FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE
at The Palace Mission Church, Woodmont
Peace FATHER, our Risen CHRIST and Savior;
Peace MOTHER, our Sweet Angel of Hope and Faith;
Peace to the Members and Officers of Palace Mission; and Peace Everyone!
Nineteen hundred years ago, Jesus was the CHRIST Incarnate. Today we see the CHRIST Incarnate in FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE, and we are looking for the day when people will run for their lives to the CHRIST. In 1939, FATHER spoke these beautiful Words about the CHRIST:
'When mankind the Universe over, shall have accepted of CHRIST, the Redeemer and the Savior of men, as LORD of Lords and as KING of Kings, and shall have enthroned HIM on the throne of their minds, there and then CHRIST will have all dominion and His Domain shall be from everlasting to everlasting throughout all the Universe of Humanity. . . .
"I cannot stress this thought too vividly, for I desire for all to get it! Now elect the CHRIST and select the CHRIST and enthrone the CHRIST on the throne of your minds, and allow CHRIST to reign and rule as LORD of Lords and as KING of Kings over you and over all things that concern you. There and then CHRIST'S Kingdom will be with you wheresoever you are, and over all things that you are concerned with. GOD HIMSELF will be ruling. . . .
"Every business and every profession and every trade can be brought into subjection to a great country. That territory is no longer its own--it is under the jurisdiction of the country whose Flag flies over it and has dominion n." (New Day, May 5, 1990, p.13, given Madison Avenue, April 28, 1939)
FATHER said in 1951:
'You can see the collective Body of CHRIST as the unified Body of many members coming up to the Light of this Understanding, where they can see CHRIST and the Bride. They can see themselves, incarnated and reincarnated into bodies that follow the Lamb whithersoever HE goeth, and in their mouths is found no guile.'
(New Day, May 12, 1984, pp. 23-24, given Circle Mission, Philadelphia, April 11, 1951)
Usually, when we speak of reincarnation, we think of one who has passed over and returned in another body--not knowing himself or herself from a previous life. But here, FATHER has said that we may come up to the Light of Understanding where we can see, not only the CHRIST, but we can see ourselves incarnated and reincarnated into these same bodies--and knowing ourselves--bodies that follow the Lamb wherever HE goes! Isn't Wonderful?
Take a moment to think if you have ever seen any bodies reincarnated from what they were thirty years ago--or perhaps, as FATHER said, you have seen yourself reincarnated from what you were thirty years ago into a greatly improved spirit, body and mind that follows the CHRIST wherever HE goes. All those who have seen this kind of reincarnation take place in the flesh, before your very eyes, please raise your hand!
Now that all of us have been properly reincarnated, we can delve into the very busy year that has elapsed since our last Annual Meeting. In case you don't know, we are living in a very special structure--the Peace Mission. It is special because FATHER said in 1957:
'You have to believe it, because that is the prediction. GOD said it-- the Peace Mission stands in the midst of all the other religions as the Mount that had been lifted up.'
(New Day. September 8, 1990, p. 3, given Woodmont August 16, 1957)
This means that we must stand--and stand tall--because we are the Mount that has been lifted up among all other religions. We are peculiar people. We are radical people---but we are not violent people, as FATHER has said. We are different because FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE are different--one reason being that They have set a Standard--a high Standard--and They have not deviated from or lowered that Standard. It has remained high above the Standard of the world for more than 75 years that we know of. We shall not let it fall in 1995! A CROWDED YEAR
On April 3, 1994, Woodmont was again opened to the general public for tours of the Manor House and Shrine, just as has been done for 27 years since 1968 when the Shrine was dedicated. This was the start of a year crowded with many activities, only some of which are described in this report.
On April 10, 77 members of the Victorian Society of Philadelphia toured Woodmont and indulged in what is known among elite society as a high tea--and the Victorian Society members are definitely elite society. The Society encourages its members to wear at its meetings clothes of Victorian Period around 1890--which some of them did at this high tea. MOTHER DIVINE harmonized with the spirit of the occasion by wearing a colorful 1890 gown, complete with a flowered, wide brimmed hat.
