Guest post by Leroy
Editorial note: depending on the device you are using to read this, you may need to click on some of the graphics to enlarge them to see all the details.
Probably
the most important massive event that took place in 1893 was the Columbian
Exposition, also known as the World's Fair, which brought together 27 and a
half million people eager to learn about the newest advances in science and
technology in the city of Chicago. But that same year, and in that same city,
another event was held (not so massive) that would mark the beginning of a
custom that Jehovah's Witnesses still carry out today. From August 20 to 24,
coinciding with the dates of the World's Fair, was held what went down in
history as the first Convention of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
But, was it really the first one? Where exactly was it held? And, what was done
there? Although little information is available, we can give an account of what
happened on this memorable occasion.
Why is it known as the first convention? – The background
Each year,
the Allegheny congregation met to celebrate the Lord's Supper, and on those
occasions anyone who wished to attend was invited to celebrate it together with
them. However, Zion’s Watch Tower
readers were more encouraged to meet with other believers they had nearby, or
to celebrate it even on their own. These annual meetings could not be
considered conventions, since basically only the group that met regularly in
Allegheny, and a few others, attended.
In 1888,
again, anyone who wished was invited to come to Allegheny to celebrate the Memorial
with the class of that city. On this occasion those who usually attended from
previous years came, although there were some new faces. The April 1888 ZWT
mentions that there were visitors from 7 states, in addition to the locals.
Although it was a 4-day meeting, there is no exact record of the number of
attendees, but it does mention that there were 13 baptized. This is the first
record we have of out of town visitors at the Allegheny Memorial.
The
following year, in 1889, the Memorial and special meetings for that week were
held April 14-17, 1889, in Allegheny. For the first time, special railroad
fares were advertised for the visitors and accommodations were arranged for them.
On this occasion 225 people from 12 states attended and 22 (10 men and 12
women) were baptized. For the first time we have a record of attendance,
although it remained primarily a local meeting. The term Convention was not yet
used.
In 1890 the
invitation was extended again, offering free lodging and lunch to most of the
visitors, as well as special rates on 97 railroad lines. That year, of the 200
attendees, 75 came from outside the area, hailing from 12 states. Thirty-one
were baptized.
In 1891 the
term Convention was used for the first time to identify the annual meeting for
the celebration of the Lord's Supper. This time the convention began 3 days before
the Memorial, on Sunday, April 19. Wednesday, after the Memorial, was devoted
to worship and fellowship, and the following three days were devoted to topics
of general interest related to the work of preaching and colporteur service.
Attendance included 140 outsiders, from 21 states, including attendees from
Canada. Fifty-one were baptized on Tuesday evening. Although this was actually
the first occasion where the term Convention was used to identify the event, it
remained a rather local affair with only a few outsiders attending.
In 1892 the
invitation was repeated and this time the event was advertised as:
BELIEVERS’ CONVENTION, AT ALLEGHENY, PA.,
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY, FOR BIBLE STUDY, IN
CONNECTION WITH THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OUR LORD’S DEATH.
From April
7 to 14, nearly 200 out of town guests, in addition to the locals, from 21
states including Canada, gathered. About 40 were baptized.
The first convention outside Allegheny
In 1893,
the invitation was repeated to accompany the Allegheny class in the celebration
of the Memorial of Jesus’ death. On this occasion, however, the other meetings
that on previous years took place during that special week were cancelled. The ZWT
of February 1, 1893, page 34, explains the reason:
Our application to the Railroads for excursion rates
has from year to year past met with increasing objections and limitations which
become burdensome. This year we are asked to pay the expenses of a railroad
agent—eleven dollars for the first day and six dollars each for succeeding
days, to see to the numbers in attendance, and to endorse all the returning,
reduced-rate tickets. And then, if the proper certificates number less than one
hundred, no reduction of rates would be allowed. The attendance from abroad is
usually more than this, but many purchase other tickets than those
specified—mileage, etc.
Concluding that excursion rates from all parts to
Chicago will be very cheap during the Summer (especially in August and
September), and that a larger number would be served by having a general
meeting there and then, than here, this year, we accordingly wrote the Railroad
people declining their restricted offer of excursion rates to Allegheny this
Spring.
We
trust that our decision will commend itself to all of our readers. Arrangements
for the Chicago Convention will be effected for some date probably not far from
September 1st, and will be such as will enable attendants to spend a few days
in Bible Study, with profitable intermissions in which to learn some valuable
lessons, by noting some of the wonderful inventions of this wonderful era which
the Lord speaks of as “the day of his preparation”—preparing for the blessing
of the world under the Millennial reign of righteousness and love.
