I'm thinking that he spent his time with people who could get him a) money, b) sex, grow his power base. Back in the early 70's those were the only stops I knew he would make regardless of his travel itinerary.
Thanks, guys
Yeah, maybe he he was more inta chillin' wid his own posse.
I was active in TWI from 1978 - 1983 and again from 1990 - 2001.
I was in New York until ROA 1980 and only laid eyes on Wierwille at the ROA's: teaching on the main stage and at my first ROA shook his hand in the registration tent. Also at Advanced Class '80 where I discussed TWI's outreach in the Cuban detention camps in Arkansas.
During the time I was active in Nebraska he visited once, in October 1981. He and Howard Allen were on a hunting trip and he detoured long enough to do an open meeting, followed by a meeting with WOW's/WOWvets and another one with the Way Corps.
During the previous year Don Wierwille was visiting some former colleagues from his days as a school administrator and had an open meeting in North Platte Nebraska. I recall that one because I was reproved by the region coordinator John Bvtler for helping myself to a beer that had been designated for Way Corps.
Yeah, maybe he he was more inta chillin' wid his own posse.
Know what ahm sayin'?
Yup --- that about sums it up, waysider.
There's a lake somewhere in northern Minney-soda that he used to go fishing at.
If I recollect correct -- it was an annual thing --- (someone correct me if I'm wrong);
but that's the impression I got from things I've read and heard.
Never did hear that he was stopping anywhere in the state to meet with *the faithful*.
Guess he wanted to be a fisher of fish, and not men. Oh well. Leave that to his minion's, eh?
There were only TWO visits by *VIP's* in the 30 years I've lived here in Duluth.
The first one was Joyful Noise coming to town (October - 1978) to do a concert.
They stuck around for a day or two and hung out with all of us who were here then. What a treat.
There was a couple here (Gene and Debb!e Ne$god@) who had an old church they'd bought to live in.
They lived in the basement part of the church (kitchen, extra rooms, etc., with their two daughters.
Their dream was to turn the upstairs santuary area into a coffeehouse for performances..
They named it the Uncle Harry Coffeehouse.
And a coffeehouse it became. And Joyful Noise was the first group to ever perform there.
Matter of fact --- they pulled up in their tour bus as we were all busy helping put down the carpet.
All the neighbors (seeing that big Greyhound parked on the street):
came over to see what was going on. :)
After saying Hi and all that good stuff --- We asked if they could lend a hand!
Some grumbling (mostly from Ritchie DiBartolo -- who later recanted and apologized),
but they all pitched in and helped get their concert area ready.
Claudette did more work than any of the others. They were all there to play some music, spend time with the *family*, and certainly didn't expect to be *put to work* (at least in this fashion!!). But when they were asked --- it wasn't a big deal or anything. They saw their actions (I'm guessing) as an extention of love and solidarity with fellow believers.
Now --- let me contrast that with VIP visit number two.
Visit number two (sorry -- I don't remember the year), was in Cloquet Mn.
(Cloquet is pronounced --- Klo - kay), and lcm and entourage were passing through,
on their way to that same fishing lodge somewhere further north from here.
It was him, Mrs. Wierwille, Don, Howard and who knows all else. Those folks I remember being there.
This was right around 1987, or 1988. Perhaps even a might earlier -- not sure.
The reason I can get close to the year that this happened is
because Chr!s Gr@nlich was the area coordinator at the time.
He was notified that the BOD werre coming through, and he rented a pavillion
in Cloquet (on their route -- out of our way for travel) for a meet and greet.
I don't even recall how many folks showed up, but it was a pathetic performance by the BOD.
lcm tried to do a *teaching*, made fun of Chr!s' attempts to get things *spiritually right*,
and (imo) made it plain that he would rather be on the road, than at that meeting. Don't get me wrong -- I have NO love for Chr!s Gr@nl!ch, but to his credit -- he tried to do *things up right* for that meeting --- and got shot down in the process.