On April 19, MOTHER DIVINE attended a meeting of service organizations entitled "Community Meets Community," at Community College in Philadelphia. This College had invited a number of these service groups, mainly from north Philadelphia, to hear what activities the leaders were carrying on--activities which serve the community in various capacities. The meeting was designed to break down barriers between the college and the community, and bring about a closer relationship between Community College and the various organizations so the community could better be served.
On April 22, MOTHER DIVINE spoke again to the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Germantown, where the two "March Of Time" films were shown. SHE answered questions from the students as SHE did last year.
The Spirituality Group of 10 people toured Woodmont on April 10. An international group of about 15 Architectural Historians from the Netherlands toured the Bible Institute on April 27. About 40 Architectural Historians from the United States visited Woodmont on May 1.
On May 11, 31 members of the Cheltenham Adult School were welcomed at Woodmont. Members of the Newcomers Club from Bryn Mawr enjoyed a trek at Woodmont on May 17. When new people move into a community, this Club acts as a host and helps the newcomers settle in and become acquainted with the community.
On May 23, Mrs. Krishna Lahiri once more brought 37 children and 4 teachers from the Pepper Middle School near the airport to Woodmont. Among them were children from Vietnam, Cambodia and Central and South America. MOTHER took them through the Manor House, down Christian Way to Independence Cave, down to the lakes, then back to the swimming pool, and then to Hilltop House. There, on the deck, they ate the lunches they had brought. It was great fun!
The Gladwyne Civic Association is a wonderful asset to the town. It continues to support the community and participate vigorously in its ongoing, such as holding meetings at which various problems of the area are addressed. The members were pleased to hold one of their meetings at Woodmont on April 22. Mr. Philip Life is a member of its Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Bridlewild Trails Association Board of Directors.
April is a month of rebirth for the earth and for whatever grows therein. "The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of the birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land." [Song of Solomon 2:12] It is no wonder then, that GOD chose to take His Bride in the springtime.
This Marriage, being a spiritual Marriage, is symbolic of the coming redemption of humankind, as people return to their God given First Estate. In so doing, the union of GOD and man will be consummated just as FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE became One when Their Marriage was solemnized. FATHER stated in 1947:
'MRS. DIVINE, as an infant, heard of Me--had not seen ME, and did not see ME until SHE was just about of age--I mean did not see ME Personally; but SHE declared as Peter did concerning the CHRIST, 'I know that YOU are GOD.' That is the Conviction and the Assertion I married, but it was Personified in a Spotless, Virgin Bride. Can you not see the mystery? . . .
"I gave MRS. DIVINE the Keys of the Kingdom; yea, without a penny of American money. And without trying to necessarily use a letter of the English Language. I have given HER all Wisdom, all Knowledge and all Understanding. I have given HER all Riches such as the world cannot afford, and no man can refute it or dispute it, because I have given HER the hidden Treasures of GOD!"
(New Day, May 5, 1990, pp .9-10, given Unity Mission Philadelphia May 6-7, 1947)
Four years later on April 29, 1951, FATHER gave one of the reasons for His Marriage.
'This Spotless, Virtuous Marriage was for the purpose of reproducing, reincarnating, and repersonifying the Righteousness of GOD as Personified in the Body of MOTHER DIVINE. . . . Behold the Purity, Virginity and Holiness I have exemplified, and behold, it is now Personified--Virginity, Purity, Honesty, Competence and Truth! If you vision it vividly, that is exactly what I will reproduce among you to give you the Victory over every difficulty, over every trial and every tribulation!'
(New Day April 7, 1973, p. 27, given Nazareth, Philadelphia, April 29, 1951)
On April 28, 1974 a Preview of the Marriage Anniversary was held at the Divine Tracy Hotel in Philadelphia. The next day, on April 29, a Holy Communion Banquet was in progress in the spacious Banquet Hall of the Hotel, when abruptly over the loudspeakers, exuberant bells rang out for 11 minutes at precisely 11 a.m., filling the Hotel with joy, because at 11 a.m. on April 29, 1946, FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE were married at the home of Reverend Albert Shadd in Washington, DC. When the bells subsided, the solemn strains of "I know YOU are GOD" were fervently sung.