Thus it was
decided that in 1893, the Memorial would be celebrated locally, but the Convention
would be held for the first time outside of Allegheny, and it would not
coincide with the dates of the Memorial, but rather it would be a Bible study
convention. This was the first time that a meeting with these characteristics
was held, and this would represent an important change with respect to what had
been done in previous years, especially for the residents of Allegheny. For the
first time these would have to travel to attend the event, as well as the
Society, which for the first time would be in charge of organizing from
beginning to end an event of several days outside its own facilities.
So we could
say that the 1893 convention is identified as the first convention mainly for
two reasons:
1. It was
not the Memorial celebration.
2. It was not held in Allegheny,
Pennsylvania.
How, when and by whom?
The date of
the expected event was finally announced in the July 1 issue of ZWT, pages
216-217, as well as some preliminary details:
AS already
announced, it is purposed to have a Convention at Chicago, this Summer, of
those deeply interested in the truths of God’s Word as presented in ZION’S
WATCH TOWER and MILLENNIAL DAWN. The time fixed upon as most suitable is August
20th to 24th, inclusive, the last day to be specially devoted to the interests
of the Colporteur work;—arranging for future fields of service, and instructing
the less successful and beginners as to methods, etc.
The main object of
the gathering is to permit as large a number as possible to enjoy a spiritual
feast of personal communion—one with the other, and all with the Lord, who
serves the feast, and who for some years past has been so richly fulfilling his
promise to his people in this respect. (Luke 12:37.) A secondary object will be
to meet and encourage and instruct in the work colporteurs and intending
colporteurs. Opportunity will also be afforded for symbolizing (in water)
baptism into Christ’s death. Many find no proper means of thus following the
Lord’s command in this (see our last issue) without disobeying his counsel by
joining some sectarian system of men. Arrangements will be made and robes
provided for serving such who may attend the meetings.
The date fixed is
in view of the fact that the lowest Railroad Excursion Rates may be expected
about that time. We are not asking or expecting specialrates, but
believe that by that time general competition will have brought fares down to
about one half the present rates, or one fourth the usual rates. Such terms
will prevail very generally, we believe; but if no cheaper rates are granted
than at present, it will be much cheaper than usual, and afford an opportunity
for many to attend whom we could not other wise hope to meet in the flesh.
As the opening day
will be Sunday, it will have three meetings or practically be an all-day
meeting, commencing at 10 A.M. Subsequent sessions will also open at 10 A.M.,
and close about 3 P.M., with an hour’s intermission for dinner. This
arrangement will not over-weary with sitting and thinking those of the
truth-hungry who are in ordinary health, and it will afford an excellent
opportunity, from 3 P.M. to 9 P.M. each day, for those who desire to learn,
from visits to the Columbian Exposition, some very valuable lessons on the
progress of our times—on the evidences that we are in “the day of his [God’s]
preparation,” in which arrangements are being perfected for the great work of
blessing and lifting up again the fallen race to opportunities for life
everlasting by their great Redeemer. The rest of the meetings, and the
knowledge of the divine plan, will thus prepare for an appreciation of the
greatest exhibit the world has ever seen; and the exercise of mind and body in
studying the wonders of the exhibit will but refresh and quicken mind and heart
for communion with God and study of his great Plan of the Ages, of which the
cross of Christ is the center.
We well know that
the item of expense will be a particular one to almost all of the “household”
(for not many rich or great hath God chosen, but the poor of this world, rich
in faith, to be heirs of the Kingdom). Hence we must make arrangements which
will be economical. We have not as yet concluded any arrangements; but can
promise the following very reasonable terms, viz.:—
A comfortable bed and three
substantial meals for One Dollar per day for each person. Those who
desire to visit the Exposition should count on about One Dollar per day extra,
for car-fare and entrance fee.
In those
years the general public was not invited to meetings, and the 1893 convention
was no exception. The invitation was limited to readers of the ZWT or the
Millennial Dawn series, and especially those who were consecrated. Colporteurs
were especially encouraged to attend, as the last day of the convention would
be devoted especially to them.
WHO ARE INVITED.
All MILLENNIAL DAWN
and WATCH TOWER readers, who are trusting in our Lord Jesus as their
Redeemer—their corresponding price, their substitute—and especially all such
who are fully consecrated, body, soul and spirit, to the Redeemer’s service,
are cordially invited to come.
Any such who
anticipate being able to attend are requested to send us their full names and
addresses at once, stating the facts. After arrangements have been fully
perfected, particular directions will be mailed to such as thus apply;—for
something may yet make a change of date necessary: but notice will be sent in
good season for you to reach the lodgings on the day preceding the Convention.
Colporteurs (and all who
think of becoming colporteurs) are specially urged to attend this convention,
as valuable instructions respecting the best methods of work will be given,
which we trust will more than double the results with many. Bring with you full
data respecting routes and towns already worked, as changes of routes, etc.,
may be necessary.
