Description
Print Length
52
Language
English
Publisher
Dawn Bible Students Association
The booklet opens with a solemn account of Pastor Charles Taze Russell’s death on October 31, 1916, while en route from California to New York. He passed away on a train near Pampa, Texas, during a speaking tour, having dedicated nearly his entire life to Bible study and ministry. His sudden death was met with shock and profound grief by thousands of Bible Students across the United States and abroad. The report reflects how deeply loved and respected he was—not only as a teacher but as a spiritual shepherd whose voice had guided many into a clearer understanding of Scripture.
The narrative then reflects on Pastor Russell’s lifelong commitment to the Gospel. From an early age, he devoted himself to understanding God’s plan of salvation, challenging traditional doctrines such as eternal torment and the immortality of the soul. He founded the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1881 and authored the six-volume Studies in the Scriptures, which shaped the beliefs of the Bible Student movement. Through publishing, preaching, and global outreach, Russell helped spread the message of the ransom, restitution, and the coming Kingdom to millions. His ministry emphasized reasoned Bible study, free of creeds and sectarianism.
News of Pastor Russell’s death quickly spread through secular newspapers and religious publications, many of which acknowledged his influence even if they disagreed with his theology. The booklet includes examples of obituaries and articles from prominent newspapers like The New York Times and others that described him as a unique religious leader with global reach. Bible Students around the world held memorial services in his honor. His death was not just the loss of a leader—it was seen as the close of a prophetic chapter in God’s plan.
Russell’s body was transported to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his funeral took place at the Bible House. Thousands attended the service, and many more mourned from afar. He was buried in Rosemont United Cemetery in Allegheny, near other early members of the Bible Student community. The booklet reflects the reverence and gratitude that attendees expressed for his life and ministry, underscoring his humility and unwavering dedication to God’s truth.
Even in death, Pastor Russell’s teachings and written works continued to guide many. The booklet stresses that he never claimed to be the founder of a new religion but considered himself a faithful servant of Christ, helping others understand the Bible more fully. His insistence on independent Bible study, personal consecration, and the rejection of ecclesiastical authority laid the foundation for the continuing Bible Student movement. The booklet argues that his death was not the end of the work, but a transition point from his leadership to the ongoing efforts of those he had trained and inspired.
The booklet suggests that Russell’s death marked the end of a special phase in the harvest work of the Gospel Age, in line with the prophetic timetable he had taught. While not presenting him as infallible, it acknowledges his role as the “faithful and wise servant” referenced in Matthew 24:45–47—a figure appointed by the Lord to distribute spiritual food in due season. This interpretation was held by many Bible Students, who viewed his life and death as intricately linked to the fulfillment of prophecy and the nearing of Christ’s full Kingdom reign.
In closing, the booklet encourages readers to carry forward Pastor Russell’s commitment to truth, humility, and love. It urges continued study of the Scriptures, loyalty to Christ alone, and faithfulness in sharing the message of the ransom and the restoration of all things. Though Pastor Russell is no longer physically present, his voice continues to echo through his writings and the lives of those influenced by his ministry. His passing, while sorrowful, is portrayed as the triumphal homegoing of a servant whose race was faithfully run.
When Pastor Russell Died is both a historical tribute and a spiritual meditation on the impact of a man wholly committed to God's Word. It affirms that while Charles Taze Russell’s earthly journey ended in 1916, his legacy as a Bible teacher, author, and spiritual guide continues to bless and inspire those seeking the truth about God’s plan for humanity. His death marked the end of an era but also the beginning of a renewed commitment by his followers to finish the work he helped advance.
