BB-10-g-1
[Letterhead of Eugene B. Chaikin, Attorney at law]
September 11, 1972
Dear Rev. Kinsolving:
I am sorry that you did not feel free to talk with us last night. The reason we called was simply to let you know that the reason our treasurer was reluctant to give you information by phone was that she had not been informed that you might want to call her. In additional to this, the meeting you attended yesterday was unusual for us. We had, besides yourself, an arch-conservative writing a book (who, it turns out, indicated he was the most pleased), and two film-makers, Dave Gottleib and Jim Ruxin, under a university grant filming aspects of our extensive human service work (and very enthusiastic).
One of the people on the financial committee got three calls from three different ministers (one from another denomination) commenting on a reporter who was very unfair and even treacherous who had come to our services. (Of course it is known that our pastor chooses not to handle our money, and its administration is entirely under the dominion of our membership.) No doubt when you phoned yesterday, our treasurer surmised that you were the one the ministers had called about. However, as of this moment, I have not been able to verify this one way or the other.
It would be a very nice thing for you to take the time to come back to Redwood Valley and talk to our officials and elders face to face. You can talk with the President of the Ministerial Association, who praised our work glowingly, and even the John Birch rancher across the way to ascertain their view on the humanistic influence of our church in the community.
Further, you should inspect the senior citizen homes, the convalescent homes (for non-church members), and the 40 acre children’s homes to see how wisely the church’s money is spent to serve people. It is a great joy to see ghetto children play in the meadow, so very appreciative of the beauty of nature.
Possibly you should have stayed for the same spiritual healing part of the service. You would have learned that our pastor does, in fact, heal many persons at every meeting. Many healings have been documented and many more are the subject of written testimonies in our files. I, myself, was healed of cancer by him this past spring.
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BB-10-g-2
Chaikin: Kinsolving • 9/11/72
Please understand that our pastor and the whole body of the church are devoted to living a life that exemplifies brotherhood and service to mankind, as is demonstrated by our racially mixed congregation and our many human service projects. This life style has angered extremists on both sides of the color and political spectrum to the point that we have suffered threats and vandalism. Our local law enforcement agency has requested that we have trained persons carry firearms, and we have reluctantly acquiesced to the Sheriff’s instructions on his matter.
Like Voltaire who said to Helvetius, “I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.” Our humanitarian concepts lead us to give support to all persons whose civil rights are threatened, freedom being precious and worthy of defending.
For this reason some black members of our congregation (not our pastor, the staff or the church as such) made a small donation to the Angela Davis defense fund. And, when we read in Jack Anderson’s column of the Tennessee publisher whose plant was burned down because of his bravery in exposing corruption in local politics, we offered to move him to California and help him get a new start. Some of our members have also given support to such persons as Professor Oliver at the University of Illinois, whose job was threatened for being a member of the John Birch Society. As you can see, we have a concern for, and will help – within our means – anyone whose rights are threatened.
We have enclosed some clippings, as promised, including the “letter to the editor” from the Indianapolis Star by Professor Carley. We appreciate your telling our treasurer that you were favorably impressed by what you saw and heard at our church yesterday. However, we would really like to have you get a more in-depth look at our church and its programs.
Our pastor has changed my life completely; it is whole and meaningful in stark contrast to the former life I led. He has brought happiness to so many people. He is loyal friend to all, and he would extend this friendship to you.
Cordially,
/s/ Eugene B. Chaikin
Eugene B. Chaikin