By this
time, the exact location of the convention had not been published, nor had
specific details about the lodging, except for the estimated cost per night and
cost of food. In the August 1893 ZWT it was announced that the place of
accommodation included pure well water.
The next
issue (8/15) included more details of the preparations for the event:
From present
indications it seems evident that our convention will be well
attended;—addresses of intending comers are from every quarter of the Union,
and from Canada. Let all come hungering and thirsting for righteousness (for a
right life, as well as for a right faith); for only such have the promise of
being filled. Come prepared to do good to others as you may find opportunity,
as well as to get good from contact with others of like precious faith.
For those
colporteurs who had difficulty paying for the trip, all kinds of support were
offered, so that everyone could be present:
Some of the
colporteurs write that they long to be there, but many of them fear that they
cannot incur so much expense—boarding and lodging, in addition to railroad
expenses. To all regular colportuers, who for more than a month past have been
giving their time exclusively to this work, we would say: This will be a
special occasion! We want to meet and greet every one of you! It will be
profitable to you, not only spiritually, but temporally; for after the meeting
you can get instruction in the successful methods of colporteur work:
instructions which will help you in coming years to make the work a success,
and thus will greatly increase your talents as stewards. Therefore, if
necessary to the meeting of your rail-road fare, we will give you a little longer
credit on DAWNS. And, if you need it, your boarding and lodging expenses during
the period of the Convention will be paid out of the Tract Fund.Surely
come!
It was important for everyone
to confirm their attendance in advance, so that the necessary rooms could be
set aside:
To all we
would say: Bring none with you that you have not previously mentioned to us by
letter, as our lodging quarters must be arranged for in advance.
And of
course, they were reminded that not everyone was invited to this special
occasion:
And please remember that only
those who believe in Christ as man’s redeemer, substitute, corresponding price,
are at all invited. For what communion hath light with darkness, or believers
with unbelievers? Make a distinction, therefore, between the clean and the
unclean;—between those who stand washed by faith in the precious blood, and
those who stand uncleansed, in the filthy rags of their own righteousness.
As of August 15, five days
before the convention, the ZWT had not yet announced the location of the
lodging and the venue for the sessions. The reason is that by the time this
issue of the magazine went to press, preparations were still underway, and
these details were not yet finalized. The fair had been underway since May, and
the city of Chicago was saturated with visitors. Hotel space was tight, and C.
T. Russell wanted to find a suitable venue for the convention, but also wanted
the accommodations to be convenient for both the convention and the fair. With
the fair in full swing and the city packed, it was difficult to find a place
with those characteristics.
The final arrangements were
sent individually to those who confirmed their attendance by means of a card.
Guests were to bring this card to the convention so that they could be
identified and given their room:
Uncertainty as to the number
who will attend, and other matters, have prevented our completing arrangements
so as to be able to give particulars at this date. But cards with instructions
will be mailed, in due time, to all who write accepting the invitation. These
should be preserved and brought along to the Convention. They will serve to
identify you to the person having the lodging arrangements in charge.
Where did it take place?
If we do an exhaustive search
in the pages of the ZWT, nowhere will we find the name or address of the place
where the convention was held, since it was never published. However, in 1914
the Chicago Bible Students published a booklet entitled "Our Temple"
which makes brief mention of the 1893 Convention and mentions the location:
55th Street and Washington Park.
Today, there is nothing at
that location, so until recently, there was no way of knowing what the place
where the convention was held looked like. It was also unknown what the card
that was sent to the guests looked like, but recently a fragment of what
appears to be the card, as well as the program of the convention, appeared in a
video. In these fragments the name of the place can be identified, as well as
some details of the place. Below is a reconstruction of the card and program:
The card reads:
TOWER BILE & TRACT SOCIETY’S
CONVENTION FOR BIBLE STUDY.
South Park Chautauqua
CHICAGO,
ILL., AUGUST 20-24, 1893.
Arrangements
have been made for lodging and meals for yourself and one companion at the South
Park Chautauqua ̶whose lodgings and
restaurant are located (near the World’s Fair grounds, at a Station of Chicago
Elevated Road) at the corner of Garfield Boulevard (55th street) and Washington
Park, Chicago. Preserve this notice: it will secure to you the following special
terms: Lodging (two persons in a bed), 25 cents each, per night; breakfast, 25
cents each; dinners and suppers, 30 cents each. Exclusive rooms in cottages,
extra.
The Convention will convene on Sunday, August 20th, in
the Chautauqua Auditorium, adjoining the lodgings. See Program.
The
railroads refuse any but their general, public arrangements. Subsequently, you
will need to rely upon the terms and dates offered by your nearest railroads, ̶
taking advantage of the excursions nearest to your date. Should this land you
in Chicago two or three days before the 20th, the meantime can be spent in
seeing the Fair; and upon presentation of this notice the Chautauqua grounds
will be open to you in the above terms.