MOTHER DIVINE made Her stately way into the Communion Hall, to serve the Holy Communion Banquet at 7 p.m. There was brisk applause as SHE entered the Hall., There is an aura around MOTHER DIVINE, just as there is around FATHER DIVINE, that arrests attention and captivates hearts.
Many guests blended into the spirit of the Banquet Service. Dr. Leonard Primiano, Professor of Religion at Cabrini College in Radnor, remarked that talking about religion is one thing, but to experience it is something else. He gave thanks for being able to experience religion in the Peace Mission. Miss Nechama Sataty is a native of Israel who is teaching Hebrew at the University of Pennsylvania. She said that when you come to the Divine Movement, you touch the common humanity, and you feel that you belong., People trust each other and thereby they escape the ravages of pluralism.
The Director of the American Museum of Folk Arts and Crafts in New York City, Mr. Gerard Wertkin, recited from memory an excerpt from one of FATHER'S Sermons where FATHER stated that if we seek the Kingdom of GOD, it will be impossible for us to be divided, because GOD has joined us together universally. MOTHER DIVINE, in Her remarks, spoke of a great sea of people coming into this understanding and bringing their bodies into subjection, so that the bright, new world that people dream about will become a reality. ENLIGHTENMENT
Last year, a Newsletter was born. Its name is ENLIGHTENMENT--the Source by which the followers of FATHER DIVINE and other people who are interested may keep abreast of Peace Mission activities. Invitations to the Marriage Anniversary Celebration in April and the observance of the Holy Days in September are included in the Newsletter. ENLIGHTENMENT enables followers and friends to keep in touch with other outstanding events as well. Four issues appeared in 1994--in April, June, September and October. ENLIGHTENMENT does not replace THE NEW DAY.
Three Reviews of the Marriage Anniversary were held locally in May. On May 1 and 3, they took place at Woodmont. On May 2, the Divine Tracy Hotel was the scene. Then the scene moved to Long Island in New York, where the final Review of the 48th Anniversary of the Marriage took place on May 8 at Sayville. At all these Reviews, expressions of joy and thanksgiving from followers and guests attested the love and devotion everyone feels toward FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE because of the Wedding that made Them One. This love and devotion was heightened at Sayville where memories of FATHER'S every day Sacrifice drew everyone closer to HIM. WOODMONT HONORED
May 20 is a significant date in Woodmont history, because it brought into focus the dignity and the status of Woodmont, and the reverence toward it that has been displayed by extensive efforts to preserve it. The Philadelphia Chapter of the Victorian Society nominated Woodmont to receive the National Award of the Victorian Society in America for the way it has been preserved. The 1994 Commendation to Woodmont is inscribed with these words:
'For its preservation by the Palace Mission Church since 1952 and its recent exterior restoration.'
Mr. Robert Skaler, prominent Philadelphia architect, flew to San Francisco to accept the Award for the Peace Mission at the National Meeting of the Victorian Society.
A different Anniversary was considered on May 28 at the Saturday night Holy
Communion Banquet at Woodmont. MOTHER DIVINE was much moved by the sacrifice
of human lives on the Normandy and Omaha beaches in France on June 6, 1944--50
years ago--which led ultimately to the defeat of Hitler's plan to rule the
world. Veterans of all wars were honored on May 30, Memorial Day. MOTHER commented
that FATHER DIVINE is a Veteran of all wars, including the war going on in
us--the flesh warring against the spirit. The following day in the Keyflower
Dining Room, MOTHER spoke about World War II being the war to end all wars
and to save Democracy--neither of which happened. SHE went on to say that the
war going on in us is the war that will end all wars--when we win that war!
MOTHER DIVINE with the Cabrinni College Work Group
in the Dining Area, Welcome Center, Woodmont
On June 8, MOTHER DIVINE welcomed a class of students from Cabrinni College in Radnor, to the Divine Tracy Hotel. SHE spoke to the class and the instructor, Dr. Leonard Primiano, about the Peace Mission Movement, and took questions from the students. The class had dined in the Keyflower Dining Room before hearing MOTHER.
