THE URANTIA CHRONICLES

The Beginning and the First Nine Years

[L-R]: Harry Loose; Harold and Martha Sherman; Sir Hubert Wilkins; Dr. Meredith Sprunger; contact commissioners Emma (Christy) Christensen, Dr. Lena K. Sadler, Dr. William S. Sadler; Bill Sadler; Anna and Wilfred Kellogg; Clyde Bedell.
[L-R]: Harry Loose; Harold and Martha Sherman; Sir Hubert Wilkins; Dr. Meredith Sprunger; contact commissioners Emma (Christy) Christensen,
Dr. Lena K. Sadler, Dr. William S. Sadler; Bill Sadler; Anna and Wilfred Kellogg; Clyde Bedell.

>THE URANTIA CHRONICLES
main page

Compiled and Edited
by Saskia Praamsma

00. Introduction
01. The Beginning
02. Dr. Sadler's History
03. Sherman and Loose
04. The Forum
05. Foundation and Brotherhood
06 “Patience Yet a Little While”
07. “The Word Is Made Book”
08. Blessings and Brickbats
09. The Message Spreads Abroad
10. Introducing a Revelation
11. Dr. Sprunger and the Ministers
12. Scientists and Metaphysicians
13. New Blood, New Ideas
14. Controversy with the Church
15. Questions and Some Answers
16. "It's for the Future, not Now"
17. Making Haste Slowly
18. Consideration of Some Criticisms
19. Appraisals and Transitions
20. The Wilkins Opportunity
21. Missed Chances
22. A Wall of Secrecy
23. Bill Sadler Speaks
24. More History Mysteries
25. A Season for All Things
26. Nine Years of Slow Growth

KEY

HMSA: Harold M. Sherman's archives
UBH: Urantia Book Historical Society
SHWA: Sir Hubert Wilkins' archives
UBF: Urantia Book Fellowship's Timeline
UF: Urantia Foundation's website
HIFTUB: How I Found the Urantia Book

MORE MOVEMENT HISTORY

25. A Season for all Things

HMSA HAROLD SHERMAN to BILL SADLER

Ark Haven, [circa January] 196316

Dear Bill,

Word has just reached us that you have suffered a stroke which has temporarily incapacitated your speech. We are sorry to learn of this misfortune, not only on your own account, but because we consider you one of the greatest living authorities with respect to the material and the background experiences which went into the creation of the Book of Urantia.

We are assuming that you believe in the subject matter as much as you did when we were in attendance at the Forum, now almost twenty years ago. If you do, I feel sure you will want to make whatever further contribution you can to advance the spiritual purposes of this project while you are still on earth.

I recall predicting to your father that the Book was too monumental in size and in profundity for the average person to become more than passingly interested in its contents. I think you will agree that this prediction has been borne out by the reaction to the Book of Urantia to date. As source material in the hands of a writer conversant with the project and in general agreement with the philosophy, a much more simplified and popular presentation could be made which might win wide consideration and acceptance. Such stupendous effort has gone into the production of this volume that it seems regrettable that it is destined never to reach the multitude or even to invite the serious interest of many authoritative persons.

Increasingly, as Martha and I have reflected upon the values contained in the Book, we have been impressed with the thought that, unless someone like yourself, while the knowledge is still in your consciousness, were willing to collaborate in the preparation of a manuscript, telling the story of the Book of Urantia, its inspired origin, its preparation and other humanly interesting facts, all the loving and dedicated work which went into this project for those many years will be forever lost.

In the years that have elapsed since our active identification with the Forum, you should have developed a much more objective point of view and an ability to impersonally evaluate everything that has happened. If you have, you could make, if you chose, an invaluable contribution to the truth in every particular, as it concerns the Book of Urantia, separating the wheat from the chaff in its creation.

If, as I say, you believe in the authenticity of the Book of Urantia, you will certainly not want to leave this life until you have done everything within your power to not only advance the purpose of this Book, but to protect its integrity for all time to come.

Were you prepared to give consideration to this suggestion, and were you willing to accept my services in a mutual effort to distill the truths contained in the Book of Urantia, and place them in new reportorial form, much more readable and understandable to the masses, I would consider coming to Chicago for a conference with you as to a possible working relationship.

This would have to be a creative operation independent of the official Urantia Society and any association with your father. My interest is solely one of serving the truth and in helping rescue the Book of Urantia from the eventual oblivion toward which it is headed. This can only be done through an utterly honest and objective approach, and I believe you are the only one still living, with the exception of Christy, who has had the personal, intimate experience to make this possible, if you have the courage and the inclination so to do.

“To whom much has been given, much is expected.”

I know that editorial license has been taken in many portions of this Book. I feel that the Jesus papers do not belong as a part of the Urantia Book proper. I know they are a definite deterrent to acceptance by peoples of many faiths. I know that the Book needs to be reduced to essential facts, principles and truths—and that, if this is done, it will emerge as an exciting, provocative and inspiring document.

If you should share my views in the main, and would care to write me in confidence, I will be glad to hear from you. In any event, Martha and I wish you well in every way. We hope that you and your loved ones will find substantial joy and thanksgiving in this holiday despite your illness.

Sincerely,
Harold M. Sherman

P.S. We met Bud Kagan on the Coast and were much impressed with his driving interest in the Book of Urantia, and his appreciation of you. Unfortunately, his marriage broke up, and when we last heard from him he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. If you know what has happened to him and where he can now be reached, we would like to be informed.

HIFTUB TESTIMONY of JAMES IRWIN

(written 1998)

In 1963 I was working for a supermarket as a part-time stocking clerk in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. One evening, as I was gathering baskets from the parking lot, a woman approached me and asked, “Is your name James? James Irwin?”

“Yes,” I answered, “and how might I help you?”

“Emma wants you to have this,” she said, and handed me a large blue book.

“Emma who?” I asked her.

“Emma Christensen,” she replied, then turned around and walked away. To this day I have no idea who the person was who delivered the book to me.

When I returned to the store, I opened the book to the first page and wrote Emma Christensen’s name inside. I was only 17 at the time, but any book of a theological nature always caught my attention.

Immediately after receiving the book, I began to read it non-stop, day and night, until I finished it. I even took days off from work to complete it.

The Urantia Book has been my companion through all of my life’s events. It went with me during my tour in Vietnam, on railroad trips to Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand, and on side trips to Korea, Cambodia, Laos, and China. (One time it took a side trip without me, but that’s another story.) The Urantia Book has served me well these 35 years. Many kind folks have offered to replace it for me, as the cover has long since come off, and pages that came out are tucked inside, but I consider I’m only just beginning to break it in. . . .

Emma [more commonly known as “Christy”] was the last living member of the six contact commissioners, and was the individual who typed the entire Urantia Book from the original manuscript.

HMSA HAROLD SHERMAN to HENRY BELK

Ark Haven, January 10, 1963

Dear Henry,

Your note with interesting enclosures17 was received yesterday. . . . Really, Henry, I can add little or nothing to the presentations you have made. I think they are well done for the purpose created and I found them very interesting, as did Martha. You summarize ideas and developments well.

Your “Outer Space and Inner Man” made me think of the Book of Urantia . . . . This Book gives the most comprehensive picture of life on other planets and the general scheme of life ascendancy in the universe I have ever seen in any literature. It might be well to review sections of the Urantia Book in light of continuing scientific experiments and discoveries. It was predicted that the contents of this Book would serve for the next thousand years on this planet, and would be constantly verified, in one particular or another. This, despite the editorial licenses taken. . . .

The news reports each day demonstrate, only too graphically, how difficult it still is for Man to get along with his fellow man—or even to be trusted by his fellow men. The Cuban situation is far from settled and I feel most apprehensive. . . . We are heading toward a real crisis and it could come later this year, certainly before the end of 1964, which is within the range of my oft-repeated impressions. Man can be saved only by a much greater knowledge of himself, and this knowledge has to be related to inner man, so you—and your Foundation—are on the right track. More power to you! . . .