When
nearing Chicago, direct the train-conductor to let you off at the depot nearest
the Elevated Road. Get off the Elevated Road at 55th street station. The
Chautauqua grounds will be just before you.
Come to the
Convention praying for a blessing on yourself, and seeking to convey one to others.
Yours in
our Redeemer,
Tower Bible
& Tract Society.
Allegheny, Pa.
The program (reconstructed):
As we can see, the card
mentions that the place where the convention was held was called South Park
Chautauqua.
Doing some research, we found
that this facility was built only a few months before the World's Fair, and was
planned as a place for Chautauqua Association events and other religious and
musical performances, as it had a large auditorium and accommodations for
visitors. It opened on June 1, 1893, with a series of lectures by Rev. T.
DeWitt Talmage.
Unfortunately, Mr. DeWitt's
sermons only attracted 200 people on the first night and 500 on the second,
which was much less than expected. The third event was not well attended
either, so the administration, just 5 days after its opening, decided to cancel
all the sermons and shows already scheduled for the rest of the season, and
decided to leave the place only as a resort for visitors to the fair, thus
opening the availability of both its auditorium and accommodations.
This situation was a boon to
the Society, who were at that time still without a convenient place to host the
guests, as well as a suitable auditorium for the sessions. The cancellation of
the events at the Chautauqua opened the opportunity to get both at the same
place, and at reasonable prices. CTR saw that opportunity and did not miss it.
What was South Park Chautauqua like?
In the months prior to its
opening, the management of South Park Chautauqua published many advertisements
in different newspapers mentioning the characteristics of the facility.
One of the most complete
advertisements, which gives us a detailed description of the place is the
following, taken from the Beatrice Daily Times, May 25 1893, Page 3 (the images
below are not part of the original ad):
Plan and Purpose,
The plan we have adopted lor the accommodation of our visitors has been the outgrowth of a consideration for their purses as well as their persons. We have erected on our grounds a number of long substantial buildings, inside of which spring beds are arranged the same as in a Pullman sleeping car.
They are such more comfortable, however, as the buildings are high and the beds are four feet and four inches wide with an aisle of five feet separating them. Good ventilation is assured by each bed, upper and lower, having a window. The windows are all supplied with wire screens. Imagine a well-ventilated sleeping car without the incessant jamming and grinding of motion, and you have a fair idea of the accommodations we have provided.
A certain
number of beds with a dressing-room constitute a section, in charge of
attendants, and trunk room check room and several commodious sitting rooms will
be among the conveniences.
The
buildings are divided into three classes:
·
Class A, for men;
·
Class B, for men, their wives and children;
·
Class C, for women exclusively.
Desirable Surroundings.
The grounds
are at north side of Garfield Boulevard, or 55th St. where it loses itself in
the diverging drives of Washington Park. To the east extends the Park with its
tortuous little lakes surrounded by winding walks and velvet lawns.
The western border of the magnificent common, where the great Columbian military reviews and pageants will take place, is but a couple of hundred yards distant. Passing in front of the grounds, and stretching its glistening white double road-way and broad belt of green off to the west to join Michigan Avenue, is Garfield Boulevard, a noble and fashionable thoroughfare, worthy of the name it bears. On a summer evening, lighted up by innumerable electric lamps and covered with Hying vehicles, it presents a beautiful and animated appearance.
The
superior advantages of close proximity to what is conceded by all to be the
finest park of the City of Parks and Drives cannot be too strongly emphasized.
The sight of the countless beds of bright Howers and wonderful floral designs
and a quiet walk along the tranquil lakes will refresh the weary eyes and body
of many an Exposition pilgrim after a day of busy sight-seeing.
The
devotees of tennis and base-ball may have free access to the splendidly kept
courts and diamonds; the lovers of boating may row to their hearts’ content
among the lakes of the Park; and those whose chief joy is the study of man may
here observe him in his happiest mood.
The
thousands of cyclists on their shining wheels, the handsome stylish carriages
with sleek horses and sleeker coachmen, and the grey-coated policemen erect on
their stately mounts, unite in impressing the stranger with the conviction that
he has happened along at some special holiday or celebration. A holiday is not
necessary, however, as every day is a gala day at Washington Park.
The Chautauqua.
Our large
amphitheatre, open on three sides to the cool lake breezes of the summer, is in
the middle of the grove that covers the grounds. There will be one or two
lectures, speeches or musical entertainments daily during the months of June,
July, August and September. Only speakers of national prominence whom everyone
desires to hear are engaged. For the Chautauquan, the teacher or the student
this is an unexampled opportunity to learn the thoughts of America’s brightest
men and women. Our program includes such names as Talmage, Gen’l Weaver, Sam
Jones, Mrs. Lease, Robert McIntyre, Henry Watterson and many others.
