\u201cI have known\u2026 Pastor Jim Jones quite some time and know him to be of good moral character, honest, sincere, and absolutely truthful in every respect. Pastor Jim Jones teaches Christianity, brotherly love, kindness, and willingness to help friends in need at all times. He teaches all of these things to his members, and insists that they live this type of life every minute of every day. One of his favorite expressions is: \u201cwe are our brother’s keeper.\u201d This idea coincides with his teachings completely\u2026 He should be seen and heard by people of the entire world\u2026 This world will be a better place to live in because of Pastor Jim Jones.\u201d<\/p>\n
J. Bruce Massey, M.D.
\nPhysician and Surgeon<\/p>\n
\u201cI have found Rev. Jim Jones to be a dedicated, trustworthy, sincere person who is endowed with an ability and talent possessed by very few. He practices exactly what he preaches, has helped numerous individuals\u2026 and all the while being a considerate, and understanding leader of men\u2026. He has saved many from disaster and started them on a meaningful path of constructive well adapted behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n
H. I. Perkins, M.D.
\nDrug Abuse Program Director<\/p>\n
\u201cI am deeply grateful and proud to know people who are honestly and openly working for a better world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Price M. Cobbs, M.D.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Peoples Temple Christian Church has, indeed, an impressive record of accomplishments, and we congratulate you on your work. It is through these efforts that human life improves and it is up to all of us to try in the most effective way we can to make the lot of all safer and more pleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n
John F. Burke, M.D.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a splendid and wonderful thing that you are doing and I wish to commend your Pastor Jones and his staff for encouraging your members to maintain good health and providing medical services for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
John E. Ray, M.D.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of the world’s problems would be solved if others participated as fully and with as much concerned as you have shown.\u201d<\/p>\n
Phillip R. Lee, M.D.
\nChancellor, University of California San Francisco<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish to compliment you for the interest and concern you have on behalf of the health and welfare of all children.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jay M. Arena, M.D.
\nProfessor of Pediatrics
\nDirector, Poison Control Center
\nDuke University Medical Center<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is refreshing and gratifying to realize that there are organize groups in our community following the development of social welfare programs in our area with such close interest at all times. Their own commitment to community service projects is greatly appreciated as an even greater affirmation of your concern for the welfare of others in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Craig M. McMillan, M.D.
\nCounty Health Officer
\nCounty of Mendocino<\/p>\n
\u201cI commend you and Pastor Jones and the folks of Peoples Temple for the fine work you’re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cortez F. Enloe, Jr., M.D.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are aware of Jim’s contributions not only to our community but throughout the state. He and his congregation are continuously giving to their fellow man in some Christian way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Searles R. Boynton, D.D.S.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Church and its leadership are to be commended.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jerome A. Lackner, M.D.
\nDirector of Health
\nState of California<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were deeply impressed with the work which are churches done on drug rehabilitation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lois Christofferson, M.S.W.
\nChief Social Worker
\nDepartment Of Surgery
\nStanford University Medical Center<\/p>\n
\u201cThe work of Peoples Temple combines the qualities of communal living with closeness to nature, plus the spiritual concept of fellowship. I feel that if we are truly to reach the wellsprings of better mental health, we will require to be set up alternative forms of living to that of cities and the human alienation that goes with them. Your work sounds like pioneer efforts in the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\n
R.W. Shepherd<\/p>\n
\u201cI am personally very aware of the valuable resource that the Peoples Temple programs are for the Westside residents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alexandra M. Hunter, M.D.
\nDirector Of The Pacific Medical
\nCenter Day Treatment Program<\/p>\n
\u201cI am presently the Municipal Court Commissioner appointed by the nineteen Municipal Court Judges of the City of San Francisco.\u2026 For the last several years I have worked closely with this church which consists of one of the largest memberships in San Francisco. Their tremendous support within the community derives from the fact that they are involved in community service. The Peoples Temple is best known for reaching out to every kind of human need.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jerrold Levitin
\nMunicipal Court Commissioner
\nSan Francisco<\/p>\n
\u201cI deeply respect Reverend Jim Jones and the work which he does and all of you who assist him in those noble goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
E. Robert Wallach
\nAttorney-at-law<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a former executive director of Consumer Action, I would like to share with you some of my impressions concerning the work of Peoples Temple in our City. Since Rev. Jones arrived in San Francisco, he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of some of our cities poorest and most desperate individuals. Jim Jones has inspired thousands to think less of themselves and more about the plight of their neighbors. His ministry has earned the respect and admiration of concerned individuals throughout the Bay Area. Despite the great amount of public press in adulation that has come his way, Rev. Jones has remained humble and remarkably self-effacing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kay Patchner, former director
\nConsumer Action<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat would this world be like without people with the kind of dedication you and your staff display?\u201d<\/p>\n
Benjamin Ward, Director
\nPretrial Services Agency<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the years our organization has had frequent contact with Peoples Temple. These relations have given us the chance to appreciate that humanitarian, conscientious efforts on behalf of San Francisco’s needy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hiram E. Smith, esq.
