Thus We Grow. . .

I have before me two Grapevines containing three photographs. Two are on page 27 of the treasured Dr. Bob memorial edition issued January, 1951. They are of a church directory and a phone booth. The third photograph is from the June, 1953 issue and shows a meeting of the General Service Conference in progress. I was filled with wonder as I looked at these pictures, at all that has transpired in the period of time (eighteen years) that is represented by them. I thought of that historic day when Bill made a worried scrutiny of the church directory, followed by anxious phone calls, seeking a drunk to whom to carry the message of hope, fighting desperately the consider rebuffs. . .until finally a call met with a response that was destined to mean a new way of life to thousands who dwelt in darkness that day.