So much for *Love* from headquarters, eh?? Perhaps George Aar can weigh in on this.
a 50 something minister visiting 8 college girls and walking around flashing?
Its not hard to see what his real priorities in life were and it wasnt exactly moving "The Word"
I was a WOW in 82 and we got no actual visit but a "special prerecorded video visit"
All the WOWs were instructed to come to a meeting IN OUR PAJAMAS
and Vic was sitting in the Video in his Pajamas
Yea it was pretty creepy
Now that I think of it he was probably priming the pump and getting some of those pretty young Wows and apprentice corps girls used to being around him in his PJ's
Yeah right...IF you happened to be "blessed" by a visit from his holiness, it's like Rumrunner said...there was a buck in it for him or the chance to get laid...
He didn't care about anyone that didn't fatten his wallet or kiss his big behind...he was a drunken lowlife.
...and make sure you break the mints into little pieces.
Did they really go hunting/fishing then? Â Or was it a rouse for scamming on girls? Â Did anyone ever see any fish or evidence of actuall hunting? Â
He also used to go to California every year to see his tailor, to make his ROA suites, don't know if that was the real reason for him going there, he sure had a fondness for nice suites and tailoring to go clear out there to get them.
Did they really go hunting/fishing then? Â Or was it a rouse for scamming on girls? Â Did anyone ever see any fish or evidence of actuall hunting? Â
He also used to go to California every year to see his tailor, to make his ROA suites, don't know if that was the real reason for him going there, he sure had a fondness for nice suites and tailoring to go clear out there to get them.
Now I see --- Yea --- it was an actual fishing lodge they went to. Sorry --- we have over 15,000 lakes here in Minney-soda (unlike the 10,000 mentioned on our license plates), an I honestly don't remember which one they were going to, however it was used as a *retreat* of sorts for them to go to, fish, get away from it all, discuss stuff, yada, yada, yada.
There were no twi women in the area --- so that premise is out.
Maybe Geo will remember where it was they went to.
As the bus drove away (from that meeting in Cloquet) ---
Whoever was driving, honked the horn a couple of times.
Craig's voice came out loud and clear on the P.A. setup they had on the bus.
The last words I ever heard him speak were:
"Geez!!!! Listen to that! I think this thing has Gas, or something!"
They drove off into the sunset, never to be seen again.
Back in October of 1972 a few of us younguns in Peoria decided we should have a get together for all the wayfers in IL. We decided to label it "The First Illinois Limb Meeting" and chose Dec 22 and 23. (IL was not a limb yet, and wouldn't be for another year or so, but we didn't know all that legal mumbo jumbo, we were just kids who wanted to get together.) The first Peoria WOWs had just left in August, and as I recall we from their first class were pretty much on our own, minus Sweet Becky Bel#h^r who had gone WOW and that left us silly goofballs to fend for ourselves (Dave Pet&it, John Wy-n , Mike Br-wn and a few others. We didn't know any better, and John Desm*nd up north sorta laughed and said "sure we will all come down." He had put together quite a wonderful group of folks up in Antioch.
To make the big event all the more memorable we figured lets invite Wierwille and his wife, and shoot, let's see if he will bring Ted and Mardelle and Claudette. I was charged with writing the invite. I still have a copy of that letter. I set the date and the program, and wrote and asked if Wierwille would come, and perhaps he could bring some of those music ministry folks.
A couple of weeks later, very early in the morning I got a call from someone who said she was Dr. Wierwille's secretary and he wished to talk with me. Being still barely awake I thought it a joke, and said ""riiiiight", and hung up. Moments later the phone rang again with the MOGFOT himself laughing and introducing himself. (whew).
He said he and Mrs. @Wierwille would be arriving on the 22nd and stay until the 24th. Ted, Mardelle and Claudette would also attend, and also Stevie Kay. We were thrilled....... then reality set in. "What were we thinking?????????" This wasn't like renting a room for a PFAL class, this was huge! Why, there must be 200 people in IL, how does one make arrangements for something like THAT! all us 20-something-year olds set to work, and somehow pulled it off.
