Dick B on AA Founding, Relying on the Creator, Role of Jesus - Jun 02,2013

The first three AAs were all Christians and founded a Christian fellowship on July 4, 1935. Bill W. was raised by Christian parents and grandparents. All attended East Dorset Congregational Church. Bill went to Sunday school and witnessed temperance meetings, revivals and conversion meetings. He studied the Bible with his grandfather Griffith. Bill attended Congregational Burr and Burton Seminary for 4 years; took a 4-year Bible course; went to daily chapel; went to prayer meetings; and was president of the YMCA. Bill remembered his grandfather Wilsons conversion and healing of alcoholism, and his father and mothers singing about the "Great Father." Dr. Silkworth told Bill the Great Physician Jesus Christ could cure Bill of alcoholism. Bills friend Ebby went to Calvary Mission, was born again, and was healed of alcoholism. Bill accepted Jesus as his Lord at Calvary Mission, wrote he had been born again, called on the Great Physician, and was cured of alcoholism at Towns Hospital when he cried out to God for help. (Big Book, 191.) St. Johnsbury where Bob grew up was filled with Congregational fervor. Bobs dad was a deacon in North Congregational Church, and Bobs mom was active in the churchs educational efforts. The church supported Christian Endeavor in which Bob was active, prayer meetings, and YMCA affairs. On Sunday, there were sermons, reading of Scripture, hymns, and prayers. Bob went to St. Johnsbury Academy with daily Christian training similar to that given to Bill. Dr. Bob often spoke of his "Heavenly Father" and of Jesus Christ as the Master. Both Bill and Bob spoke about the importance of Jesuss Sermon on the Mount, the Book of James, 1 Corinthians 13, the Bible, and morning devotionals. The Big Book carried reliance on God further on pages 25 and 29.

Alcoholics Anonymous | AA history | Bill W | Dr Bob | The Bible