on a recent thread farkel provided a transcript of a letter written by walter salter in 1937:.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/149105/2710321/post.ashx#2710321.
in all my years i have never seen the wts respond as vigorously and openly as it did to this event...not even ray franz got this much attention.. as an opener, here is the initial response printed in the wt (this is also a transcript, but .pdf's of the original can be provided as needed):.
avishai:
What a bunch of psycho bastards...
Now, now! You miss the point: Salter was the psycho bastard: First he mushes his brain with alcohol, then he becomes one of the evil servant class, then he becomes one of the man of sin class, then he joins himself into league with the Catholic Hierarchy, with a "new" Bible in hand. But further evidence of Salter's fall into sin is yet to be demonstrated, even as the news of his demise is promulgated around the world, and the plot thickens.
on a recent thread farkel provided a transcript of a letter written by walter salter in 1937:.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/149105/2710321/post.ashx#2710321.
in all my years i have never seen the wts respond as vigorously and openly as it did to this event...not even ray franz got this much attention.. as an opener, here is the initial response printed in the wt (this is also a transcript, but .pdf's of the original can be provided as needed):.
Here's the next installment (almost a year after Salter was df'd):
w 4/1/38 107
"EVIL SERVANT"
THAT the Lord’s people may be informed of some of the activities of the "evil servant" class the following is published:
One Anderson has "spilled over" and talked out of turn in so far as his coconspirators are concerned. He talked in the presence of reliable witnesses and, among other things, said the following: That the Roman Catholic Hierarchy sold to the Museum in London a correct writing of the entire Bible for $550,000.00, and that they expected to show by this newly discovered Bible manuscript that the Watch Tower publications are all wrong; that one Salter together with certain clergymen or priests of the Roman Catholic organization in Canada and elsewhere is preparing to publish certain things which they think will be derogatory to the Watch Tower publications and to the Society in general. He reports Salter as being exceedingly active with Catholic priests in preparing their ammunition for a joint attack at an early date. This is to advise that all who are devoted to the Lord and his kingdom interests should in no wise be disturbed, regardless of what the "man of sin," made up of the clergy and the "evil servant" class, may publish. The Lord has informed his people that the battle is his.
w 4/1/38 108
Our business is to proclaim his truth, and he will take care of the result. Let everyone be of good courage us and press forward in the work that the Lord has given to do.
on a recent thread farkel provided a transcript of a letter written by walter salter in 1937:.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/149105/2710321/post.ashx#2710321.
in all my years i have never seen the wts respond as vigorously and openly as it did to this event...not even ray franz got this much attention.. as an opener, here is the initial response printed in the wt (this is also a transcript, but .pdf's of the original can be provided as needed):.
steve2:
I wonder whatever became of Mr Salter?
Well, considering that he had been a "good boy" for twenty years, up till the mid-30s, I would assume that he was around 40 then...which would make him near 100 years old when the WTS decided to take one last stab at his corpse. Other than that, I couldn't find anything...perhaps others know?
Kenneson:
In Canada, there was W.F. Salter, a branch manager of the Society who began to disagree with the Society's publications...
How convenient that they leave out the rum-running at Rutherford's behest, eh? But then, we all know that Rutherford was a tea-totaler...again, a subject for another thread. LOL
on a recent thread farkel provided a transcript of a letter written by walter salter in 1937:.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/149105/2710321/post.ashx#2710321.
in all my years i have never seen the wts respond as vigorously and openly as it did to this event...not even ray franz got this much attention.. as an opener, here is the initial response printed in the wt (this is also a transcript, but .pdf's of the original can be provided as needed):.
Here's the next letter:
W 7/1/37 207
LETTERS
RESOLUTION
Dear Brother Rutherford:
We received from the Canadian branch, Toronto, this afternoon, information leading to the disfellowshiping of Walter F. Salter by the Toronto company. At the regular weekly service meeting of the Winnipeg [Canada] company of Jehovah’s witnesses, held this date, the motion of disfellowshiping Walter F. Salter by the Toronto company was also concurred in by the company here. The following resolution was also moved, seconded, and passed unanimously:
(1) Seeing that the Lord’s people are being subjected to a barrage of literature calculated to undermine and overthrow the faith of some, the Winnipeg company of Jehovah’s witnesses hereby recommend to all of the Lord’s people, here and elsewhere, the following course as a means of protection and safety:
(2) Increased activity and interest in the Lord’s work, especially in the ‘strange work’ in the field sersme now beginning, as also the studies in The Watchtower and other publications of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
(3) The destruction, without reading, of any such literature received through the mail or otherwise.