\nExecutive Director\/President
\nSan Francisco Neighborhood Legal Assistance Foundation<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026 the description that you and others have given me of the works of your church\u2013and of your remarkable pastor, Jim Jones\u2013make it clear how deep and broad and various are your commitments to improving and humanizing society, and how marvelously effective your tireless efforts have been.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anthony G. Amsterdam, Professor
\nStanford University Law School<\/p>\n
\u201cI am happy to hear that your Church, led by Pastor Jones, is so involved with some of the serious problems we face today, especially with regard to young people and young adults. I certainly wish to congratulate you and Pastor Jones on the excellent programs you have developed to work with young people, and on the excellent results you seem to have obtained. The efforts of the community and church groups is of primary importance to reaching young people today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charles A. O\u2019Brien
\nFormer Chief Deputy Attorney General
\nState of California<\/p>\n
\u201cPeoples Temple are experts in the First Amendment.\u201d<\/p>\n
David M. Fishlow
\nAmerican Civil Liberties Union<\/p>\n
\u201cI am familiar with its [Peoples Temple] work in the city. It is an unusual and unique organization, which puts religious principles into practice by working on the day-to-day problems of the people in this community. Its programs and child care, legal aid, housing, and rehabilitation enjoy an outstanding reputation. The people I have met from the Temple have been unfailingly courteous, enthusiastic and public spirited.\u201d<\/p>\n
Philip Martin
\nAttorney-at-law<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are truley [truly] a friend of the poor, the helpless and the oppressed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charles Lewis, President
\nLegal Defense League<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition, it is good to learn the good work and devotion of the members of Peoples Temple Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor Jim Jones. Your interest in and concern about the total field of corrections is important and encouraging.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frederick R. Silber
\nBureau of Prisons
\nDepartment of Justice<\/p>\n
\u201cThe efforts of your church to live in racial harmony and equality are exemplary; you are obviously putting into practice the humanitarian ideals most needed by our society and by our churches.\u201d<\/p>\n
S.B. Ethridge
\nDirector, Teachers Rights
\nNational Education Association<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are doing an important job in an excellent manner and I commend Reverend Jones.\u201d<\/p>\n
Robert L. Docter, Ph.D.
\nPresident
\nLos Angeles City Board Of Education<\/p>\n
\u201cI have known of the activities of Reverend Jones and believe him to be a man of great integrity and possessed of the highest sense of social responsibility. He works day in and day out to provide services for the destitute and outcast in our society and his actions on behalf of the church are a credit to our community. They [Peoples Temple and Rev. Jim Jones] are not motivated by petty political aims, but by a noble sense of principle sadly lacking in the nation in recent years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bill Maher
\nCommissioner
\nSan Francisco Board Of Education<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is Ministers with the spiritual message and active participation to follow-up that message that provide an inspiration to those of us who so desperately need a guiding direction in all religious experiences. You are the epitome of caring for humans, sharing and providing basic needs for each other, helping the sick and afflicted and educating the young. Everyone\u2019s struggle is your struggle: your fight for human dignity is beyond compare.
\n\u201cPeoples Temple Community Church services a broad sector of the San Francisco communities. Many of the outreach programs of that church enable persons to move about in their daily lives with dignity and integrity that would be impossible if these programs were not available.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yvonne S. Golden
\nCoordinator
\nOpportunity II High School<\/p>\n
\u201cI have seen the outstanding works of Pastor Jones in the San Francisco area. The members of his congregation whom I have known for a long time and whom I have recently met certainly exemplified the kind of training which they have received from Peoples Temple.
