FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE
Churches and connections of the Peace Mission Movement abroad have also celebrated the Anniversary of the Marriage of FATHER and MOTHEB DIVINE which took place in Philadelphia April 29 — May 1. The annual observance brings the true relationship of GOD and man into focus as the multiple resurrection of Christ within the individual and his union with GOD on a spiritual basis, which the Marriage of FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE dramatizes.
The wonderful doctrine of freedom and democracy, legalized by our national documents but made real in the lives of HIS Followers throughout the world by FATHER DIVINE, was seen a little more than usual in this year's celebrations by accounts given.
It is wonderful that in the little Republic of Panama, now in the throes of political upheaval there is an oasis of democracy because of the Name and Spirit of FATHER DIVINE. Here, HIS Followers, true Americans at heart, stand on the principles for which our forefathers lived and sacrificed their lives.
Miss Angel Peace, President of the Circle Mission Church, Home and Training School of Panama, writes to FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE about the 30th Anniversary of Their Marriage.
"Happy, happy, happy Anniversary to the Lamb and the Bride; we are happy for GOD is married. Your Bride is arrayed in white linen Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah! Virtue is personified. How? Through this Holy, Sacred Marriage. We congratulate You, FATHER, and MOTHER, for Your wonderful Love. Praise Your Holy Name. This is more than we can express, the joy and thrill You have bestowed upon us and how glorious it is to think on a virtuous life and accept it as a Holy Life given to us
"You found one worthy enough to bear Your Name, to be a sample and example, a Holy Bride, a Sacred Church. You have thrown mortality's version of marriage out and set before the world the realness of GOD's Sacred Marriage which our MOTHER has received, an honorable blessing to be GOD's Holy Bride. Now She is the sweet, sweet, sweet MOTHER of the world. Amen! Amen! Amen!
"On this, Your 30th Anniversary, we thank You for the early morning soft rain and later on at intervals, it rained giving us a cool day filled with joy and enthusiasm. The day started with Holy Communion breakfast. The time set for the Marriage Feast was 5:30 in the afternoon."
The account related a full table and many visitors attending, some for the first time. Members of other churches, St. Christopher's Church, the Baptist Church the Praying Band and others were represented, as well as Followers from various parts of Panama.
An invitation was given to visiting guests to speak as is customarily done by FATHER DIVINE, many responded with testimonies and songs of praise. A deaconess of the Baptist Church, unable to attend, was represented by a friend who sang with two other sisters at her request, "We Come to Greet You on This Anniversary Day." Mrs. M. Martin of Philadelphia, there for the occasion, brought good news of the Lamb and the Bride and many new songs.
FATHER, DIVINE was heard from during the service via tape as HE rang the bell for Holy Communion, sang and spoke. There were taped remarks from MOTHER DIVINE.
"About 6:30 the second bell was rung " the account continued, "and our Marriage Feast was graciously served by the Bridegroom and His Bride. What a Divine blessing!
"We sincerely thank You for our Bicentennial Anniversary blessings—the Bicentennial decorations on Your Table and throughout the entire church. The golden eagle with outstretched wings suspended at the head of Your Communion Table thrilled us so. This symbolizes our FATHER's outstretched arms with HIS golden Love to hover every one. Oh, GOD Almighty, only YOU know what is in each heart for YOUR precious Love. We feel very proud of Old Glory flying inside and outside, along with the patriotic colors. FATHER and MOTHER Dear, I know GOD will bless America to take her place in the world as predestined by the Will of GOD, our first and only real, true American. And I am rejoicing to know that YOU have taught millions of us the universe over to be real Americans at heart, so we reverence and hold sacred the Body of GOD and HIS Bride along with Old Glory. I can never forget the blessing of YOUR Love on our visit there along with the celebration of our glorious Fourth of July.
"Adorning YOUR Table was a 3-tier white frosted fruit cake, bouquets of gladiolas and ferns, trays of mixed fruit, red and white candles and place cards at each setting. Thank YOU for blessing us with the abundance of every item that was served.
