dickb
04-19-2009, 06:46 PM
“A Nationwide Recovery Conference with Dick B.”
Conference Theme: “A New Way Out”
“We Christians in the recovery arena are not alone”
Dick B.
© 2009 Dick B. All rights reserved
Nine Pioneer Christians Develop “A New Way Out” in Akron, Ohio
In 1935, nine pioneer Christians saw and founded “A New Way Out” of the ravages of alcoholism.
Who were they? Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob Smith, Anne Smith, Henrietta Seiberling, T. Henry Williams, Clarace Williams, Dr. William D. Silkworth, Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr., and A.A. Number Three Bill Dotson.
What They Saw and Said
First, Dr. William D. Silkworth (Chief psychiatrist at Towns Hospital, and devout church-going Christian) told Bill Wilson that the “Great Physician,” the Lord Jesus Christ, could cure him of alcoholism.
Then, spurred by Silkworth’s words and the rebirth of Bill’s friend Ebby Thacher, Bill Wilson went to the Calvary Mission altar. There Bill made a decision for Christ, almost immediately called on the Great Physician for help at Towns Hospital, and soon wrote, “For sure I was born again” and “The Lord has cured me of this terrible disease.”
Following that, Reverend Sam Shoemaker (Episcopal rector of Calvary Church which owned the Calvary Mission) saw and specifically commended Bill’s recovery and witnessing zeal. Shoemaker encouraged Bill in his outreach, taught Bill Christian and Oxford Group ideas, and persuaded him to march with the Calvary Church members to Madison Square carrying the sign, “Jesus Christ changes lives.” And this Bill did. He also evangelized with a Bible under his arm, going to the mission, to the slums, to Oxford Group meetings, and to Towns Hospital.
After some five months of failure as a Bible-carrying evangelist, Bill Wilson nonetheless brought his message to Dr. Bob in Akron, after which Dr. Bob—already a Christian--said that he was healed through prayer and the miraculous appearance of Bill Wilson. Later, in his own personal story, Dr. Bob assured others, “Your Heavenly Father will never let you down.”
Once Bob was healed in June, 1935, he, Bill Wilson, and Dr. Bob’s wife Anne Smith (also a Christian) began reading the Bible together each day and discussing how to apply the power and love of the Creator, conversion to His son Jesus Christ, and the basic ideas of the Bible to solving the so-called “medically incurable” alcoholism problem at hand.
Almost at once, the three were joined by Henrietta Seiberling, a church-going Akron Christian. Henrietta had led Bob and others in prayers for Bob’s recovery and introduced Bill Wilson to Bob. And, according to Bill, Anne and Henrietta and Anne provided a much-needed spiritual infusion to Bob and Bill in the summer of 1935.
The four were joined by two more Christian helpers. Oxford Group activist T. Henry Williams, a church-goer and Sunday school teacher, and his wife Clarace Williams, who had studied for missionary work, provided their home each week for the one “regular” meeting of what some called the “alcoholic squad”—but which called itself a Christian Fellowship. These meetings focused on prayer, the Bible, quiet time, and surrenders.
But there was a final element to be put in place. When Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob saw that love and service in helping others to recover was an important part of their witness and of recovery, they sought out another drunk. That alcoholic was attorney Bill Dotson of Akron. Dotson was a Christian and had taught Sunday school. Bill and Bob hospitalized him, gave him their message, heard him say that he had turned to God for help, and watched him leave the hospital a free man. Dotson had no Big Book, no Twelve Steps, no Oxford Group meetings, and no A.A. meetings. He simply turned to God, with the prompting of Wilson and Smith; had an immediate recovery after innumerable hospitalizations for alcoholism, but had never attended a meeting—Oxford Group or otherwise. With that triumvirate of successful people, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob, believed Dotson’s recovery marked the founding of the first A.A. group, Akron Number One.
A New Way Out these pioneer Christians developed in their successful Akron program
Our history makes clear what the Akron pioneers did not have. They had no Big Book. They had no Steps, twelve or otherwise. They had no Traditions. They held no office and had no offices. They gave no drunkalogs. And they had no “Conference-approved literature.” From June of 1935 through November of 1937, and on through all of 1938, they had the Bible as their source book. They had the Creator on whom they relied. They made Jesus Christ Lord of their lives. And they had an abundance of Christian devotionals and literature they used in their prayer meetings and quiet times. They also had the journal of Dr. Bob’s wife Anne Smith, which she shared with the members and their wives every morning..
