FATHER DIVINE at His Desk
"I AM introducing at this most needed time of undisciplined principles and precepts by which wars have been created and civilization has been deteriorated, the Model Plan of an INTERNATIONAL UTOPIA.
"I AM hereby presenting to the world the exemplification of the Standard of right living as shown by the Model Homes many of My followers have established in various places. These Homes actually manifest the Model Home in every respect and produce the picture of absolute modesty from a Spiritual or from a moral point of view, as well as presenting the perfect model of economic living.
"Hence, My Work and Endeavors are establishing an INTERNATIONAL UTOPIA; but first I AM laying the foundation of the same by inculcating within the hearts and minds of men the Principle of Peace, of Perfection and of Brotherly Love. I AM setting forth the Life and the Teaching of the Christ as the Perfect Model for all mankind, exemplifying that Life in this Fatherhood Dispensation that all might rise above the abstract Ideal of their beliefs and cause the Ideal to become a REALITY in their midst. It is for this cause that My followers are exhibiting Model Homes that first depict purchases made by Cash. They liquidate all liens, mortgages, or any other binding instrument that may be attached to the purchased property. They pay their taxes and all current bills. They do not allow their properties to run down, but keep them up to par, constantly developing and expanding activities to beautify their estates and increase their energies to make them profitable and practical.
"Those estates that have farm land depict Model Farms. Economically they
are presenting to the world the Model
Standard by which the economic situation
of the world can be solved. Capital and Labor work hand in hand to produce
a real Evangelical Commercial system beneficial to one and all alike. The system
of production, distributing and consumption is according to the Standard of
a Righteous Government. It spells abundance for all, and is devoid of graft,
greed or selfishness.
"The establishments in the various businesses and trades such as the Grocery Stores, the Tailor Shops, Barber Shops, Jewelry Shops, Cleaners' and Dyers' establishments, Gas Stations and numerous other enterprises, sell their commodities below the cost of articles found elsewhere. The Peace Restaurants, well known for their ten and fifteen cents meals, present a model basis to lower the high cost of living.
FATHER DIVINE
"In another field of expression in which the following letter of 1937 to President Roosevelt and similar letters to Wm. J. Tompkins, Recorder of Deeds at Washington, D.C.; Mr. V. F. Ridder, Administrator of Public Works; Mayor F. H. LaGuardia and other officials, declare the practical results of My Work and Mission among men, it includes sports, such as tennis, golf, swimming and numerous other recreational games that are clean, non-competitive and Evangelical.
"In short, every wholesome, constitutional field of activity known to man shall become the Model Utopia that mankind could not in his limited concepts and versions, heretofore understand or accept. But as Righteousness, Justice and Truth are the Model Principles of this Universal Law of Life for all mankind, and the Spirit and Mind of GOD as herein Personified in your midst, the Model Guide for men, through the great doctrine of the Brotherhood of Man and of the Fatherhood of GOD, we shall have an INTERNATIONAL UTOPIA.
"It is by this method that we shall bring an end to all wars and dispel all disturbance among the nations and will eventually unify mankind as One Man at Jerusalem.
Krum Elbow
It was after the "Depression" that so many were in need and FATHER DIVINE'S Extensions were serving meals for 10 and 15 cents and lodgings about 1.50 weekly. HE believed in giving people a chance rather than charity. Many sought the help of the Employment Agencies where jobs were provided without charge and people began to improve their living conditions because of His Humanitarian deeds. As they received jobs and began to save their money, it was soon thereafter that the 350 acre Estate of Howland Spencer with seven buildings and riverfront facing the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt Hyde Park Estate, was purchased by followers of FATHER DIVINE in 1938. Mr. Spencer retained 12 acres for himself.
Many improvements, repairs to the roofs, other repairs, plumbing, painting and even remodeling of buildings took place, creating a beautiful Estate where joy, peace and love filled the air. Then the great boat ride up the Hudson where so many could enjoy the bounty of GOD'S Goodness. Preparation for all that arrived were made. The abundance of all good things were available long to be remembered in the day that everyone was invited to inspect and enjoy this great accomplishment.
Krum Elbow
Later on in 1952 the 12 acres Mr. Spencer had retained for himself was sold to the followers because he was so impressed with what had been done with the 35o acres. This also had to be updated and improved as part of the Estate. Many wonderful days were enjoyed here. They came from around the county, also from New York City and New Jersey and other places, especially during the summer months for vacations.
As FATHER DIVINE changed His Headquarters to Philadelphia many pieces of property were purchased to accommodate those also moving here. So in 1960 Krum Elbow was sold to Walter S. Seaman of Highland, New York and members there joined the movement in Philadelphia.
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