Archives of Edwin Roberts
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The United Nations Witness Team
Based on the archives of Edwin RobertsIndependent Gospel Team
"A number of men in the London area, shortly after the 1940/41 Blitz, began comparing past methods with present needs in soulwinning. They ultimately formed the Independent Gospel Team-a Team to help Teams- whose function it is to spread the idea of team witness in every walk of life". (Charles E. Parker Gospel Teams in Action.)"Our narrative following Bulletin No.8 begins with a record of our Father's protecting care on the occasion of our team prayer meeting in December 1944, when a V-2 rocket fell 50 yards away and blasted the room we occupied."
Next followed some months of uncertainty. A Rally was held in the Midland Institute of Birmingham in March; a number of "team volunteers" were drafted into itinerant mission teams for summer holidays; two conferences of Factory team workers (one reported in the "News Chronicle" Nov. 7th) and the planning of the 1946 campaign followed.
Meanwhile news from teams in the services indicated that they reached their peak of success in 1945, teams in India recording many conversions, and the United Nations Forces Witness Team in london having similar blessing in large crowded gatherings in the Metropolis." (Charles E. Parker Battle for Britain - 1946.)
Captain Allen
Perry
(Secretary SACA) was involved in the formation of the Finsbury Branch. In
the early days, it met in Wesley Chapel, City Road. Olaf Ellis was
appointed its first Branch Secretary. "Jock Davidson" was another active
member, less active later because of a long illness. (Letter 15.5.1945 from
Allen Perry to Edwin Roberts)
24.7.1941 Letter from Dr Wiseman of Wesley's Chapel, City Road, London to
Mr Ellis.
30th April. No year. marked "RALLY". Letter "dear Roberts" from
P.J. Wiseman
Thursday 23.4.1942
Edwin
Roberts,
Harry
Young,
Tom
Chalmers and
Cecil Smith
were posted to the Royal Army Pay Corp in the City of London where
they joined a "Bible Class" in which Charles Parker and Olaf Ellis were
already members. These six decided to form a Christian witness team.
The "bible class" seems to have been the Finsbury Branch of the Soldiers
and Airmans Christian Association. In a letter to SACA (7.6.1971), Edwin
Roberts says he was secretary of this branch, which he thinks was the
nearest one to the headquarters at Havelock House (then at 35 Catherine
Place, Westminster, SW1). He says the branch:
This letter was written in connection with a SACA speaker at the Civil
Service Christian Union's Orange Street meetings (1971). On 18.11.1989, Mr
L.R. Neville of SACA was the guest speaker at the 18th anniversary service
of Sunnymede Chapel, Billericay, a Brethren assembly that Edwin Roberts
belonged to. Continuities like this are common in these archives.
I.G.T. Cash Book
I.G.T. Cash Book Cover: "1. Team Funds 1942-1943". [I.G.T. stands
for Independent Gospel Team. Edwin Roberts' contemporary address book lists
"I.G.T. 217 Waterloo Rd [BM/IGT]"]
The S.A.C.A. a/c does not really concern the Team, although one grew out
of the other. Collections were taken at meetings and after defraying any
expenses the balance was paid over periodically to that Association.
No vouchers were kept in respect of Team transactions. We saw each other
almost every day and travelling expenses were paid over more or less as
they were incurred.
When the Team increased so greatly a new book was opened as from 1.1.1944
and entries in this book written into it."
[Edwin Roberts' note at the back]
21.6.1942 Spruce Hill Baptist Church, Walthamstow.
Receipts 10/-. Noted in "I.G.T. Cash Book" by Olaf Ellis
28.6.1942 Treaty Road Undenominational Church, Hounslow.
Receipts 10/-. Noted in "I.G.T. Cash Book" by Olaf Ellis
17.7.1942: Army Scripture Readers & Soldiers' & Airmen's Christian
Association.
Royal Army Pay Corps. Finsbury Circus
Branch accounts started by Olaf Ellis, who wrote:
5.8.1942 Ferry Mission, Springfields.
Receipts 5/-. Noted in "I.G.T. Cash Book" by Edwin Roberts who begins to
make payments to team members and others from the account. Account
maintained by Edwin Roberts from this point.
9.8.1942 Lansdown
19.8.1942 A.T.P.M.
30.8.1942 Sipson Baptists
Friday 4.9.1942 Hounslow Christian Band
6.9.1942 Alexandra Hall
4.10.1942 Mabberly Hall
24.10.1942 Muswell Park Hall
Saturday 31.10.1942 to Monday 2.11.1942 Weekend at Sunbury Court. Financial
account in an old rent book.
Sunday 8.11.1942 Brook Street
Saturday 19.12.1942 Ashford Y.C.
6.2.1943 - 8.2.1943 Weekend at Sunbury Court. Financial account in an old
rent book.
11.2.1943 Christian Herald
"The London Forces Witness Team". T.W.R.
Glegg, A. L. 1944 (Editor) The Royal Albert Hall Campaign 1944.
Under the auspices of the Faith for the Times Campaign. "Addresses
given during a sixteen-days' campaign by the following team of speakers:
Rev. T. M. Bamber, Mr A. Lindsay Glegg, Rev. Colin C. Kerr, Mr Robert A.
Laidlaw, Rev Alan Redpath, Mr T. B. Rees". London, Pickering & Inglis
Limited. Inscribed "To Eddie, In appreciation of your help and fellowship,
and wishing you a happy Xmas, and God's richest blessing on the coming
year. Bob. London 1941. Romans 8: 38-39.
These rallies in the Albert Hall were held from Saturday 8.4.1944 to Sunday
23.4.1944. Edwin Roberts' diary showed that he went to Albert Hall on
Thursday 20.4.1944. There were air-raid planes over London on four nights
during the campaign (12th, 14th, 18th and 20th) and a bus strike. On the
final night there was not enough room in The Albert Hall.
