Dear Br. Russell Kurzen

by IslandWoman 5 Replies latest jw friends

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  IslandWoman

  I have today received the November 1, 2001 Watchtower with your life story.

  In my youth I was a member of the Bayshore Congregation, Long Island, New York.

  Many years ago as a teenager, I was out in service with Br.Clarence and Sr.Bea Beatty (not certain of spelling), on a sunny day on L.I. If you remember they were fleshly brother and sister, Br. Beatty, though elderly, married I believe, some time later.

  They took me along to visit your father who was ailing and near death. They went to visit him to provide encouragement during this hard time for him.

  What struck me was that there he was sick in bed, with visitors around him, yet HE was the one who endeavored to provide encouragement.

  He spoke with a firm voice and with conviction. He told us of the importance of reading the Watchtower, giving the advice to always start with the first article and read it through.

  This impressed me, very much. Here we were visiting him to help him, yet he tried to help us!

  I am no longer a JW but still, though I doubt you will ever read this, I just wanted to let you know that your father was a fine man.

  His picture on page 20, is extraordinary, I remember him, he though old when I knew him, had not changed that much.

  I remember my brothers and still love them.

  Hoping all is well with you,
  IslandWoman
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  jst2laws

  Islandwoman,
  I agree, Russel will probably not read this. But I wish he would. I knew and respected Russell, and his brother John (inventor of the vertical phonograph player). I only knew then both as a Bethelite, but could tell they were not normal "players". Especially John. Why would he come back to Bethel to work every day from living independantly outside after the nonsense he endured at Bethel?

  By the way, I was in the FarRockaway Congregation in the late 60's. Somehow Bayshore congregation sounds familiar! Are you old enough to remember the 60's Islandwoman?

  Jst2laws
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  IslandWoman

  Jst2laws,

  Yes, I am old enough to remember the 60's! My home congregation as a young adult, was Babylon, Long Island. I was hoping to hear from some NY friends! Hello!
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  AlanF

  Hi IslandWoman,

  You're from Long Island! I grew up there, too. Attended at various times the Hempstead, East Meadow, Bellmore and Manhasset congregations. Was in Bellmore and East Meadow in the 1960s. I'm sure I knew some people from Babylon. Email me if you'd like to get in touch.

  I met Russell Kurzen around 1968, when he was at the then-new Watchtower Farms. Interesting man. He's in his 90s now, but quite a corker, I hear.

  AlanF
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  jst2laws

  Islandwoman,
  I was there. I rode my bike to Babylon to the state park on the coast and stayed overnite with several friends. Not sure if I was ever out there to give a talk. This was about 1969. I would come out there often to get away from the big city.

  AlanF
  We may have crossed paths. Judging from your pic you were young in 1968. I spent time in FarRockaway, Rockaway Beach, and Long Island City Congregations in the 60's and 70's.

  Jst2laws
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  AlanF

  Howdy jst2laws,

  I was 17 in 1968. I don't remember anyone from the congregations you mention back then, so it's possible but unlikely that we crossed paths. If you'd like to get in touch by phone, call me sometime at 970-206-1555 in Colorado.

  AlanF