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More often than not, the first time you met Bro. Russell he would likely ask
you: "Are you Consecrated?"
Bro. Russell was a believer of being on time to meetings and if the brethren
began a habit of strolling in late he would have the doors locked. Rutherford
on at least on occasion locked the brethren in, not letting them leave.
Bro. Russell had a quick wit and tried on a few occasions to suppress it but
the brethren complained that he seemed sick when he did this.
The original "Miracle Wheat" grew to over 6 feet tall. But it had to be
planted with enough space or it would produce no better than ordinary wheat.
The First Volume was so widely published in Bro. Russell's day that the only
book in the world that had greater distribution was the Bible.
It's possible, contrary to some of the stories passed down, that even had the
nominations and election not been fixed, Rutherford would have been elected
the President of the WTBTS anyway. In 1915 he had published a book defending
Bro. Russell and was considered brilliant in his debates with a well known
minister in Los Angeles. He was a rising star with the all the appearances of
a leader. Bro. Russell planned for significant change in the way things were
controlled upon his death which the board tried to enforce. Rutherford, by
thwarting Bro. Russell's plans, made it possible for himself to step into Bro.
Russell's place in the minds of the majority of the Brethren. Rutherford
disregarded Bro. Russell's wishes but won the political support of most
brethren.
$162,000, a lot by 1916 standards, held in the safe at Bethel, disappeared
after the Pastor's death. Much of it may have been from and held in trust for
a wealthy sister living at the Bethel. Upon Rutherford's take over that money
was never seen again, and the sister was asked to leave.
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Highlights