Flying bombs: Germany launched V1 rockets on Britain from 13.6.1944 and
V2
rockets from 6.9.1944. There was a suspension in the London Team's
activities. They reformed in September 1944 when they held
some services at the London Embankment Mission, under the arches at
Charring
Cross. Joan Douglas, who lived at the Foreign Missions Club, invited
Chas
("Chris") Christensen from the USA, and he invited Edwin and
Harry to the
Bible Class at the American base (Green Street). There they met Arnie Olsen
who was active in the Bible Class and became active in the Team - Others
from overseas joined the Team, and they became the
United Nations Forces
Witness Team.
The following is a composite of records and recollections:
Lieutenant Danny James (USA) rented a
mews flat near Marble Arch
[15 Quebec Mews - "Danny's
Restaurant"], for many months, which was a
base for the Team, and a place to drink tea. Edwin Roberts took his wife,
Lily, once. He did not go very often - he was too busy with the Team's
paperwork.
The American
part of the Team was always changing, as they were sent off to Europe and
others came in. The British part did not have the same energy, and had
domestic commitments, but they provided a continuation and an
administration.
30.4.1944 to July 1945 Team Expenses - Travelling contains lists of
places the team visited and who went.
8.11.1944: A letter from F.P. Brininger (Berean Central Fund, Amersham,
Bucks) to Edwin Roberts acknowledges a
"The regular weekly bible study sessions, which are held in a U.S. lecture
hall at 61 Green street, near the Marble Arch, attract between 150 and 200.
Rather less than half of this number are servicemen and women of the
Canadian, United States, Australian, New Zealand and British forces: the
rest are civilians. But the program is conducted entirely by the soldiers,
sailors and airmen themselves, and they do it without the benefit of
padres"
Accounts of money collected and rent paid 30.7.1945 to 10.11.1945 suggest
several people were contributing to the flat. The balance of money
collected from them that was not paid as rent or expenditure
(£23) was transferred to the UNFWT books on 15.11.1945.
On 5.11.1945, M. Katz of 42 Creswell Road, East Twickenham, gave one week's
notice to D. Chittick Esq, 5 Quebec Mews, Marble Arch, W1, "to quit and
deliver up to me, possession of the Furnished Rooms at the above address on
Tuesday November 13th 1945"
On 7.1.1945 an eleven page, typed, list of names and addresses, "arranged
first by Nations, then subdivided into States and Provinces under those
Nations" was compiled and duplicated "from the guest book at the Apartment
of Lieutenant Dan. J. James, U.S. Army, London, England. (Home address: 755
Seventh St., Charleston, Illinois). These are names of Christians whom the
Lord has brought together for the purpose of His own." The nations are
Australia, Canada, England, Newfoundland, New Zealand, Norway and the
United States of America.
In the USA, Youth for Christ was a music based movement, successfully using
broadcasting and mass rallies to evangelise teenagers and people of service
age. ("Bobby-soxers, soldiers, sailors, WAC's and WAVES"
Service
1946).
It is said to have started independently in different parts of the USA in
1943. Torrey Johnson was the founder in Chicago, his song leader was Bob
Cook. In 1945 the size of USA rallies reached figures like 30,000 (in
football stadiums). Jack Wyrtzen, an "insurance man and ex-jazzplayer" ran
"Word of Life" rallies and radio in New York, which was "short-waved around
the world". (
Service
1946).
A feature of the USA campaigns was that live radio was part of the rally
for (initially) half an hour. At some later rallies people sang along with
radio for an hour and a half. I do not think this was a feature of London
rallies, although
Jack Wyrtzen appears to
have used it on his
visit to London in 1946.
Billy Graham was a graduate of Wheaton College, Illinois, where
"singing
the great old hymns... and the more recent gospel songs and choruses" was
"an important part in the lives of students". In 1941 Alfred B. Smith of
Wheaton College issued the first
Singspiration
book of Gospel Songs
and Choruses. Whilst a student, Billy Graham, and his soloist George
Beverley Shea, ran a radio programme and church services. He joined Youth
for Christ in 1943. In 1949 Billy Graham ran a campaign in Los Angeles with
up to 10,000 people attending nightly for eight weeks.
The ideas of Youth for Christ came to Britain with the American and
Canadian service men and women who became part of the United Nations
Witness Team. The leaders of the USA movement, including Billy Graham,
followed in 1946.
Finsbury Branch
The branch for the Royal Army Pay Corps in the City of London appears to
have been started in 1940. At some stage a regular weekly Bible Class
was started. An 1943 article about the Soldiers' and Airmen's Christian
Association says:
Soldiers and Airmans Christian Association"Fellowship is essential in the lives of all Christians, and as soon as
a Branch is formed an effort is made to establish a time for regular
fellowship so that members may be given opportunities for united Bible
study and prayer. They are encouraged to read the Scripture Union portions
daily, and at weekly meetings the portions are discussed (with the aid of a
blackboard), and given a practical application."
(Service,
January
1943)
"A few weeks ago I heard with very much pleasure that there was a
meeting of service men in the Benson Room on Friday nights and said that I
should like to come down and meet them some Friday if I could..."
"grew into the United Nations Witness Team which had about 40 to 50 members
in the end. We used to hold our prayer meetings in the
Council Room at Havelock House, and received a lot of encouragement from
Captain Perry and
Captain May."
City of London Forces Witness Team
One
member of the group (Cecil Smith or Tom Chalmers who lived in Cecil's
parents' house) being asked to speak at his church, Spruce Hill Baptist
Church in Walthamstow, asked the others. They became the "City of London
Forces Witness Team" and spoke at many churches. David Davidson was also
involved early on. Another member of the Team was Stanley Ellison.
"This book was opened by Olaf Ellis and continued by Eddie Roberts to
record (in the front) the City of London Forces Witness Team transactions
and (in the back) the Finsbury S.A.C.A. transactions. Both were simple cash
accounts.
"For the first two years no accounts were kept, as the monthly offering
was given to the caretaker of the meeting room with an occasional gift to
S.A.C.A. Headquarters funds."
Faith for the Times Campaign
Ellis, F. T. no date (Editor) The Essentials of the Evangel
"Addresses given during a six-day Congress on Evangelism, in the Kingsway
Hall, under the auspices of the Faith for the Times Campaign. London,
Pickering & Inglis Limited.