(4) The turning of a deaf ear to anyone among us manifesting a desire to debate or argue respecting this course of action.
We take this opportunity to tell you that we are unitedly behind you as the one Jehovah has raised up to carry forward the Kingdom witness, as directed by Christ Jesus, Jehovah’s mighty King and Vindicator.
We are in full harmony with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and the teachings which Jehovah is so bountifully providing us, through his visible channel, the columns of The Watchtower.
We assure you of our Christian love and our desire is that the Lord will continue to guide and direct you to the end that his purposes might be carried out.
The above motion was unanimously adopted at a regular meeting of the company.
Notice any similarities? LOL
on a recent thread farkel provided a transcript of a letter written by walter salter in 1937:.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/149105/2710321/post.ashx#2710321.
in all my years i have never seen the wts respond as vigorously and openly as it did to this event...not even ray franz got this much attention.. as an opener, here is the initial response printed in the wt (this is also a transcript, but .pdf's of the original can be provided as needed):.
nowadays it would give unbelievable publicity (negative) and legal woes since we live in a different age.
Yep. And even so, amazingly, the WTS (marching to Rutherford's demands) embarked on yet another such public vilification with regard to Olin Moyle...and that time paid a steep price! But that's a subject for another thread, eh?
on a recent thread farkel provided a transcript of a letter written by walter salter in 1937:.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/149105/2710321/post.ashx#2710321.
in all my years i have never seen the wts respond as vigorously and openly as it did to this event...not even ray franz got this much attention.. as an opener, here is the initial response printed in the wt (this is also a transcript, but .pdf's of the original can be provided as needed):.
Another letter follows in a couple of months, to be posted shortly, wherein is outlined "suggestions" about how to deal with apostates and their literature...admonitions which uncannily mirror the current policies of the WTS.
on a recent thread farkel provided a transcript of a letter written by walter salter in 1937:.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/149105/2710321/post.ashx#2710321.
in all my years i have never seen the wts respond as vigorously and openly as it did to this event...not even ray franz got this much attention.. as an opener, here is the initial response printed in the wt (this is also a transcript, but .pdf's of the original can be provided as needed):.
Here are the followup letters, published in the same 5/15 WT:
W 5/15/37 159
Dear Brother Rutherford:April 16, 1937
To hand this morning is a further letter published by W. F. Salter. It was forwarded by Brother Hersec, who is at present doing a little pioneer work in Port Huron. I am forwarding this to you immediately in case it has not yet been brought to your attention. This is the first one to come to our notice. I feel compelled to write a word to you that you may know of my love for you.
It has been my privilege to work in the Society’s office for the last fourteen years, and during that time I have grown to
W 5/15/37 160
truly love you because you magnify Jehovah’s name. Year after year your fearlessness in boldly facing all manner of opposition to publicly hold forth the Word of life, in exposing the Devil’s schemes and all forms of false worship in the church as well as out of it, in assisting Jehovah’s anointed and the people of good-will, is complete testimony to your unselfish devotion to Jehovah, and that his favor, protection and blessing is with you in its fullness.
Your love for the brethren has been demonstrated over and over again by considering their needs. This is true, not only concerning the pioneers, but also toward the Bethel family in London, with whom I was privileged to associate and serve for many years. Your stay at the Bethel home in London was always a joy to look forward to. We knew you had our interests at heart, and you never spared yourself to find ways and means to show your love for us, and to make us happy in the Lord and in his service. This is without contradiction. It has been my experience to know you as an elder brother; yes, and time and again as a father and true counselor.
Again I repeat that I love and respect you as the president of the Society, because Jehovah has honored you with His great service. I know from personal experience that you are true, just and full of love for Jehovah and his people, who are your brethren.
The Bethel family also go on record as declaring their love for you, and that not out of hearsay, but out of close association with you. I am pleased to enclose with my own above declaration the one sent from the whole Bethel family.