We had arranged to have a a twig leader's meeting the first night at the Way Home on Callendar Street, a typical old 1890ish two story Illinois house, not particularly well kept. Fortunately, Bo Reah*rd came in a day early. He had a painful look on his face when he saw where we were gonna have that meeting, and said, "well, it looks like we have some work to do tonight." He quickly developed a plan, tolds us what needed to be done, rolled up his sleeves and said "let's get to it". I think we finished up cleaning about 2 am. Bo was impressive in that he worked as hard as any of us.
Friday afternoon Bo and I waited in the lobby of the Pere Marquette Hilton for the arrival of our guests. Finally a car and a truck drove up front. (Dr.s car and Ted's truck) I was under the impression that Dr. had driven himself, but now in my notes I see that Duke Cl%rk was there too, so maybe he drove. Bo escorted them up to the suite, after asking me to run down to the corner and get a bottle of Drambouie. (He first asked if I was old enough to buy liquor) :) I said "yes, but what is Drambouie?" When I returned, Dr. invited me to sit and have a drink with them.
The weekend went well, with only two glitches. The "teacher's" chair at the Way Home, EVERY one who taught the Word sat was rather worn. When VP sat down, he gave a laugh, slapped his hand on the arm, and something fell of of the chair. Crestfallen, I wondered what he would say. Another laugh came from him, and he said something about "better get Harry's Upholstery out here".
The other incident involved Don's German short-hair. VP had invited Don and his wife to come down from Beloit to join them, and asked if we could find a place to keep the dog for the night. Dallas and Rosemary Sumpt&r raised Afghans and Shi-tzus, so we figured their kennels were a great choice. Little did we know what an escape artist that dog was. The next morning Sammy Wi^son and I went to fetch the dog and bring him to Don. uh oh...... Relief was large about an hour later when we found him a mile away. I don't think we ever fessed up to that scare.
I have a letter dated Christmas Dec. 25th from Wierwille, congratulating us for successfully bringing the believers of IL together. It goes on to list the expenses for him and the music people, all detailed out, as I had previously said we would pay those expenses. The total, with the rooms (Royal, Wierwille, Ferrell), mileage (one car, one truck 770 miles), traveling food (Wierwille and Ferrel groups), tips, and Wierwille "full dress" for the occasion ($17.68) totaled $425.40.
Tickets for the banquet were $12 and we had taken in $1734. After paying for the banquet and other bills, and the bill from Wierwille, we were only $60 short. I considered that my ABS for the next month.
Oh well, we were young and so alive, and had a fun time. Fortunately, that was before the motor coach or it might have been 2 months ABS I would have had to cover. Those were the days my friends.
So then, in essence, Hap, you paid THEM (TWI) to come and promote a "product" that would generate more revenue for THEIR coffers. Isn't that part of what ABS was supposedly intended for? That's like paying for the privilege of being allowed to buy the product. Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure a lot of people had a great time as a result of your hard work and sincere intentions.It just seems rather twisted to me. I,too, was entrusted with setting up a similar meeting at about the same period of time (mid 1970's) and they backed out leaving me holding the bag. There was no offer to help me cover my losses. It seems like the money traveled on a one way street.
But, I have digressed. My real question was : Why didn't they express more genuine interest in these programs, such as FLO, that were supposedly vital to the growth of "the ministry"? If I am wrong about this, I would welcome examples to the contrary.
My real question was : Why didn't they express more genuine interest in these programs, such as FLO, that were supposedly vital to the growth of "the ministry"? If I am wrong about this, I would welcome examples to the contrary.
From the posts so far, it seems you are not wrong. And it's a good point... wouldn't you think that they would be out there showing support and boosting the morale of the very 'troops' that were on the front lines promoting THEIR product? Somehow as a new fellowshipper (early 80s) I always had the impression that vic DID do a lot of traveling... but now I think I'm seeing more of the whole picture: he traveled not to bless the believers but to please himself, and assumed that wherever he parked his carcass the believers would automatically be blessed.