Harold

UBH [Excerpts] A TALK to the URANTIA BROTHERHOOD

By E. L. (Christy) Christensen

January 27, 1963

CONFIDENTIAL

  1. Of all the emergency corps of mortal selectmen on Urantia, none is charged with a more solemn obligation than your group.
  2. You who hear this message are the men and women who have been called to take the first steps in offering the new light to a frustrated church and a distracted world. You are the salt of the Urantia revelation, the first light to illuminate the path of deliverance from the chaos, confusion, and darkness of the present planetary dilemma.
  3. As individual Urantians you each have your part to act in the immediate reorganization of human society. As a group you are entrusted with a great and unique responsibility, the custody, safeguarding, and dissemination of the Urantia Book.
  4. I commend your loyalty, but I am somewhat amazed at your relative indifference to the importance of the mission which has been entrusted to your hands. I admonish you ever to be alert to the importance of the extraordinary trust which has been placed upon you.
  5. You who have dedicated your lives to the service of the Urantia revelation and the ensuing Urantia brotherhood of men, little realize the import of your doing. You will live and die without fully realizing that you are participants in the birth of a new age of religion on Urantia.
  6. You are a pioneer group; you are trailblazers.
  7. And may you all become valiant soldiers of the circles—wholeheartedly enlisted in the solid ranks of those mortals who shall go forth in this coming battle for truth against error under the unfaltering leadership of the mighty seraphim of progress.
  8. One of the first lessons you must learn is trustworthiness—confidential capacity. The ability to carry secrets, if necessary, to your grave. Jesus many times admonished his apostles: “See that you tell no man.”
  9. Your responsibility consists in becoming so saturated with the fragrant truths of this revelation that all persons coming in contact with you will feel that you are truth lovers and spiritual explorers, that you are cosmic citizens engaged in the fascinating adventure of searching for God and dedicated to the supreme passion of doing his divine will.
  10. You are called to a great work and yours is the transcendent privilege of presenting this revelation to the peoples of our strife-torn world.
  11. Good humor and the smile of happiness are among the most powerful and influential of the human assets of religious propagation.
  12. The Master’s teachings will sometime prevail. The brotherhood of man will someday begin. As a part of our future effort to save America, I am sure you see the place destined for the Urantia Book.
Brotherhood Quarterly News Letter

FEBRUARY 15, 1963

Summary, Events of the Fourth Quarter 1962
From Anna Rawson, Secretary

GENERAL COUNCIL
On January 27, 1963, the annual meeting of the General Council of the Urantia Brotherhood was held and reports of the officers and various departmental committees were presented. Activities contained in these reports have been reported to you in prior News Letters. Attached are the treasurer’s annual report and the new roster of committees. Miss E. L. Christensen was elected President of the Brotherhood to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Warren H. Kulieke last February. Miss Christensen has been associated with the Urantia Book for many years and is deeply interested in and devoted to the activities and organization of the Urantia Brotherhood. We are indeed fortunate and gratified that she is willing to accept this responsibility.

MILLS REPORT
Mr. James C. Mills, who has been Acting President for the past year, presented a very enlightening report. Among other things he had this to say:

“We have been among the first to taste the spiritual fruits of this most generous gift to all mankind from superhuman levels, the revelation of the Urantia Book. And with it goes a great responsibility.

“As I view the events of the past year during which I functioned as Acting President of the Urantia Brotherhood, it has become evident to me that the time has arrived, here and now, when actual events have forced us to come to real grips with material reality and the future management of the Brotherhood must act in accordance with the needs of our real material environment. . . .

“Let the Brotherhood, its officers and Executive Committee realize that to carry out the stated purposes of the Brotherhood they must operate in a material environment and that a sound fiscal policy is an integral part of this environment. An important part of a sound fiscal policy is long-range planning with clearly understood objectives and planned means to overcome all foreseeable problems as well as a substantial income-producing reserve which can be used to meet unexpected contingencies.”

OKLAHOMA SOCIETY
The First Urantia Society of Oklahoma has elected new officers and they are: President, Miss Berkeley Elliott; Vice-President, Mrs. Helen Butler; Secretary, Mrs. Frankie B. Goodman; Treasurer, Mrs. Faye Brown.

SUMMER STUDY SESSION
A three-day Summer Study Session, sponsored by the Urantia Brotherhood School, is scheduled to be held on August 23, 24, and 25 here at headquarters. Specific programs have not yet been worked out, but they will include a general survey of the Urantia Book. . . . More details will be announced in the April News Letter and in later bulletins. These meetings will be open to everyone and we hope that some of our out-of-town friends will be able to attend.

INTERESTING ARTICLES
Two very interesting [articles] have been brought to our attention in the last month. The first was published in the January 1963 issue of Theology Today and is titled “The Space Age and Christology,” by Dr. Charles K. Robinson, Asst. Professor of Philosophical Theology, Duke University Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina. The second was published in the October 21, 1962, issue of The Living Church, and is titled “Space Theology” by the Rev. Geddes MacGregor, Dean of the Graduate School of Religion at the University of Southern California. Both articles bring out the idea that if there are other inhabited worlds, it is quite likely that there are a great many divine Sons, not just our own Jesus, and that there are similar incarnations on every other world. The amazing thing is that these two articles are by ministers, one Methodist and one Presbyterian, and are appearing at about the same time in two reputable theological magazines. It will probably not be long before this idea will be accepted by other theologians, just as the idea of other inhabited worlds has become quite commonly accepted in the last few years. Further publicity was given to the idea of many divine Sons when Dave Meade, Chicago Daily News religion writer, wrote a very long, comprehensive review of Dr. Robinson’s article in the Daily News of February 2, 1963.

MEMBERSHIP GROWING
The membership in the Brotherhood has increased from 235 to 237. There are now thirteen members-at-large.

BOOK SALES INCREASING
697 Books were sold during 1962—235 more than in 1961. As of the end of 1962, 5,451 Urantia Books have been sold or otherwise disseminated throughout the world.

BOOK PRICE GOING UP
On April 1, 1963, the retail price of the Urantia Book will be increased from $12.00 to $15.00.

Urantia Brotherhood General Council 1963
1962 Urantia Brotherhood Financial Report

* * *

Brotherhood Quarterly News Letter

APRIL 17, 1963

Summary, Events of the First Quarter 1963
From James C. Mills, Vice President

“SPIRITUAL INFLUENCES”
Visitors are always welcome at the meetings of the various Societies and study groups. The last meeting for the season of the First Urantia Society will be held at 533 Diversey Parkway at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 9, at which time a topic entitled “Spiritual Influences” will be discussed by Alvin, Lucile, and Adrienne Kulieke.

BOOK SALES REPORT
Even though the price of the Urantia Book has been increased to $15.00, orders are still coming in. So far this year 271 have been sold. Copies of the textbooks used in the Urantia Brotherhood School are still available.

SUMMER STUDY SESSION
Over the past few years we have had many people who desired to attend the Urantia Brotherhood School, but have been unable to be present over a prolonged period. It is our intention in the Summer Study Session to provide a concentrated period of study of the Urantia Book for all people interested, including those who have been in the School for some years, those who are planning to become Certified Leaders or Ordained Teachers, as well as all those who simply have an interest in the Urantia Book and would like to learn more about it. . . .

EXCERPTS FROM LETTERS
The following excerpts are from letters recently received:

“Always I have been like a person who has been given a drink but is still thirsty. Not until I received the Urantia Book and read it through did I feel I had found what I have searched for, for years. . . . There is so much to learn and so much inspiration to receive from this Book. When you have searched for over thirty years and one day find what you have been searching for, words seem very inadequate to describe your feelings.”

“I grew up with the Bible. As I look back over my life, it seems to have been my constant companion. I loved the New Testament. Jesus was real. There wasn’t anything strange or formal about him to me. The early 1930s were especially trying for me, and I studied the Scriptures more than usual during that period. Always I seemed to come back to that very last verse in the Book of John: ‘And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.’ I remember crying one day because I wanted so very much to know just what more of those things were that ‘should be written’ about Jesus. After a while I very simply asked him if there was not some way he could tell me some of those things I wanted so much to know. Then . . . I waited. And he did. Thank you, Jesus, for my Urantia Book.”