"Almighty GOD we truly thank YOU for this glorious privilege to be united with YOU to celebrate YOUR 30th Anniversary."
If all the citizens of Panama had the spirit of true Americanism that FATHER DIVINE has instilled in HIS Followers, there would be no concern by the government for Panama or any other country. FATHER DIVINE's doctrine, as dramatized in HIS Marriage to MOTHER DIVINE is a doctrine of unity, love and brotherhood.
GERMANY
From the time of the great purge in Hitler's Germany, Followers of FATHER DIVINE have had to stand against tyrannical behavior and declare their GOD. Their doors were closed and they were forbidden to hold services. The very Word of GOD from The New Day magazines was gathered and burned but from the ashes of their faith, in a country now divided by Communism, there is a place where the Name of FATHER DIVINE is revered and Old Glory waves high.
This account of people getting together in peace and universal love to celebrate the triumph of GOD over sin and division in West Germany tells of a love for GOD and America that will resist force. The description of the Anniversary of the Marriage of FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE from the Unity Mission Church, Home and Training School of Goeppingen, Germany, is dated April 30, 1976 A.D.F.D.
"Peace FATHER Dear, Peace MOTHER Dear, Peace everyone! We thank YOU FATHER and MOTHER Dear! It was a lovely, sunny day when we had the privilege and honor to celebrate the 30th Wedding Anniversary of the Marriage Feast of the Holy Lamb and HIS Spotless Virgin Bride FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE, in FATHER's branch church in Goeppingen, Germany.
S"After the arrival of children, coming from Augsburg by bus, we started 11:20 a.m. reading from the Bible, Rev. 21:1-7, `The New Heaven and Earth
"This could have been evidently seen when we looked around the church and at the Holy Communion Table. Red, white and blue ribbons, wedding bells, two signs referring to the 30th Anniversary and the Bicentennial feast graced the wall. In front of FATHER's picture was placed a big bouquet of red carnations, blue iris and white 'Spins' and at the head Table abundant spring flowers and beautiful red roses at FATHER and MOTHER's place. The beautiful place cards napkins, the tiny Bicentennial flags MOTHER kindly sent to the church, graced the Table at each setting to join us with all the children all over the world in liberty. Indeed the whole room looked heavenly, right down here on earth. We thank YOU FATHER and MOTHER for such beauty and holiness.
"Then FATHER Personally rang the bell for banquet and the cheers of the children rose high in the knowledge of being a partaker of the Holy Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the Bride. `Wheresoever I AM, there is the abundance of the fullness,' FATHER has declared and so it was, one served the other harmoniously and generously, a delicious banquet."
The president of the church there noted a pause for resetting the Table for the second banquet during which the following took place as he continued his description.
"The president read the beautiful remarks of MOTHER DNINE, given daring the 20th Anniversary at the Divine Tracy Hotel. "The Secret of My Happy Marriage to FATHER DNINE." This beautiful holy Love expressed through our Holy, Virgin MOTHER for FATHER DIVINE was deeply considered and impressed all the children. It is true people in the world can't understand such love MOTHER expressed in Her speech to FATHER, but we all got a wonderful transmission of this holy, immaculate, love reflected in the faces of the children present. Isn't it wonderful? Yes, we are so proud of our beloved FATHER and MOTHER. Songs of praise rose high in adoration thereof.
"Then we heard FATHER's beautiful Sermon, "Pearls of Wisdom", given during the 5th Anniversary. We do thank YOU, FATHER, YOUR Love and wisdom is a rea1 guide in our daily life because we know YOU are ever present with us by concentration on YOU. The former things are passed and we live the victorious Life of Christ. What more can YOU do?
"Hallelujahs, testimonies and love songs filled the air until the second banquet was served with coffee and various cakes and cream. Blessings were flowing free for all but as the time was fastly passing an,d visitors had to leave, the Holy Communion Table was dismissed.
"Truly it was a happy Anniversary, everyone's soul was filled and thrilled with thanks for coming in contact with the Power Station of Love Divine, long to be remembered.