On June 29, a group of 20 people called the Art Lovers toured Woodmont. On the 9th of September, 8 members of the Newcomers Club from Great Valley and Malvern came to visit Woodmont and enjoy refreshments. Members of the Newcomers Club had a trek at Woodmont in May. On September 24, Mike Hardy, a history teacher, and members of the Preservation Coalition went through both the Bible Institute and International House. On the same day, a group of followers traveled to Long Island in New York to attend a Ross Perot Rally, at which there were many hundreds of supporters. He gave one of his stirring speeches, emphasizing the problems of the country and his solutions. On the day before Christmas, David Gardner, a Presbyterian, who had contacted MOTHER DIVINE early in the day, brought several children and two adults from "Trevor's Place" on Poplar Street in Philadelphia and from the building adjacent to Trevor's Place, which is called "Next Door," to Woodmont, to revel in the elaborate, delicate adornments in the Manor House, that were in place for the celebrating of the American Christmas a few days previous, that spelled out the Christmas Spirit of love and peace and good will among people. It was a very meaningful and rewarding experience for the party. David Gardner is assistant service manager at Don Rosen Cadillac Company.
Coming back to summer, June 5 was observed as Mothers Day to celebrate the day when FATHER DIVINE and Peninnah were married on June 6, 1882. Many of the sisters and some of the brothers were dressed in Victorian fashion--which made a colorful sight. There were free hay rides, and ice cream, candies and soda pop for pennies, harking back to the early Peace Mission days when a shoe shine cost three cents and a haircut a dime. Inside the Manor House, tables for the Holy Communion Banquet were set up in the Great Hall and in all the ground floor rooms. MOTHER DIVINE spoke dynamically of the Power of FATHER'S Name and of what the Name "DIVINE" will do for all who call that Name for their sanctification. There is Power--wonder working power--in the Name of FATHER DIVINE--and MOTHER DIVINE exclaimed jubilantly, "I bear that Name!" VISIT TO SHAKERLAND
One of the most extraordinary excursions in Peace Mission history began on June 9. Eight sisters and four brothers climbed aboard their vans and set out for Sayville, where they spent the night. Early next morning, they were aboard the ship "Grand Republic" which took them across Long Island Sound to Connecticut. From there, they journeyed north to Sabbathday Lake at Poland Spring in Maine, which is the only village where living, practicing Shakers abide, arriving there late Friday afternoon.
We spent the rest of Friday and Saturday getting acquainted with the only eight living Shakers in the world, ranging from young men and women to the elderly. On Sunday, we met with them and others in the community for a Worship Service in what they call their "Meeting House." It was the first meeting of 1994 held in this historic Meeting House. The Meeting House was built in June of 1794, so our visit in June of 1994 marked the 200th Anniversary of the founding of the Shaker "Chosen Land." After Sunday dinner at noon, we departed and stayed the night at Comfort Inn near Boston. We spent the next day sight seeing in Boston, including climbing aboard the ship "Old Ironsides," which is being refurbished, and having a cup of tax free tea aboard a ship in remembrance of the Boston Tea Party of 1773--a brief reminder of the Revolutionary War, the War for Independence, which raged from 1776 to 1783.
This was verily a historic meeting between two great, powerful, independent groups of devout Christians, and these two groups were in no sense competing with each other. To the contrary, all concerned felt that here was a communal meeting between true brothers and sisters, related closely to each other in spirit, body and mind, although they live some 600 miles apart and never saw one another before June of 1994. Both groups live under high Standards of Virtue, Holiness, celibacy and independence, and because both groups stand on the same common ground, each draws support, strength and inspiration from the other. It was a momentous occasion.
The Shakers returned the favor of our visit to Sabbathday Lake by coming to Philadelphia. Two sisters and two brothers arrived here on October 14 and departed on the 16th. They were given a tour of Peace Mission properties and some of the historic spots relevant to the founding of our nation. There were two Holy Communion Banquets at Woodmont, and one at the Divine Tracy Hotel, during which the brothers and sisters spoke about themselves and their activities, and sang their songs. They have many expressive songs, and they sing about as much as we do in their meetings. Upon their return to Sabbathday Lake, Brother Arnold wrote to FATHER and MOTHER. Here is an excerpt from his letter.