HMSA ELSIE BAUMGARTNER to MARTHA SHERMAN

Chicago, June 1, 1963

Dear Martha,

Have been waiting to get some definite news about Rachel18 before writing you again. While [Rachel’s daughter-in-law] Stacey said Rachel’s illness was very serious, she did not mention the nature of the ailment, but I have since heard from Rachel’s cousin Lulu in Oak Park that she is suffering from cancer of the breast and lungs. Have been in frequent contact with several mutual friends and we share whatever news each of us receives. . . . When I visited her in March I realized that she must not be well, for I could see she had lost much weight and was ashen grey. . . .

At Christmastime while visiting Rachel she invited me to take whatever book I wanted from her library, and because of lack of space in our house for many books, I only asked that, if and when she disposed of her library, I would like to have Andrew Jackson Davis’ book which you and Harold had given her some years ago. Last night Philip says Rachel told him exactly where to find it and asked him to mail it to me. Rachel has not forgotten the promise to me. I shall cherish forever my friendship with Rachel and I think she is one of the finest persons one could know.

Oh, yes, Philip cautioned me, when writing to Rachel, not to allude to her illness, as they had not as yet spoken to her about it.

Lulu Steinbeck and Caroline Brown are in the States for the summer months and are staying with Grace Palmer in North Carolina. . . .

Perhaps you do not know that Mrs. [Elizabeth] James passed away a couple of months ago at the age of 82. She had been blind and deaf for several years and struggled along alone in her apartment.

As I receive more news concerning Rachel I will let you know immediately.

With warmest best wishes always,
Elsie

HMSA RACHEL GUSLER to MARTHA SHERMAN

Wilkes-Barre, Pa., June 12, 1963

Dear Martha and Harold,

Many thanks for your nice cards and notes. It’s a pleasure to receive them and so nice to have you think of me. I am gradually regaining my strength although still find extra oxygen welcome. Stacey is writing this for me. I manage to sit up in a chair for a while almost every day but writing does tire me. Have gone for a ride in a wheelchair around the corridors and it is a nice change.

The weather here is erratic. I imagine your Arkansas hills are quite lovely now.

Again, thank you for your thoughts. It’s always a joy to hear from you.

Love,
Rachel

HMSA HENRY BELK to HAROLD SHERMAN

Miami Beach, Fl., June 14, 1963

Dear Harold,

Am driving north to New York in about a week, then to Chicago. Want to check on Urantia people and Dr. Sadler personally. This Book always intrigued me. There must be some story hidden and why Sadler burned the evidence.

From Chicago I will drive south to spend a few days with you (if I may). Have a few new things to discuss with you.

Kindly,
H. J.

HMSA HAROLD SHERMAN to HENRY BELK

Ark Haven, June 17, 1963

Dear Henry,

If you can solve the Urantia mystery and get to Dr. Sadler, now nearly ninety years of age (his son Bill had a stroke some months ago and may not be able to talk), you will be the first one who has done it. The Shermans got in bad when they raised questions—and we were as close to the Sadlers as anyone, at the time. However, I am glad you are going to try. Sadler lives at 533 Diversey Parkway, Chicago. He has Miss Christensen as his secretary, who has served him for years. I doubt if mention of our name will help you—they would get instantly suspicious. But Urantia has so much in it that is unusual, it is worth investigating; and more power to you if you have the diplomacy and the persistence to undertake the assignment. I will be most interested to learn how you make out.

Maybe if you indicated that you might be willing to put some real money behind the exploitation of Urantia, if you could get the real information (inside story) on it—the Sadlers might take this bait. Quite a bit of money has been put into publication of the Book, and more is undoubtedly needed, since they have not known how to promote it. If they had preserved the original papers (manuscripts) and had had them witnessed, the Urantia Book would have been invaluable. You still might not have believed some of it, but you would have had to admit the knowledge came from “higher sources.” However, Sadler could not have edited or added to the Book, had he based it on existing manuscripts, subject to scrutiny. . . .

Best from us both!
Harold

UBF LETTER of RESIGNATION from BILL SADLER to the GENERAL COUNCIL of URANTIA BROTHERHOOD

Wesley Memorial Hospital, Chicago, June 18, 1963

Dear Christy,

I am hereby tendering my resignation as a member of the General Council, effective upon the receipt of this letter.

I find myself forced to do this because of recurring poor health and am acting on my doctor’s advice.

I want to wish my colleagues the very best of success in their ventures and regret the necessity of my resignation.

Cordially and sincerely,
Bill

HMSA MARTHA SHERMAN to JULIA FENDERSON

(In response to Xmas 1962 greeting)

Ark Haven, July 7, 1963

Dear Julia,

First let me comment on Dr. Sprunger’s analysis of the Urantia Book, which you so thoughtfully enclosed. Just who Dr. Sprunger is, we do not know. Is he West Coast? Anyway, he has a more liberal viewpoint and feels as we all do, I’m sure, that illumination and revelation are personal and continuing processes. Each must judge from his own background of experience, and what appeals to one person as truth may not appeal to another until years later.

We feel that Urantia has made a great contribution to our thinking. Indeed, it has helped prepare us for the possibility of life on this earth as being but a drop in the bucket of an infinite number of lives ahead. It so happens that Harold and I had accepted that concept years before, so Urantia fell easily into our way of thinking.

However, the thing which we regretted, and continue to regret, is that none of the original papers were kept to verify the authenticity of the writing. We have very real doubts that all of the material came as we have been informed. We wonder frequently about the Omaha group19 and whether an attempt had been made by “higher intelligences” to bring through information which would verify the Chicago papers. Human beings are so fallible that that effort may have failed, too.

It has been our conclusion that we cannot accept the Urantia Book “wholecloth” but must use all the so-called common sense we can muster in adapting to our thinking those parts which may help us live more constructive lives right here and now. Anything which is only constructive to the future is of no service to us—or anyone. But all those who read the Urantia Book, in whole or in part, are bound to have their way of thinking substantially jarred. It calls for much discussion of the pros and cons. Dr. Sprunger is very right when he says that “every advance in knowledge is a disturbing and painful experience.” We would add that any experience out of routine and accepted mores is painful to human beings.

We appreciated your writing us of Bill Sadler’s illness. It was the first we had heard and Harold wrote him to extend his well wishes. However, to date, we have had no reply—nor have we had any further information as to how he is getting along. Just when did this occur? You mention a “year’s rest,” so perhaps that time will soon be up and he will be returning to normal. Just a thought in passing: When we were in Chicago, we were told a number of times that Bill kept going at a terrific pace through use of Benzedrine, and we have been told since that the continued use of that drug makes people susceptible to strokes. There may be a definite association there.

We presume that you have heard that Rachel Gusler is in a Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, hospital. Her condition is critical—just how critical, she herself has not been told. We have always been especially fond of Rachel and have had great admiration for her courage and integrity. She has kept in touch with us from time to time through the years and we shall miss her physical presence when the time comes for her to depart.

Generally, we hear from several other Forumites around holiday time, but otherwise do not carry on much of a correspondence so are not very well informed of their activities. How active does the West Coast group continue to be? Do you ever hear from Bud Kagan? He was such a profound believer in the Urantia philosophy. . . .

HMSA OBITUARY of RACHEL GUSLER

From a Chicago newspaper

July 14, 1963

MRS. GUSLER DIES IN EAST WHILE VISITING SON

Mrs. Rachel F. Gusler, 78, of North Taylor Avenue, Oak Park, died Wednesday, July 10, at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. She was stricken Easter Sunday while visiting her son, Philip, in Wilkes-Barre and entered the hospital the following day.

She was the widow of the late Carl Gusler and is survived by two brothers, George Fairfield, Redmon, Ore. and Almond Fairfield, Tampa, Florida; and one sister, Mrs. Myra C. Brown, of Tampa, also five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Mrs. Gusler was a member of Austin Boulevard Christian Church and the Chicago League of Women Voters and a former member of the Oak Park Women’s Club.

Memorial services will be held at the Austin Boulevard Christian Church Thursday, July 18, at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Donald Wheat will officiate.

HMSA DIARY of HAROLD and MARTHA SHERMAN

Tides Motel, Chicago, July 14, 1963

Just prior to leaving for Chicago on a quick weekend motor trip, we received a wire from Philip that his mother, Rachel Gusler, had passed on. She had been one of our staunchest Forum friends over the years and Elsie Baumgartner the other, whom we had to lunch on Harold’s birthday July 13 at the Tides Motel.