"Thank YOU FATHER and MOTHER for all YOUR Love and many blessings. We love YOU, too, because we know, and the whole world shall know, "A greater than George Washington is here!" Aren't you glad? One Who came to emancipate all humanity! From this Holy City and the New Jerusalem that John saw coming down, I shall establish laws, rules and regulations and I shall enact them according to the Constitution in all government and all humanity shall eventually recognize our Righteous Government as represented.'"
—FATHER DIVINE, The New Day, March 21~ 1959, p. 10.
Yours sincerely,
Eugene Zeh, President
In Vienna, known in the past as the culture center of the world, the American flag is flown at the Nazareth Mission Church, Home and Training School with much pride because FATHER DNINE teaches and practices Americanism according to the letter of our documents and not according to the way the law may be interpreted and twisted by those whose aim it is to divide.
Communal singing is an important part of services in the Peace Mission Movement, for it allows everyone to participate and ignites as the sincere, infectious, spiritual enthusiasm for which the Movement is known flows from heart to heart.
1776 American Flag
Walter Kunz of the Circle Mission Church, Home and Training School of Switzerland at Walliselen presented a Betsy Ross 1776 American flag he made to FATHER and MOTHER during Anniversary services at the Divine Lorraine Hotel, 699 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia on May 1.
Contrasting the music of Peace Mission churches of the Central and South American countries Where the tempo is fast and happy, and the clear, sweet tones of the music of Switzerland with it's special charm and delicate balance, or the happy, lilting music of Germany, the same songs that are sung around the world, are sung with a classical flair at the Nazareth Mission Church in Vienna. The president of the church is a vocalist, pianist and composer. Many of the inspirational songs sung in the United States and in other countries have come from this church in Austria, as well as Peace Mission churches in Australia, Panama, Switzerland, Germany, England and all over the world. So that even the music of the Movement is basically international.
The Marriage Feast of the Lamb took place here on April 25. The following is the report of the occasion.
"Glory! Glory Hallelujah! Wholehearted congratulations as well as unmeasured blessings on YOUR Thirtieth Anniversary of the Holy Lamb, REV. M. J. DIVINE and HIS Holy, Spotless Virgin Bride, MOTHER DNINE, the Church Personified! Glory ! Glory Hallelujah to our Holy. Heavenly Parents, GOD FATHER and MOTHER DNINE. Amen !
"Our beautiful Holy Marriage Feast took place on 25th April, 1976 A.D.F.D. in FATHER's Nazareth Mission Church. Before the beginning, about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, it was raining in torrents, however in our hearts there dwelt peace and joy and soon the sun was shining again.
"A beautifully decorated Banquet Table was adorned with splendid roses. Potted gloxinia framed the lovely pictures of FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE and in front of our eyes, the large number '30' shone. The atmosphere was excitingly beautiful and we began to praise in the lovely inspired songs. The wonderful letter of sweet MOTHER from 10 April was read aloud and taken up in the hearts of the people present. Fascinating organ music sounded with sweet MOTHER's heart conviction, 'I know YOU are GOD.' Holy! Holy! Holy!
"There followed a reading from Revelation, chapter 19:6-9 and the beautiful recording during which MOTHER spoke, inspired by the lovely song, `YOU Are So Kind to Me', sung by the Rosebud Choir. Further, there were outstanding Sermons by our KING of Kings, GOD, FATHER DIVINE, read--~-'Here I Stand Married to the Universe', 'The Renovating of our Body' and the explosive Sermon in the series, `The Portal of Life Eternal', from the New Day of August 21, 1971, p. 21.
"Beloved Holy FATHER and beloved Holy MOTHER, we thank YOU from the depths of our hearts for the Holy Ever Presence of GOD FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE as well as for the Actual Presence, for the spiritual Contact was overpowering to be felt so that the wall shook. I thank YOU for this convocation. And I thank YOU, our Holy Parents, for YOUR serving all those present. Thank YOU for all spiritual as well as material blessings.