'What a feast! Indeed it was for us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet shared with our brothers and sisters. Words fail to express the affection we have for you all. Seeing so many of you all joyously serving the LORD with all of your hearts, souls and minds encourages us in our gospel travel. . . . We all learned a great deal, and we seem to do nothing but sing your songs and tell everyone we meet about our experiences.'
(Letter dated October 19, 1994)
June 19 was Crusaders Day at Woodmont. All the Crusaders were in uniform and were privileged to sit at the Holy Communion Banquet Table in the Chapel Dining Room. The songs and testimonies made it a spirited meeting.
Our American Independence Day was celebrated at Woodmont where a Holy Communion Banquet was served on July 3. Praises and Thanksgiving were offered up to FATHER DIVINE, the true FATHER of our Country and Author of Freedom, Equity and Justice for all. On the next day, MOTHER DIVINE and some of the followers went to the celebration at Independence Hall to hear Vaclav Havel, President of the Czech Republic, speak, as he received the famed Philadelphia "Freedom Medal" of 1994--an honor conferred upon the person who has done the most during the past year to strengthen Democracy in the world. President Havel is one of our great modern statesmen. The award carries with it a cash award of $100,000. Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela and F. W. DeKlerk were previous recipients of the Freedom Medal.
On July 10, the Gatehouse Terrace at 1201 Woodmont Road was opened for the summer. It was a delightful experience for followers and guests alike to partake of the delectable refreshments served at the Terrace every Sunday until the end of October. SEPTEMBER HOLY DAYS
On the evening of September 9, followers filled the Chapel Dining Room and the ground floor of the Woodmont Manor House to reflect on FATHER DIVINE's Supreme Sacrifice for the Redemption of all mankind, in songs of praise and the conviction of His Deity. MOTHER DIVINE read the touching account of what transpired on September 10, 1965. Everyone was then privileged to visit the Shrine to Life. During the Sacred Hour of 2:20 a.m., each one individually had a few private moments with FATHER to express their love and devotion. Had not FATHER given the last full measure of Love and Compassion for our Salvation?
The next day was celebrated as FATHER DIVINE'S DAY with a Devotional Service at the Shrine. The day is named appropriately because it was on this day, September 10, that FATHER gave notice to the world that HE had finished His Work as a Person on this plane, but that HE had extended His Life to the world that they might partake of the Salvation HE had offered them--and live.
FATHER DIVINE'S DAY was celebrated also at a Holy Communion Banquet at 6 p.m. at Woodmont. This was a beautiful Service, with the saintly figures on the high ledges on the walls giving their silent blessing on all the communion participants that were seated at the tables spread throughout the library, music room, the Great Hall, and on the participants in the dining room on the lower floor. The House of the LORD was filled with Glory and Honor to FATHER DIVINE!
Three years before anyone had heard of Woodmont, FATHER DIVINE predicted it at Pine Brook in 1949. HE said:
'Mankind cannot understand how these things can be, but I have lifted up a Standard, and I have lifted up the Mount of the House of GOD, and all of the nations of the earth shall eventually flow into it, because it is interracial, international, interdenominational and it is Universal and not bound to complexions, colors or anything else so narrow.'
(New Day, September 9, 1989, p. 4, given Pine Brook, July 30-31, 1949)
In 1953, FATHER DIVINE described the events that transpired years ago that were connected to the structuring of Woodmont.
'Then the LORD began to build the House of the LORD in Philadelphia, in Woodmont, where the LORD appeared at the signing of the Declaration of Independence and at the drafting of the Constitution and its Amendments, where the people proclaimed Liberty throughout all the Land, and the Pilgrim Fathers came in the name of the Quakers and made Philadelphia, through the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution and its Amendments, the City of Brotherly Love!
' And the LORD came and made it in the latter days--confirming the City of Brotherly Love (the Country Seat of the World) the City of Brotherly Love and the Cradle of Democracy--making it the Country Seat of the World. And then HE starts to build the Temple of GOD, but not at Jerusalem in Mount Moriah, but at the New Jerusalem, better known as Philadelphia at Woodmont. . . . and all nations shall flow into it.'