Elsie brought us up to date on Forum happenings and gave us the astonishing as well as sordid information that Bill Sadler had married his son’s fiancée,20 a young woman of nineteen, and that it was strongly suspected that the son himself had committed suicide. Bill III was said to have been a brilliant young man but had lost the sight of one eye and it was feared that he would lose the sight of the other.

On Xmas day, 1960 [sic—1955], following dinner with his mother and grandfather at 533 Diversey, Bill [III] was called to the phone and had a talk with his fiancée. He returned to the table and, as he was pouring the coffee, fell to the floor unconscious. Efforts were made to revive him covering a period of four hours and then he was finally rushed to the hospital where he died 21 hours later without recovering consciousness. Elsie said the papers headlined the news and that Dr. Sadler was charged with negligence in not having called other doctors in. He explained by saying he had been checking suspecting that his grandson might be in a diabetic coma. (It was reported that he was an extensive user of barbiturates and that he had been despondent over his father’s affair with his fiancée.) Due to his eye trouble, the existence of a possible brain tumor had been suspected and since a mystery surrounded his death, a coroner came in on the case performing an autopsy which disclosed no tumor but did reveal a small content of barbiturates in the blood. (It was suggested that if a suicide attempt had been made, Dr. Sadler, in an attempt to cover up, had left his grandson for four hours and resorted to other medical means in an effort to revive him.) In any event, the sudden demise of Bill III was a shocker.

Some months after this, Bill II, who was estranged from both Leone and his father, secured a divorce from Leone and married his son’s fiancée. Bill subsequently resigned from the Urantia Foundation Board of Directors and formed a second Urantia Society of his own (only ten joiners are required for issuance of a charter). His membership was comprised of a “captive audience,” all members of his business organization with the exception of his daughter, Pat, who came with Bill.

About a year ago, Bill was suddenly stricken with a stroke which deprived him of his power of speech. He had to employ an instructor to teach him how to articulate again and convert his thoughts into words. Some months later he was hospitalized again, this time with cirrhosis of the liver and just recently has once more been taken to the hospital with embolisms of both legs (groin) which required an operation to remove them and which might still necessitate the amputation of one or both legs.

Elsie said that both Bill and Leone had been heavy drinkers, on the verge of alcoholism, if not actually alcoholic. This is indicative of terrific conflicts which must have existed in the family relation at 533 and quite possibly with respect to different attitudes toward the Urantia material itself.

Elsie told us that Rachel Gusler, several years after we had left Chicago, phoned the Doctor to say that she thought it was time the Sherman matter was brought out into the open, discussed and adjudicated. Dr. Sadler said he wouldn’t know how to go about it and asked if she had any ideas, suggesting that if she did have, she should come into Chicago and see him about them. Mrs. Gusler said that if he wanted her to see him, he would have to come to see her.

Elsie further reported that Mrs. James had given the Doctor Harold’s book, You Live After Death, to read and the Doctor had called Elsie in to ask her if she had known of Mr. Loose’s ability to leave the body before this book was written. Elsie said yes, that she had and she had seen the original documents testifying to this. The Doctor said, “Strange—Harry never told me about anything like this.” It seemed to have him worried as well as mystified. (Martha remarked that Harry had once said there had been a bilocation experience in Chicago which had upset a number of people and that it was possible that Harry had appeared to the Doctor himself which the Doctor did not care to admit.) Harold recalled that Bill Sadler had told him that his father would not talk about his relationship with Harry Loose and he [Bill] considered this very mysterious. Elsie confirmed that Bill made somewhat the same comment to her about his father’s attitude and that Dr. Sadler, when asking her about it, would not discuss it beyond that point.

Elsie said that recently she had talked to Christy about Rachel’s passing, and Christy had asked what had become of the Fairfields and if [Rachel’s brother, Forumite] Almond had ever written the article on the Book of Urantia which he had at one time proposed. Elsie said no, that he had said he would not attempt such a writing without documentary evidence in support of this Book, which should have been contained in the original papers and which he understood had been destroyed.

Elsie gave us the further information that the Doctor had lost the sight of one eye and was now wearing a glass eye in the place. She claims he is now 88 years of age whereas we had thought him to be in his early nineties. She recalled that he had told the Forum of his being present psychically at the Karles’ and of knowing what went on.21 This was obviously a lie as he had been secretly informed by the Dyons as to the details of the meeting and was using this device to scare and intimidate the members and hold them in line.

Brotherhood Quarterly News Letter

JULY 20, 1963

Summary, Events of the Second Quarter 1963
From James C. Mills, Vice President

JESUS’ BIRTHDAY
On August 21, 8:00 p.m., at 533 Diversey Parkway, the First Urantia Society of Chicago will celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Please come and enjoy it with us.

NEW OFFICERS
New officers of Societies are as follows:

  • First Urantia Society: President, Alvin L. Kulieke; Vice President, Mary Inez Burch; Secretary, Jane Dyon; Treasurer, Carleta Wensel.
  • Urantia Society of Glenview: President, Ann Spink; Vice President, Florence Burton; Secretary, Harry E. Rowley; Treasurer, Donna Rowley.
  • Orvonton Urantia Society of Chicago: President, James E. Kuzell; Vice President, Robert J. Smatlak; Secretary, Frank Sgaraglino; Treasurer, Martin Myers.
  • The First Urantia Society of Los Angeles, California: President, Maria Culbertson; Vice President, Helen Steen; Secretary, Julia Fenderson; Treasurer, Winona Jewell.

BROTHERHOOD SCHOOL
Registration for Urantia Brotherhood School will be September 18. Graduation will be held on September 25, at 7:30, and will be followed immediately with the first class. Courses for 1963-1964: “Study of the Books of the New Testament” conducted by Dr. Sadler, and “Harmony of the Gospels and the Urantia Book” conducted by Anna Rawson.

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
We are glad to announce the names of two new members-at-large: Mrs. Ethel C. Zanoni, Palo Alto, California; and Mrs. Margaret Sperry, Butler, Missouri.

BOOK SALES
During 1962, 697 Books were sold. So far in 1963, 380 have been sold.

NEW TRUSTEE
Tom Kendall has been elected Trustee of the Urantia Foundation to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of R. W. Bucklin.

SUMMER STUDY SESSION
For the benefit of those who have not yet registered for our Summer Study Session August 23-25, we are enclosing the program and registration form again. This 3-day session will cover a very condensed survey of almost the entire Urantia Book, omitting only a very few of the papers. . . .

UBH VERN GRIMSLEY to WILLIAM S. SADLER

Berkeley, Ca., pre-September 11, 1963

Dear Dr. Sadler,

Two friends of mine, Dave Gray and Richard Keeler from the University of Kansas, attended the recent summer session in Chicago; they were fraternity brothers of mine at KU, where I brought the Book five years ago. I correspond with Rich and Dave, but wanted to get some straight opinion from you concerning some of your thinking.

As this postmark will indicate, my wife and I are residing in Berkeley, where she works at the University of California and I will begin attending Pacific School of Religion in about a week. My plans are to enter the ministry although, needless to say, I have serious misgivings regarding how well I will be able to endure the politics, forms and red tape of the institutional church. Question #1: What hope is there for the present structure of the “church,” and should one who is interested in spreading the good news of the Book work within or without this organization?

Let me be totally frank in order to give the best basis for you to formulate your advice and answers. I graduated Phi Beta Kappa from KU in philosophy and psychology, as did Dave Gray in political science, and Richard was fraternity president and an outstanding leader on campus; all the persons to whom I have introduced the Book and to whom my friends have introduced the Book have been uncommonly sane sorts of people. We beware of the fanatical fringe who “have been weighed in the balance” and found off-balance—but, perhaps as the result of unthinking youthful enthusiasm, there has seemed to be a sort of common urge to spread the word on a large scale.

Before you recoil in horror at the thought of three concentric blue rings plastered on the billboards of the world, let me hasten to add that the outreaching evangelistic efforts of which I write would deal exclusively with teaching the message of the Book, without mention of the Book itself. Nor would it be wise, perhaps, to mention too much of the elaborate cosmology, names, and unpublished history of Urantia or life of Jesus. This might come later, or, if it seemed most prudent, not at all in the immediate public ministry. The meat and substance of such widespread communication would emphasize God’s Fatherhood, His love, His presence and indwelling, His admonition to “be Godlike,” the concomitant brotherhood of man, etc. Also, personal prayer and worship would certainly be taught.