Simply stated: The early members and their wives sought out or welcomed others into their Christian fellowship. First, they qualified the alcoholics to make sure they were willing to quit drinking permanently and were willing to go to any lengths to get well. Many times, Dr. Bob would reject a prospect and say such things as: “That monkey up there doesn’t want the program;” or “He just isn’t ready.” Second, putting life-saving fist, they considered hospitalization a “must.” New members visited the newcomers at the hospital, almost to a man. Older members shared their victories with the newcomer and told him the doctor had a cure. Dr. Bob visited the newcomer every day, often for several hours. The patient was allowed only a Bible in his room as reading matter. Just prior to the patient’s release from the hospital, Dr. Bob required the newcomer to declare his belief in God, not “a” god, but God. And this was usually followed by prayer when the patient accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord. On leaving the hospital, the newcomer was given a Bible and told to help others. Most came to live in the homes of Akron couples—the Smiths, the Gillams, the Lucas’s, and others. In each home, there was required daily Quiet Time with Bible reading, prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and using devotionals such as The Upper Room and The Runner’s Bible. There were daily get-togethers for prayer and fellowship. And there was one “regular” meeting each Wednesday at the Akron home of T. Henry and Clarace Williams. Those meetings opened with prayer, reading of Scripture, group prayers, the seeking of God’s guidance, and a discussion of a Bible subject or material from a devotional. Not all newcomers had surrendered at the hospital; but all were taken upstairs in the company of about three “elders.” There they prayed together, accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, asked that alcohol be taken out of their lives, thanked God for the deliverance, and asked help in living according to cardinal Christian teachings. Each morning, AAs and their families gathered at the Smith home with Anne Smith. Anne conducted a Quiet Time in which she opened with prayer, read from the Bible, led them in prayer and in seeking God’s guidance, and often shared from her journal, discussing its contents, or discussing something from the Bible or a devotional. Regularly, Dr. Bob circulated among members and their families a large number of Christian books on prayer, healing, morning meditation, the life of Jesus Christ, Oxford Group teachings, the Bible, and other religious subjects. Address books were prepared and kept by all with the names, addresses, and (where owned) a telephone number for contacts. Members knew each other by name, kept track of successes and failures, and frequently visited in each others’ homes. Members of the Cleveland groups—which were founded in May, 1939--kept similar rosters and records of successes. After the one regular Akron meeting on Wednesday, newcomers would agree to visit other alcoholics, particularly at the hospital. Wives played a large role in early A.A. They organized gatherings, welcomed members into their homes, and contacted folks about pending hospital visits.
Let’s Pause Briefly to Look at What the Early Christians Did in the First Century
There are several accounts in the Book of Acts—a book Anne Smith recommended for reading. Most of the First Century gatherings were in the homes. The beginning of the growth of the early Christian fellowship is described in this way in Acts 2:38-48. The people had asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do.”
Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to all your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in the breaking of bread and prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things in common. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
The simplicity of the early fellowships is clear. Some three thousand souls heard Peter, gladly received his word, were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. They continued stedfastly in the doctrine and fellowship and in the breaking of bread and prayers. And they watched many signs and wonders done by the apostles. Those that were being saved were added to the church daily.
What the Early Akron A.A. Christian Fellowship Was Called
Frank Amos reported to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. that it was called it the “self-styled Alcoholic Group of Akron, Ohio.” T. Henry Williams described it as a “clandestine lodge of the Oxford Group”—thus characterizing its dissimilarity with other, and international Oxford Group teams, house-parties, world-changing endeavors. Dorothy Snyder said its meetings were like “old fashioned prayer meetings.” Dr.Bob’s son said they were like “old fashioned revival meetings.’ Dr. Bob’s daughter told me her father called every meeting a Christian Fellowship meeting. And Dr. Bob himself characterized Akron Number One as “A Christian Fellowship.” The Bible was stressed as daily reading matter. Dr. Bob said the Oldtimers believed the answer to their problems was in the Good Book; that the basic ideas came from their study of the Good Book; and that the parts considered absolutely essential were the Book of James, Jesus’ sermon on the mount, and 1 Corinthians 13. In fact, the Book of James was so much favored that most in Akron wanted to call their Society “The James Club.” When asked a question about the program, Dr. Bob would usually respond, “What does it say in the Good Book?” Even when issues over resisting temptation arose, Dr. Bob might respond, “You don’t ask the Lord not to lead you into temptation, and then turn around and walk right into it.” And when the regular meetings were moved into the Smith home in 1939, at the very first meeting, Dr. Bob identified himself as an alcoholic and began reading Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
The resemblance to early Christianity was noted by many who were intimately involved in putting the Society together. For example, (1) When Dr. Howard S. of Akron was interviewed by Rockefeller’s agent Frank Amos, he told Amos that “he had been an alcoholic and had been cured by Smith and his friends’ activities and the Christian technique described.” (2) T. Henry Williams said the four Christian laymen in the Akron group saw the importance of Dr. Bob as the leader. (3) Frank Amos reported to the Rockefeller people, “In many respects, their meetings have taken on the form of the meetings described in the Gospels of the early Christians during the First Century.” (4) Bill Wilson was referred by his brother-in-law Dr. Leonard Strong to Willard Richardson who worked for John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The Reverend Mr. Richardson, an ordained minister, heard Bill’s description of his battle with alcoholism culminating in a “spiritual epiphany” that had left him free of the need to drink. Richardson was impressed by the idea of a “spiritual” cure for alcoholism.” He organized a larger meeting and dinner, which lasted five hours. Four Rockefeller men were present, including Albert Scott, chairman of the board of trustees of Riverside Church. After listening to the alcoholics’ stories of devastation and redemption, Scott thought that the movement “sounded like First Century Christianity.” (5) Frank Amos was dispatched to Akron to investigate the program. His report was submitted by Willard Richardson with a cover letter stating its conclusions were endorsed by Richardson, Scott, and A. Leroy Chipman, and it recommended that Rockefeller provide funds. Lois Wilson’s biographer stated: “Rockefeller’s faith did have a direct bearing on his interest in AA. Like Albert Scott, he was taken by the similarities between AA and First Century Christianity. Mr. Rockefeller also believed that his own faith required him to devote a measure of his time and energy to helping people in need. It is clear that he helped Alcoholics Anonymous as an expression of his felt need to do this “Christian work” for many years.” (6) One of those present at the Rockefeller meeting and dinner was Dr. William D. Silkworth who had been Bill’s physician at Towns Hospital. Silkworth was a Christian, and was a friend of Norman Vincent Peale and Reverend Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr. Silkworth had attended the churches of each of these clergymen. Silkworth had told Wilson that Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, could cure Bill. (7) Bill had then gone to the altar and made a decision for Christ, announced soon that he had been born again, and called on the “Great Physician” for help. As the result of his spiritual experience at Towns Hospital, Bill concluded with Dr. Silkworth’s blessing that he had had a conversion experience. Bill’s later testimony to the wife of A.A. Number Three Bill Dotson was this: “Henrietta, the Lord has been so wonderful to me and cured me of this terrible disease I have that I just want to keep talking about it and telling people about it.” Bill Dotson commended Bill, saying he appreciated that, “you had given God the credit.” And Dotson said the expression had become for him and others the “golden text of A.A.” (8) The importance of Reverend Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr., in this picture caused Bill to call Shoemaker a “cofounder of A.A.” Bill later said that most of the material for the Twelve Steps had come directly from the teachings of the Episcopal Rector, Dr. Shoemaker.