(New Day, July 18, 1953, pp. 10-11, given Circle Mission Philadelphia, June 24, 1953)
Two years later, FATHER DIVINE added these thoughts:
'It goes to show you, that it was predicted to be the Mountain of the House of the LORD and the place of refuge for the true and the faithful, and GOD'S holy prophets and angels would come and worship at the remembrance of His Holiness. . . .
'Whatever it says, you have to believe it, because that is the prediction. GOD said it. The Peace Mission stands in the midst of all the other religions as the Mount that had been lifted up.'
(New Day September 8, 1990, p.3. given Woodmont August 10, 1957)
September 11 was a Banner Day in the history of the Peace Mission Movement. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in Harrisburg has a program which places markers at historic spots all around the State. There are hundreds of them.
Mr. Charles Blockson, Curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro American Collection at Temple University, is a longtime admirer of FATHER DIVINE, and he is disturbed that our young people do not know who FATHER is or what HE has done. Consequently, he has worked tirelessly to have a historic marker installed at the Divine Lorraine Hotel so that everyone, young and old and in between, will at least become aware that FATHER DIVINE is a civil rights Leader Who established a Cooperative Plan that provided the necessities of life at a price within the reach of everyone. On this day, his efforts came to fruition as the Marker was unveiled, with a large crowd gathered at the front steps of the Divine Lorraine Hotel at Broad Street and Fairmont Avenue in Philadelphia. The Marker reads as follows:
'FATHER DIVINE. Rev. Major J. Divine, civil rights leader of the 1930s, established Cooperative Economic Plan, providing life's necessities at nominal prices. Divine Lorraine Hotel here, built in 1894 and acquired in 1948, was one of the first integrated hotels of its caliber in the U. S.'
Speakers at the ceremony included Mr. Blockson, State Representative James Roebuck, Charles Cuffeld, President Judge of the Philadelphia Traffic Court, Susan Stitt, President of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Thomas Carter, Jr., Special Assistant to Mayor Ed Rendel, and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. MOTHER DIVINE said that:
'What FATHER DIVINE did was a phenomenon. It hadn't been done before, and hasn't been done since. . . . I AM glad that the Divine Lorraine Hotel stands today, and has a hope of continuing to be a blessing in the future. And this Marker is here so that the younger generation can consider what FATHER DIVINE means to the people. . . . So we are indeed honored and privileged to be here to show our appreciation to FATHER DIVINE for His Great Work and Mission, and His Sacrifice to bring a better world for all mankind.'
(ENLIGHTENMENT, October 1994, p.6)
The day ended with an inspiring Holy Communion Banquet at the Divine Tracy Hotel at 6 p.m., honoring the dedication of Woodmont as the Mount of the House of the LORD. The Historic Preservation Award of the Victorian Society for 1994 given to Woodmont, was officially presented to MOTHER DIVINE by Mr. Robert Skaler. Everyone rejoiced as MOTHER received it amidst the taking of photographs. Praises filled the air and everyone was exceedingly happy, followers and guests alike, not only for the Victorian Society Award, but for the Historic Marker erected at the Divine Lorraine Hotel earlier in the day, finally in place to honor FATHER DIVINE.
On September 12, there was a Shrine Service at Woodmont at 1 p.m. Then everyone gathered at the Divine Tracy Hotel at 6 p.m. for the final Service of Holy Days. Mr. Barney Hubert from Kansas, Mr. Patrick O'Gorman from Illinois, and followers from Florida, North Carolina and California were among those who came to Philadelphia for the Celebration of the Anniversary of the Dedication of Woodmont in 1953, FATHER laying down His Body in 1965, and the Dedication of the "Shrine To Life" in 1968. On September 18, a Holy Communion Banquet was held at Woodmont. Several guests attended this Service. HOMECOMING!
The Gladwyne Fire House celebrated its 50th Anniversary on October 2 with a gala gathering of residents of Gladwyne and the nearby area. The latest state of the art fire fighting equipment was demonstrated to the crowd, which included MOTHER DIVINE and several followers.