Already I have had considerable experience in public speaking and preaching, and my soul kindles in me at the thought of the possibility of bringing the good news to people on some scale larger than the parish church. Others I know feel this way too. I realize that there is no substitute for living with and knowing people for a long time to help and teach them, but when I think of some of the good done by Peter and the apostles through preaching, as well as considering such modern phenomena as Billy Graham, I cannot feel that such approaches are without merit or without possibilities for further refinement.

The question to which I have been leading is, “What do you think of this sort of approach?” My primary feeling is that it might open up the way for a later direct preaching of the Book itself; that is, it could begin to accustom men’s minds to new and enlightened ways of thinking of the Father and their places in the universe. Or, even as an end in itself, even if there were no intention at all of later spreading the Book through mass media, my inclination is that such public evangelism could lead many to God if carried off well. What do you think? What suggestions do you have?

I just found a copy of Piloting Modern Youth22 in a used book store, and my wife and I have enjoyed it immensely. What other advice could you give for our future? What do you see as the principal task of kingdom workers in our lifetimes?

Sincerely,
Vern B. Grimsley

UBH WILLIAM S. SADLER to VERN GRIMSLEY

Chicago, September 11, 1963

Dear Mr. Grimsley,

I have just reread your letter and have given careful thought to your problems. I think from the study of Jesus’ relation to the organized religions of his day and his final break with the synagogues, there are two ways of looking at your problem.

But more especially coming down to these days of the Urantia Book and its teachings, I am observing a number of ministers who are trying to go along with their regular work and gradually introduce the Urantia teachings, but I think it is going to be exceedingly difficult for the average minister to do this. I think the experience of Dr. Sprunger is a good illustration of the difficulties of a believer in the Urantian teachings trying to hold an orthodox pulpit.

Dr. Sprunger thought he could do it. I told him I was pretty sure it would fail, as it did, and he went into the teaching profession, where he has great freedom as regards his activities with reference to the Urantia Book.

It is very difficult for me to try to advise you as to whether you should or should not enter upon your three years of seminary studies. I am probably greatly influenced by Dr. Sprunger’s experience, but I cannot help feeling that a teacher in some college or university has a far greater opportunity to influence young people in behalf of the Urantian philosophy as compared to the opportunities that the average minister would have in the average church. . . .

I can think of two or three ministers who are at present believers in the Urantia Book, and I know how difficult they are finding it to, in a way, with much satisfaction to themselves, introduce the teachings of the Urantia Book in the near future, and they will undoubtedly go right along ministering to their churches, at least until the churches reject their ministry. But I am greatly influenced by Dr. Sprunger’s great freedom, and he is much happier since he found himself released from the restrictions of his denominational pulpit and was able to enter into the almost complete freedom and unrestricted field of operation provided by his new function as a teacher.

I do wish it would be possible for me to have a personal visit with you before you finally make up your mind about this important question. I will gladly give the time at any time you find it convenient to come to Chicago to talk these matters over more fully.

Interesting that you got a hold of a copy of Piloting Modern Youth.

Let us postpone the final decisions on your many years of formal training until I can have a visit with you and your wife and feel that I have done my best in advising you, which I can never feel is the case in attempting to advise you in such important matters by writing a letter.

With best wishes from all of us at Urantia headquarters, I am

Sincerely yours,
William S. Sadler

UBH VERN GRIMSLEY to WILLIAM S. SADLER

Berkeley, post-September 11, 1963

Dr. Sadler,

I read your letter with intense interest, as did my wife, and together we feel that a trip to come and talk with you personally would be our best means of determining what our plans should be. Because of the expense involved in flying from California to Chicago, only one of us can come, so my wife would send me. We feel the expense is warranted because a talk with you could have far-reaching repercussions for us. To be specific, let me ask you how soon you feel it would be needful for me to come. I am enrolled in Pacific School of Religion, begin classes on Tuesday September 17, and believe I will have a field work commitment at a church in Oakland, California.

Both my wife and I, however, feel sincerely willing and ready to “drop” my present plans should we feel that another course of action would be closer to God’s will for us. We would feel no hesitation about quitting seminary and going into something else if, after careful consideration, you and we thought it best.

However, both my wife and I have sensed as never before the feasible possibility of a more urgent—even divine—imperative to attend to this matter at once, to talk to you and reach some basic decisions regarding our life-work in the Kingdom as soon as possible. Your knowledge and insight could be of immense aid. I shall, therefore, come to talk with you. It is possible for me to come at once. Shall I? Probably the most convenient time of the week would be over a weekend, cutting a few classes at the end of one week and the beginning of the next. We await your advice on the matter of the visit.

We noticed a studied lack of mention of my questions concerning evangelism of the gospel. After studying Jesus’ life in the Urantia Book, this sort of thing would seem quite in keeping with the way he and his apostles went about preaching the good news. I shall want your opinion about this matter.

Sincerely,
Vern B. Grimsley

UBH WILLIAM S. SADLER to VERN GRIMSLEY

Chicago, September 17, 1963

Dear Mr. Grimsley,

It is not always an easy matter to know how to give advice to another person as concerns his immediate duty in responding to his inner urges.

But on rereading your letter, I am impressed to advise you to carry on your present program and not come to Chicago immediately. Since it will be convenient for me to see both you and your wife next spring when you will be nearer us, why not be willing to put off your conference with me until that time. I feel this might be the discretion which has sometime been called the better part of wisdom. At any rate, think it over.

I was certainly glad to hear from you and I am always glad to know of your enthusiasm for the spreading of the Urantia teachings. However, at this time in the history of the Urantia movement many of us seem to be destined to work where we are and as we are for the time being. At least, think over this advice, and be assured always of my willingness to cooperate with you in your efforts to find your place and to do your duty in the spread of the Urantia teachings.

Sincerely,
William S. Sadler

P.S. Regarding your question concerning evangelism, I am enclosing a write-up on this subject prepared by Dr. Sprunger.23 This pretty well expresses my feelings also. Further along this line, refer to your Urantia Book and refresh your memory on how Jesus for some time restricted the enthusiasm of Peter and the other apostles for public work. At first he did not allow them to do any public work, merely sending them out two and two to do personal work. In other words, there is a time and season for all things. I feel quite certain that this is not the right season for any aggressive public promulgation of the Urantia teachings. How soon that may come I do not know, but I feel quite certain that the time is not ripe for any such effort at the present moment.

HMSA HAROLD SHERMAN to HENRY BELK

Ark Haven, September 14, 1963

Dear Henry,

We wondered what had happened to you! And now we know! This is a most exhaustive report24 of your ESP adventure in Brazil with Andrija [Puharich] and I would love to talk with you both about it, in detail. . . . I hope that you are now free in mind so you can do some organized research in ESP. My book, ESP and How it Works,25 will be published in the next few months, at long last. It will carry a foreword by Ivan Tors, telling of the telepathic experiment at UCLA. . . .

If you can get the inside on the Urantia development, more power to you. Bill Sadler is in bad shape from a stroke, and his father, Dr. William Sadler, must be over ninety now. My name will not be helpful there for reasons I have reported to you, as I caught the Doctor taking editorial license with this great material. . . .
I honor you for the work you are doing. . . . Best to you!

Harold

HMSA HENRY BELK’S REPORT on URANTIA

Chicago, October 1, 1963

Every Sunday at 3 p.m. the Urantia Brotherhood, 533 Diversey, holds discussions and coffee. The element is elderly, followers and figureheads around Dr. William S. Sadler Sr., a psychiatrist and still practicing at ninety [sic]. He has a son by the same name, recently affected with a heart attack, not friendly to the father. Sr. came to Chicago in 1906, is the author of 42 books on psychiatry, is of good reputation. Miss E. L. Christensen, old maid, adopted daughter and general flunky, is now president. The old man generally keeps his name off everything but pulls the strings, like a dictator. In 1962, 102 people for the first seminary study. The whole group might number 500. The Book was published in 1955. An Index is being prepared. Sadler taught pastoral psychiatry 27 years at McCormick Seminary, Northern Presbyterian, Chicago. 7000 Books sold. No advertising program is being pushed.