The Frank Amos Objective Report Describing the Akron Program
In a simple and pithy summary, Rockefeller agent Frank Amos (later an A.A. trustee) and after his investigation of the Akron program at Akron summarized it as follows:
Amos stated to Rockefeller, as to the alcoholic group he had investigated, that the alcoholics were "all considered practically incurable by physicians." He said they had "been reformed and so far have remained teetotalers." As to their stories, he noted that, when it came to recovery, the stories were all remarkably alike in "the technique used and the system followed." He detailed their "Program" as follows (See DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, pp. 130-31):
1. An alcoholic must realize that he is an alcoholic, incurable from a medical viewpoint, and that he must never again drink anything with alcohol in it.
2. He must surrender himself absolutely to God, realizing that in himself there is no hope.
3. Not only must he want to stop drinking permanently, he must remove from his life other sins such as hatred, adultery, and others which frequently accompany alcoholism. Unless he will do this absolutely, Smith and his associates refuse to work with him.
4. He must have devotions every morning -- a "quiet time" of prayer and some reading from the Bible and other religious literature. Unless this is faithfully followed, there is grave danger of backsliding.
5. He must be willing to help other alcoholics get straightened out. This throws up a protective barrier and strengthens his own willpower and convictions.
6. It is important, but not vital, that he meet frequently with other reformed alcoholics and form both a social and a religious comradeship.
7. Important, but not vital, that he attend some religious service at least once weekly.
What Was the Success Record of This Christian Fellowship Program?
The documentation of the successes of the pioneers is thoroughly covered in Alcoholics Anonymous General Services Conference-approved Literature, in several of my books, and in the writings of historians Mitchel K. and Richard K. Briefly stated, the facts are these:
1. Early AAs knew each other well. The original 40 were known to each other by full name, address, sometimes a phone number if they had a phone, and by sobriety date, and relapses. This fact is usually unknown to or ignored by those who dispute the success rates.
2. Bill Wilson made a trip to Akron in November 1937; stayed a week with Dr. Bob and
Anne Smith; and, with them, “counted noses” of those who had really tried—among the many who had breezed in and out. They found that forty men had remained stone cold sober for up to two years. Their records were as follows: Fifty percent had remained continuously sober. Twenty-five percent had relapsed but returned to sobriety. And the other twenty-five percent had “shown improvement.” There are ample rosters with the names of the 75% who succeeded. The pictures of many are on the wall at Dr. Bob’s Home in Akron. I’ve checked the accuracy of the rosters with Dr. Bob’s daughter.
3. Cleveland members had kept the same kind of address books and rosters. And two years
after the Cleveland groups began on May 11, 1939, Clarence Snyder made a survey of the membership and found from the records that 93% had remained sober.
A Look at Three Absolutely Essential Parts of the Bible
The Book of James was the favorite. And one who wishes to know the foundations of early recovery can profitably look at these parts of the easily read epistle of James
The first chapter points up the problem of temptation and the importance of patience in overcoming it. It says: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.” Immediately, it calls into play the wisdom of God: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” The responsibility lies with the one tempted—not with God from whom comes every good and perfect gift. Man is to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. He is to lay aside filthiness and naughtiness and be a doer of the word of God, not a hearer only. The emphasis is on visiting the fatherless and widows and keeping oneself unspotted.
The second chapter calls for avoiding respect of persons—the rich over the poor. Man is to fulfill the royal law according to the Bible: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” And obey all the commandments. In this context, enters the phrase: “Faith without works is dead.”
The third chapter begins with a favorite idea of both Dr. Bob and Anne Smith. Man is to guard that erring member, the tongue. And neither have envy and strife in his heart or lying against the truth—wisdom that is earthly, sensual, and devilish.
