Mizpah — Part IV

By Pauli Jayné, Winsted

Hal developed into a marvelous teacher of God's truths and made the Bible live through applicable illustrations. Being a carpenter by trade, he explained the congregation of God's people today, beginning with the old, not so pretty, rough foundation stones—those hard, tested ones that no one really admires, but which are the very ones the "building" rests upon. Then there are the floor joists, the studs, the rafters (overseers, elders, ministerial servants), and finally the interior designs (the congregations of today), with the refinements and readjustments to make it all so nice to live within.

Another favorite that brought into play all his years of gold mining for a living during the depression years was that of digging for gold, our searching out true, sheep-like people! He would carry the thought from the pick gouging out the rock (our ministry), to the waters of truth (the knowledge of the Bible) flushing over, cleansing until landing in the sluice box of the confinements of the congregations, where more clear water of truth washes over and cleanses even more. Yet, even then one must go through the crucible of fire at the assayer's office, your personal test of faith to prove you are genuine gold!

"Defending and legally establishing the good news" became a by-word in those years of extreme patriotism. A minister never dared go out in the ministry without their personal copy of what Hal called the "pocket lawyer," the booklet of documented court cases called "Defending and Legally Establishing the Good News."

Both of Hal's school-age children were expelled from school for their refusal to participate in the flag salute, even though they respectfully stood at attention during the salute. The only way they would be permitted to return to school would be by agreeing to say their own pledge of allegiance after the other children gave theirs to the flag. The following pledge was prepared: "I have pledged my unqualified allegiance and devotion to Jehovah, the Almighty God, and to His Kingdom, for which Jesus commands all Christians to pray. I respect the flag of the United States and acknowledge it as a symbol of freedom and justice for all. I pledge allegiance and obedience to all the laws of the United States that are consistent with God's law, as set forth in the Bible."

Being a building contractor, Hal was widely known in the community, yet the very businessmen he dealt with daily threatened to lynch him on the highest telephone pole! Antagonism toward Jehovah's Witnesses in the area finally culminated in mob action, eggings on the street and the Kingdom Hall ravaged and vandalized! Six times the rooftop "Kingdom Hall" sign was torn down. Hal had to put it back up six times; on the seventh time he said, "We'll find out tonight who's doing it!" He had nailed jagged strips of tin to the back of each letter. As it turned out, the next day we were evicted out of fear by the owner and Hal had to take the sign down himself! He often used this experience to show that one must never run ahead and trust in one’s own might, only in Jehovah's. (Deuteronomy 32:35)

Added to this distressful time was the imprisonment of his 18-year-old son, Bob, for his refusal to become involved in the war effort. After a trial where Bob was given the opportunity to express a fine defense, he was coldly delivered his sentence of two years in the Federal Penitentiary in Tucson, Arizona. The conclusion of his defense read: "I close my defense with Ecclesiastes 5:8, ‘If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter, for he that is higher than the highest regardeth, and there be higher than they.’ Sir, I present to you this written proof of the truth of what I have told you this day, and the evidence that ‘The Kingdom Is at Hand.’" He then gave the judge a copy of the book so entitled.

Along with his background of many years in the truth, Hal sported a shock of white, white hair—so everyone assumed he was of the heavenly calling. When asked, his standard answer was, "No, I like corn on the cob too well!" His hope to live on earth forever came freely to him, even though much of his association in his early years in the truth were with ones who desired a heavenly life.

During the snowbound winter of 1938, high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, he wrote over 100 poems, many with very spiritual themes such as this one, entitled "Prayer":

If I can, by a friendly smile, brighten a corner of someone's life; God, let me show that smile. If I can, by a friendly thought, cheer a lonely heart; God, let me think that thought. If I can, by a friendly deed, lighten and bolster a traveler's load; God, let me know that deed. If I can, by a friendly word, renew the faith in Christ to one; God, let me speak that word.

To be continued.