Safety.
A large one
thousand room hotel at Harvey built expressly for World's Fair business
recently caught fire and was totally consumed in a surprisingly short space of
time. Under our plan there is absolutely no danger of fire and its attending
horrors, for every bed has a window a yard or two from the ground.
The women’s
building is separate from the others and will be in charge of matrons whose
duty will be to see that unattended women will have every aid and attention. We
intend that it shall be as safe and respectable for women to come alone to
visit the Fair as to remain at their homes.
Cheapness.
No plan bas
been proposed for taking care of the hordes of people that will visit the Columbian
Exposition that even approaches in cheapness the rates we establish.
Fifty cents
a night for sleeping accommodations, the freedom of our beautiful grounds and
the privilege of the lectures and entertainments is extremely cheap.
It is estimated
that 200,000 people will daily pass the gates of the World’s Fair, and it is
safe to say that 500,000 people in addition to the regular popoulation will be
in Chicago during the entire season.
When there
is nothing of interest taking place in the city, the hotels are full, and,
although a number of hotels have been built, it is universally deplored that
there are by no means enough to afford comfortable acommodations at reasonable
rates for the coming millions. Conservative hotel men estimate that
$400,000,000 will be spent on hotel bills alone. The people justly expect hotel
expenses to constitute the greatest expense of the trip. At our rates it will
be a minor item.
Accessibility.
The South
Park Chautauqua may be reached by the Elevated Railroad, whose Garfield
Boulevard Station is but a block away; by the Cottage Grove Avenue cable cars,
east across Washington Park; by the State Street cable cars, four blocks west
on Garfield Boulevard; and by the Indiana Avenue horse car line, which
discharges its passengers four blocks north on 61st Street.
The Lake
Shore & Michigan Southern, the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific and the
Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railroads have a station on Garfield Boulevard, but
ten minutes walk to the west of our grounds.
The most
convenient way for our patrons to reach the Fair is to walk one block and board
and elevated train, which for five cents fare will take them inside the World’s
Fair Grounds.
From our location at Garfield Boulevard, or 55th Street, the 57th Street entrance to the Fair is within walking distance, about a mile away, and the Midway Plaisance entrance is but half that distance, across the Park.
Terms.
The terms
are one dollar a night for a double bed, or fifty cents for each if two persons
occupy it. Almost everyone who visits the Fair will come with a friend, and it
is easy to arrange to occupy the same bed. A bed will not be reserved for less
than ten nights.
Fill out
the enclosed blank and send us draft, postal note or money order for ten
dollars and will reserve a bed for any ten nights during the period from May
1st to November 1st that you may designate. For each additional night you may
desire a bed reserved the charge will be one dollar.
Your bed
will be assigned and reserved by class and number, and tickets sent you in
duplicate, so that both of two occupying one bed may have a ticket that will
secure admission.
On notice
to the Secretary, the tickets will be assignable, if assigned to people in the same
class as the original purchaser.
The
management reserves the right to refund money and refuse accommodations to
objectionable persons.
A single
admission to any lecture, speech or entertainment will be fifty cents, but
those holding a ten night ticket will be entitled to free admittance.
A good
restaurant will be conducted on the grounds, so as to afford board at minimum
cost.
An ad in the Ottawa Daily Republic gave more details
about the rooms:
These rooms
are new and handsomely finished, papered with paper that cost two dollars and
fifty cents a roll and all on first floor. There is no danger from fire as the
occupants can step from the window to the lawn. Good board is furnished at
twenty-five cents a meal.
The site was dismantled
shortly after the end of the World's Fair. By 1925 there was another structure
on the site:
Today, the place is empty,
there is only a gas station on one corner:
How was the convention?
The convention was a success
in many respects and the September ZWT gave a brief summary of the event:
WE have been
assured by letters since received, as well as by many of the friends while the
meetings in Chicago were in progress, that many, if not all, who attended the
Chicago Convention were greatly blessed and strengthened in the good way.
The location was
all that could be desired, facing Washington Park and near the lake front. Our
meetings were held in a large pavilion. The number in attendance was about 360,
of whom fully 300 came from a distance, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas,
Florida, Ontario, Manitoba, New England and Nova Scotia, as well as the nearer
states, being represented.
The services of
each day began with a prayer meeting followed by a short testimony meeting in
which present experiences, only, were in order. There were special
topics assigned to the prayer meetings for each day, and from these it will be
seen that the absent ones were not forgotten. The topics were as follows:
(1) The WATCH TOWER
office and its laborers.
(2) The
Colporteurs, and all laborers in the general harvest field.
(3) The Little
Flock, walking in the light of present truth.
(4) The Consecrated
yet in the darkness of error.