Chapter four discusses prayers that are not answered, saying, “Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your own lusts.” Then the powerful verses 7 through 10: “Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double minded. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” Don’t speak evil one of another. If you know to do good and do it not, that is sin.
Chapter five produced powerful legacies for A.A. Be patient. Grudge not. Swear not. And then: “Is any among you afflicted, let him pray. Is any merry, let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church,; and let them pray over him anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if ye have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Then “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth; and one convert him. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
Jesus’ sermon on the mount, found in Matthew Chapters 5, 6, and 7, was specifically stated by both Dr. Bob and Bill to contain the underlying philosophy of A.A. And it is rich with specific principles that were translated into A.A.
Chapter five begins with the beatitudes. Anne Smith called them Christ-like virtues to be cultivated. Jesus told his followers that they were the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. They were to follow all the commandments—Thou shalt not kill. Do not be angry. And then there are two portions that found their way into Steps 8 and 9: Agree with thine adversary quickly. And make amends to the brother who has something against you. Don’t swear. Turn the other cheek. Love your enemies.
Chapter six begins with what have been likened to A.A. reasons for anonymity. Don’t do your alms in public. Don’t pray on the street corners. Don’t utter repetitious prayers. Don’t fast so that you appear to be fasting. These acts are hypocritical. The reason is that, “your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him.” The so-called Lord’s Prayer can be found in verses 9 to 13. Then, No man can serve two masters; you can’t serve God and mammon. The chapter concludes with the large number of verses urging people not to be anxious about their needs, for God will supply them. It states the condition: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” These verses and verse 34 were said by Dr. Bob to be the source of slogans “First Things First” and “Easy Does It” as well as “One Day at a Time.”
Chapter seven contains further ideas transmitted into A.A. The first five verses have to do with “casting the log out of your own eye” rather than focusing on the speck in your brother’s eye. Ask, and it shall be given you: seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Then the so-called golden rule. Narrow is the gate. Ye shall know men by their fruits, and a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. The concluding verses 22 to 29 lay out the necessity for doing the will of the Father which is in heaven.
1 Corinthians 13 lays out the timeless principles of love. The entire chapter will be read at A Nationwide Recovery Conference with Dick B. on Saturday, May 16th.
The Need for, and Value of Knowing the Biblical Roots of Recovery
What are the basic questions raised by this very clear, well documented, early fellowship history?
First, is there compelling evidence that the power and love of the Creator, coming to Him through Jesus Christ, and studying the Bible impacted on the astonishing successes of those in the early fellowship who chose to become children of the one true living Creator through Jesus Christ and to adopt and obey the standards of the Bible?
Second, is there any reason at all today why this same result cannot be achieved in or out of A.A., in or out of church, in or out of prison, in or out of homeless situations, in or out of treatment facilities, in or out of therapy, or simply by standing on the promises of God?
Finally, what features of present-day A.A. can offer assistance to one who seeks or finds himself or herself in a 12 Step fellowship and wants to learn and seek “A New Way Out”—a way out of misery by becoming or believing as a child of God, obeying His Word, and staying in fellowship with Him? The Big Book declares that the Twelve Steps are suggestions for finding God. The personal stories were intended to show how each person established his relationship with God. There are ample illustrations of the self-destruction inherent in excessive, uncontrolled drinking. There are good suggestions for taking stock of sinful behavior and getting it out for full appraisal, then eliminating it with God’s help, and then continuing the process. Step Eleven is a challenge to grow in understanding and calling on the power of God, the guidance of God, and the deliverance He makes available when His will is obeyed. Add to this the 24 hour availability of A.A. and AAs for the shaky newcomer. Add the frequency of support meetings. Add the genuine concern of one member for helping another to recover. Add the opportunities for love, service, and focusing on unselfish service to others.
If the Christians in recovery will devote themselves to getting a handle on their own highly successful Christian roots and the Christian techniques in the early program, they can transmit real and loving service for those who want to become children of God; avail themselves of His forgiveness, power and guidance; and learn the truths of the Bible that assure an abundant and eternal life for the followers of Jesus Christ.
Reference Sources
Much of the material in this article can be found in reference sources that will be made available at A Nationwide Recovery Conference with Dick B. Most of these have never been seen, analyzed, disseminated, and made available either to AAs or to the public. They include the printers’ manuscript of “Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers;” the manuscript notes that comprise the journal kept by Anne Smith; the manuscripts of “Lois Remembers;” the AA of Akron pamphlets; the “Our Legacy” workbook; the biographies of Dr. William D. Silkworth, Clarence Snyder, Lois Wilson, Rev. Sam Shoemaker, and the vast amount of Oxford Group literature. They are pointed up in two of my most recent titles, “The Conversion of Bill W.” and “Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous.” Documentation and bibliographic materials are available in my titles, New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A.; The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous; Turning Point; Dr. Bob and His Library; Anne Smith’s Journal 1933-1939; The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous; That Amazing Grace; Making Known the Biblical History and Roots of Alcoholics Anonymous; The Good Book and The Big Book; Cured; When Early AAs Were Cured and Why; The James Club and the Original A.A. Program’s Absolute Essentials; and The Golden Text of A.A. These titles can all be found on the titles pages of my main website, http://www.dickb.com/titles.shtml, as well as on the listings of my books on Amazon.com where they can be ordered.
dickb@dickb.com; http://www.dickb.com
Gloria Deo
:idea:
Conference Theme: “A New Way Out”
“We Christians in the recovery arena are not alone”
Dick B.