\n\u201cApproximately two years ago, my mother was hospitalized for a brain stroke and was paralyzed. Pastor Jones\u2019 nurses and his well-trained Missionaries would come in daily to help the member of his church who was in critical condition. My sister and I were very much impressed because they also offered to do whatever they could for my mother. The nurse would bathe the member for Peoples Temple and stay with her all day. My sister had recently had a back operation, yet no one from my mother’s church offered to stay and relieve my sister while I worked.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frances Huff
\nTeacher and newspaper columnist<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been overwhelmed by you (Pastor Jones) and your congregations and your activities with law enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Winston Churchill, Chief
\nIndianapolis Police Department<\/p>\n
\u201cWe, as minority law enforcement officers, no of the work and accomplishments of Peoples Temple in the area of youth programs and activities that are of a positive social nature. The Temple’s work and concern for senior citizens puts it among the best type in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilbert K. Battle, President
\nOfficers For Justice, San Francisco<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Peoples Temple has done a fantastic job for us in the social parts of the City. After considering the outstanding work of the church, your kind words take on a special significance. I hope I will continue to merit both your support and your respect.\u2026 Thank you again, Reverend Jones, for imparting the spirit of God and human fellowship to your congregation. We are deeply indebted to you for your hard work. With God’s help, we will both continue to help men to live happier and more rewarding lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Edward M Davis, Chief
\nLos Angeles City Police Department<\/p>\n
\u201cYour Congregation’s firm stand in support of the police’s most vital and germane in the performance of their dangerous and endless task of protecting and serving the citizens of our free society. Our alliance in maintaining law and order would represent all citizens, Christian and non-Christians, our dedication to the principle of free society in which no person would be deprived of his freedom to worship in the face of his free will. It is organizations like yours and thousands of others throughout the country that are to be especially commended for the nobility of reason and maturity of vision to giving the most needed support to the efforts of law enforcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour expression of warmth and sympathy for the wives and families of police officers who have been victimized by the lurking dangers of their profession is as innately praiseworthy and reassuring as it is in keeping with the Christian principle of brotherly love. Goodness and wisdom are inseparable, indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frank Isbell, Director
\nCommunity Relations Section
\nLos Angeles City Police Department<\/p>\n
\u201cThe knowledge of your good deeds has been with us for a long time, and we want to add our congratulations to the many you will receive. We hope your congregation will enjoy the benefits of good health and good deeds for many years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willie E. Frazier, Secretary
\nThe Police Commission
\nCity and County of San Francisco<\/p>\n
\u201cI know the many humanitarian projects in which you and other members of your church are involved, and you are to be commended for your contribution to society.\u201d<\/p>\n
Donald M. Scott, Chief
\nSan Francisco Police Department<\/p>\n
\u201cThose in police work are constantly aware of the lack of community resources and existence of viable rehabilitation programs designed to help our young people return to productive lives. Thnak [Thank] heaven there are individuals and organizations, such as the Peoples Temple, who not only recognize this need but are also doing something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
H. E. Britton, Chief
\nFresno City Police Department<\/p>\n
\u201cThe continuing interest and support of your church family is not only deeply appreciated but also most encouraging to all of us\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Annie Belisle Daley
\nConfidential Secretary to the Sheriff
\nSan Francisco<\/p>\n
\u201cJim and his church members strongly support law enforcement and they also respect the property rights of others. They have never trespassed, destroyed or littered.\u201d<\/p>\n
Donn D. Saulsbury, Chief
\nUkiah City Police Department<\/p>\n
\u201cWith support of people like you and the citizens of this country, law enforcement can go forward and make this country a better place in which to live.\u201d<\/p>\n
J. F. Inman, Chief
\nAtlanta Police Department<\/p>\n
\u201cYour support of these organizations dedicated to the maintenance of law and order \u2013 a very difficult task in these changing times \u2013 is particularly gratifying.\u201d<\/p>\n
J. R. Fisk, Chief Constable
\nVancouver (Canada) Police Department<\/p>\n
\u201cFor some time I have been personally aware of your fine programs dealing with the problems of inner cities and your outstanding moral and spiritual guidance provided throughout the United States.\u2026 The Peoples Temple Church certainly deserves accolades from those of us engaged in the field of crime prevention, for the moral, physical, and spiritual leadership it has provided for citizens.\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
James M. Rochford
\nSuperintendent of Police
\nChicago, Illinois<\/p>\n
\u201cNo published list of 100 congregations in America showing exemplary leadership would be complete without your name on it.\u201d<\/p>\n
H. Newton Hudson, Secretary
\nReligion In American Life<\/p>\n
\u201cPeoples Temple has an effective social ministry attracting people who, normally, are rejected by society.\u2026 I support the ministry and I only wish many of us were as effective as they are at Peoples Temple.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rev. Dr. A. C. Ubalde, Jr.
