FAATHER DIVINE, as the Founder of this Church, shall continue as in the past, Permanent Pastor of the Church as HE wills, or unless HE Personally shall direct otherwise.
We, as Members of this Church, and followers of FATHER DIVINE in particular, consider FATHER DIVINE as Pastor and Leader, with or without HIS Personal Presence, and we consider HE is Present when HE is Personally absent. Assistant Pastor: We do not anticipate, however, that with HIS widespread activities the Pastor will be able to be Personally Present at all services. We do not wish to bind HIM, but leave HIM free to come to us in Person as HIS Spirit moves. Therefore, as in the past, there may be an Assistant Pastor appointed by HIM if HE so desires, to conduct the services. If such an Assistant Pastor is appointed by HIM or if HE recommends the continuance of one already serving in that capacity, the Board of Trustees shall confirm the appointment at its next meeting if a majority of the Trustees are found willing to do so.
The Assistant Pastor so appointed shall continue to serve the Church until the Pastor directs otherwise; provided, however, that at any Annual Meeting the Members may pass a resolution requesting that a change be made, and naming any Ministers they wish to recommend for the office. This resolution shall be presented to the Pastor and HE may, if HE so desires, appoint another to fill the office, either from among those recommended by the Members, or one of HIS Own choice. The appointment shall then come before the Board of Trustees for confirmation as before, if a majority of them are found willing to confirm it.
The President may or may not be a Member of the Board of Trustees. He shall be elected by ballot for a one year term at the Annual Meeting of the Church each year.
The Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by the Board of Trustees from among their number, unless they chose to elect the President to fill one of those offices, in which case he need not be a Member of the Board of Trustees. (The name, Secretary of this Church, referred to, is the clerk of this Church.)
The Board of Trustees shall consist of six Members elected at the first corporate meeting of the Church; one third to remain in office for one year; one third for two years; and one third for three years. The places of the two Trustees whose terms expire each year shall be filled by election of two Trustees each year, or such officials and term of office as may hereinafter be designated by the Pastor, by the Board of Trustees or by the Members in general, endorsed by the Pastor or the Trustees. None shall be eligible for the office of Trustee except duly qualified, Members of the Church whose lives are fully consecrated to the Author of the Peace Mission Movement and the Cause for which HE stands, and who will devote all necessary time and service to the church without compensation. A Trustee may serve any number of consecutive terms if so elected.
No Compensation: As set forth in our Church Discipline, neither the Pastor, FATHER DIVINE, the Assistant Pastor, nor any other officer of this Church, shall receive compensation for his services, as it is contrary to our religious conviction to pay or receive remuneration for spiritual services."
(The Secretary concludes by saying: "Thank YOU, FATHER and MOTHER Dear.")
(FATHER speaks again as follows:)
Article nine on page sixty-two, Powers and Duties of Officers.
(The Secretary reads accordingly as follows:)
"The Pastor, Reverend M. J. DIVINE, better know as FATHER DIVINE, as Author and Finisher of our Faith, Whose Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty GOD, Everlasting FATHER and King of Peace, according to the Scripture, shall be the Supreme Spiritual Authority in all things.
The Assistant Pastor shall conduct religious services, shall have general supervision of public meetings and spiritual affairs of the Church, and shall assist the Pastor in any way possible.
The President, if there is no Assistant Pastor, or in the absence of the Assistant Pastor, shall have general supervision over all spiritual and material affairs of the Church, with the advice and counsel of FATHER DIVINE, and shall see that proper religious services are conducted. He shall have supervision of Church premises and of all Church property. He may act individually in behalf of the Church in any matter, subject of course to the approval of the Pastor and the Board of Trustees; but he may not bind the Church to any contract or obligate the Church financially in any way without the knowledge and consent of the Board of Trustees, Vice versa, the Board of Trustees shall not bind the Church to any contract or obligate the Church financially in any way without the knowledge and consent of the President. Any contract or negotiable instrument obligating the Church shall be invalid unless signed or endorsed by the President, the Secretary and the Treasurer; except that checks made payable to the Church may be endorsed by either the President or the Treasurer for cashing or collection.