United Nations (Forces) Witness Team
"An effective liaison was established with an
American Bible Class
held
in a G.I. billet in Mayfair" "I remember how Eddie and I first visited the
Class.. We were squeezed into a room which was uncomfortably full and were
at once electrified.." (Harry Young)
"donation of £2 from Finsbury Circus Branch of the Army Scripture
Readers
and Soldiers' & Airmen's Christian Association, and also the Independent
Gospel Team, to the "Chapel of the Opened Book", Wilson Street." "We are
delighted to hear that...your numbers increased...We are glad to be in a
position to provide facilities for you in the Chapel...Through corrosion
inside the gas service pipes to the Chapel proper, we can get very little
pressure on the central chandelier, so we are attempting to get electric
light installed - we hope with not to great delay, but of course it is war
time."
The American Bible Class
From the British point of view, the United Nations Witness Team was an
outgrowth of a small Bible Class in the City of London. Americans and
Canadians saw it as an outgrowth of a larger Bible Class they organised.
Here is how The Maple Leaf - For Canadian Forces in Britain
explained the origin of the
Westminster Rally 18.8.1945:
"The Rally is an outgrowth of the Wednesday night bible classes, which
were started by a group of American GI's back in 1943. Although they are
not generally publicised, the classes have attracted an ever-growing list
of supporters, including men on leave in London from Europe who 'just
happened' to hear about them".
Danny's Restaurant
Lieutenant Danny James (USA) rented a flat at 15 Quebec Mews where people
met to drink tea. He had a notice in
American army canteens inviting Christian men and women to ring him. People
called it "Danny's restaurant". After he left the mews two others moved in
to keep it going for a while.
The American Forces Witness Team
Youth for Christ and other rallies
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AN OPPORTUNITY YOU
MUST NOT MISS.
MEN OF THE
COME AND HEAR OF VICTORY.
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It seems clear enough that the Victory and the Peace spoken of were spiritual. The Allied Forces in Europe declared physical victory in May 1945. Tuesday 8.5.1945 was VE Day in Britain.
Writing about the team in the 1990s, David Powell said:
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"One of their more unusual activities was a broadcast to the United States
on Victory in Europe night on the
Jack Wyrtzen Word of Life Hour
from Broadcasting House."
Soon after, the United Nations Forces Witness Team held its first big rally. A circular dated "May 1945" was sent from 35 Estelle Road, Gospel Oak, NW3 (Edwin Roberts address) headed UNITED NATIONS FORCES WITNESS TEAM (formerly) City of London Forces Witnes Team and signed "With Christian Greetings, Yours in His Service, E. Roberts (Britain), C.A. Christensen (U.S.A.), B. McKenzie (Canada), B.A. Pearson (Australia).
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"Victory in Europe has filled us all with joy and gladness. it will,
however, mean swift and sudden changes for many of the servicemen in the
European theatre. Before the United Nations Forces Witness Team is
dispersed, as it may be soon, it is hoped to hold a Thanksgiving Rally on
June 2nd D.V....at the Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, Shaftesbury
Avenue (near Oxford St end)...We extend a warm invitation to the many
friends of the Team to join us in expressing our gratitude to God for his
goodness, in demonstrating our unit in Christ, and in an act of
consecration to Him. We are especially hoping that members of the
congregations we have visited will be able to come. Perhaps you can arrange
to come as a party. we shall be sending out a printed pamphlet giving
further details in the course of the next few days."
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UNITED NATIONS FORCES WITNESS
TEAM THANKSGIVING RALLY AT
BLOOMSBURY CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH
ON
SPEAKERS:
Testimonies, Special Singing and Reports
BY
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The Thanksgiving Rally at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church was convened at two week's notice:
- Nearly a thousand people attended... We met to say 'Farewell'; we left
with a challenge to go forward, to close in upon the enemy and win the
Youth of London for Christ!'
Between VE day and VJ day, Edwin Roberts and family moved from 35 Estelle Road to an upstairs flat at 27 Mayfield Road, Hornsey, N8. This became the secretarial headquarters of the UNWT, as well as my nursery.
A circular dated "August 1945" was sent from Mayfield Road, signed Edwin Roberts, Corresponding Secretary, that said
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"we have had the vision of another Rally but with this difference - we are
exercised that this should be a great Gospel meeting especially aimed at
winning the youth of today for Christ. This "Youth for Christ" Rally is
arranged for Saturday August 16th...in the Westminster Chapel, Buckingham
Gate".
On 6.8.1945 allied aircraft dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, laying the city waste. Another was dropped on Nagasaki on 9.8.1945. Wednesday 15.8.1945 was officially VJ day in Britain. Members of the team were at Harry Young's church in Sunbury on VJ day. Andrew and Lily Roberts went as well, and (we) were given a female ginger kitten called Floss. On his way to a (business?) meeting in Westminster afterwards, Edwin Roberts passed the crowds celebrating outside Buckingham Palace. Sunday 19.8.1945 was an official day for national thanksgiving.
Saturday 18.8.1945 Youth for Christ rally in Westminster Chapel.
About 2,000 attended.
A young American officer led the assembly in the singing of Gospel
choruses, and an American major conducted a uniformed choir in singing,
"Saved to tell others of the Man of Galilee". A quartet of U.S. Service men
also sang twice.
Then came seven personal testimonies, introduced by the chairman as "Round
the world in ten minutes". The first was a Canadian in khaki, who affirmed
how proud he was that his name was written in the Lamb's Book of Life. He
was followed by a Tasmanian airman, and then in quick succession a soldier
from Toronto, an American soldier, a New Zealand airman, a W.A.A.F, from
Lancashire, and a U.S. officer from Boston, told how Christ had saved them.
When, at 7.30, Mr Rees resumed charge of the meeting, he said that as
hundreds had been turned away they had arranged for the United Nations'
Forces Team to come again on the following Thursday, September 20.
October 1945: Youth for Christ
continues
under auspices of the formally
constituted United Nations Forces
Witness Team
Minutes of Team Meetings: 1.10.1945; 3.12.1945; 1.1.1946; 22.1.1946;
2.2.1946; 12.2.1946; 8.3.1946; 25.3.1946; 30.3.1946; 14.5.1946; 20.5.1946;
24.7.1946; 27.3.1947; 20.12.1948; July 1950.