"Adjourning, we recited in chorus the vow, 'I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under GOD indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.' Thank YOU FATHER Dear for these precious words which YOU have given me in music.
"In love, devotion and adoration, I remain always YOUR thankful child, Olga Pirny and all."
Newest of the churches in Europe, is the recently acquired location of the Circle Mission Church, Home and Training School at Wallisellen. Scattered throughout little Switzerland, FATHER DVINE has many Followers and many more have come to the United States to become dedicated to the cause of peace and brotherhood sponsored so perfectly and successfully by HIM.
Highlighting activities of the Marriage Feast there, a representative of the Church writes:
"We have had a wonderful, wonderful day for the Anniversary of the Marriage of the Lamb and the Bride, with sunshine, a real, true wedding day! FATHER and MOTHER, YOU are wonderful! YOUR children came from all over little Switzerland to give YOU thanks, honor and praise for YOUR Holy Feast, and everybody looked happy.
"We opened this feast at 10 o'clock in the morning with peals of bells and songs and heard a Message from FATHER given April 29, 1951 A.D.F.D. entitled, 'I Married That Belief.' Later on testimonies were given which YOU will hear on the recording.
"At 12 o'clock we had the first banquet which was prepared with much love. At 2 o'clock we saw FATHER's wonderful film and for us it is always a great and wonderful happening for which we cannot give enough thanks and praise to our Holy FATHER and sweet MOTHER. After the film we heard the second Message from FATHER, 'GOD Has Been With You From the Beginning of Your Days', given May 20, 2952 A.D.F.D. at the Circle Mission Church, Home and Training School of Pennsylvania.
There were more songs and testimonies and at half past four we held the second banquet, At 6:30 this wonderful day in which we felt FATHER's nearness so strong, came to a close. It is so important to know that GOD, our FATHER always is with us; HE is in us and around us and we are never, no never alone.
"The hall was decorated with many flowers. On the Communion Table at YOUR place, sweet FATHER and MOTHER, were cups filled with roses and at Your place, MOTHER Dear, was an orchid. A large bouquet of red roses and lilies graced the head Table. Cups filled with miniature red roses and lilies-of-the-valley added interest to the rest of the Table. Clusters of the same flowers were suspended from the ceiling. The Holy Communion Hall l00ked beautiful and everybody was happy. Pictures of YOU and our sweet FATHER adorned the walls, MOTHER. A very nice place card, prepared by a Rosebud was at each place setting. All together, everything looked beautiful.
"Sunday, May 2, 1976 A.D.F.D. the meeting opened at 1 o'clock with songs. We heard remarks from You, Dear MOTHER, given April 30, 1952 followed by FATHER's Sermon given April 30, 1952 A.D.F.D., 'By the Righteousness of One Many Have Been Saved.' There were more songs and testimonies.
"At 4 o'clock we held the Holy Meal and later a Message from FATHER was read, only in German, in which HE stresses again and again, how the people should be healthy, because HE, our FATHER has taken all ailments upon HIM, therefore HE should be the only One Who is ill. FATHER YOUR Wards are precious Words, in YOUR great Love YOU are doing this great Work! Everybody should be glad to have such a loving FATHER! I thank YOU with all this heart and I praise YOU.
"We sang until it was time to close this beautiful event and everyone went home with a happy feeling, for we have felt FATHER's Presence and we all were strengthened in faith and love for our GOD, FATHER. DIVINE. Thank YOU FATHER and MOTHER for these two wonderful days. Enclosed are two place cards at YOUR places.
"In sincere love and devotion,
Yours, Hedwig Schonenberger."
A group of Followers from this Church and from other parts of Switzerland represented their country at the Marriage Feast of the Lamb held in Philadelphia this year and more recently another group has come to the United States to spend a part of the summer.
"YOUR children in Guyana are happy to inform YOU of the wonderful time experienced on the 29th of April, which marked the 30th Anniversary of the Marriage of the Lamb and the Bride", Followers from Charlestown wrote to FATHER and MOTHER.
