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white guest speaker from
interruption of the usual order of things would be
denominational headquarters was
heard with respect.
not an unusual occurrence for the
He faced the congregation but spoke directly
Black congregation at Ephesus
to the representative of the GC hierarchy: “Think
church in Washington, D.C. An unusual tension,
it not strange? Yes, I think it very strange that
however, hung over the atmosphere on Sabbath,
there is an Adventist college nearby to which I
October 16, 1943. Recent events had generated
cannot send my children. Yes, I think it is strange!
serious discontent, and W.G. Turner, the General
A denominational cafeteria in which I cannot be
Conference vice president for North America, had
served, and now this incident—I think it mighty
come to defuse it. He preached on 1 Peter 4:12:
strange!”
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery
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trial which is to try you, as though some strange
And now this incident…
thing happened unto you” (KJV).
The incident had taken place on September 22
As Turner, his discourse completed, turned to
when 65-year-old Lucille Byard, accompanied by
take his seat, James Montgomery immediately
her husband, James, arrived in Takoma Park after
rose to his feet. His stature in the church as
a wearying overnight train ride from New York
Sabbath School teacher and elder as well as music
City, anticipating treatment at the Washington
leader, and in the community as a civic-minded
Sanitarium. Mrs. Byard had become seriously ill
teacher and anti-poverty crusader, meant that his
several weeks before, and all the arrangements
PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R