Somehow as a new fellowshipper (early 80s) I always had the impression that vic DID do a lot of traveling... but now I think I'm seeing more of the whole picture: he traveled not to bless the believers but to please himself, and assumed that wherever he parked his carcass the believers would automatically be blessed.
He led a "charmed" life. I don't know that he cared if the believers were automatically blessed. Seems he went where he would be pampered.
My impression was that these HQ folks used every second of the day as sold out slaves for God ... the way living in love. There may have been some in servitude to TWI in that capacity, but was vic the diligent worker we really thought?
He really didn't partake in the outreach it seems ... and there was no doubt a lot involved in overseeing general operations ... but ... he seemed good at delegating, and he used his German ego and MOG authority a lot, to delegate almost everything. Maybe he was busiest at drinking and womanizing ... and teaching things he stole from others.
I suppose some of his assistants and coworkers have a better idea. He DID have a large and successful operation for quite a few years ... maybe his biggest chore was maintaining his MOG image and intimidating people to stay in line.
Somehow as a new fellowshipper (early 80s) I always had the impression that vic DID do a lot of traveling... but now I think I'm seeing more of the whole picture: he traveled not to bless the believers but to please himself, and assumed that wherever he parked his carcass the believers would automatically be blessed.
That seems to be a concise summary of what he did.
Wayside- Well, we didn't pay them, we covered their specific expenses, and ONLY for those specifically invited "headliners". I saw it as just like what any church who invited a special speaker would be expected to do. Bo and Duke must have been covered by HQ I suppose. Oh, VP also paid for his son and daughter-in-law's $12 banquet ticket and their room. I am certain that in the not so distant future, things changed dramatically concerning visits like these.
Sorry if I was off-topic, the thread question just made me reminisce. Humor an old guy trying to recall yesterday's events. LOL
~HAP
So then, in essence, Hap, you paid THEM (TWI) to come and promote a "product" that would generate more revenue for THEIR coffers. Isn't that part of what ABS was supposedly intended for? That's like paying for the privilege of being allowed to buy the product. Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure a lot of people had a great time as a result of your hard work and sincere intentions.It just seems rather twisted to me. I,too, was entrusted with setting up a similar meeting at about the same period of time (mid 1970's) and they backed out leaving me holding the bag. There was no offer to help me cover my losses. It seems like the money traveled on a one way street.
But, I have digressed. My real question was : Why didn't they express more genuine interest in these programs, such as FLO, that were supposedly vital to the growth of "the ministry"? If I am wrong about this, I would welcome examples to the contrary.
I definitely recall Mr. Garden telling me that in FLO year 74-75 VP and Mrs. came down for a visit to check things out. They had just placed the flagstaff at that unreasonable place right IN the parking lot, and as they were leaving, Mrs., who was driving, back right over the damn thing and knocked it over. VP got out, inspected the minimal damage to the car, and said "Well, Earl, there's something else your kids can fix up."
I don't remember any visitations from on high in 1975-77 either. Maybe the flagpole incident scared them off.
When I was WOW in FTWTX in 1974-75 he and HA came for a few days in the camper (this was BB - before bus) and I really don't remember much, except he made me somewhat uncomfortable and hit me on the backside with a glove or something I'd dropped, how rude thought I. HA fixed us breakfast in the camper.
He came again and stayed in a Holiday Inn; maybe that was the time JN was around, yeah, I think it was. My WC member WOW "sister" was uptight as could be and either WC or JN kept confiscating my car. Both times, I was uncomfortably noticed by VPW, that is, his noticing me made me a bit uncomfortable.
you know when i think of our money paying for this pervmobile so a couple of old geezers could go out on trips to seduce young women and shoot birds, it just boggles the mind and makes you want to vomit
...you know when i think of our money paying for this pervmobile so a couple of old geezers could go out on trips to seduce young women and shoot birds, it just boggles the mind and makes you want to vomit
Here's a spiffy little bumper sticker they could've used:
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Caveman
Fellow Laborers in California was a 6 month program. I was never part of it, though.