© 2009 Dick B. All rights reserved
Nine Pioneer Christians Develop “A New Way Out” in Akron, Ohio
In 1935, nine pioneer Christians saw and founded “A New Way Out” of the ravages of alcoholism.
Who were they? Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob Smith, Anne Smith, Henrietta Seiberling, T. Henry Williams, Clarace Williams, Dr. William D. Silkworth, Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr., and A.A. Number Three Bill Dotson.
What They Saw and Said
First, Dr. William D. Silkworth (Chief psychiatrist at Towns Hospital, and devout church-going Christian) told Bill Wilson that the “Great Physician,” the Lord Jesus Christ, could cure him of alcoholism.
Then, spurred by Silkworth’s words and the rebirth of Bill’s friend Ebby Thacher, Bill Wilson went to the Calvary Mission altar. There Bill made a decision for Christ, almost immediately called on the Great Physician for help at Towns Hospital, and soon wrote, “For sure I was born again” and “The Lord has cured me of this terrible disease.”
Following that, Reverend Sam Shoemaker (Episcopal rector of Calvary Church which owned the Calvary Mission) saw and specifically commended Bill’s recovery and witnessing zeal. Shoemaker encouraged Bill in his outreach, taught Bill Christian and Oxford Group ideas, and persuaded him to march with the Calvary Church members to Madison Square carrying the sign, “Jesus Christ changes lives.” And this Bill did. He also evangelized with a Bible under his arm, going to the mission, to the slums, to Oxford Group meetings, and to Towns Hospital.
After some five months of failure as a Bible-carrying evangelist, Bill Wilson nonetheless brought his message to Dr. Bob in Akron, after which Dr. Bob—already a Christian--said that he was healed through prayer and the miraculous appearance of Bill Wilson. Later, in his own personal story, Dr. Bob assured others, “Your Heavenly Father will never let you down.”
Once Bob was healed in June, 1935, he, Bill Wilson, and Dr. Bob’s wife Anne Smith (also a Christian) began reading the Bible together each day and discussing how to apply the power and love of the Creator, conversion to His son Jesus Christ, and the basic ideas of the Bible to solving the so-called “medically incurable” alcoholism problem at hand.
Almost at once, the three were joined by Henrietta Seiberling, a church-going Akron Christian. Henrietta had led Bob and others in prayers for Bob’s recovery and introduced Bill Wilson to Bob. And, according to Bill, Anne and Henrietta and Anne provided a much-needed spiritual infusion to Bob and Bill in the summer of 1935.
The four were joined by two more Christian helpers. Oxford Group activist T. Henry Williams, a church-goer and Sunday school teacher, and his wife Clarace Williams, who had studied for missionary work, provided their home each week for the one “regular” meeting of what some called the “alcoholic squad”—but which called itself a Christian Fellowship. These meetings focused on prayer, the Bible, quiet time, and surrenders.
But there was a final element to be put in place. When Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob saw that love and service in helping others to recover was an important part of their witness and of recovery, they sought out another drunk. That alcoholic was attorney Bill Dotson of Akron. Dotson was a Christian and had taught Sunday school. Bill and Bob hospitalized him, gave him their message, heard him say that he had turned to God for help, and watched him leave the hospital a free man. Dotson had no Big Book, no Twelve Steps, no Oxford Group meetings, and no A.A. meetings. He simply turned to God, with the prompting of Wilson and Smith; had an immediate recovery after innumerable hospitalizations for alcoholism, but had never attended a meeting—Oxford Group or otherwise. With that triumvirate of successful people, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob, believed Dotson’s recovery marked the founding of the first A.A. group, Akron Number One.
A New Way Out these pioneer Christians developed in their successful Akron program
Our history makes clear what the Akron pioneers did not have. They had no Big Book. They had no Steps, twelve or otherwise. They had no Traditions. They held no office and had no offices. They gave no drunkalogs. And they had no “Conference-approved literature.” From June of 1935 through November of 1937, and on through all of 1938, they had the Bible as their source book. They had the Creator on whom they relied. They made Jesus Christ Lord of their lives. And they had an abundance of Christian devotionals and literature they used in their prayer meetings and quiet times. They also had the journal of Dr. Bob’s wife Anne Smith, which she shared with the members and their wives every morning..