The meeting on 1.10.1945, at Havelock House, was called to coordinate
four activities:
An Executive Committee was formed to coordinate these activities under the
title United Nations Forces Witness Team. At the
1.1.1946 meeting,
it was decided that the name would be United Nations Witness Team
An undated circular was sent from Mayfield Road announcing the rally at
Westminster Chapel on Saturday October 13th 1945. Leaflets and a poster
were enclosed. It was signed
Edwin
Roberts (Britain),
Harry Young (Britain),
Bob McKenzie (Canada),
Chas N. Christensen (U.S.A.),
Robert
Pearson (Australia).
"The Rally committee includes
Cpl. Robert
MacKenzie of Vancouver.
Maj. Larry
Wilcox,
Lieut. Harold
Shaw and
S/Sgt. Charles
N.
Christensen of the U.S. Army,
Sgt. Robert
Pearson
of Australia, and
Pte. Henry [Harry]
Young
and Pte. Eddie
Roberts of the UK army."
Friday evening was one that will live long in the memories of many.
Before the advertised time of the meeting the hall was filled. The platform
and choir seats were occupied by members of the Forces, and Allied flags
draped the sides and rear of the orchestra. The first hour was given over
to the United Nations Forces Witness Team, a movement that had previously
shown that it had captured the imagination of some thousands of young
people. The chairman, in a few businesslike sentences, announced that they
had come to tell what Christ meant to them while on Active Service. They
were convinced that Christ alone had a message for "this poor old world".
United Nations (Forces) Witness Team
Formal organisation and Minutes from 1.10.1945
"...at Westminster Chapel in August and at Central Hall on the two
occasions that the Team was privileged to assist Mr T.B. Rees, real
blessing resulted and many were converted. Indeed, the same spirit of
revival has marked all our meetings of late. To God be the Glory."
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UNITED NATIONS FORCES WITNESS TEAM
ANNOUNCE A "YOUTH FOR CHRIST" RALLY AT WESTMINSTER CHAPEL BUCKINGHAM GATE, S.W.1 (By Kind Permission) ON
Conducted by Servicemen from
Testimonies, Special Music and the Address
YOUNG AND OLD CORDIALLY INVITED
Westminster Chapel is close to St. James Park Station.
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A circular dated "October 1945" was sent from Mayfield Road saying there would be a series of "Youth for Christ" meetings sposored by the team "between now and November 24th (D.V.)". It was signed R. Mc Kenzie (Canada), C.N. Christensen and D.Chittick (U.S.A.), M. Kendon (New Zealand), G.S. Gooderson and E. Roberts (Britain).
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Y O U T H
for C H R I S T
sponsored by the United Nations Forces Witness Team. There will be Choruses, Special Music, Testimonies and a sound Gospel Message. The time is 7 o'clock and the place is MEMORIAL HALL on Oct.6-20-27 & Nov.3-10-17-24
MEMORIAL HALL IS LOCATED ON FARRINGDON STREET, EC4
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A circular dated "December 1945" was sent from Mayfield Road saying there would be a further series of "Youth for Christ" meetings in Westminster Chapel on Saturdays 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th December. It was signed G.Brough, R. Mc Kenzie, G.S. Gooderson, E. Roberts, M. Kendon, H. Young.
Saturday 15.12.1945 Youth for Christ Rally, Westminster Hall
Collection £52..10..04. Signed for by W.R. Dodd and F. Tuck
1946
A circular dated "January 7th 1945" was sent from Mayfield Road saying
there would be "Youth for Christ" meetings in Westminster Chapel
on each Saturday of the month. It was signed
G.Brough,
R. Mc Kenzie,
G.S. Gooderson,
E.
Roberts,
M. Kendon,
H. Young.
The following handbill does not have a year. From the entries in Edwin
Roberts diaries for January, I think it relates to January 1946
"It is hoped that the last Saturday (January 26th) will be an "all
services" evening, and the speaker will be Wing Commander Gregson, R.A.F.,
who has served the Lord as a chaplain in Canada and Burma."
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Y O U T H
for C H R I S T
FORCES WITNESS TEAM once again presents "Youth for Christ" ..... every Saturday evening in January at WESTMINSTER CHAPEL. special music! Come on along ... you'll enjoy it!! The time is 6.45 p.m. |
Diary Tuesday 1.1.1946: "Team Committee (H.H.)"
Saturday 5.1.1946 Youth for Christ Rally
Diary Saturday 5.1.1946: "Y.F.C. Rally. Francis Dixon spoke. Grand!"
Diary Sunday 6.1.1946: Note that Andrew (me) was "much better" (I was in
hospital) and that Iris Floyd stayed with us over the weekend.
Diary Monday 7.1.1946: Note that Harry and Joyce Young had a son.
Diary Tuesday 8.1.1946: "Team meeting at C.S.C.U."
Saturday 12.1.1946 Youth for Christ Rally
Saturday 19.1.1946 Youth for Christ Rally
Saturday 26.1.1946 Youth for Christ Rally
[16.2.1946 Westminster Hall]
Diary Sunday 17.2.1946: "Free Sunday - No Team Meeting".
March 1946, see
Civil Service Christian Union
Collection £32..08..00. Signed for by Edwin Roberts and F. Tuck
"Team at Treaty Road".
Collection £29..18..00. Signed for by W.R. Dodd, C.E. Vernon and
Edwin Roberts
Collection £28..10..9. Signed for by Edwin Roberts and W.R. Dodd
Collection £30..6..6. Signed for by W.R. Dodd and G.B. ****
Fredk. A. Tatford (Editor of Harvester, a Brethren magazine, was
editor of the CSCU magazine Service and a promoter of the Revival in
Our Time rallies that followed on from the UNWT.
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Tom Rees Mass Meetings 1946. Programme from the "Programme and Hymns", price 6d. ROYAL ALBERT HALL SATURDAY MASS MEETING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2 and 9, at 6.30 p.m. THIS IS LIFE Leader: Thomas B. Rees
February 2
Guest Speaker: Rt. Rev. C.M. Chavasse, O.B.E., M.C., D.D., Bishop of Rochester.