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rhino
He met with a couple groups of WOWs in WV once in 1979 or so ... but he just met us for breakfast at an IHOP or some such as he was breezing through.
I think exc saw him naked at her home ... the flasher ... not sure if that was a way home.
We had a pretty good area in Illinois for 3 years and he never showed up. He was more comfortable with his own crew I guess.
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waysider
Thanks, guys
Yeah, maybe he he was more inta chillin' wid his own posse.
Know what ahm sayin'?
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RumRunner
I'm thinking that he spent his time with people who could get him a) money, b) sex, grow his power base. Back in the early 70's those were the only stops I knew he would make regardless of his travel itinerary.
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Oakspear
I was active in TWI from 1978 - 1983 and again from 1990 - 2001.
I was in New York until ROA 1980 and only laid eyes on Wierwille at the ROA's: teaching on the main stage and at my first ROA shook his hand in the registration tent. Also at Advanced Class '80 where I discussed TWI's outreach in the Cuban detention camps in Arkansas.
During the time I was active in Nebraska he visited once, in October 1981. He and Howard Allen were on a hunting trip and he detoured long enough to do an open meeting, followed by a meeting with WOW's/WOWvets and another one with the Way Corps.
During the previous year Don Wierwille was visiting some former colleagues from his days as a school administrator and had an open meeting in North Platte Nebraska. I recall that one because I was reproved by the region coordinator John Bvtler for helping myself to a beer that had been designated for Way Corps.
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excathedra
good memory rhino
he visited our way home A LOT
8 (minimum) young women living there
it was a college way home
he parked his bus by our house
he also parked it out near pheasants
and he parked it on the farm of a lovely couple we had witnessed to
this was 74-75
i guess i thought they visited everyone ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
when i was invited to go out there i declined
however, when he came to flash us in our bathroom, i was there, since i lived there
sorry actually i didn't live there yet
i went to visit because of all the ooohhh ahhhhs about the mog being in that house
when i walked by the bathroom.....
ohman
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dmiller
Yup --- that about sums it up, waysider.
There's a lake somewhere in northern Minney-soda that he used to go fishing at.
If I recollect correct -- it was an annual thing --- (someone correct me if I'm wrong);
but that's the impression I got from things I've read and heard.
Never did hear that he was stopping anywhere in the state to meet with *the faithful*.
Guess he wanted to be a fisher of fish, and not men. Oh well. Leave that to his minion's, eh?
There were only TWO visits by *VIP's* in the 30 years I've lived here in Duluth.
The first one was Joyful Noise coming to town (October - 1978) to do a concert.
They stuck around for a day or two and hung out with all of us who were here then. What a treat.
There was a couple here (Gene and Debb!e Ne$god@) who had an old church they'd bought to live in.
They lived in the basement part of the church (kitchen, extra rooms, etc., with their two daughters.
Their dream was to turn the upstairs santuary area into a coffeehouse for performances..
They named it the Uncle Harry Coffeehouse.
And a coffeehouse it became. And Joyful Noise was the first group to ever perform there.
Matter of fact --- they pulled up in their tour bus as we were all busy helping put down the carpet.
All the neighbors (seeing that big Greyhound parked on the street):
came over to see what was going on. :)
After saying Hi and all that good stuff --- We asked if they could lend a hand!
Some grumbling (mostly from Ritchie DiBartolo -- who later recanted and apologized),
but they all pitched in and helped get their concert area ready.
Claudette did more work than any of the others. They were all there to play some music, spend time with the *family*, and certainly didn't expect to be *put to work* (at least in this fashion!!). But when they were asked --- it wasn't a big deal or anything. They saw their actions (I'm guessing) as an extention of love and solidarity with fellow believers.