There was another Joyous Homecoming on November 17. On that day, another one of the true and faithful came home from Switzerland to take up her abode with her many sisters and brothers at Woodmont and Philadelphia. Welcome home, Miss Trudi Habluetzel!
November brings Thanksgiving with it, and thoughts of the myriad blessings that GOD showers upon us each day of the week. Cold weather brings thoughts of the less fortunate. Frank Ferrell, the guiding light of "Trevor's Campaign," is in contact with the homeless, and invited them to come to the Keyflower Dining Room for a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner on November 24. There was not a large crowd, but those who came, including a family of five, went away happy and fortified against the cold. UNITED WE STAND AMERICA ACTIVITIES
Members of the Peace Mission, including MOTHER DIVINE, have been quite active in United We Stand America affairs. The State is divided into 21 Congressional Districts, and three of these, Districts 1, 2, and 3, are in and adjacent to Philadelphia. District 13 is mainly in Montgomery County where Woodmont is located. Members of the Philadelphia Chapter of United We Stand America come from all three Philadelphia Districts.
On December 1, the Philadelphia Chapter held a meeting at fabulous Arthur's Caterers. MOTHER DIVINE was included in the group of honorees for Her very active support in every way, of United We Stand America. SHE was presented with a large 16 x 24 photograph of three of our nation's illustrious, most cherished symbols--the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Liberty Bell, encased in a handsome wooden frame.
A Plaque of Appreciation by the Philadelphia Chapter was given to followers of FATHER DIVINE who are members of United We Stand America for outstanding, dedicated service. Several Certificates of Appreciation were awarded which thanked the recipients for their dedication to the ideals, purpose and goals of United We Stand America. These Certificates were signed by none other than Mr. Ross Perot, and by Mr. Dave Shaver, the State Executive Director. One went to FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE. One went to MOTHER DIVINE and Her Staff, and one went to followers who are members of United We Stand America.
The number of people who are citizens of the United States was increased by one on December 10. On that date, Mr. Eugene Ammann was sworn in as a citizen. MOTHER DIVINE and a number of Mr. Ammann's brothers and sisters attended the ceremony, and in the evening, a most auspicious Holy Communion Banquet was served at Woodmont in honor of another one of FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE'S children becoming naturalized. It was a time of jubilation for all!
A few days later on December 18, our American Christmas was observed at Woodmont. On this Sunday afternoon, we had the privilege to see a video in the Reception Center on the American Revolution. The video served to make us realize what stern hardships our forefathers had to bear in the founding of our Country.
After the video, we heard the Christmas Story narrated by John Facenda. We sang traditional Christmas Carols and sipped hot apple cider as we sat around the blazing open fire in the Great Hall. A soul filling Holy Communion Banquet was then enjoyed by one and all as we celebrated the reality of the United States being the birthplace of the Kingdom of GOD on earth--the reason for Jesus being born into the world. The Angelic Race had been sanctioned and legalized on December 19, 1977, through Sweet Angel Divine becoming a legal American citizen on that day. That is the cause of this commemoration.
In the New Year on January 10, a United We Stand America meeting was held at the Keyflower Dining Room for election of officers of Congressional District 2. A similar meeting was held at Woodmont for election of officers of District 13, at which Mr. Roger Klaus was elected Coordinator for this Congressional District.
On January 19, another United We Stand America meeting, hosted by the Philadelphia Chapter, was held at Arthur's Caterers during which Mr. Dave Shaver gave us an outline of the "Contract With America" that the Republicans, who control both the House and the Senate, have published. Mr. Shaver gave a spirited presentation of this ambitious Contract that will take Herculean efforts to fulfill. Two evenings later, Mr. Shaver gave the same talk to the members of Congressional District 13. MOTHER DIVINE and many followers attended both meetings.
Also on January 21, a Righteous Government Meeting was held in the Reception Center at Woodmont. The business of this meeting was to consider an Addendum to the Righteous Government Platform concerning the English Language being legally declared by the Government to be the Official Language of the United States. There was much discussion, after which the assembly voted unanimously to adopt the Addendum. The exact wording was worked out later when the Committee, in conference with MOTHER DIVINE, settled upon the final shape of the Addendum as well as an added Statement.