To start you Thinking - The Christian and Career
Question Time
February 9
Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, M.R.C.P.
To start you Thinking - The Christian and Marriage
Question Time
February 16
UNITED NATIONS FORCES WITNESS TEAM
To start you Thinking - The Christian and Business
Question Time
February 23
Guest Speaker: Stephen F. Olford
To start you Thinking - The Christian and Money
Question Time
March 2
Guest Speaker: Mrs Commissioner Hugh Sladen, S.A.
To start you Thinking - The Christian and Spare Time
Question Time
March 9
Guest Speaker: The Rev. Alan Redpath, A.C.A.
To start you Thinking - The Christian and Full Time Service
Question Time
Music The singing will be led by a Massed Girl's Choir led by
Madoc Davies
Quartette Soprano: Joyce Silcox, Tenor: W. Collins, Contralto: Josephine M. Wyton, Bass: W.F. Pickering. Organist Geoffrey R. Brough. A member of the United Nations Forces Witness Team. Pianist B. Heather Brown.
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March 1946. The team of Torrey Johnson, from American Youth for Christ, were entertained by Tom Rees. One of them was Billy Graham. Edwin Roberts said that he met Billy Graham at a London station when he first came to the United Kingdom. Billy Graham's next journey to Britain may have been in 1952
A circular dated "March 14th 1946" was sent from Mayfield Road announcing "our next Rally"" on Saturday March 30th at Westminster Chapel. It was signed Geoffrey R. Brough, Robert McKenzie, Gordon S. Gooderson, Edwin Roberts, Murray Kendon, Harry Young.
Saturday 30.3.1946 Rally
Collection £31..16..00. Signed for by F. Tuck and W.R. Dodd
A circular dated "2nd April 1946" was sent from Mayfield Road about preparing a team of personal for a further series of Youth for Chist Rallies in the spring and summer. It was unsigned.
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"The work would involve leading inquirers to Christ and assisting the
Stewards in directing inquirers to the inquiry rooms at the close of the
gatherings. Attendance at a "personal workers preparation meeting" is
regarded as essential to new workers and highly desirable for all."
A circular dated "April 15th 1946" was sent from Mayfield Road announcing rallies in Westminster Chapel "on each of the six Saturdays commencing with April 27th". It was signed Geoffrey R. Brough, Robert McKenzie, Gordon S. Gooderson, Edwin Roberts, Murray Kendon, Harry Young.
Saturday 27.4.1946 Youth For Christ Rally
Collection £12..5..00. Signed for by *.*. Smith and F. Tuck. Mostly
handed to Mr Marsh.
Saturday 4.5.1946 Youth For Christ Rally
Collection £14..12..06. Signed for by G.E. Vernon and F. Tuck. Mostly
handed to Mr Marsh.
Saturday 11.5.1946 Youth For Christ Rally
Collection £11..15..00. Signed for by A.S. Ellison and F. Tuck.
Mostly handed to Mr Marsh.
We should like to introduce you to a new venture of faith which will, we
believe, be a real help to Christian workers.
Being convinced of the need for a supply of up-to-date tracts which will
not only present the glorious message of the Gospel in an effective manner
but are also attractive in appearance, a few young men (two of whom are
members of the team) have formed the
"Victory Tract
Club". Already it has
met with a ready response from many Christian workers and we feel that you
too may like to know about it, so that you may be able to avail yourselves
of the excellent services that it offers.
We are enclosing a leaflet, which gives details of the Tract Club, and some
sample tracts. we feel that these will speak for themselves. Any further
information will gladly be supplied by the
Victory Tract Club (see leaflet for address).
With Christian greetings on behalf of the Team, Yours sincerely in Christ,
Edwin Roberts, Hon. Secretary.
P.S. We should like to remind you of the last three "Youth for Christ"
Rallies which are to be conducted by the team in Westminster Chapel on the
next three Saturdays (D.V.) The speaker on May 18th will be Lt. Col. W.E.
Shewell-Cooper, and on May 25th, Mr Montague Goodman. On June 1st (the last
Rally of the series) the speaker will be a member of the team.
You may also like to make a note of a Thanksgiving Rally to be held in the
Kingsway Hall at 6.0.pm on June 8th (Victory Day), when the speaker will be
Mr Jack Wyrtzen of New York.
Saturday 18.5.1946 Youth For Christ Rally
A circular dated "May 23rd 1946" was sent from Mayfield Road announcing a
THANKSGIVING RALLY in Kingsway Hall on June 8th ("Victory Day"). It was
signed
Geoffrey R. Brough,
Robert McKenzie,
Gordon S. Gooderson,
Edwin
Roberts,
Murray Kendon,
Harry Young.
Saturday 25.5.1946 Youth For Christ Rally
A circular dated 29.5.1946 was sent from Mayfield Road announcing the end
of the United Nations Witness Team:
At a team Conference held at "Havelock House" on Tuesday, May 18th, the
following resolution was passed:-
That the United Nations Witness Team should be brought to an orderly
conclusion at a time and in a manner to be agreed by the Team Executive,
and that the members of the Team should in the meanwhile be exercised as to
the Lord's Will regarding future service.
The following were present:
Doug. Beatty,
Gordon S. Gooderson,
Alan Morrell,
George Summers,
Geoffrey R. Brough,
Nigel Howarth,
Charles Parker,
Joy Westbrook,
Graham Cox,
Murray Kendon,
Eddie
Roberts,
Harry Young.
Stanley Ellison,
Robert McKenzie,
Trevor Strong,
Peter Harris,
Ray Pestell,
Mr. F.A. Tatford.
...the Team Executive... will report their plans to a meeting of the Team
at an early date. Members living in the London area will be notified
individually of this meeting.
...the Rally on June 8th is to be our last Rally... If you live in the
London area or if you will be in London on Saturdays June 1st and 8th, we
hope you will come along... On June 8th (Victory Day) please wear uniform.
It is proposed that those of us who have had such wonderful fellowship
together during the past three or four years should keep in touch with each
other through the medium of a "News Letter". This will be circulated only
to Team members and a few friends, and it is hoped to include in each
issues a News Item from each person concerned.