Now --- let me contrast that with VIP visit number two.
Visit number two (sorry -- I don't remember the year), was in Cloquet Mn.
(Cloquet is pronounced --- Klo - kay), and lcm and entourage were passing through,
on their way to that same fishing lodge somewhere further north from here.
It was him, Mrs. Wierwille, Don, Howard and who knows all else. Those folks I remember being there.
This was right around 1987, or 1988. Perhaps even a might earlier -- not sure.
The reason I can get close to the year that this happened is
because Chr!s Gr@nlich was the area coordinator at the time.
He was notified that the BOD werre coming through, and he rented a pavillion
in Cloquet (on their route -- out of our way for travel) for a meet and greet.
I don't even recall how many folks showed up, but it was a pathetic performance by the BOD.
lcm tried to do a *teaching*, made fun of Chr!s' attempts to get things *spiritually right*,
and (imo) made it plain that he would rather be on the road, than at that meeting. Don't get me wrong -- I have NO love for Chr!s Gr@nl!ch, but to his credit -- he tried to do *things up right* for that meeting --- and got shot down in the process.
So much for *Love* from headquarters, eh?? Perhaps George Aar can weigh in on this.
I think he was there too.
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mstar1
uggggggg
a 50 something minister visiting 8 college girls and walking around flashing?
Its not hard to see what his real priorities in life were and it wasnt exactly moving "The Word"
I was a WOW in 82 and we got no actual visit but a "special prerecorded video visit"
All the WOWs were instructed to come to a meeting IN OUR PAJAMAS
and Vic was sitting in the Video in his Pajamas
Yea it was pretty creepy
Now that I think of it he was probably priming the pump and getting some of those pretty young Wows and apprentice corps girls used to being around him in his PJ's
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GrouchoMarxJr
Yeah right...IF you happened to be "blessed" by a visit from his holiness, it's like Rumrunner said...there was a buck in it for him or the chance to get laid...
He didn't care about anyone that didn't fatten his wallet or kiss his big behind...he was a drunken lowlife.
...and make sure you break the mints into little pieces.
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now I see
Did they really go hunting/fishing then? Â Or was it a rouse for scamming on girls? Â Did anyone ever see any fish or evidence of actuall hunting? Â
He also used to go to California every year to see his tailor, to make his ROA suites, don't know if that was the real reason for him going there, he sure had a fondness for nice suites and tailoring to go clear out there to get them.
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dmiller
Now I see --- Yea --- it was an actual fishing lodge they went to. Sorry --- we have over 15,000 lakes here in Minney-soda (unlike the 10,000 mentioned on our license plates), an I honestly don't remember which one they were going to, however it was used as a *retreat* of sorts for them to go to, fish, get away from it all, discuss stuff, yada, yada, yada.
There were no twi women in the area --- so that premise is out.
Maybe Geo will remember where it was they went to.
As the bus drove away (from that meeting in Cloquet) ---
Whoever was driving, honked the horn a couple of times.
Craig's voice came out loud and clear on the P.A. setup they had on the bus.
The last words I ever heard him speak were:
"Geez!!!! Listen to that! I think this thing has Gas, or something!"
They drove off into the sunset, never to be seen again.
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now I see
King Okie strikes again! Â
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HAPe4me
Back in October of 1972 a few of us younguns in Peoria decided we should have a get together for all the wayfers in IL. We decided to label it "The First Illinois Limb Meeting" and chose Dec 22 and 23. (IL was not a limb yet, and wouldn't be for another year or so, but we didn't know all that legal mumbo jumbo, we were just kids who wanted to get together.) The first Peoria WOWs had just left in August, and as I recall we from their first class were pretty much on our own, minus Sweet Becky Bel#h^r who had gone WOW and that left us silly goofballs to fend for ourselves (Dave Pet&it, John Wy-n , Mike Br-wn and a few others. We didn't know any better, and John Desm*nd up north sorta laughed and said "sure we will all come down." He had put together quite a wonderful group of folks up in Antioch.