\nBethany United Methodist Church<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ministry and witness of Pastor Jones and the people of the Peoples Temple has great meaning for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)\u2026 the most meaning of any single incident or event that has happened to me in the days of my ministry for 20 years as a pastor in this part of the church\u2026 the ministry of Jesus Christ, which is the action of God in the world, has about it more that is clearly revealed probably by the Peoples Temple than any other member church of the Christian Church .\u2026 That’s an awesome thing and I just praise God.\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Bishop Karl Irvin, Jr., Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)<\/p>\n
\u201cI keep talking about the extraordinary work that all of you do it Peoples Temple. All of you are committed to serve the needs of others in the name of Jesus Christ. This is true servanthood and when combined with love it is the most formidable force in the world.\u2026 From my numerous contacts with members and staff of the church, I can say that they are the most committed and dedicated group of people I have known in any church anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wade D. Rubrick, Chief Counsel
\nChristian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada<\/p>\n
\u201cI am deeply impressed by the ministry which you carry out in the Peoples Temple under the leadership of Pastor Jim Jones and I doubt that I have much to suggest to add to it. It seems to me that the kind of concerns you are dealing with and the outreach in which you are involved is exactly the kind of thing that I find extremely significant.\u2026 Peoples Temple is seriously trying to be faithful in his efforts to relate the Gospel to the unmet needs of persons in situations of extreme crisis, people who are victims of various forms of injustice. May God continue His work through the ministry of Peoples Temple.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rev. W. Sterling Cary, President
\nNational Council of the Churches of Christ<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Jewish community in the San Francisco area has developed a great respect for the contributions the Peoples Temple has made to the total community. At a time when many of our efforts in local social welfare and rehabilitation are faltering, the Peoples Temple has produced large, creative social services which produce results. That has been a heartening phenomenon for all of us.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the same time, the Peoples Temple was one of the first forces in the city to concentrate on needed education against the growth of neo-Nazism in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earl Raab
\nJewish Community Relations Council
\nof San Francisco, Marin and the Peninsula<\/p>\n
\u201cPastor Jones\u2019 vast ministry will surely attract ever increasing attention. One of Pastor Jones’ many skills that I particularly admire is his ability to attract young people and enlist them in Christian service, even to rescue great numbers of them from the grip of drugs. That calls for tremendous spiritual power, which is rare indeed in our troubled time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Father Alfred Boeddeker, OFM
\nSt. Anthony’s Dining Room<\/p>\n
\u201cThe City-wide Planning Commission for the Martin Luther King Celebration has chosen you as the local speaker because of your continuous effort in the struggle for equal rights and social justices for all people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Donneter Lane, President
\nSan Francisco Council of Churches<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been pastor in the city for fifteen years and what that church is doing to enable human life for all races, all styles of life in the city is a miracle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reverend Robert H. Stewart
\nFirst St. John’s United Methodist Church
\nWest Nob Hill Parish<\/p>\n
\u201cThe program of the congregation seems to be wide in its concerns, ranging from care of abandoned animals through orphans\u2019 homes, homes for the aged, financial support of students in college, legal services for the community, narcotics rehabilitation.\u2026 In fact, it is apparent that no human need is expressed without an attempt being made to meet that need. I have the impression that the congregation is ready, willing, and able to assist any human being with almost any problem.\u2026 One gets the impression of being in the mix of the human race at its best: a Trinity of people whose primary concern is to love and to share.\u2026 Peoples Temple is led by a man of deep integrity and sensitivity.\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cI have found Rev. Jones to be perceptive, emitted and dedicated to the empowerment of those who have been neglected or disregarded by normal processes and structures of our society.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gerald B. McHarg
\nAssistant to the Executive Pastor
\nChristian Church of Southern California<\/p>\n
\u201cI continue to be impressed by the many ways the congregation has found to relate to its community and to the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ian McCrae
\nSocial Action Newsletter
\nChristian church (Disciples of Christ)
\nDepartment of Church in Society<\/p>\n
\u201cThere can be no doubt that you are actively striving to diminish the injustices and miseries that plaque man.\u201d<\/p>\n
John P. Mosti, S.J.