I should like to publish the first issue during July...
Saturday 1.6.1946 Youth For Christ Rally
Saturday 8.6.1946 United Nations Witness Team "Thanksgiving Rally" at
Kingsway Hall.
Letter from Bill Baum, Kansas City, 21.8.1946:
Letter from John Pierce, Lubbock, Texas, 21.8.1946:
"I was quite interested in the letter in the May issue of the
Harvester concerning the Youth for Christ team which went to
England, and was glad to hear the opinion of the Team concerning them. In
general, we had the idea here that the message as given out by Jack Wyrtzen
might glorify man less and God more."
Letter from
Harvey
Klase,
Pensylvania, 31.10.1948:
"Remember Jack Wyrtzen who was over with us in London. Well I went to his
"Word of Life Rally" on June 19 in Yankee Stadium. There were about 52,000
people there and 1,100 gave their hearts to Jesus at the invitation. (The
stadium seats 75,000). In London we broadcasted for a half hour, but there
it was an hour and a half (From 8.00p.m to 9.30 p.m.) We had a wonderful
time in the Lord there. I was also at one of his Rallies in Philadelphia in
April, and the place was packed with 20,000."
The first Revival in Our Time circular from Mayfield Road is dated "11th
July 1946". It makes it clear that the new organisation is based on
Christian Brethren Assemblies - even though it grew out of the non-
denominational United Nations Witness Team - and that the immediate
purpose was not evangelistic.
During the war years, it was the privilege of Christians in the forces to
carry on evangelistic efforts in many places... Some of these efforts were
held in the Central London area, by the United Nations Witness Team and
others, and much valuable help and support was given by civilian brethren.
... many of those concerned, who are associated with the London Assemblies,
feel that the Lord has been drawing them together for some special purpose
and they have decided - in fellowship with other brethren - to arrange a
series of Rallies for Christians on the Saturday evenings of September
'46...
We are praying for revival, and our desire is that the assemblies may be a
channel of blessing when the cloud breaks."
Yours in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Alan Morrell,
Mr. F.A. Tatford.
Eddie
Roberts,
J.B. Watson.
Harry Young.
Hymn Sheets: "Revival in our Time". Saturday
Evening Rallies in Westminster Chapel, SW1. Every Saturday in September
1946, at 6.0 p.m.
Revival in Our Time Edited by
Fredk. A.
Tatford,
Litt.D. Paternoster
Press 1947 contains amended addresses from September 1946 by C.E. Stokes,
A. Rendle Short, Harry Young, Fredk. A. Tatford, J.B. Watson, Montague
Goodman, Alan G. Morell and Stephen F. Olford.
29.10.1947 Revival in Our Time Rallies for Old and Young
13.11.1947 Revival in Our Time Rallies for Old and Young
Revival in Our Time. A Call to Christians "Notes of a special
meeting held by Representatives of the Assemblies of London in the Lecture
Hall at the Westminster Central Hall on November 21st 1947. Speakers:
H.F.R. Catherwood, W.W. Velacott, J.R. Watson". Chaired by J.W. Laing.
Copies from the Secretary, Edwin Roberts, 27 Mayfield Road, Hornsey,
London, N.8
March 1948 Revival in Our Time Rallies for Old and Young
Victory Tract Club and the end of Youth for Christ
15.5.1946 Circular from 27 Mayfield Road:
Dear Friends
Collection £19..00..6. Signed for by G. Gooderson and F. Tuck. Mostly
handed to Mr Marsh.
"The enclosed leaflets will give you some idea of the splendid work that is
being done in U.S.A. by Mr Jack Wyrtzen, who is in fellowship with the
assemblies in New York. Mr Wyrtzen will be the speaker on June 8th (D.V.)"
Collection £23..12..7. Signed for by Edwin Roberts and F. Tuck.
Mostly handed to Mr Marsh.
Dear ....
Collection £22..11..1. Signed for by *.*. Vernon and *. ****. Mostly
handed to Mr Marsh.
Collection £67..16..0. Signed for by J.W. Linton and D. Smales
Dear Ed... I got out of the Army on Febr. 9. 46., after having been
stationed in Germany awhile, and visiting the Youth for Christ meetings at
Frankfurt various times... Since May I'm back in Kansas City, doing some
photography of my own (it was my profession before entering the service),
and becoming quite active in the local Youth for Christ rallies. I attended
the national or rather international convention of Youth for Christ at
Medicine Lake near Minneapolis in July. By the way, Gabin Hamilton was
there, and all our national leaders, including Billy Graham, who will come
to England again this fall."
Dear Eddie, Harry and others,
Dear Eddie,
Revival in Our Time
The end of the war dispersed the members of the team to all parts of
the world but some of them remained in the London area. A small handful of
enthusiasts, firmly convinced that it was not the Divine will that the
experience gained during the war years should be dissipated, and believing
that revival is a present-day possibility, joined in prayer and fellowship
with others who were like-minded. Out of this sprang, inter alia, a
series of Rallies at Westminster Chapel, London, in September 1946 under
the title "Revival in our Time" (or RIOT, as the more facetious
subsequently called it)."
Dear Brethren,
"It is hoped to hold further rallies during 1947 (D.V.), leading up to
an evangelistic campaign in the metropolis (and possibly to other efforts
elsewhere) during the winter of 1947-48. Details will be published in the
various Christian periodicals, but in the meantime, enquiries and gifts may
be sent to Mr. Edwin Roberts, 27 Mayfield Road, Hornsey, London, N.8"
12.5.1947 Revival in Our Time
Follow up on 29.10.1947
|
Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church
SHAFTESBURY AVENUE LONDON . W.C.1 |
|
REVIVAL
IN OUR TIME |
|
RALLY FOR OLD & YOUNG
Saturday, April 9th, 1949
SPEAKERS:
MR. E. S. CURZON
SOLOIST: MR. A. GODBOLD, A.R.C.M.