To make the big event all the more memorable we figured lets invite Wierwille and his wife, and shoot, let's see if he will bring Ted and Mardelle and Claudette. I was charged with writing the invite. I still have a copy of that letter. I set the date and the program, and wrote and asked if Wierwille would come, and perhaps he could bring some of those music ministry folks.
A couple of weeks later, very early in the morning I got a call from someone who said she was Dr. Wierwille's secretary and he wished to talk with me. Being still barely awake I thought it a joke, and said ""riiiiight", and hung up. Moments later the phone rang again with the MOGFOT himself laughing and introducing himself. (whew).
He said he and Mrs. @Wierwille would be arriving on the 22nd and stay until the 24th. Ted, Mardelle and Claudette would also attend, and also Stevie Kay. We were thrilled....... then reality set in. "What were we thinking?????????" This wasn't like renting a room for a PFAL class, this was huge! Why, there must be 200 people in IL, how does one make arrangements for something like THAT! all us 20-something-year olds set to work, and somehow pulled it off.
We had arranged to have a a twig leader's meeting the first night at the Way Home on Callendar Street, a typical old 1890ish two story Illinois house, not particularly well kept. Fortunately, Bo Reah*rd came in a day early. He had a painful look on his face when he saw where we were gonna have that meeting, and said, "well, it looks like we have some work to do tonight." He quickly developed a plan, tolds us what needed to be done, rolled up his sleeves and said "let's get to it". I think we finished up cleaning about 2 am. Bo was impressive in that he worked as hard as any of us.
Friday afternoon Bo and I waited in the lobby of the Pere Marquette Hilton for the arrival of our guests. Finally a car and a truck drove up front. (Dr.s car and Ted's truck) I was under the impression that Dr. had driven himself, but now in my notes I see that Duke Cl%rk was there too, so maybe he drove. Bo escorted them up to the suite, after asking me to run down to the corner and get a bottle of Drambouie. (He first asked if I was old enough to buy liquor) :) I said "yes, but what is Drambouie?" When I returned, Dr. invited me to sit and have a drink with them.
The weekend went well, with only two glitches. The "teacher's" chair at the Way Home, EVERY one who taught the Word sat was rather worn. When VP sat down, he gave a laugh, slapped his hand on the arm, and something fell of of the chair. Crestfallen, I wondered what he would say. Another laugh came from him, and he said something about "better get Harry's Upholstery out here".
The other incident involved Don's German short-hair. VP had invited Don and his wife to come down from Beloit to join them, and asked if we could find a place to keep the dog for the night. Dallas and Rosemary Sumpt&r raised Afghans and Shi-tzus, so we figured their kennels were a great choice. Little did we know what an escape artist that dog was. The next morning Sammy Wi^son and I went to fetch the dog and bring him to Don. uh oh...... Relief was large about an hour later when we found him a mile away. I don't think we ever fessed up to that scare.
I have a letter dated Christmas Dec. 25th from Wierwille, congratulating us for successfully bringing the believers of IL together. It goes on to list the expenses for him and the music people, all detailed out, as I had previously said we would pay those expenses. The total, with the rooms (Royal, Wierwille, Ferrell), mileage (one car, one truck 770 miles), traveling food (Wierwille and Ferrel groups), tips, and Wierwille "full dress" for the occasion ($17.68) totaled $425.40.
Tickets for the banquet were $12 and we had taken in $1734. After paying for the banquet and other bills, and the bill from Wierwille, we were only $60 short. I considered that my ABS for the next month.
Oh well, we were young and so alive, and had a fun time. Fortunately, that was before the motor coach or it might have been 2 months ABS I would have had to cover. Those were the days my friends.