Sadler takes Urantia as a new Bible; he, a modern Moses, is just as dogmatic and egotistical. The information came from an unknown subject via the superconscious mind. He burned all evidence on instructions so they would not be worshipped. He swears the only changes he made were in the spelling, capitalization and punctuation, which I seriously doubt as he is so secretive about the medium who did it—now dead, but his wife might still be alive. Information (per Sadler) came between 1924-1935 from the medium.
Sadler says Jesus wasn’t an Essene. His lost years were spent in Rome with Hindus. No reincarnation. Atlantis legend is untrue. Spiritual evolution began on earth and is a progress.

  1. Earth
  2. Seven mansion worlds (morontia beings) 490 levels
  3. First-stage spirit to 7th on Jerusem
  4. Beyond continues other worlds
  5. Says the parts to man are:
    a. Thought Adjuster = spirit
    b.  Body = physical
    c.  Mind Memory = refuses term subconscious
  6. Defines the Soul = Mind + Spirit (evolving state)

Conclusion
It results Sadler is hiding something. Won’t use existing scientific terms, is dogmatic, egotistical, dominating a bunch of flunkies. Says he has contacts with angels (midwayers) but omits details. Says I should contact Fred Kulieke, 3351 Charleston Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, one of the original. The motivation and details still remain a mystery!

The Urantia Book (p. 865) claims it was written by a superhuman personality via mediumship of a human mind entranced.

Midwayers (p. 1208), in the Bible called “angels of the Lord,” are between their human cousins below and seraphim above. Not related to spiritualism. They are permanent citizens of the earth planet.

The Thought Adjuster (p. 1258) superconscious is our God within us. Was author of Urantia Book via entranced state of unknown person. Mr. X was chosen because he was a good Sleeping Subject permitting himself to be possessed by this angelic being.

Work entranced directly into English usually by little-known people. There are 1000 cosmic-conscious midwayers on earth in the (morontia) astral world. Membership is secret. The planetary government so remains until the second advent.

Harold Sherman, Mountain View, Arkansas
Once a member with Sir Hubert Wilkins for five years, fell out with Sadler for reasons mentioned above. They found out the Book started in 1911-1935, that parts were changed by Sadler and evidence burned. None knows the medium. Harry J. Loose put Sadler in contact with entranced subject. It is felt that evil forces possessed Sadler, causing him to alter the manuscript. Sherman came to Chicago in 1941. He spent five years on it. Mrs. Sadler died about 1939. Miss Christensen (“Christy”) became the Doc’s girlfriend, a former bank clerk from Iowa. Mr. William Hales Sr., (deceased) and Jr. of the Chicago area put up some of the early money. The Forum was composed of former psychopath patients of Dr. Sadler’s. Sadler Jr. is an apt student and authority of the Urantia Book. Unfortunately the stroke he experienced cost him his speech. Sherman is sure part of the Book was fixed. He was asked to do a chapter on ESP!

Mr. Loose moved to Monterey Park, California, in 1934, died 11/21/43. Oddly enough, 1934 was the end of Urantia papers. Wife and two daughters now dead. One son living, not in sympathy with father. Loose was a detective who was able to follow clients via astral projections.

It was told a group in Omaha got the same material (Urantia). Dr. Sadler was a Seventh-day Adventist. The Book is owned by the Doctor himself. The Doctor is known to ridicule and throw a tantrum any time questioned. He wasn’t like this earlier.

In earlier days the group saw a UFO over Lake Michigan. Tabamantia is an angelic prince and inspector general of the local universe “Satania.” Churches had failed in their mission.

Christy told this story: Sherman fell out on the first six months but continued to attend four-and-a-half years. The Jesus part of Urantia was added after 1934, by Sadler himself. The Book itself ended 1934. It was to be published 1935; not actually until 1955. He condemned Sherman as being sent by Satan to wreck his program. Loose died twenty years ago. Sherman thinks it’s about time he reappeared.

HMSA WILLIAM S. SADLER to HENRY BELK

Chicago, October 11, 1963

Dear Mr. Belk,

I got your most interesting book26 which I suspect is the story of your family’s life. It is one of the most interesting books of its kind I have ever read, but I am still a bit puzzled on trying to find you. You just seem too young a man to be William Henry Jr. or William Henry II, as shown as second from the left in the last photograph in the book. I only wish you had autographed the book for me before sending it, as I greatly appreciate knowing the interesting story of your family. . . . How could all this interesting thing have happened and my not knowing about it? Of course, that is what we get from this “north” and “south” business—a lot of things happen down there that we don’t know about up here.

I hope you are making progress with your continued perusal of the Urantia Book and that all its cosmology is getting straightened out in your mind. Don’t be discouraged. It took all of us some time to get this whole picture straightened out in our noggins.

We have thought about you a good deal since you were here and hope it won’t be too long before we see you again.

With all best wishes,

Sincerely,
William S. Sadler

Brotherhood Quarterly News Letter

OCTOBER 19, 1963

Summary, Events of the Third Quarter 1963
From James C. Mills, Vice President

BROTHERHOOD SCHOOL
The sixth commencement of the Urantia Brotherhood School was celebrated on September 25. It was conducted by Dean Alvin Kulieke, and Dr. William S. Sadler, president of the School and chairman of the Committee on Education. On behalf of the three students, Al Dyon, Edith Cook and Marjorie Bates, who received Ordained Teacher degrees, Al Dyon gave a very delightful and inspirational speech of acceptance.

Immediately after graduation, classes of 1963-1964 started. Every Wednesday night Dr. Sadler will teach “Study of the Books of the Bible, Part II, New Testament,” and Anna Rawson will conduct the study of “Urantia Book and the New Testament.” These two textbooks are also available to you at $3.00 and $2.50, respectively.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE
We are very happy to welcome another member-at-large, Martin Myers, Newton, Kansas.

SECOND SOCIETY
Officers of the Second Urantia Society of Chicago elected at their annual meeting are as follows: President, John J. Seres; Vice President, Patricia S. Mundelius; Secretary, William S. Sadler Jr.; Treasurer, Florine S. Sadler; Asst. Secretary, Florine S. Sadler; Asst. Treasurer, William S. Sadler Jr.

SUMMER STUDY SESSION
Since we know all of you will be interested in the success of the first Urantia Brotherhood Summer Study Session, conducted by the Urantia Brotherhood School, following is the report of Dean Alvin Kulieke:

Our first Summer Study Session is over, and many of us still experience the glow of exhilaration and inspiration derived from the studies and from the friendly association with so many who met together because of a mutual interest in the teachings of the Urantia Book.

Our purpose was to provide a concentrated period of study for all who wanted more enlightenment concerning this most recent Urantian revelation. For this first study session it was decided to attempt to cover most of the principal themes of the Urantia Book in a three-day period. It was expected that such a concentrated survey would help each one to develop a more unified perspective of the Book and to see more clearly the relationships within the Book.

The first thirty-one papers, Part I of the Urantia Book, consumed all of the nine hours of the first day. Those were grouped into three presentations: the deities, cosmography, and a review of the personalities of the grand universe as grouped in the superuniverse register. Saturday morning was devoted to a study of Part II, the Local Universe. After lunch, much of Part III was presented in the Evolution and History of Urantia. Saturday evening the consecutive study of the Book was interrupted for a social evening. This included discussions about the history of the Urantia movement and a speculative look into the future, fun, and socializing, including refreshments. On Sunday, our third day, there were two sessions. In the morning we had two presentations, one covering the history of religion on Urantia, while the other was a discussion concerning Thought Adjusters. The final study session ended on a high note in the session which consisted of a review of Part IV, the Life of Jesus.

To those of us who helped plan this new venture, it was very gratifying to see over one hundred in attendance, coming from twelve states and representing five Urantia Societies and many more study groups. It was helpful to many to realize that, even though they may be isolated from others interested in the Urantia Book, there were many like-minded friends in various parts of the country, who are quietly spreading these teachings by the lives they lead and by the many direct personal contacts they make. It became apparent to all that, though the growth of the Urantia movement may be relatively slow, the influence of the Book continues to become more and more widespread.

