In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were a number of religious establishments and organizations. One such group were those whom followed RUSSELLISM and the BIBLE STUDENT MOVEMENT. A movement which would later be known as Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the world. As such, the founder Charles Russell left quite a legacy when passing in 1929.
Charles Russell was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, the son of a shopkeeper and housewife. While the couple gave birth to five children, only two would survive to become adults. After which, Ms. Russell became very ill and passed away when Charles was only nine years of age.
Once relocated in Pittsburgh, the Russell family became members of the local Presbyterian church. Sometime later, Charles then left the Presbyterian church at age 13 to join the more open-minded Congregational church. In order to spread the news about Christianity, Charles could often be found writing scriptures on fence posts or using chalk to share the word of God as a method of converting agnostics and atheists to the Christian church and faith.
When sixteen, Charles had a discussion with a childhood friend with regards to faults in the Christian belief system and other traditions. While having a brief period of questioning the faith once so boldly held, it was not long before the young pastor would be found attending a presentation by an Adventist Minister, Jonas Wendell. After which, Russell experienced a renewal of faith as well as the belief that the Bible truly was the Word of God.
Later Russell became involved in The Bible Student Movement. As a part of the movement, Russell was the first to publish a pamphlet known as Zion's Watch Tower, a publication now known as the Watch Tower. While Charles also published the Herald of Christ with co-founder William Henry Conley, that publication was never as popular as the first. Whereas, the Watch Tower still remains one of the most popular religious publications among Jehovah's Witnesses.
Russell continued to create a number of books, pamphlets, tracts, sermons and study materials throughout life. In fact, the series Millennial Dawn, now known as Studies in the Scriptures was a popular six chapter Biblical study series at the time. Later, there was an additional chapter provided by Rutherford, the man whom succeeded Charles as leader of the group after death.
A pastor by the name of Rutherford took over the movement when Russell passed on. Still, even with a new leader, the organization faced a crisis. For, Russell was a beloved leader whom many found hard to replace. As a result, a number of other individuals left the group and began starting small individual religious organizations in which different policies and procedures were implemented.
Most excuses for leaving were with regards to difference in opinion with regards to organizational matters. While the movement lost a number of members, it was still quite successful, especially after having been adopted in 1931 with the name change to Jehovah's Witnesses. While there was a big split in the earlier organization, eventually many returned to become members of the Jehovah's Witnesses churches and congregations.
Charles Russell was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, the son of a shopkeeper and housewife. While the couple gave birth to five children, only two would survive to become adults. After which, Ms. Russell became very ill and passed away when Charles was only nine years of age.
Once relocated in Pittsburgh, the Russell family became members of the local Presbyterian church. Sometime later, Charles then left the Presbyterian church at age 13 to join the more open-minded Congregational church. In order to spread the news about Christianity, Charles could often be found writing scriptures on fence posts or using chalk to share the word of God as a method of converting agnostics and atheists to the Christian church and faith.
When sixteen, Charles had a discussion with a childhood friend with regards to faults in the Christian belief system and other traditions. While having a brief period of questioning the faith once so boldly held, it was not long before the young pastor would be found attending a presentation by an Adventist Minister, Jonas Wendell. After which, Russell experienced a renewal of faith as well as the belief that the Bible truly was the Word of God.
Later Russell became involved in The Bible Student Movement. As a part of the movement, Russell was the first to publish a pamphlet known as Zion's Watch Tower, a publication now known as the Watch Tower. While Charles also published the Herald of Christ with co-founder William Henry Conley, that publication was never as popular as the first. Whereas, the Watch Tower still remains one of the most popular religious publications among Jehovah's Witnesses.
Russell continued to create a number of books, pamphlets, tracts, sermons and study materials throughout life. In fact, the series Millennial Dawn, now known as Studies in the Scriptures was a popular six chapter Biblical study series at the time. Later, there was an additional chapter provided by Rutherford, the man whom succeeded Charles as leader of the group after death.
A pastor by the name of Rutherford took over the movement when Russell passed on. Still, even with a new leader, the organization faced a crisis. For, Russell was a beloved leader whom many found hard to replace. As a result, a number of other individuals left the group and began starting small individual religious organizations in which different policies and procedures were implemented.
Most excuses for leaving were with regards to difference in opinion with regards to organizational matters. While the movement lost a number of members, it was still quite successful, especially after having been adopted in 1931 with the name change to Jehovah's Witnesses. While there was a big split in the earlier organization, eventually many returned to become members of the Jehovah's Witnesses churches and congregations.
About the Author:
RUSSELLISM and THE BIBLE STUDENT MOVEMENT is finally here to make a difference. To learn more, visit this website at http://www.nowthink.com/russellism.
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