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waysider
So then, in essence, Hap, you paid THEM (TWI) to come and promote a "product" that would generate more revenue for THEIR coffers. Isn't that part of what ABS was supposedly intended for? That's like paying for the privilege of being allowed to buy the product. Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure a lot of people had a great time as a result of your hard work and sincere intentions.It just seems rather twisted to me. I,too, was entrusted with setting up a similar meeting at about the same period of time (mid 1970's) and they backed out leaving me holding the bag. There was no offer to help me cover my losses. It seems like the money traveled on a one way street.
But, I have digressed. My real question was : Why didn't they express more genuine interest in these programs, such as FLO, that were supposedly vital to the growth of "the ministry"? If I am wrong about this, I would welcome examples to the contrary.
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TheHighWay
From the posts so far, it seems you are not wrong. And it's a good point... wouldn't you think that they would be out there showing support and boosting the morale of the very 'troops' that were on the front lines promoting THEIR product? Somehow as a new fellowshipper (early 80s) I always had the impression that vic DID do a lot of traveling... but now I think I'm seeing more of the whole picture: he traveled not to bless the believers but to please himself, and assumed that wherever he parked his carcass the believers would automatically be blessed.
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rhino
He led a "charmed" life. I don't know that he cared if the believers were automatically blessed. Seems he went where he would be pampered.
My impression was that these HQ folks used every second of the day as sold out slaves for God ... the way living in love. There may have been some in servitude to TWI in that capacity, but was vic the diligent worker we really thought?
He really didn't partake in the outreach it seems ... and there was no doubt a lot involved in overseeing general operations ... but ... he seemed good at delegating, and he used his German ego and MOG authority a lot, to delegate almost everything. Maybe he was busiest at drinking and womanizing ... and teaching things he stole from others.
I suppose some of his assistants and coworkers have a better idea. He DID have a large and successful operation for quite a few years ... maybe his biggest chore was maintaining his MOG image and intimidating people to stay in line.
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WordWolf
That seems to be a concise summary of what he did.
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HAPe4me
Wayside- Well, we didn't pay them, we covered their specific expenses, and ONLY for those specifically invited "headliners". I saw it as just like what any church who invited a special speaker would be expected to do. Bo and Duke must have been covered by HQ I suppose. Oh, VP also paid for his son and daughter-in-law's $12 banquet ticket and their room. I am certain that in the not so distant future, things changed dramatically concerning visits like these.
Sorry if I was off-topic, the thread question just made me reminisce. Humor an old guy trying to recall yesterday's events. LOL
~HAP
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Watered Garden
I definitely recall Mr. Garden telling me that in FLO year 74-75 VP and Mrs. came down for a visit to check things out. They had just placed the flagstaff at that unreasonable place right IN the parking lot, and as they were leaving, Mrs., who was driving, back right over the damn thing and knocked it over. VP got out, inspected the minimal damage to the car, and said "Well, Earl, there's something else your kids can fix up."
I don't remember any visitations from on high in 1975-77 either. Maybe the flagpole incident scared them off.
When I was WOW in FTWTX in 1974-75 he and HA came for a few days in the camper (this was BB - before bus) and I really don't remember much, except he made me somewhat uncomfortable and hit me on the backside with a glove or something I'd dropped, how rude thought I. HA fixed us breakfast in the camper.
He came again and stayed in a Holiday Inn; maybe that was the time JN was around, yeah, I think it was. My WC member WOW "sister" was uptight as could be and either WC or JN kept confiscating my car. Both times, I was uncomfortably noticed by VPW, that is, his noticing me made me a bit uncomfortable.
WG
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excathedra
vic and his busdriver never brought either of the mrs.'s along to our all girl college way home
maybe they didn't like hunting pheasants
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waysider
Maybe they should have brought Rosie and Donna.
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excathedra
ha
you know when i think of our money paying for this pervmobile so a couple of old geezers could go out on trips to seduce young women and shoot birds, it just boggles the mind and makes you want to vomit
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T-Bone
Here's a spiffy little bumper sticker they could've used:
"Your Horn of Plenty for Our Plenty Horny"
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excathedra
i don't know if they allowed bumper stickers on the bus
i'm thinking bj's for moggies
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