There were two official Righteous Government Delegates present at the Meeting from each of the six Churches of the Peace Mission Movement. Following is the Statement presented to each of the Delegates.
Now that English as the Official, National Language of the United States has been incorporated into the Righteous Government Platform, we feel confident that the Bill making English our legal Language will be passed in Congress this year!
A most rewarding trip for followers occurred on February 18. Mr. Robert Thomas took us to the Hope well Furnace National Historic Site, not far from Potts town. We walked on the back roads to this restored rural iron making village, which dates back to the Revolutionary War. We learned how the Iron master and his workers lived and worked, and how our early pioneers brought together local resources to help supply the needs of the War, such as cannon and buckshot. Activity at the Hope well Furnace Village, together with similar nationwide efforts, laid the foundation for the building of our nation's industrial strength.
Especially noteworthy at the site is the waterwheel that we saw. It is 22 feet high and 5 feet wide. Power from this water driven wheel supplied the forced air draft necessary to heat the blast furnace to around 3,000 degrees. The furnace must be this hot to separate the iron from the slag in the iron ore.
One week later on February 25, a winter trek drew about 76 people from the area to Woodmont. They were members of the River bend Environmental Association, the Lower Merion Narberth Watershed Association and the Bridlewild Trails Association. All three groups are enthusiastically engaged in outdoor activities for pleasure and for protecting the environment. MOTHER DIVINE led them up hill and down dale on a weather perfect day, over many of Woodmont's 73 acres, the trek ending at the Gatehouse, where hot drinks and muffins were served.
Mr. Shaver not only addressed the crowd early in the afternoon of January 21, but he remained to be present at the Righteous Government Meeting at 5 p.m.--thereby spending most of the day and evening at Woodmont, because after the second Meeting, a bounteous Holy Communion Banquet was served in the Manor House, which he attended. In a letter to FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE a few days afterward, he thanked Them for a wonderful day and for the concern we have about the future of our Nation. He commented on the Banquet Service and the Presence of GOD that he felt as follows:
'What a spectacular dinner! The choir was terrific. The food more bountiful and of a quality I have never experienced before. The speeches and the tape of FATHER'S Sermon were also major contributors to a perfectly delightful evening. You all told me I would feel the Presence of GOD on my trip back to Harrisburg, and I did--during the dinner and all time spent thereafter. Thank you for your prayers and caring friendship. Words fail to describe the warmth within I now have. Thank you Both for all your wonderful followers, who are contributing daily to the future of mankind.'
(Letter dated January 27, 1995)
That is the way the Executive Director of United We Stand America in Pennsylvania feels about FATHER and MOTHER DIVINE and the Peace Mission Movement!
The seed that FATHER dropped in the hearts and minds of His followers is bearing fruit, as this letter proves--the Seed that was dropped in hearts as the fertile, Virgin ground of Salvation, where CHRIST will take His seat. The sprouting and blossoming of the Seed has caused many to walk in His Statutes, as FATHER said at Rockland Palace in 1941.
'Can you not see there is some statute walking done? Can you not see they are walking at My Command? Can you not see this is the Sample and Example for all mankind, a real government established in and under the Constitution and its Amendments, and according to the spirit and meaning of them?"By this we know we can and we will stand, for I have put My Spirit in the children of men, and I cause them to walk in My Statutes. I cause them to enact the Bill of Rights in every community, and in every state in the union, and in every organization and in all society and in every activity, that they might be real American citizens, and this is the actuated expression of our real citizenry. . . .
"GOD dwells in the midst of the children of men. GOD dwells among them because HE wants them to be as HE is, even as HE is as they are. GOD spiritualizes material things and materializes spiritual things, for GOD materializes HIMSELF and made HIMSELF a man, and spiritualizes you and made His ministering Spirits Angels and His ministers flames of fire!"
(New Day, December 13, 1975, pp. 6-8, given Rockland Palace October 5, 1941)
Respectfully submitted, Lavere E. Belstrom, President
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