Dawn Bible Students Association
Encyclopedia
The Dawn Bible Students Association is a legal entity used by a branch of the Bible Student Movement
.
It was founded with the intention of becoming a publishing house to begin printing and distributing the first six volumes of the Studies in the Scriptures
series that were written by Charles Taze Russell
which the Watchtower Society had officially ceased publishing in 1927.
In 1966 the Dawn published 'Oh, the Blessedness'; a small booklet which rejected most of Russell's views of Bible prophecy and end time predictions resulting in numerous internal divisions.
and actions of the Society's President, Joseph Rutherford
, left to create the radio program Frank and Ernest
with the help of the Brooklyn congregation of Bible Students. He had previously been responsible for producing the same radio program for the Watchtower Society.
In 1932, the Dawn Publishers, Inc. was founded in Brooklyn, New York, just blocks away from Watch Tower headquarters. In the 1940s it was moved to Rutherford, New Jersey under its current name, Dawn Bible Students Association. The Dawn was founded, by Woodworth and others, with the intention of becoming a publishing house to begin redistribution of the Studies in the Scriptures
. Soon after starting the Frank and Ernest radio program a 4-page brochure entitled Bible Student's Radio Echo began to be printed in order to maintain public interest. Soon, its name was changed to The Dawn and Herald of Christ’s Presence
magazine, and its size changed to 16-pages. It began as a bi-monthly, then later monthly, journal.
The Dawn was influential in regathering large numbers of the Bible Students who had ceased association with Watchtower Society between 1917 and 1928, sponsoring the "First Annual Reunion Convention of Bible Students" in 1929. As a result, new congregations of Bible Students were formed in various countries worldwide and publishing their literature in various languages.
In 1966 the Dawn published Oh, the Blessedness; a small booklet which rejected many of Russell's views on Bible prophecy and end times.
This rejection polarized those Bible Students who still accepted Russell's views, and an independent movement was formed in 1974. Russell's Studies in the Scriptures as well as all other writings never before reproduced since his death were now being republished independently of the Dawn, alongside radio and television programs, journals, newsletters, books and booklets produced by various Bible Student individuals and congregations independent of the Dawn. As of 1992 all of Russell's writings, including printed sermons, newspaper and journal articles, tracts, letters and brochures have been reprinted and digitized.
Current membership in America is difficult to estimate from the number of conventions. In the late 1980s they had a membership of about 60,000.
In 2007 The Dawn Magazine 75th Anniversary 1932–2007 gave a brief history of the group.
Studies in the Scriptures
teaches two phases of the Kingdom of God - a spiritual phase, invisible, and earthly phase.
Oh, the Blessedness! in 1966 addresses the two dates in Charles Taze Russell's prediction - the "beginning of the Master’s second presence" in 1874, and the "times of the Gentiles" end in 1914, recognising, as did Russell himself in 1907 and 1916 that the predicted "foretold harvest" of saints did not end in 1914 and still is going on.
They believe in the Restitution of all things, and the Restoration of Paradise, and in the General Resurrection, under the Millennial Reign of Christ.
Bible Student movement
The Bible Student movement is the name adopted by a Millennialist Restorationist Christian movement that emerged from the teachings and ministry of Charles Taze Russell, also known as Pastor Russell...
.
It was founded with the intention of becoming a publishing house to begin printing and distributing the first six volumes of the Studies in the Scriptures
Studies in the Scriptures
Studies in the Scriptures is a series of publications, intended as a Bible study aid, containing seven volumes of great importance to the history of the Bible Students, and the early history of the Jehovah's Witnesses.-Origin and author:...
series that were written by Charles Taze Russell
Charles Taze Russell
Charles Taze Russell , or Pastor Russell, was a prominent early 20th century Christian restorationist minister from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, and founder of what is now known as the Bible Student movement, from which Jehovah's Witnesses and numerous independent Bible Student groups emerged...
which the Watchtower Society had officially ceased publishing in 1927.
In 1966 the Dawn published 'Oh, the Blessedness'; a small booklet which rejected most of Russell's views of Bible prophecy and end time predictions resulting in numerous internal divisions.
History
In 1928 Norman Woodworth, following intense personal disagreement with the new policies of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract SocietyWatch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is a non-stock, not-for-profit organization headquartered in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, United States. It is the main legal entity used worldwide by Jehovah's Witnesses to direct, administer and develop doctrines for the religion...
and actions of the Society's President, Joseph Rutherford
Joseph Franklin Rutherford
Joseph Franklin Rutherford , also known as "Judge" Rutherford, was the second president of the incorporated Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, and played a primary role in the organization and doctrinal development of Jehovah's Witnesses, which emerged from the Bible Student movement established...
