I recently discovered through conversation with an "old time" buddy of mine (who was active in the 60's when I was) a tidbit of staggering news.
There was a older fellow at the Kingdom Hall who greeted everybody with wintergreen mints and a friendly manner. He was an insurance salesman in his employment and, I think, had retired by the time I knew him. His son was a young teen like I was and we all (the young guys) hung out together in our spare time.
As far as I know Harry Sr. (now deceased) was a JW in good standing.
Yet:
1.Never went out in service or reported any time.
2.Drank heavily
3.Was abusive to his wife
4.Never joined the Theocratic Ministry School
5.Handed out keys to the Kingdom Hall
Not a great scandal, I suppose, yet it is rather astonishing.
A good ole boy can get away with a lot (or at least use to be able to.)
The son became a Pioneer for awhile.
He:
1.Ditched magazines and counted them as placements
2.Goofed off out in service pretending to ring doorbells, unscrewing porchlights, introducing himself with a ridiculous alias, etc.
3.Beat his wife
4.Huffed gasoline to get high!
5.Wrecked his car frequently by driving crazy. (Weaving just for a laugh).
6.Had dated just about every available sister in the state (as a successful lothario.)
Interesting Kingdom Hall, eh?