DON'T MISS THIS SPECIAL OCCASION |
August 1949 Revival in Our Time
- "For the past three years, rallies under the above title have been held
from time to time at Westminster Chapel and at Bloomsbury Central Church"
United Nations Witness Team Members in the United Kingdom
23.11.1949: From Metcalfe Collier to Edwin Roberts, returning a copy of the names and addresses of 41 members and 9 "Other ex-servicemen and women". At the back of the UK Letters FileCircular 8.10.1955 MOUntview 9880 "Dear... You will be pleased to hear that Iris Floyd expects (D.V.) to sail on 9th November for Africa..."
United Nations Witness Team Undated
UK Letters File
Loose leaf blue file made from covers of the Team Book, with a place for letters from members of the United Nations Witness Team. Earliest is probably Charles Parker 14.12.1944 with a humorous complaint that he has not heard from Tom Chalmers, Harry Young or Cecil Smith. The majority of letters are around 1950 when team members were asked to help disperse unsold copies of the Team Book.
1994 Reunion
Washington 1994. Harry Young's report to the Sunbury Reunion (October 1995) on the reunion in Washington, last October, of the United Nations (Forces) Witness Team.
Fairfax House is a name that will be etched forever in the memories of all who were privileged to attend the re-union of the United Nations Witness Team. It is the HQ of China Outreach Ministries, situated in the woodlands of Virginia, about 20 miles from Washington. This excellent guest house has been created by volunteers over a period of seven years, beautifully appointed and sumptuously furnished by generous donors. It exists to reach out to Chinese intellectuals who are travelling to the United States in very large numbers to be educated in American Universities, but who are also disillusioned with Marxism and are seeking "something to believe in". Our hosts were Robert and Debbie Walz. Robert, a physically small man, we soon discovered to be a spiritual giant. Debbie combined great gifts of communication, with superb catering skills.
As we gathered on Monday, the 3rd of October, we were moved beyond words to meet again, after 50 years, many with whom we had been associated in the team, together with those whom we had met in the intervening years. The atmosphere of warmth, enthusiasm and fellowship was instantly re-created; our cup of joy overflowed. This event was surely going to be a foretaste of Heaven!
At the very beginning, tribute was paid to Roy Snyder who had begun the process of organising the re-union and it was a cause for thanksgiving that although his plans for a meeting in England in 1994 were frustrated, his labour was not in vain. Danny James took up the challenge and with his usual gracious persistence and organising ability, the re-union was soon to become a reality after all. One after another, from the first day until the end, expressed their gratitude to Danny and Ann and realised that it was Danny's gift for approaching others with an inoffensive charm and courtesy that had introduced them to the Team half a century ago. Danny's flat, 5 Quebec Mews, in the heart of London - his "little tea room" was the "birth-place" as well as the meeting place for so many from all parts of the world.
Chuck Christensen was our chairman and in his safe hands and with his ever- present smile, he led us admirably, and especially, as of old, in the singing of many of the hymns and choruses that were such a feature of the Team's Ministry in London. "Saved to tell others", our theme song, and an improvised quartet, revived many memories of great occasions when such harmonies were applauded in London - not forgetting the trumpet sounds of George Anderson, as true and clear as ever.
Harry and Joyce Young together with Eddie Roberts were received with warmth and affection. In his welcome speech, Harry used Paul's words from Philippians, chapter 1. "I thank God in all my remembrance of you --- making prayer with joy." "I hold you in my heart", he continued with much emotion. He paused to congratulate Danny on re-inventing the English language! "You - all" was hardly elegant, but at least it was economical and as for "Bio" - wasn't this a plant food? However, in trying to recall a Don Chittick joke, Harry forgot the punch-lines!
Chris and Winnie each contributed to our morning devotions and these were much appreciated. In "Green and Growing" Chris (as we always knew him in London) reminded us of the importance of keeping our spiritual life fresh and fruitful. Old age did not mean a wasting and withering of our prayer life, our love and service for the Lord. Winnie touched our hearts deeply with her reminder always to pray for and continue to love our adult children, and Chris in his final talk urged us still to minister in the local church.
With even-handed skill, our chairman invited one and another at each session to give testimony to what the Lord had accomplished in their lives - stories told with honesty and humour and all within a very elastic 300 seconds. There were some special moments as when Bob MacKenzie, so bravely coping with increasing infirmity recounted his famous talk on "The Gospel in a Nutshell." The leader of the meeting - his identity revealed by his blushes - had prayed, "Lord, bless the message from this nut!" Bob Pearson who travelled from "the ends of the earth" gave us a lovely mini-sermon on the grace, the goodness and glory of the Lord. Leslie Rainey was his ebullient and irrepressible self; Harvey Klase provoked hysterical laughter with his spontaneous and almost unconscious humour and Johnny Pierce (alas - only a day visitor) inserting a lovely story from outer space - the reluctance of space-walkers to return to the capsule because of the sheer tranquillity in a world beyond our own. "Be still and know that I am God" are the words that came to mind. Other testimonies were equally effective and greatly enjoyed.
Our gracious guest of honour was Dr Richard Halverson, Chaplain to the Senate, whose meditation centred on the words of Jesus "Who believes in me, will also do the works that I do and greater works than these will he do" (John, Chapter 14, Verse 12). This was followed by the commemoration of those who had died, Harold Shaw and Geoffrey Brough being specially remembered, and a truly memorable service of Holy Communion.
Another wonderful event was the reception in the home of Danny and Ann when a delightful buffet was provided and many photographs were taken. Other outings included a day tour in Washington by Tour-mobile, starting at the Arlington cemetery, a visit to the battlefield of Manassas and memorials of the Civil War, and inevitably shopping expeditions to nearby Malls.
Harry was privileged to have the last word, based on 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, How living to please God involved progress, holiness, quietness and readinessþ for the coming of the Lordþwhich, he tenderly reminded us, was personal at our departing as well as that day and hour which no-one but the Father knows.
As we farewelled, it was with thankfulness for a re-union far exceeding all our expectations and the confident hope that a re-union in London in 1995 might after all, come to pass. Which it has.
I have pleasure in sending you a report, written by Ida and David Powell,
of the United
Nations Witness Team Reunion held at Sunbury Court from 2nd to 6th October
1995.
Edwin Roberts, 27 Jacqueline Gardens, Billericay, Essex.