Perhaps the most effective way to portray to those who were not present the spirit that prevailed and the tone of the study session is to present the keynote speech of our Urantia Brotherhood president, Miss E. L. Christensen:

“In our great mission of promulgating the Urantia Book we have been called soldiers of the circles. To me that is a delightful designation. We have also been called mortal selectmen, torchbearers, the salt of the Urantia Revelation, a pioneer group, trailblazers. We have been summoned to offer a new light to a frustrated church and a distracted world. To be effective in our work, we must not be lured into attractive by-ways.

“The Urantia Book has given us a new thoroughfare to travel; an illuminated thoroughfare, plainly marked from Urantia to Paradise. Jesus referred to this as the new and living way from man to God, from time to eternity. How are we traveling this thoroughfare? Are we following Jesus’ leading? His teachings were fresh and vital. He was always appearing before the religious interpreters of his time, breaking new ground and announcing new insights into life and truth. The people of the world have too long conformed to the creeds and interpretations and forms which earlier times have created and transmitted. We are carrying a heavy load of ancient and dead conceptions. We have been traveling on worn-out highways. The time has come, it is long overdue, for a religion that is fresh and vital and in conformity with established truths. We are privileged to have such a religion. But first, we must become good pilots. We cannot say that we have a religion unless our acts make us worthy of the truths which we espouse.

“If we would lead souls along this illuminated thoroughfare to which we have access, it is important that we first show our fellow men that we are friends of God, true religionists, and worthy to bring our road companions into the Father’s service. So that we may become excellent torchbearers, let us diligently study the road signs so clearly given in the Urantia Book in order that we may illuminate the path along which we ask our friends to travel. What a transcendent privilege is ours. Do we fully realize the importance of our mission? The Urantia Book was written to save souls. It is essentially a religious document.

“Let us all become valiant soldiers of the circles, stepping forward with zeal and devotion on the beautiful thoroughfare which the Urantia revelation has provided us.

“But remember: religion is not a book—not even the Urantia Book. Religion is a way of living.”

HMSA ELSIE BAUMGARTNER to MARTHA SHERMAN

Chicago, October 26, 1963

Dear Martha,

Belatedly I want to thank you for your cordial birthday greeting and note enclosed. . . .

I do miss my Sunday evening chats with Rachel and so wish she could have had a few more years of life here, but I visualize her thoroughly enjoying the experiences of the mansion worlds. Ruth and Bob Burton picked up Phyllis and me and we attended the memorial services at her church. The young minister gave a very fitting eulogy and among other readings he read a passage from the Urantia Book. Nobody (not even Philip) knew how he had gotten the Book, but I remember Rachel telling me she had spoken to him about it and had given him a Book. She said he was very interested and said that he wanted to attend one of the Sunday meetings. We suspect that he read an underlined passage in Rachel’s Book.

It was a very hot evening in July and we all enjoyed the cool lemonade and cookies which some of the young girls of the church served us. It gave us the opportunity of visiting with Philip, Stacey and the children as well as Rachel’s relatives and friends. Before leaving, Philip gave me the Davis book and an extra copy of the Urantia Book which Rachel had. I hope I may pass it on to some interested person.

I have heard that Grace Palmer was here in Chicago in the last few weeks but I have not heard from her nor seen her. She has probably returned home by this time. I hear from Lulu, and she and Caroline seem to have recovered very nicely from their recent surgeries. I spoke briefly to Julia Fenderson in August when she attended the summer session of the Urantia school. She said she had heard from you about Rachel’s demise.

I hope this finds you and all your young folks enjoying good health, as we are, at least for the moment. We send warm regards as always.

Love,
Elsie

HMSA HAROLD SHERMAN to HENRY BELK

Ark Haven, November 2, 1963

Dear Henry,

. . . Your enclosures were of great interest, especially the Urantia report; the copy of the letter from Sadler, which amused us; the chronicle of their meetings; and your accurate and penetrating evaluation of Sadler, et al, to date. Very well done. You have a very definite gift of getting to the bottom of things and summing them up in a few words. Of course, these commentaries must be kept confidential.

. . . I envy you, momentarily, your ability to tour the country or the world, in tracking down so-called psychics or ESP manifestations. . . . Probable data from a few genuinely developed souls can throw more light on the nature and character of man and the universe than all of Rhine’s statistical operations covering the past forty years. . . . Big question marks still remain to challenge us, and “something is afoot,” as you say. Let’s keep going! Best to you, in which Martha joins!

Harold

HMSA HAROLD SHERMAN to HENRY BELK

Ark Haven, November 4, 1963

Dear Henry,

You did not show us a copy of this pamphlet27 when you were here which made us wonder whether or not Dr. Sadler had given you one. I think this is well done. And I wanted to ask, was this material you sent us on Urantia compiled by you, with all statistical data, drawings, etc., or was it supplied to you by the Doctor? This is a beautiful condensation of the material.28

I was going over Oahspe again last night and noting the foreword explanation as to how this material came through. It is not unlike Andrew Jackson Davis, in his Nature’s Divine Revelations. No question but that some intelligences made contact with these men’s minds.

I have long contended that there is only one basic true concept and nature of the universe, and that if a sufficient number of higher intelligences gave us somewhat the same picture, this could be it. Newcombe and Davis seem to give the same general picture of the electromagnetic nature of the cosmos, etc., but I haven’t had time to check details. The Book of Urantia stands out as far beyond any other literature in this field, and our connection with some of the principals such as Harry J. Loose give us more confidence in its authenticity. I wish we could, one day, separate the wheat from the chaff on Urantia—greatly simplify it and make this knowledge available to mankind.

I think one of the assignments in the ESP field is trying to check out and preserve the truth insofar as mankind has gone.

Much work to be done when we can get organized to do it. Wish I could afford to give all my time to this project and hope this will be possible within the next year.

Best to you!
Harold

HMSA HENRY BELK to HAROLD SHERMAN

Miami Beach, Fl., November 6, 1963

Dear Harold,

The data I picked up on Urantia when in Chicago. Sent you copy per request. Saw Mr. Kulieke in Pompano Beach. He knows little except the text. Says he can’t find anyone down here interested. He also can’t figure the secrecy Sadler went to. Says reason Sadler fell out with you was you “wanted to push at once Urantia publication. Sadler wouldn’t move until midwayers gave permission.” That was Sadler propaganda.

Have stated repeatedly that ESP was the common denominator in all revelations—from Jesus—Boris—Davis—Urantia, etc. . . .

H. J.

HMSA HAROLD SHERMAN to HENRY BELK

Ark Haven, November 20, 1963

Dear Henry,

. . . By the way, we are now giving a careful reading to Oahspe and are finding it enormously interesting—in agreement, basically, with much of Urantia. We now think it would be worth your while, if you can find the time, to give it a careful reading too, and see if you agree with us. The names of the characters are different, but the story is somewhat the same, and I have always contended that if the cosmos exists as Urantia intelligences describe it, then other genuine intelligences must give a similar report. Andrew Jackson Davis’ Nature’s Divine Revelations has similarities, and to me, all three books were inspired—and all came through automatic writing, and tend to prove the existence of these basic beings and forces, as nearly as independent “revelations” can prove anything.
It is interesting that neither Urantia, Oahspe, or Nature’s Divine Revelations refer to reincarnation. I am eager to investigate this whole area, keeping an open mind. We must function independent of the Rhines of this world. Who wants to duplicate their dead work? . . .

Harold

UBH MARIAN ROWLEY to MEREDITH SPRUNGER

Chicago, November 23, 1963

Dear Meredith,

Perhaps you have heard from Florine or seen in the papers that Bill Sadler died suddenly early Friday afternoon. I do not know all the details, but as I understand it he had an attack of something in his office which sent him into convulsions. He was taken to the hospital and died immediately. The memorial service will be private, strictly by invitation.

Christy and I thought you might like to have the enclosed clippings. We think the picture is quite good. His death was a shock to all of us, though not wholly unexpected. Doctor seems to be holding up quite well.

Sincerely,
Marian

UBF [Excerpt] MEMORIAL SERVICE for BILL SADLER

Presented by Jim Mills

Chicago, November 30, 1963

“Bill Sadler and the President of the United States died on the same day.29 It is our belief that each man died as he would have wanted to die—in the performance of the duties he had chosen to do.

