http://www.blogtalkradio.com/healingxjws/2010/07/10/tribute-to-raymond-franz
I felt Tom added some details about the background of the members of the original Governing Body (who were farmers, etc.) and the expertise of George Gangas with Greek, Knorr's bad temperament, and the big deal over the book "Aid to Bible Understanding" back in the late 70s. He covers some material not mentioned elsewhere, even in Ray's books, much of which I witnessed there as well.
Why did Freddy defy Dan Sydlik by wearing a raggy old T-shirt to the breakfast table that said, "Where in the Hell is McCook, Nebraska?"
Why did Knorr allow a faithful Bethelite who served the WT for decades die on a park bench outside of Bethel?
Why do grasshoppers hate underwear?
Find out by listening at the link above.
A good follow-up is the Gilead lecture given by Freddy Franz at a Gilead Graduation where he blasts the idea of a Governing body without mincing any words, at the same time sounding like an old Baptist hellfire preacher:
Fred Franz Gilead Graduation 1975 (transcript)
Fred Franz Gilead Graduation 1975
File Name: 1975-Fred-Franz-Gilead-Talk.pdf File Size: 2.81 MB Date: 24. August 2009
Description:
The Oracle Fred Franz addresses the 59th Class to attend Gilead. In this full typewritten transcript read how he extensively defends the position of WTS President - apparently in the face of renewed demands to share power with the Governing Body.
No date was too insignificant to be assigned some prophetic drama by Freddie - even the very day of that graduation - 7th September 1975 - was worthy of a mention. Find out for for yourself the Hebrew calendar equivalent of this important date amongst many other gems!
LISTEN to the actual audio recording of this talk by Freddy:
Fred Franz rejects "Governing Body" idea at 1975 Gilead Graduation
goes better with beer and chips.
Randy