(5) Prayer for more
laborers in the vineyard, and for greater wisdom, love and zeal for all engaged
in it.
Following
these services came a discourse of about an hour and a half, then an
adjournment for dinner, after which the afternoon, from 2 until 5, was devoted
to the public answering of questions. The last day was devoted to the interest
of the Colporteur work; and on the day after the close of the Convention, some
of the experienced Colporteurs remained with some of the less successful and
the beginners, and held a school of colporteuring—giving instructions, pointing
out good and bad methods, manners and expressions etc.
It was a happy
looking gathering, and the soul present that received no blessing has good
reason to feel that considerable of the fault lay in his own state of
unpreparedness to share the blessing bestowed upon others. But we heard only of
blessings; and, thanks to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, we trust
and believe that as results of the meetings our Lord’s honor was increased and
a number of his saints refreshed and strengthened. And we hope that the
influence of that Convention may extend to the families and neighborhoods of
those present, whose lights we trust will shine brighter and brighter,
hereafter, before their fellow-saints, before the nominal church and before the
world.
Where did the baptism take place?
The magazine also reported the place of baptism as
well as the number of baptized:
The Calvary Baptist
Church of Chicago very kindly granted us the use of their baptistry; and, in
all, seventy symbolized their baptism into Christ’s death by immersion into
water. The proportion of brethren and sisters was about equal, and their ages
ranged from 17 to 70 years, the average being about 35 years. These who thus
witnessed to their consecration had generally been Christians for a
considerable time, although there were among them some new converts.
The Calvary Baptist Church of
Chicago lent its facilities for the baptism. The question is, where was the
church located?
Currently there is no church
with that name in Chicago, however, the Calvary Baptist Church still exists and
its history can be consulted on their website. In it we find that this church
was formed on October 12, 1892, when 65 members of various Baptist churches
resigned and organized to form the Calvary Baptist Church of Chicago.
This new congregation looked
for an ideal place to meet and found it in the building that had previously
been known as the Wabash Avenue Mission. The building was dedicated on January
1, 1893. The church only remained there until 1907.
The site was purchased in
1910 by St Thomas Episcopal Church for $20,000. Unfortunately this building was
consumed by fire in 1962, and the structure that currently occupies the site
was erected in its place.
However, the St. Thomas Episcopal Church
retains photographs of the building before it was burned down, as it looked
when it was used by Bible students for the 1893 Convention baptism. The
historian of St Thomas Church, Carol Neal has kindly shared these photographs
with us and we reproduce them with permission:
Facade of the building
Group outside the Building in 1915
Interior of the church where the baptism took place.
Location of Calvary Baptist Church
The church where the baptism took place was
located at 3801 South Wabash Avenue, corner of 38th Street. This is a 10 minute
drive from South Park Chautauqua.
Today, the St. Thomas Episcopal Church building is
located on the site.
The September 1, 1893 ZWT continues with
the convention report:
Remaining for a few
days after the Convention, to have private interviews with some, as well as to
get a glimpse at the great Columbian Fair, the Editor’s last public address was
delivered on Sunday evening, August 27. About fifty, chiefly colporteurs,
remained, and the subject was Prayer. He sought to show that it is a mistake to
suppose that the Lord Jesus may not be addressed in prayer, as well as the
Heavenly Father,—showed that our Lord’s expression in John 16:23-27 did not
mean that our Lord Jesus should no more be recognized in prayer, but rather
that, as the disciples had freedom toward Christ, and confidence in approaching
him, he was showing them that the time was coming when they could approach the
Father direct, in his name, “because the Father himself loveth you,” and that,
as soon as the sacrifice of atonement would he completed and accepted, he could
recognize these, because redeemed with the precious blood.—John 14:13.
Prayer, it was
shown, consists not merely of petition or request, but as a general term also
includes invocation, adoration, communion and thanksgiving. It was pointed out
that the prayers of “babes in Christ” are usually requests for earthly
favors and blessings, whereas the advanced Christian rarely requests
earthly favors. His prayers are usually thank offerings and communion
seasons—telling the Lord (the Father or the Son, either or both, for the
Father, as well as the Son, loves us;—John 16:27—and we have promise of
communion with both;—John 14:23—both are to be worshiped and loved equally, for
“all men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father;”—John
5:23—but intercourse with the Father can be had by us only in the name and
merit of his Son our Redeemer;—Heb. 10:19) of all his trials and troubles and
temptations, and calling to mind the gracious promises of his Word, but not
attempting to urge his will upon the Lord—fearful even to move the Almighty’s
arm, which, with his super-human wisdom, is pledged to cause all things to work
together for good to them that love him, the called ones according to his
purpose. Concerning earthly blessings our Lord remarked, After all these things
the Gentiles seek—but your Father knoweth [better than you do] what things ye
have need of. The requests of the advanced saints are for spiritual
favors, concerning which our Lord said, Your heavenly Father is more willing to
give the holy spirit to them that ask it, than earthly parents are to give good
(earthly) gifts to their children.—Luke 11:13.