“Those of us who are gathered here today have lost a dear friend, but it was Bill’s belief that this loss is temporal only. Underlying everything he did and said was the rock-like belief that this life was a basic training camp for what lies ahead—something more exciting, intriguing and wonderful than any of us dream. We have only to sincerely want what lies ahead and it will be given to us. We who knew Bill Sadler know that he went before us and that some day we will all meet again.

“William Samuel Sadler Jr., was born in LaGrange, Illinois, on December 15, 1907, to Drs. William S. and Lena K. Sadler. The first five years of his life were spent in LaGrange. The family then moved to Highland Park. With their growing practice they found commuting difficult and, therefore, moved to Chicago. Their first home in Chicago was on Lincoln Park West, near Francis Parker School, which Bill attended from kindergarten through high school. He was graduated at the age of fifteen. The following year he enrolled in Northwestern University, where he joined Beta Theta Phi fraternity.

“Finding himself out of step with the older students at the University, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps. He served in Haiti and the second Nicaraguan campaigns. On his return home he went into banking and was elected Assistant Cashier of the District National Bank of Chicago. After his marriage in 1935 Bill worked as investment custodian with Standard Oil Company of Indiana and later as personnel advisor for a firm of consulting engineers. In 1947 he established his own business, Sadler and Associates, and continued as the head of this firm until his death.

“From early childhood, Bill received his religious training at home. He was a natural-born teacher, and when the Urantia papers appeared, Bill became one of the leading exponents of the Urantia teachings. With his father, he was the teacher of the first groups organized for the systematic study of the Urantia Book. He was one of the original Trustees and Vice President of the Urantia Foundation and one of the founders and the first president of the Urantia Brotherhood, and was one of its field representatives. He was of invaluable assistance in launching the Urantia movement. There was never a diminution of his interest. In 1960 he organized and became President of the Second Urantia Society of Chicago.

“For the past seven years Bill had been writing a commentary on the Urantia Book. This tremendous undertaking remains unfinished. In November 1962, while on a trip to New York, Bill suffered a stroke and was taken to Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Since that time he was in and out of the hospital for long periods of time, and he died there on November 22, 1963.

“For Bill the great adventure has begun. . . .”

HMSA LULU STEINBECK to HAROLD and MARTHA SHERMAN

Addition written on Xmas card, postmarked December 13, 1963

Caroline gave her friend Jacques Weiss the Urantia Book in 1955 just after the Book was published. He is an occult student and has ESP. It was his great desire to bring something to the French people for soul growth. The Urantia Book was the answer, and he immediately set out to read it all within two months and could recite passages from it. He said the United States gave plenty for physical needs but nothing for inspiration.

When he visited the Forum to get a contract for the French printing, their hearts immediately went out to him. They said, “A man of Jacques Weiss’s integrity needs no contract. That is a matter of form.”

Jacques Weiss sent Caroline the first printing of the [French] Book together with the glossary. Then we mailed one to Elsie (no one knew we did). The Forum also received one which they turned over to Bill for correction, which they seem to think was only something pertaining to reincarnation (said Elsie). Bill was not well enough to do anything about it. They are holding it back when it should be used. The Sadlers do not know we have it, so do not mention it to Elsie as we do not want to do anything unethical. This is for your own use and you will know how best to use it; this is why we are sending it to you.30

We will write again after the holidays. We will love to hear from you.

Love,
Lulu

HMSA JULIA FENDERSON to HAROLD and MARTHA SHERMAN

Culver City, Ca., January 1, 1964

Dear Martha and Harold,

Your Christmas greeting as always is delightful and I especially enjoyed your note with it. . . .

I’m sure by this time Elsie or someone has told you about Bill Sadler’s death on the day that Kennedy was slain. Berkeley Elliott from Oklahoma City, who has been a very close friend of Bill’s, sent an Airmail to me first and Special Delivery. I then called her. She and Helen attended the funeral services which Florine had at a chapel in the hospital. Dr. Sadler and Christy only from 533 were invited to that. Then the 533 group had another service in his memory later.

It seemed that Bill had been some better and had gone back to work just that day, and the leg which had been so painful caused very deep pain again and, if I am correct, it was an embolism from that which went to this heart and caused his death.

He had been a very ill man for a long time and in and out of the hospital. I went back for the study session in August—their first seminar—and I called Bill and Florine, and Florine said just that day they had again taken him back to the hospital as he was in such deep pain. I saw neither one.

I had just a brief visit with Elsie. Time was so taken up with the three big study sessions each day that we had little time to visit. I stayed at the Commonwealth Hotel for the four days. The group was much the same as when we were all there about twenty years ago. I am sorry that we don’t see more young people in this type of thing.

Bill joins me in giving you our very best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Most cordially and sincerely,
Julia

24. More History Mysteries
26. Nine Years of Slow Growth
  1. A note in Martha’s handwriting, on the top of the undated letter, reads, “about January, 1963”
  2. Belk had written a piece entitled “Outer Space and Inner Man” and had asked Sherman to rewrite it.
  3. Elsie had sent Martha a note a month earlier mentioning that Rachel had entered the hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on April 15 while visiting her son Philip and his family.
  4. According to the apocrypha told to the Shermans when they first arrived in Chicago, as well in correspondence with Harry Loose and discussions with Forumites, another group, in Omaha, was held in readiness to receive the Urantia revelation should the Sadler group not be able to follow through. See The Urantia Diaries of Harold and Martha Sherman, Volume Two, pp. 118, 120, 122, 362.
  5. This report confuses the facts of Bill III’s death with the details of Bill Sadler’s remarriage. Bill Sadler married a woman named Florine Seres, who was not his son’s fiancée.
  6. Referring to the petition matter of 1942.
  7. William S. Sadler, Piloting Modern Youth: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Others Dealing with Adolescents (New York: Funk & Wagnalls Co., 1931)
  8. This document has not been found. However, through the years Sprunger revised and retitled some of his writings, the bulk of which can be found here: http://urantia-book.org/archive/mjs_archive/
  9. Belk had been traveling extensively to investigate psychic phenomena, including a faith healer in Brazil. His reports to Harold were for the files of the upcoming ESP Foundation the two men were in the process of organizing.
  10. Eventually published as How To Make ESP Work For You.
  11. LeGette Blythe, William Henry Belk, Merchant of the South (Chapel Hill: The University of Carolina Press, 1950).
  12. It is not clear to which pamphlet they are referring.
  13. Possibly referring to the study aids being prepared by the Brotherhood School.
  14. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963.
  15. Lulu Steinbeck is most likely referring to the French translation.
  16. A note in Martha’s handwriting, on the top of the undated letter, reads, “about January, 1963”
  17. Belk had written a piece entitled “Outer Space and Inner Man” and had asked Sherman to rewrite it.
  18. Elsie had sent Martha a note a month earlier mentioning that Rachel had entered the hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on April 15 while visiting her son Philip and his family.
  19. According to the apocrypha told to the Shermans when they first arrived in Chicago, as well in correspondence with Harry Loose and discussions with Forumites, another group, in Omaha, was held in readiness to receive the Urantia revelation should the Sadler group not be able to follow through. See The Urantia Diaries of Harold and Martha Sherman, Volume Two, pp. 118, 120, 122, 362.
  20. This report confuses the facts of Bill III’s death with the details of Bill Sadler’s remarriage. Bill Sadler married a woman named Florine Seres, who was not his son’s fiancée.
  21. Referring to the petition matter of 1942.
  22. William S. Sadler, Piloting Modern Youth: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Others Dealing with Adolescents (New York: Funk & Wagnalls Co., 1931)
  23. This document has not been found. However, through the years Sprunger revised and retitled some of his writings, the bulk of which can be found here: http://urantia-book.org/archive/mjs_archive/
  24. Belk had been traveling extensively to investigate psychic phenomena, including a faith healer in Brazil. His reports to Harold were for the files of the upcoming ESP Foundation the two men were in the process of organizing.
  25. Eventually published as How To Make ESP Work For You.
  26. LeGette Blythe, William Henry Belk, Merchant of the South (Chapel Hill: The University of Carolina Press, 1950).
  27. It is not clear to which pamphlet they are referring.
  28. Possibly referring to the study aids being prepared by the Brotherhood School.
  29. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963.
  30. Lulu Steinbeck is most likely referring to the French translation.
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