Simply stated: The early members and their wives sought out or welcomed others into their Christian fellowship. First, they qualified the alcoholics to make sure they were willing to quit drinking permanently and were willing to go to any lengths to get well. Many times, Dr. Bob would reject a prospect and say such things as: “That monkey up there doesn’t want the program;” or “He just isn’t ready.” Second, putting life-saving fist, they considered hospitalization a “must.” New members visited the newcomers at the hospital, almost to a man. Older members shared their victories with the newcomer and told him the doctor had a cure. Dr. Bob visited the newcomer every day, often for several hours. The patient was allowed only a Bible in his room as reading matter. Just prior to the patient’s release from the hospital, Dr. Bob required the newcomer to declare his belief in God, not “a” god, but God. And this was usually followed by prayer when the patient accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord. On leaving the hospital, the newcomer was given a Bible and told to help others. Most came to live in the homes of Akron couples—the Smiths, the Gillams, the Lucas’s, and others. In each home, there was required daily Quiet Time with Bible reading, prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and using devotionals such as The Upper Room and The Runner’s Bible. There were daily get-togethers for prayer and fellowship. And there was one “regular” meeting each Wednesday at the Akron home of T. Henry and Clarace Williams. Those meetings opened with prayer, reading of Scripture, group prayers, the seeking of God’s guidance, and a discussion of a Bible subject or material from a devotional. Not all newcomers had surrendered at the hospital; but all were taken upstairs in the company of about three “elders.” There they prayed together, accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, asked that alcohol be taken out of their lives, thanked God for the deliverance, and asked help in living according to cardinal Christian teachings. Each morning, AAs and their families gathered at the Smith home with Anne Smith. Anne conducted a Quiet Time in which she opened with prayer, read from the Bible, led them in prayer and in seeking God’s guidance, and often shared from her journal, discussing its contents, or discussing something from the Bible or a devotional. Regularly, Dr. Bob circulated among members and their families a large number of Christian books on prayer, healing, morning meditation, the life of Jesus Christ, Oxford Group teachings, the Bible, and other religious subjects. Address books were prepared and kept by all with the names, addresses, and (where owned) a telephone number for contacts. Members knew each other by name, kept track of successes and failures, and frequently visited in each others’ homes. Members of the Cleveland groups—which were founded in May, 1939--kept similar rosters and records of successes. After the one regular Akron meeting on Wednesday, newcomers would agree to visit other alcoholics, particularly at the hospital. Wives played a large role in early A.A. They organized gatherings, welcomed members into their homes, and contacted folks about pending hospital visits.
Let’s Pause Briefly to Look at What the Early Christians Did in the First Century
There are several accounts in the Book of Acts—a book Anne Smith recommended for reading. Most of the First Century gatherings were in the homes. The beginning of the growth of the early Christian fellowship is described in this way in Acts 2:38-48. The people had asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do.”
Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to all your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in the breaking of bread and prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things in common. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
The simplicity of the early fellowships is clear. Some three thousand souls heard Peter, gladly received his word, were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. They continued stedfastly in the doctrine and fellowship and in the breaking of bread and prayers. And they watched many signs and wonders done by the apostles. Those that were being saved were added to the church daily.
What the Early Akron A.A. Christian Fellowship Was Called
Frank Amos reported to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. that it was called it the “self-styled Alcoholic Group of Akron, Ohio.” T. Henry Williams described it as a “clandestine lodge of the Oxford Group”—thus characterizing its dissimilarity with other, and international Oxford Group teams, house-parties, world-changing endeavors. Dorothy Snyder said its meetings were like “old fashioned prayer meetings.” Dr.Bob’s son said they were like “old fashioned revival meetings.’ Dr. Bob’s daughter told me her father called every meeting a Christian Fellowship meeting. And Dr. Bob himself characterized Akron Number One as “A Christian Fellowship.” The Bible was stressed as daily reading matter. Dr. Bob said the Oldtimers believed the answer to their problems was in the Good Book; that the basic ideas came from their study of the Good Book; and that the parts considered absolutely essential were the Book of James, Jesus’ sermon on the mount, and 1 Corinthians 13. In fact, the Book of James was so much favored that most in Akron wanted to call their Society “The James Club.” When asked a question about the program, Dr. Bob would usually respond, “What does it say in the Good Book?” Even when issues over resisting temptation arose, Dr. Bob might respond, “You don’t ask the Lord not to lead you into temptation, and then turn around and walk right into it.” And when the regular meetings were moved into the Smith home in 1939, at the very first meeting, Dr. Bob identified himself as an alcoholic and began reading Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
The resemblance to early Christianity was noted by many who were intimately involved in putting the Society together. For example, (1) When Dr. Howard S. of Akron was interviewed by Rockefeller’s agent Frank Amos, he told Amos that “he had been an alcoholic and had been cured by Smith and his friends’ activities and the Christian technique described.” (2) T. Henry Williams said the four Christian laymen in the Akron group saw the importance of Dr. Bob as the leader. (3) Frank Amos reported to the Rockefeller people, “In many respects, their meetings have taken on the form of the meetings described in the Gospels of the early Christians during the First Century.” (4) Bill Wilson was referred by his brother-in-law Dr. Leonard Strong to Willard Richardson who worked for John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The Reverend Mr. Richardson, an ordained minister, heard Bill’s description of his battle with alcoholism culminating in a “spiritual epiphany” that had left him free of the need to drink. Richardson was impressed by the idea of a “spiritual” cure for alcoholism.” He organized a larger meeting and dinner, which lasted five hours. Four Rockefeller men were present, including Albert Scott, chairman of the board of trustees of Riverside Church. After listening to the alcoholics’ stories of devastation and redemption, Scott thought that the movement “sounded like First Century Christianity.” (5) Frank Amos was dispatched to Akron to investigate the program. His report was submitted by Willard Richardson with a cover letter stating its conclusions were endorsed by Richardson, Scott, and A. Leroy Chipman, and it recommended that Rockefeller provide funds. Lois Wilson’s biographer stated: “Rockefeller’s faith did have a direct bearing on his interest in AA. Like Albert Scott, he was taken by the similarities between AA and First Century Christianity. Mr. Rockefeller also believed that his own faith required him to devote a measure of his time and energy to helping people in need. It is clear that he helped Alcoholics Anonymous as an expression of his felt need to do this “Christian work” for many years.” (6) One of those present at the Rockefeller meeting and dinner was Dr. William D. Silkworth who had been Bill’s physician at Towns Hospital. Silkworth was a Christian, and was a friend of Norman Vincent Peale and Reverend Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr. Silkworth had attended the churches of each of these clergymen. Silkworth had told Wilson that Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, could cure Bill. (7) Bill had then gone to the altar and made a decision for Christ, announced soon that he had been born again, and called on the “Great Physician” for help. As the result of his spiritual experience at Towns Hospital, Bill concluded with Dr. Silkworth’s blessing that he had had a conversion experience. Bill’s later testimony to the wife of A.A. Number Three Bill Dotson was this: “Henrietta, the Lord has been so wonderful to me and cured me of this terrible disease I have that I just want to keep talking about it and telling people about it.” Bill Dotson commended Bill, saying he appreciated that, “you had given God the credit.” And Dotson said the expression had become for him and others the “golden text of A.A.” (8) The importance of Reverend Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr., in this picture caused Bill to call Shoemaker a “cofounder of A.A.” Bill later said that most of the material for the Twelve Steps had come directly from the teachings of the Episcopal Rector, Dr. Shoemaker.