"The day was fine, thank FATHER., and at 11 o'clock we rang the bell heralding the procedure of the Marriage Supper, then water was served to all present and with FATHER's blessing, we continued to complete our other duties in FATHER's Mind and Spirit to meet the occasion. The service started at half past four with friends and well-wishers in attendance.
"Reverend Dr. Lyle was present. In 1971 he represented Guyana at the Anniversary celebration in the United States and we were happy to have him with us once again.
"Service began in the usual manner. We sang a song of praise, there was a Scripture reading from Psalm 100, Revelation 19:1-8 and a portion of the Sermon on the Mount. Other songs of praise followed. Addresses and testimonies, led by the Spirit gladdened the hearts of all present. There was joy, peace and happiness.
"The Hall was tastefully decorated and our "T"-shaped Tables were laden with goodies — cakes, sweets, fruit in abundance and flowers. The cakes were iced in pale blue with lemon roses. The figures "30" topped the 2-tiered wedding cakes. Little blue baskets adorned the Table. It was indeed wonderful to see.
"Dining began at 6 P.M., serving three double settings. Thank FATHER we had enough and to spare. This was followed by a lovely chain of testimonies which were indeed wonderful and the service came to a close.
"On Friday, 30th April, we entertained 30 children and found it a pleasure to serve them. While they sang and rejoiced, their table was also laden with sweets and fruits, cakes and drinks. Thank FATHER for the wonderful blessing. We reopened Sunday School on the 2nd of May."
No matter how humble or how stately the place may be, FATHER DIVINE's hospitality is the same all over the world and includes everybody on an equal basis. This is what the Marriage of FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE portrays, the family of GOD living together in peace and harmony under the Fathership and Mothership of the Lamb and HIS Bride.
Old Glory flies from a balcony over the entrance of the Nazareth Mission Church, Home and Training School in Sydney, Australia. The following account of the Marriage Supper comes from Miss Linda Hanbury, President:
"Peace FATHER and MOTHER Dear:
"Thank YOU for a glorious Anniversary when we celebrated the Holy Marriage of the Lamb and the Bride on May 2, 1976. On account of transport troubles, this seemed to be a more convenient time for the children to assemble together for this wonderful occasion. We welcomed visitors and were very unified in our praises and truly YOUR Holy Presence was right here—all agreed that we were in the Presence of GOD.
"FATHER and MOTHER, it was a beautiful day weather-wise and in every way. The Holy Communion Table as usual was expressing YOUR Perfection. Golden chrysanthemums, maiden hair fern and orchids adorned the Table. A two tier cake in white was embellished with blue lettering which read, '30th Anniversary of the Marriage of the LAMB and the BRIDE, FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE and around the sides were the words 'RIGHTEOUSNESS, JUSTICE, TRUTH.'
"White doves carrying loving greetings to the KING and QUEEN of the universe and then carrying YOUB Words of Spirit and Life to the whole world were suspended with wedding bells across the room above the Holy Communion Table. It seemed as though unseen hands were just carrying out YOUR plan and purpose in every smallest detail. Thank YOU FATHER and MOTHER.
"Mother's Day was also celebrated on May 9th. Mr. Stan Archer was present on a visit from Melbourne (location of the Circle Mission Church, Home and Training School) and it was a lovely occasion. We listened to a talk given by MOTHER and told of our love and devotion in songs of praise.
"Thank YOU FATHEB and MOTHER for YOUR children, for YOUR protection, YOUR guidance and tender care."
CONTINUOUS FEAST
The Marriage Feast of the Lamb continues on and on. It is celebrated daily at Peace Mission connections everywhere, the union of GOD and man is what the Peace Mission Movement is all about, this is its purpose as FATHER has explained, HE came to sponsor "this Peace Mission and this spiritual revelation in the hearts of the children of men, and establishing the Kingdom of GOD in the midst of them; that they might become to be living epistles as individuals, seen and read of men, and verifying that which has long since been said, "The tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and God himself shall be with them, and shall be their God, and they shall be his people!