One thought
particularly impressed throughout the meetings was the necessity for a heart
religion; and that any who have this should be and will be glad to get as much
intellectual knowledge of the divine will and plan as possible; but that those
who cultivate merely a head knowledge, and whose hearts and lives do not
accord, will surely be permitted to follow their own or other people’s false
reasonings into the outer darkness and confusion in which the world and nominal
Christians are at present groping.
At the end of the convention, when most of
the attendees had already left, a group of about 60, mostly colporteurs, stayed
for a few more days in Chicago. They are the ones who appear in the souvenir
photo, taken by Brother Witter. This is the only known photo of this
convention, and few digital versions exist, most of them of poor quality.
Taking several of these versions I have assembled this composite version, with
the best possible quality. It shows the complete photograph, and where the
windows, deck, and trees of South Park Chautauqua can be seen.
The ZWT also published some letters of gratitude
from convention attendees:
DEAR BROTHER AND
SISTER RUSSELL:—We desire to convey to you how deep an impression is made on
our spiritual being by the Chicago Convention. I want to speak particularly of
Brother Rogers also, and his wisdom and patience in the canvassing school. I
thank the dear Lord for Brother Rogers. I also found how much some have grown
in the last year. Like myself, they have been advanced, and received strength
for a more vigorous and patient warfare, as well as spiritual growth. I think a
very general expression of benefit received will come to your ears. For myself,
I am not only stimulated, but subdued, under the mighty hand of God, seen not
alone in the mighty events of this, Jehovah’s Day, and in the force and
clearness in which the truth in purity can now be seen (as well as “how great
is that darkness” now opposing truth), but also in the force and powerfulness
of the “weak things” of this world, that God is using to confound the mighty.
Among others,
Brother Nordlung asked me to tell you how much the Convention benefited him,
and also that he expects to “lose something” when the Swedish Dawn is
ready.
With love to God,
and to you as his messengers,
MR. &
MRS. J. B. ADAMSON.
BELOVED BROTHER
& SISTER RUSSELL:—Having returned from our Convention, I feel it a duty I
owe both to my Master and to you, to tell you of the great benefits vouchsafed
to me, a very weak servant, while in attendance. Had there been time for each
to have related his or her experience, all I could say is that “God’s grace is
sufficient for me,” and that “The life I now live, I live by the faith of the
Son of God.” I feel like writing a long letter from a heart overflowing with
joy and gratitude, but I realize more now than ever that your time is exceedingly
precious. Yours in much love,
A. M. RUSSELL.
DEAR BROTHER
RUSSELL:—It is with a very grateful heart that I write these few lines, to
express my appreciation of being so privileged as to attend the meeting at
Chicago, and there to meet so many whose sole desire is to serve their Lord and
Master in all things and at all times. I was very much blest to hear so many
kind and loving words of exhortation and counsel. May the Lord continue to
bless and give an abundance of his Spirit to all those who truly love the
truth, that they may each be able to speak as an oracle of God.
I have done very
well in the colporteur work since the meeting. I sold and delivered ninety-nine
DAWNS in four days. One day I took orders for fifty-four. I hope my success
will continue.
May the Lord bless
his co-laborers, Yours in the Redeemer,
WM.
MCALPINE.
DEAR BROTHER AND
SISTER RUSSELL:—I am using the improved method in canvassing, learned at the
Convention, and am greatly pleased with it. This is a very dull place, but I
took sixteen orders Friday, and fifteen yesterday. The introduction on entering
is a great help. I never knew, till I used it, that introducing myself as “Miss
Way—a representative of the Tower Bible & Tract Society,” would do
so much to gain me an attentive hearing.
How we thank the
Lord for the meeting in Chicago, and the joy of meeting yourselves and so many
of the dear brothers and sisters in Christ, enabling us to realize more fully
the joy set before us and that happy everlasting meeting beyond the vail! We
learned many lessons, too, that I trust will bear fruit all through our lives.
We feel encouraged to press on, more desire to be proficient in our work and
more submissive to him who moulds us according to his will. Pray for us—as we
do for you all—that we may be kept from every seducing error, and may overcome
through the blood of the Lamb.
Yours in the
Redeemer,
FRANCES A.
WAY.