The Frank Amos Objective Report Describing the Akron Program
In a simple and pithy summary, Rockefeller agent Frank Amos (later an A.A. trustee) and after his investigation of the Akron program at Akron summarized it as follows:
Amos stated to Rockefeller, as to the alcoholic group he had investigated, that the alcoholics were "all considered practically incurable by physicians." He said they had "been reformed and so far have remained teetotalers." As to their stories, he noted that, when it came to recovery, the stories were all remarkably alike in "the technique used and the system followed." He detailed their "Program" as follows (See DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, pp. 130-31):
1. An alcoholic must realize that he is an alcoholic, incurable from a medical viewpoint, and that he must never again drink anything with alcohol in it.
2. He must surrender himself absolutely to God, realizing that in himself there is no hope.
3. Not only must he want to stop drinking permanently, he must remove from his life other sins such as hatred, adultery, and others which frequently accompany alcoholism. Unless he will do this absolutely, Smith and his associates refuse to work with him.
4. He must have devotions every morning -- a "quiet time" of prayer and some reading from the Bible and other religious literature. Unless this is faithfully followed, there is grave danger of backsliding.
5. He must be willing to help other alcoholics get straightened out. This throws up a protective barrier and strengthens his own willpower and convictions.
6. It is important, but not vital, that he meet frequently with other reformed alcoholics and form both a social and a religious comradeship.
7. Important, but not vital, that he attend some religious service at least once weekly.
What Was the Success Record of This Christian Fellowship Program?
The documentation of the successes of the pioneers is thoroughly covered in Alcoholics Anonymous General Services Conference-approved Literature, in several of my books, and in the writings of historians Mitchel K. and Richard K. Briefly stated, the facts are these:
1. Early AAs knew each other well. The original 40 were known to each other by full name, address, sometimes a phone number if they had a phone, and by sobriety date, and relapses. This fact is usually unknown to or ignored by those who dispute the success rates.
2. Bill Wilson made a trip to Akron in November 1937; stayed a week with Dr. Bob and
Anne Smith; and, with them, “counted noses” of those who had really tried—among the many who had breezed in and out. They found that forty men had remained stone cold sober for up to two years. Their records were as follows: Fifty percent had remained continuously sober. Twenty-five percent had relapsed but returned to sobriety. And the other twenty-five percent had “shown improvement.” There are ample rosters with the names of the 75% who succeeded. The pictures of many are on the wall at Dr. Bob’s Home in Akron. I’ve checked the accuracy of the rosters with Dr. Bob’s daughter.
3. Cleveland members had kept the same kind of address books and rosters. And two years
after the Cleveland groups began on May 11, 1939, Clarence Snyder made a survey of the membership and found from the records that 93% had remained sober.
A Look at Three Absolutely Essential Parts of the Bible
The Book of James was the favorite. And one who wishes to know the foundations of early recovery can profitably look at these parts of the easily read epistle of James
The first chapter points up the problem of temptation and the importance of patience in overcoming it. It says: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.” Immediately, it calls into play the wisdom of God: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” The responsibility lies with the one tempted—not with God from whom comes every good and perfect gift. Man is to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. He is to lay aside filthiness and naughtiness and be a doer of the word of God, not a hearer only. The emphasis is on visiting the fatherless and widows and keeping oneself unspotted.
The second chapter calls for avoiding respect of persons—the rich over the poor. Man is to fulfill the royal law according to the Bible: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” And obey all the commandments. In this context, enters the phrase: “Faith without works is dead.”
The third chapter begins with a favorite idea of both Dr. Bob and Anne Smith. Man is to guard that erring member, the tongue. And neither have envy and strife in his heart or lying against the truth—wisdom that is earthly, sensual, and devilish.
Chapter four discusses prayers that are not answered, saying, “Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your own lusts.” Then the powerful verses 7 through 10: “Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double minded. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” Don’t speak evil one of another. If you know to do good and do it not, that is sin.