Your brother and servant in the Lord,
P. Chapman
Dear Brother Rutherford:
April 16, 1937
Twelve months ago you saw fit to remove from office W. F. Salter, who had been reported to you as not being loyal to the organization, and now, after twelve months, he has clearly shown his hand as being against the Lord, the Society and yourself. Therefore, we, the Bethel family at Toronto, make known the following:
That for years W. F. Salter showed himself to be thoroughly selfish, egotistical, and had an undue sense of his own importance. He had not been loyal to you nor to the organization. From the platform and in private conversation he would consistently try to undermine your influence in the minds of the friends, and impress them with his own ideas.
Also that for years he questioned that which came from the Watch Tower, questioned the evidence of the Lord’s being at His temple, and endeavored to put doubt into the minds of the brethren as to Jehovah and Christ Jesus’ being our teachers.
For this man now to pose as loving the Lord and his people clearly marks him as a hypocrite and a liar. Therefore we go on record that our full devotion is toward the Lord and the interests of his kingdom. Not only have we full confidence in the Lord that He is directing His organization and His work, but also that He has placed you in charge of the direction of the earthly affairs of His people.
This family is now at unity, whole-hearted in Jehovah’s service, and now dwells in peace, and unanimously sends this statement to you.
With our warm love to you, we are
Your BETHEL FAMILY at TORONTO
on a recent thread farkel provided a transcript of a letter written by walter salter in 1937:.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/149105/2710321/post.ashx#2710321.
in all my years i have never seen the wts respond as vigorously and openly as it did to this event...not even ray franz got this much attention.. as an opener, here is the initial response printed in the wt (this is also a transcript, but .pdf's of the original can be provided as needed):.
I remember reading about Salter. The Society, I think, learned not to publcly discuss their decisions after that df'ing. Bad publicity, dirty laundry, etc.
You'd think so, wouldn't you?! But not only did the dirty laundry continue on for several years after 1937, but even as recently as 1993 the WTS saw fit to "remind" JWs about the Walter Salter affair, and includes a rather lengthy section in the 1979 Yearbook (I'll post that a bit later).
on a recent thread farkel provided a transcript of a letter written by walter salter in 1937:.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/149105/2710321/post.ashx#2710321.
in all my years i have never seen the wts respond as vigorously and openly as it did to this event...not even ray franz got this much attention.. as an opener, here is the initial response printed in the wt (this is also a transcript, but .pdf's of the original can be provided as needed):.
From the next month's WT:
W 5/15/37 159
LETTERS RE: EVIL SERVANT
Dear Brother Rutherford:
April 12, 1937
Re Salter’s letter: The following telegram was sent from this office on Saturday morning to each large company in Canada: "Salter’s letter and instruction not from Society. Fraudulent. lgnore it."
On Saturday evening a meeting was arranged and the following were present: The servant of companies, his assistant, Brother Sinclair, a faithful brother who has been long associated with the Toronto company, and myself. It was decided that the following afternoon, at the time of the assembly of all the units for service discussion, a motion be introduced to disfellowship W. F. Salter from the Toronto company.
Sunday afternoon at the service meeting I was in the chair, and toward the end of the meeting the position was put before the brethren, of whom there would be between 300 and 400 assembled. The envelope with the Society’s address and the printed letter to yourself from Salter were displayed, and the covering unsigned instructions were read to the company so that the brethren should realize the wickedness of those who were responsible for this action. Many of the elder brethren expressed their disgust at such an action. Brother Sinclair then came forward and read to the church the matter prepared. A copy of this is enclosed.
Someone in the hall then raised the question whether Brother Salter was present, and the chairman stated that if he were he would be able to hear for himself what was being said, and if he were not, he would be notified.
A. G. Cameron, former company servant and friend of W. F. Salter, raised his voice in favor of the letter, stating amongst his remarks, "I know the article in question; I have read it, and read it carefully. It is true that Brother Salter has challenged Brother Rutherford to answer it point by point, and I now challenge you, Brother Chapman, to answer it point by point and deal with it faithfully, because I firmly believe that the church has arrived at the crossroads. Up to this day we have all followed men, blind leaders of the blind and all making to the ditch. It cannot be denied that as an organization we have been mistaken in the past many times, and it cannot be denied that we are mistaken now." To this the answer was given from the chair: "I am glad you have shown yourself at last, Brother Cameron. It has taken you twelve months to show yourself in your true colors." The whole company evidenced their agreement by an unusual outburst of clapping.