DEAR BROTHER
RUSSELL:—Just a word to say we arrived back at our corner of the harvest field
safe and well from the Convention. We have only begun to digest the many good
things we heard while at the meeting, but truly it was good to be there and to
meet so many of like precious faith. I hope and trust we shall still be kept
humble and faithful, and be allowed to labor for the Master and his truth. I
expect to begin the colporteuring again very soon. Find enclosed an order which
kindly have filled. With much love to all, yours in Him,
W. J. WEBB.
I feel more
encouraged than ever to press forward in the narrow way, and the dear Lord and
his saints seem nearer and dearer to me since our last Convention than ever
before. I can truthfully say that now is my salvation nearer than when I first
believed. Praise the Lord for his loving kindness! Pray for me that I may prove
faithful to the end; for I realize that only those that are faithful even unto
death shall hear the “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou
into the joys of thy Lord.”
Yours in our dear
Redeemer,
MRS. L. P.
BEELER.
The first... and the last convention?
Despite the success of the convention, CTR
made the decision to suspend general assemblies after the Chicago experience.
What was the reason? There were two main reasons, which were stated in the
annual report in the December 15, 1893 issue:
CONSIDERING the
financial depression of the year ending Dec. 1, ’93, which has very generally
affected everybody and everything, it is not surprising that the work of the
WATCH TOWER TRACT SOCIETY also has been somewhat hindered.
We have many indications
that the spiritual condition of the WATCH TOWER subscribers is better—their
love and zeal stronger—than ever before; and this naturally would have meant
larger donations to the Tract Fund and more of them,—had it not been for the
financial stringency. Under the circumstances, therefore, the showing of this
report, below, is most satisfactory.
The fact that the
donations aggregated little less than for ’92 may therefore be considered an
improvement of one-half over that year; and it will be remembered (refer to our
report of one year ago) that ’92 was a marked improvement over the several
years preceding it.
Another item which
no doubt influenced the total was the Chicago Convention. An estimate, made at
the time, showed that the total expense of those who attended that Convention
was five thousand dollars or more. This extra expense no doubt affected the
Tract Fund receipts to a considerable extent. And while we have had many
reports of good accomplished by that Convention, it is still a question whether
the same time and money spent in colporteuring DAWNS, publishing and
distributing Tracts, etc., might not have accomplished still more good—have
yielded still greater returns to the King’s glory.
Indeed, we have
been favorably impressed with a suggestion made by one who was present at the
Chicago Convention, and who usually attends the Allegheny Convention, that
hereafter our Conventions, held for several years past, be discontinued; that
thus the interests of the general work would be conserved. And although we have
enjoyed these annual gatherings greatly—the personal greetings and communions
with visiting saints—we feel that there is wisdom in this suggestion of their
discontinuance in favor of the Fund for the propagation of the truth by means
of tracts, etc.
Another reason,
almost as weighty, and one of growing importance to the work, is the item of
time. Each year, as the number in attendance increases, the demands upon the
time of the Editors of the WATCH TOWER increases; so that the time for preparation
before these Conventions, and the time spent after them in getting caught up on
work which meantime gets behind, in addition to the time spent during the
Conventions, means in all two months—the one-sixth of each year. We of course enjoy
this use of our time; and our only question is, regarding the best and wisest
use of that time. It seems to us wisest and most to our Lord’s praise to use
this time for the benefit of all the saints in preparing and publishing
truth in a printed form, at least until the MILLENNIAL DAWN series has been
completed. Together, these considerations seem to us a sufficient reason for
discontinuing the General Conventions heretofore held at Allegheny on the
anniversary of our Redeemer’s death. At all events, we can well dispense with
the meeting next Spring, since it is so short a time since the Chicago
Convention. And this economy will undoubtedly redound to the benefit of the
work for ’94.
J. A. Bohnet expressed his approval of
this decision in a letter published on January 15, 1894:
I have just read in
the December TOWER your views in regard to the annual convention; and I fully
agree with you. It seems to me your time should be given to the many rather
than to the few. While I am very grateful for the opportunity of meeting you at
the last one, I feel as if it had been at the expense of others to whom you
could have given your time. We who are in the faith do not need conventions as
much as we need to impart to others the blessed truths. We are, I think, willing
to forego convention pleasures if doing so will hasten the publishing of other
volumes of the DAWN series.
Wishing you a Happy
New Year, Yours in Christian love and fellowship,
J.A.
BOHNET.
This was, for the time being,
the beginning and the end of the Bible Students' Conventions, though not for
long. In 1898 the Omaha Exposition was held in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the
brethren in that area proposed to CTR to take advantage of the reduced railroad
fares due to the fair and hold another convention. He agreed, and again,
through the pages of the ZWT, his readers were invited to attend this new
meeting, which again was a success.
Since then, Conventions have been a
characteristic feature of Jehovah's Witnesses, and a fundamental part of their
worship. Today we enjoy three assemblies a year, where, as in the General Convention
of 1893, we receive solid spiritual food and enjoy pleasant Christian
fellowship.
Bibliography
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