The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for the conduct of all church business and material affairs of the Church, under the supervision of the President, including the ownership of Church property, leasing of Church premises, maintenance and the like, and shall see that proper facilities for the conduct of Church services and other activities of the Church are provided. The President, if not a member of the Board of Trustees, may attend all meetings of the Board and shall have the power of two votes on any matter on which the Board is voting.
The Secretary, or other such officer appointed by the Board, shall handle all correspondence of the Church, shall keep an accurate record of the proceeding of all Meetings of the Board of Trustees, the Annual Meetings of the Church, and all other corporate meetings, and these Meetings shall be conducted in an orderly way according to parliamentary procedure.
The Treasurer shall handle all finances of the Church under the supervision of the President. Since the spirit of dishonesty, graft and greed have been completely eradicated among the true followers of FATHER DIVINE, even as Jesus drove the money-changers and those that sold pigeons and doves out of the Temple, the thought of money and the handling of money shall be confined to as few as possible in this Church. The Treasurer shall not be called upon to account to any but the President, and to the Members of the Annual Meeting, and he alone shall be responsible for the funds of the Church. Of course, being a Member of the Board of Trustees, he will have and will make available such information as may be necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Church, but only in so far as may be necessary for the immediate occasion. In concentrating the responsibility for Church funds in this way we cannot lose anything. We could not question the honesty of a true follower of FATHER DIVINE, and we are trusting in GOD, not in man. "If GOD keeps not the house, the watch is in vain," anyway.
Furthermore, since we do not hoard money but put it immediately into circulation for useful and charitable purposes, and since the Church takes up no collections or love-offerings and receives no donations of contributions from the public, we do not believe in keeping books of account, and records showing cash on hand are unnecessary. The Scripture declares, 1st Timothy, 6:10:
"The love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
And Jesus said, Luke 12:34:
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
And HE commanded, Matthew, 6:34:
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
We do not take thought for the morrow by keeping a record of cash on hand, neither do we minimize our blessings by keeping a record of cash received and paid out. GOD told Abraham:
"As far out in the land as you can see can be for your inheritance."
Therefore, the Treasurer will not be able to make a report on any of these things. However at the Annual Meeting each year he shall report to the Members whether there are any unpaid bills or obligations and whether he has cash on hand to meet them, and how much. He may also give a report of what has been done through the year with Church funds, and just what activities have been carried on into which financial dealings entered.
If there are contributions made by Members for some special purpose, such as purchase of property, maintenance or improvements, or special circumstances arise where a list may be necessary for business purposes, a list of contributions may be kept.
All bills, before being paid by the Treasurer, shall bear the endorsement of the President, Secretary, or the Board of Trustees.
All bills for rent and all other purchases shall be paid in cash at the time they are due or at the time of purchase or delivery. (The Secretary concludes by saying, "Thank YOU, FATHER Dear." FATHER takes the floor again, speaking as follows:)
Anyone else have anything to say? If you feel that there there is too much authority vested in any of the officers or Trustees, it is your privilege to nominate others to fill the places of those who were filling office. If not, you may make a motion to re-elect as many as you may deem necessary to re-elect.
A Member: (after a brief pause): Peace, FATHER and MOTHER! Peace, Everyone! In the light that everyone has the privilege to speak or hold their peace, and no one has said anything, I make a motion that all the Officers and Trustees, excluding myself, because I don't think it would be right to say what would be done with me; I make a motion that all the Officers and Trustees, as afore stated, be re-elected for the time that is due them. I thank, YOU, FATHER.
Another Member: Peace,FATHER! I second the motion that the Officers and Trustees be re-elected to succeed themselves.
FATHER: Peace, Everyone! It has been moved and seconded that all of the Officers and Trustees whose term expires at this Meeting be re-elected to succeed themselves; that is; all of the Officers and Trustees excluding Miss Peace. All in favor of it, let it be known by the usual sign , Aye, and by the raising of your hands.