, left to create the radio program Frank and Ernest
Frank and Ernest (broadcast)
Frank and Ernest is the name of an international religious broadcast by the Dawn Bible Students Association that has been heard on many stations including Radio Luxembourg...
with the help of the Brooklyn congregation of Bible Students. He had previously been responsible for producing the same radio program for the Watchtower Society.
In 1932, the Dawn Publishers, Inc. was founded in Brooklyn, New York, just blocks away from Watch Tower headquarters. In the 1940s it was moved to Rutherford, New Jersey under its current name, Dawn Bible Students Association. The Dawn was founded, by Woodworth and others, with the intention of becoming a publishing house to begin redistribution of the Studies in the Scriptures
Studies in the Scriptures
Studies in the Scriptures is a series of publications, intended as a Bible study aid, containing seven volumes of great importance to the history of the Bible Students, and the early history of the Jehovah's Witnesses.-Origin and author:...
. Soon after starting the Frank and Ernest radio program a 4-page brochure entitled Bible Student's Radio Echo began to be printed in order to maintain public interest. Soon, its name was changed to The Dawn and Herald of Christ’s Presence
The Dawn (magazine)
The Dawn is a religious magazine printed and published by the Dawn Bible Students Association, East Rutherford, New Jersey and branch offices around the world. In 1932, the Dawn Bible Students Association was founded to publish The Dawn—A Herald of Christ’s Presence, a monthly journal...
magazine, and its size changed to 16-pages. It began as a bi-monthly, then later monthly, journal.
Later history
In 1966 the Dawn published Oh, the Blessedness; a small booklet which rejected many of Russell's views on Bible prophecy and end times.
This rejection polarized those Bible Students who still accepted Russell's views, and an independent movement was formed in 1974. Russell's Studies in the Scriptures as well as all other writings never before reproduced since his death were now being republished independently of the Dawn, alongside radio and television programs, journals, newsletters, books and booklets produced by various Bible Student individuals and congregations independent of the Dawn. As of 1992 all of Russell's writings, including printed sermons, newspaper and journal articles, tracts, letters and brochures have been reprinted and digitized.
Present day
Today the Dawn continue publication of Russell's Studies in the Scriptures, as well as booklets written by various Bible Students. They also produce radio and television programs.Current membership in America is difficult to estimate from the number of conventions. In the late 1980s they had a membership of about 60,000.
In 2007 The Dawn Magazine 75th Anniversary 1932–2007 gave a brief history of the group.
Beliefs
They accept inspiration of the Bible, and reject the doctrine of the Trinity and the immmortal soul. They accept Jesus as Messiah and Son of God, but believe that the Father is greater. They also teach a literal fallen angel Satan.Studies in the Scriptures
Studies in the Scriptures
Studies in the Scriptures is a series of publications, intended as a Bible study aid, containing seven volumes of great importance to the history of the Bible Students, and the early history of the Jehovah's Witnesses.-Origin and author:...
teaches two phases of the Kingdom of God - a spiritual phase, invisible, and earthly phase.
Oh, the Blessedness! in 1966 addresses the two dates in Charles Taze Russell's prediction - the "beginning of the Master’s second presence" in 1874, and the "times of the Gentiles" end in 1914, recognising, as did Russell himself in 1907 and 1916 that the predicted "foretold harvest" of saints did not end in 1914 and still is going on.
They believe in the Restitution of all things, and the Restoration of Paradise, and in the General Resurrection, under the Millennial Reign of Christ.
See also
- Bible StudentsBible StudentsBible Students refers to followers of the Bible Student movement and a number of related religious communities:* Dawn Bible Students Association* Free Bible Students* Jehovah's Witnesses* Laymen's Home Missionary Movement...
- Bible Student MovementBible Student movementThe Bible Student movement is the name adopted by a Millennialist Restorationist Christian movement that emerged from the teachings and ministry of Charles Taze Russell, also known as Pastor Russell...
- Frank and ErnestFrank and Ernest (broadcast)Frank and Ernest is the name of an international religious broadcast by the Dawn Bible Students Association that has been heard on many stations including Radio Luxembourg...
- the international broadcast by the Dawn Bible Students Association.