\nJesuits for Peace and Justice
\nJesuit School of Theology<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is gratifying to know of other Christian groups that are deeply concerned about the welfare of mankind. Your church, under the leadership of your dedicated pastor, the Reverend Jim Jones, must truly be following the teachings of Jesus, not in words only, but in deeds.\u201d<\/p>\n
Religious Society of Friends
\nPalo Alto, California<\/p>\n
\u201cIn all of my dealings with Peoples Temple Church, I have found them to be caring and supportive of the social-religious commands of Jesus Christ, going way beyond the call of the Gospel in order to (as their pastor Jim Jones says) \u2018Care about someone else besides yourself.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Montford Caldwell<\/p>\n
\u201cPeoples Temple offers a tremendous witness to the gospel of liberation and justice within our community. Many judges referred young persons to Peoples Temple for rehabilitation programs. They also offer services in training for use around such skills as carpentry, printing, broadcasting, electronics, auto mechanics, tutoring, etc. and Peoples Temple provides more food services than does St. Anthony’s dining room! All of these are vital ministry with the people of our city. This type of ministry fulfills a great need which would otherwise have to be met by the city’s Social Services and other agencies were it not for church groups like the Peoples Temple.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rev. Norman E. Leach, D. Min.
\nAssociate Executive Minister
\nSan Francisco Council of Churches<\/p>\n
\u201cPeoples Temple is a caring community of people of all races and classes. They bear the mark of compassion and justice \u2013 compassion for the hungry and jobless, lonely and disturbed, and also for the earth and her offspring.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. John Moore, District Superintendent
\nUnited Methodist Church<\/p>\n
\u201cI have known Rev. Jim Jones for approximately 8 years and have come to know of his responsible commitment to poor people, multi-racial communities, and services he provides trying to bring about self-determination.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are pleased and honored that you will be with us on Sunday, January 16th to accept Glide\u2019s 4th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Humanitarian Award, in recognition of your leadership and contributions to so many communities of people.
\n\u201cWhat I appreciate about you is that you extend yourself beyond specific situations and provide the experience of sharing in the cause to which we are committed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rev. A. Cecil Williams
\nMinister of Celebration and Involvement
\nGlide Memorial Methodist Church<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ministry of this man and his congregation is surpassed by none in our denomination. Their witness and feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and ministering to the sick and imprisoned is sorely needed in this troubled age.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dennis W. Short
\nAssociate Pastor
\nUrban Life
\nChristian Church of Southern California<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is impossible to adequately express the deep feelings we have for the members of the Peoples Temple who rallied to the cause of a free press during our recent incarceration at the Fresno County Industrial Farm.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo watch on television hundreds of persons marching in the courthouse plaza and to realize they were demonstrating on our behalf is something which we shall remember for the rest of our lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven more important is that those of your congregation who were there, or who were among the hundreds in the church who took time to write us in jail, understand the essential importance of a free press in this democracy of ours.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe unselfish show of human love and compassion will forever remain as an example to us and our families which demands far more recognition than we are able to give.\u201d<\/p>\n
George Gruner
\nManaging Editor
\nThe Fresno Bee<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very touched that your church has been so dedicated to issues of press freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Katharine Graham
\nPresident
\nThe Washington Post Company<\/p>\n
\u201cI cannot think of a person whom I’ve grown to admire more. What if more ministers were really involved in social issues? He certainly has my interest and support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Julia Hare
\nDirector of Community Affairs
\nKSFO Radio<\/p>\n
\u201cWe at BLACK ENTERPRISE have the highest regard for groups such as the Peoples Temple.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tamara Owens
\nAdministrator, Public Affairs
\nBlack Enterprise <\/p>\n
\u201cIt is gratifying to see the evidence of the commitment of you and your fellow members of the Peoples Temple to freedom of the press.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clayton Firkpatrick, Editor
\nChicago Tribune<\/p>\n
\u201cIn taking the action that you did, you set an example which should be emulated by all concerned with such vital issues as the defense of freedom of expression; and I am sure that your protest not only had a major influence on the outcome of the case itself but also enlightened countless persons throughout the country.\u201d<\/p>\n