Chapter five produced powerful legacies for A.A. Be patient. Grudge not. Swear not. And then: “Is any among you afflicted, let him pray. Is any merry, let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church,; and let them pray over him anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if ye have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Then “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth; and one convert him. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
Jesus’ sermon on the mount, found in Matthew Chapters 5, 6, and 7, was specifically stated by both Dr. Bob and Bill to contain the underlying philosophy of A.A. And it is rich with specific principles that were translated into A.A.
Chapter five begins with the beatitudes. Anne Smith called them Christ-like virtues to be cultivated. Jesus told his followers that they were the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. They were to follow all the commandments—Thou shalt not kill. Do not be angry. And then there are two portions that found their way into Steps 8 and 9: Agree with thine adversary quickly. And make amends to the brother who has something against you. Don’t swear. Turn the other cheek. Love your enemies.
Chapter six begins with what have been likened to A.A. reasons for anonymity. Don’t do your alms in public. Don’t pray on the street corners. Don’t utter repetitious prayers. Don’t fast so that you appear to be fasting. These acts are hypocritical. The reason is that, “your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him.” The so-called Lord’s Prayer can be found in verses 9 to 13. Then, No man can serve two masters; you can’t serve God and mammon. The chapter concludes with the large number of verses urging people not to be anxious about their needs, for God will supply them. It states the condition: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” These verses and verse 34 were said by Dr. Bob to be the source of slogans “First Things First” and “Easy Does It” as well as “One Day at a Time.”
Chapter seven contains further ideas transmitted into A.A. The first five verses have to do with “casting the log out of your own eye” rather than focusing on the speck in your brother’s eye. Ask, and it shall be given you: seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Then the so-called golden rule. Narrow is the gate. Ye shall know men by their fruits, and a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. The concluding verses 22 to 29 lay out the necessity for doing the will of the Father which is in heaven.
1 Corinthians 13 lays out the timeless principles of love. The entire chapter will be read at A Nationwide Recovery Conference with Dick B. on Saturday, May 16th.
The Need for, and Value of Knowing the Biblical Roots of Recovery
What are the basic questions raised by this very clear, well documented, early fellowship history?
First, is there compelling evidence that the power and love of the Creator, coming to Him through Jesus Christ, and studying the Bible impacted on the astonishing successes of those in the early fellowship who chose to become children of the one true living Creator through Jesus Christ and to adopt and obey the standards of the Bible?
Second, is there any reason at all today why this same result cannot be achieved in or out of A.A., in or out of church, in or out of prison, in or out of homeless situations, in or out of treatment facilities, in or out of therapy, or simply by standing on the promises of God?
Finally, what features of present-day A.A. can offer assistance to one who seeks or finds himself or herself in a 12 Step fellowship and wants to learn and seek “A New Way Out”—a way out of misery by becoming or believing as a child of God, obeying His Word, and staying in fellowship with Him? The Big Book declares that the Twelve Steps are suggestions for finding God. The personal stories were intended to show how each person established his relationship with God. There are ample illustrations of the self-destruction inherent in excessive, uncontrolled drinking. There are good suggestions for taking stock of sinful behavior and getting it out for full appraisal, then eliminating it with God’s help, and then continuing the process. Step Eleven is a challenge to grow in understanding and calling on the power of God, the guidance of God, and the deliverance He makes available when His will is obeyed. Add to this the 24 hour availability of A.A. and AAs for the shaky newcomer. Add the frequency of support meetings. Add the genuine concern of one member for helping another to recover. Add the opportunities for love, service, and focusing on unselfish service to others.
If the Christians in recovery will devote themselves to getting a handle on their own highly successful Christian roots and the Christian techniques in the early program, they can transmit real and loving service for those who want to become children of God; avail themselves of His forgiveness, power and guidance; and learn the truths of the Bible that assure an abundant and eternal life for the followers of Jesus Christ.
Reference Sources
Much of the material in this article can be found in reference sources that will be made available at A Nationwide Recovery Conference with Dick B. Most of these have never been seen, analyzed, disseminated, and made available either to AAs or to the public. They include the printers’ manuscript of “Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers;” the manuscript notes that comprise the journal kept by Anne Smith; the manuscripts of “Lois Remembers;” the AA of Akron pamphlets; the “Our Legacy” workbook; the biographies of Dr. William D. Silkworth, Clarence Snyder, Lois Wilson, Rev. Sam Shoemaker, and the vast amount of Oxford Group literature. They are pointed up in two of my most recent titles, “The Conversion of Bill W.” and “Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous.” Documentation and bibliographic materials are available in my titles, New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A.; The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous; Turning Point; Dr. Bob and His Library; Anne Smith’s Journal 1933-1939; The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous; That Amazing Grace; Making Known the Biblical History and Roots of Alcoholics Anonymous; The Good Book and The Big Book; Cured; When Early AAs Were Cured and Why; The James Club and the Original A.A. Program’s Absolute Essentials; and The Golden Text of A.A. These titles can all be found on the titles pages of my main website, http://www.dickb.com/titles.shtml, as well as on the listings of my books on Amazon.com where they can be ordered.
dickb@dickb.com; http://www.dickb.com
Gloria Deo
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