Fairfax House. Virginia October l994 þ Sunbury Court on the River Thames
October
l995. Those who were in the Team may be 50 years older than they were in
l945, but
they are still great travellers! þas evidenced by those present, who came
from Canada,
the USA, Holland, Scotland and England.
Sunbury Court, which is the main Salvation Army Conference Centre, is a
beautiful l7th
Century country mansion in equally beautiful grounds. One of its main
attractions is a
magnificent chandelier, with 3,000 cut glass facets. The walls of the
dining room are
decorated with panel paintings of the l8th Century period, and the food
served to us there
will be long remembered for its excellence. Apart from the comfortable
meeting rooms,
there was a large sun lounge where we were able to relax, chat and enjoy
light
refreshments.
The majority of those attending arrived on Monday afternoon. We were
greeted warmly
by Harry and Joyce Young and given a beautiful programme, complete with
photographs
of 1945, which Christopher Young had prepared for us. You can picture the
joy with
which each new arrival greeted old friends, some of whom had not met since
the end of
the war and the feeling of anticipation for all the good things we were
about to enjoy
together was very evident. From these first moments together there was a
wonderful sense
of the presence and blessing of the Lord.
The chosen theme was finishing the course with joy (Acts 20:24). Edwin
Roberts
welcomed us all at our first evening of worship and celebration, led by
Harry Young.
Joan Kenyon (nee Hall) and Iris Grottick sang to us. One song was Let me
dream on
which brought back many memories. Ben Taylor gave a moving testimony from
his
wheelchair and Pee Wee Sorensen told us about the short-term missions he
and his wife
undertake in such places as India, Mexico and the slums of Atlanta. This
was followed by
a message from Harry from Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders
(Acts 20:24,
but see also Psalm 72:12-15).
Each day began with prayer. Various team members led morning by morning and
this
proved to be a time of great blessing. After this we breakfasted and then
moved on to
enjoy the morning Bible Hour. These were times of refreshment and
encouragement from
the Psalms. Les Rainey led us into Psalm 91, warming our hearts as he
encouraged us to
learn to "dwell in the secret place of the most High". Alan Morrell, who
introduced
Psalm 139, also led us in singing, with exactly the same enthusiasm he had
in the old
days. George Summers, on Psalm 133, and Sandy Morrison, on Psalm 1, each
brought a
powerful and encouraging message. What a feast!
At one of our evening services, Iris Floyd/Nascrimento shared her life
story with us. She
recounted how, in the blackout, she came to attend an American Forces Bible
Study in
Green Street. That evening she came to faith in Jesus, kneeling by a dust
bin on the way
to 5 Quebec Mews! She shared how she became a nurse/missionary in Angola,
often
having to fulfil the role of a doctor in very trying circumstances. Iris
testified to the
Lord's faithfulness in apparently impossible circumstances, and asked for
our prayers for
what is probably her final period of full time service abroad. Iris also
sends her thanks for
the gift of £250 made to her from the Communion offering.
One very special evening was devoted to personal testimonies. Testimonies
were given by
Danny James, Arny Olsen (who had only recently lost his wife) and Alan
Morrell. Each
spoke of the wonderful blend, when the Team were together, of British
maturity and
American enthusiasm! We heard moving testimony from Bob McKenzie, recorded
for us
last Easter, in which he reminded us that God's grace is sufficient for us
in all
circumstances. George Summers came next and then Charles Parker who was one
of the
original team members. He said that his time with the Team had been a time
of training
for future church leadership. Sandy Morrison shared with us the heart
rending story of
how, in the war, a young newly trained radar officer was ordered to take
Sandy's place
on the next Russian arctic convoy, while Sandy took compulsory
compassionate leave
after having been torpedoed. The young man was lost on that convoy and
Sandy likened it
to Jesus dying in our place.
So much more could be related regarding this testimony time, if only space
would permit.
We prayed for those who are suffering with ill health and those who have
lost loved ones,
that the Lord will comfort and strengthen them, that they may know His
presence in a
very real way.
Our times away from Sunbury Court were all special. First our visit to
Hampton Court,
so full of history and beauty, then our visit to the Royal Borough of
Kingston. Here we
were privileged to meet the Mayor & Mayoress of Kingston who gave us an
official
welcome to the Borough, a truly special occasion which included lunch in
the Baptist
Church and a short service. And there was also time to visit the many
lovely shops in
Kingston. But, surely the most
memorable visit was to
Westminster
Chapel, where the
Team witnessed to Jesus so
often at the end of the war.
We were given time to quietly
look around and then went up
into the pulpit we remembered
so well, and sang as we used
to the theme song of the Team
We are saved, Saved to tell
others followed by Christ for
Me. There was hardly a dry
eye. Dr R.T. Kendall, the
present Minister at the Chapel,
came in to hear us and was
visibly moved. Afterwards we went into a side room and he spoke very
movingly about
the privilege it was to have us there and that he felt Westminster Chapel
had been visited
by Angels that day! He also went on to say that although our theme was
finishing the
course with joy, we are certainly not finished yet. The proof being that we
are still here
on earth, the Lord still has much for us to do in serving Him. His message
was to keep
going, "You're not finished yet!" We were then given lunch at the Chapel.
As we travelled by bus and underground trains many of the team, true to
form, found
opportunities of sharing the gospel with those around them. Surely the best
confirmation
that God has not finished our labours yet!
On our last evening together, the Rev. Arthur Thompson, former President of
the London
Baptist Association gave a powerful, yet sensitive word, which included his
own
testimony, finishing on the note that soldiers of Christ do not die, they
are promoted to
glory. Harry then led us in a moving communion service, during which, Edwin
read out
the names of members of the team already promoted to glory. We stood to
remember
them in silence and prayer.
So much more could be said of this memorable time together, because the
Lord was with
us in a most remarkable way throughout the whole week. Those who were there
will carry
precious memories with them for the rest of their lives, and we trust that
those of you
who could not be with us will feel that in reading this report, you are
sharing the joys we
experienced. All the praise and all the glory is given to God for His
graciousness to each
one of us.
1995 Reunion
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Billy Graham 1943
Billy Graham 1946
City of London Forces Witness Team
Non Combatant Corps and conscientious objection