(Ayes resounded throughout, while all hands were raised in unison and FATHER continues speaking:)
Now if anyone wishes to re-elect Miss Peace . . .
A Member: I make a motion that Miss Peace be re-elected to succeed herself.
Another Member: I second the motion.
FATHER: It has been moved and seconded that Miss S. Peace be re-elected as a Trustee. All in favor, let it be made know by the usual sign.
Members: Aye.
FATHER: Contrary? (As none were contrary, FATHER said:) And by raising your hands.
(All hands were raised unanimously and Miss Peace was re-elected to succeed herself. FATHER continues speaking:)
Is there anyone you want to turn out of the Church tonight? . . . . . . . I don't believe we have any record of anyone breaking the Church Discipline and By-Laws! If you have, present your report now, before it is concluded.
(As there were no complaints, FATHER continued speaking as follows:)
Many desire to make the three second confession; many desire to make the ten minute confession. I will not promise to give ten minutes tonight, but those who desire to make their confession, if their names are on the record for interviews, I will be in the office shortly. Those of you who are not busy otherwise and are not going home just now, you may continue with the services, turn it into a religious and devotional service. I thank you.
(As FATHER dismissed HIMSELF from the Meeting, HE spoke from HIS office study over the microphone as follows:)
Peace, Everyone! Some say there were three more Trustees to be elected. Some said three, but I believe someone else said there were two. If there are two more Trustees to be elected, you may elect them before you go away, before you dismiss the Meeting completely.
(Mr. Nicholas Moses, President, then took the floor in the Meeting and spoke as follows:)
Peace, FATHER! Peace, MOTHER! Peace Everyone! There are two trustees to be elected. If anyone has a motion, thank FATHER to bring them forth.
A Member: Peace, FATHER! Peace, MOTHER! Peace Everyone! I nominate Mr William Jones, Crusader, of the Hotel Riviera.
President: Is Mr. William Jones in the building? We have others to be nominated — additional trustees. Do we have a second to that?
A Member: I second the motion.
President: Peace, FATHER! Peace, MOTHER! Peace Everyone! It has been moved and seconded that Mr. William Jones be elected as a Trustee to the Peace Center Church. Thank FATHER, All in favor, let it be known by the usual sign.
Members: Aye.
President: Contrary? (As none were contrary, the President says;) Let it further be known by the raising of your hands. (All hand were raised unanimously.) We also have another vacancy for a candidate for a trustee. Does anyone have another candidate they want to nominate?
A Member: Peace, FATHER! Peace, MOTHER! Peace Everyone! I nominate Mr. Emmanuel Gay as an added Trustee to this Church.
Another Member: I second the motion.
President: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Emmanuel Gay as an added Trustee to this Church. All in favor of the nomination, let it be known by the usual sign, Aye.
President: And by the raising of your hand. (All hands were raised in unison.)
A Member: I make a motion that the nominations be closed and that the two candidates be elected to fill the office.
Another Member: I second the motion.
President: It has been moved and seconded that the nominations be closed and that the two candidates nominated be elected to fill the office. All in favor let it be known by the usual sign, Aye.
Members: Aye.
President: And by the raising of your hand. (All hands were raised unanimously, as the President says;) Contrary? (As there were none contrary, the President continues speaking:) Peace, FATHER! Peace, MOTHER! Peace Everyone! If there is no further business, we will bring the Business Meeting to a close. We are ready for a motion.
A Member: I make a motion that the Business Meeting be adjourned.
Another Member: I second the motion.
President: It has been moved and seconded that the business Meeting be adjourned. All who are in favor of the Business Meeting being adjourned, let it be known by the usual sign.
Members: Aye.
President: Let it be further known by raising your hands. (All hand were raised unanimously and the President continues speaking:) It has been moved and carried that we adjourn, that the business part of the Meeting be adjourned. Thank YOU, FATHER and MOTHER. Now we will sing and praise GOD.
***************