Pointed remarks were then made by Brother Guest regarding Salter, showing that for at least three years he had not been in harmony with the organization. A sister in the rear of the hall (afterwards confirmed to be Salter’s former stenographer) asked if she might speak. It was ruled by the chairman, however, that the brothers were capable of dealing with the matter. Other brothers then expressed themselves in no uncertain way regarding their attitude toward this scheme to hurt the Lord’s people. Cameron endeavored to hold the floor again, no doubt trying to regain something he had lost. The time was getting on and there had been ample discussion to clearly show what was the mind of the church on the motion, and therefore the chairman did not give permission for him to speak further. Cameron shouted out several times, and refused to recognize the ruling of the chair. The company was then appealed to by the chairman as to whether they wished to hear Cameron or not, and they replied with a great shout "No."
Brother Sinclair was then called upon to again read and move the resolution. It was seconded, and the whole church were in favor, with the exception of three dissenting votes. These were Cameron, his daughter and G. Richardson. The meeting then closed.
This morning the servant of companies is sending a copy of the resolution passed by the church to W. F. Salter by registered mail, so that we will be sure he receives it.
Re: the resolution: Would you approve of a copy of this resolution’s being sent to the companies in Canada, so that they may be made aware of the decision of the Toronto company? Several brethren have stated that they would be glad if this could he arranged.
This morning many telephone calls have been received from brethren in different parts of Toronto stating that a copy of the printed letter has been received by them in the early morning post. These letters were posted in Toronto at 11:30 p.m. Saturday.
It is very evident that it was thought that the brethren and this office would be deceived, and conclude that these arrangements had actually come from Brooklyn. It would also appear that a discussion of these points was anticipated yesterday, and hence a follow-up of the work by sending the letter to many brethren in Toronto for this morning.
The discussion of yesterday afternoon, and the decision by the church, has had the effect of giving the church an immediate stimulus to further activity, and it has assisted some brethren, who had wondered about Salter and Cameron, to have no further doubts, and to make straight paths for their feet.
With warm love, I am
Your brother and servant in Him,
P. Chapman
COPY OF RESOLUTION PREPARED AND MOVED BY BROTHER W. A. SINCLAIR, AND PASSED
Almost a year ago the Society’s president, Brother Rutherford, saw fit to remove from office one to whom for years we had looked with confidence for leadership in the Lord’s work here in Toronto. At the time, and subsequently, through The Watchtower and Year Book for 1937, the principles underlying this course of action and the reason for it were expressed.
At the time that the change of servant took effect, many in our midst looked for some word from the brother discharged to indicate sorrow, repentance or reformation in his attitude toward the Society and brethren. Since that time, many others have patiently waited for some statement tending to clear the situation. Many have wondered as to the course of action to take.
Thus far, no public acknowledgment has been made.
In the last month or two, Brother Rutherford has quietly made arrangements for the greatest and strangest campaign against the enemy organization that has ever been undertaken under the Lord’s direction. On the eve of that campaign the Devil has seen fit to throw (as he thought) a bombshell into our midst, and we, as well as others, are in receipt of planted matter to be read among and disseminated among the brethren and purporting to be sent by the Society. Associated with this literature is the name of W. F. Salter. Needless to say, a serious consideration of this matter would, to say the least, tend to doubt and dissension among the brethren.
I therefore move the following resolution:
"That in view of the facts set forth above, we, the company of Jehovah’s nitnesses to Toronto and vicinity, failing to receive in the course of the next seven days, in writing, a clear statement of sorrow, repentance and reformation from the brother, do hereby disfellowship the one known as Brother W. F. Salter."
There follow a number of letters, which I will post next.
back when i was just lurking on this board, someone posted some information from an old wtower or awake!
that showed the society was against disfellowshipping.
the society said it hurt people, and that if people choose to disagree with the borganization, they should have full liberty of conscience to do so.
Atlantis, thanks for those scans of that 1920s article. I did my transcription from the Research Applications CD. Is that what you are using, or do you have hard copies?
