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Bulletin Board

Monday Night Lifeline Group History

Monday Night Lifeline

What is the name of your group?

Monday Night Lifeline

When did your group start?

11-17-82

Who were the founders of the group?

Jack K.

What is the reason the group was started?

The meeting was a club meeting at the 400 Club on Ritchie Ave, Collingswood. The meeting moved with the 400 Club to the Wt. Horse Pike in Oaklyn and to the Teamsters’ Hall at the Collingswood Circle. When the 400 Club left the Teamsters’ Hall, our group conscience had a vote to determine whether to stay at the Teamsters’ Hall and become part of the Camalon Club or to move with the 400 Club to Clementon. The vote to stay at the Teamster’s Hall won by one vote.

At that time, the meeting was attended mostly by newcomers and was struggling. Around 1991, Jack K. (“Machinegun Jack” presently known as “Gentleman Jack”) helped to re-organize the meeting and the meeting became stronger.

When the Camalon Club closed its doors, this meeting was one of the few club meetings to survive by finding a new location.

This meeting has always attracted musicians & artists.

What is the frequency of the group?

Weekly (Monday)

What type of Meeting is it?

Step & Tradition

Where did the group first meet?

400 Club, 400 Ritchie Ave, Collingswood, N.J.

Current Location?

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 710 Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ

Any special problems ever occur, such as places, format of meet, Mr. & Mrs. AA trying to run the show, etc.

No

The Maple Shade Tuesday Night Group Group History

The Maple Shade Tuesday Night Group

The Maple Shade Tuesday Night Group: Our History
Founded 1962
Updated Spring, 2007
By Jimmy S

A.A. Groups that survive the passage of time have a special sense of belonging. With that feeling of belonging, there exist shared memories of the past. When we, the Maple Shade Tuesday Night Group, look over the past 46 years, we remember the people who started the group, and those who kept it going. We remember how we used to do things and how they evolved into the way we do things today. In the end, it is about how we stayed sober.

The Maple Shade Group was originally founded in 1962. One of our founders was Alex W., a well-known local newspaper editor who, in keeping with the spirit of our co-founders, opened up his home, a small apartment in Camden, to folks who were struggling to maintain sobriety. A.A. meetings were held in his home in those days, and Alex was even known to allow some of the more down-and-out men to stay at his humble abode while they got back on their feet. Because of their advanced age and their seeming propensity to resume drinking after brief periods of sobriety, this motley crew came to be known as the “Golden Slippers.”

As the membership of the group steadily grew, Alex could no longer accommodate the meetings in his small apartment. In the months and years that followed, the group began to meet in a variety of locations around Maple Shade. The first place they began to meet after they outgrew Alex’s place was in the Maple Shade Police Station – a venue with which a few of these early members were already acquainted for other reasons. Eventually, the local VFW served for a brief time as the group meeting place. That spot’s tenure as our meeting place was short-lived however, after our founder, Alex, cut-off a long-winded speaker one night and the resentment was settled outside. Once again, the Maple Shade group was forced to relocate. It was at this point in time that the group began to meet at our current location, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. It was now 1963, a landmark year for us. We were first officially listed in the General Service Office Directory in New York, as the Maple Shade Group.

The group anniversary has been a long tradition in the Maple Shade Group. One particular group anniversary back in the sixties was held, not here, but in the police station. (Those old-timers just couldn’t seem to stay out of that police station). The group actually invited the public to that anniversary to let the community–at-large know something about AA. At this meeting, the speaker was Noel L., whom many an old-timer will remember. He was a member of the Maple Shade Group who served as Delegate to the General Service Conference for two terms, and as chairman of the Southern New Jersey General Service Assembly. He was also instrumental in founding the now defunct detox, Starting Point, in Mount Holly which served so many early AA’s in the area as a launching pad toward a sober life.

The Maple Shade Group has always recognized the milestones in our members’ sobriety by presenting small tokens to celebrate length of sobriety. These days, we give coins to our celebrants, but in years past, the tradition was to give out pins to those members who made it through those first 90 days of recovery. The problem was, you didn’t receive your 90-day pin until you were sober one year! Fortunately, back in 1984, a handful of people at a business meeting took the bull by the horns and the group conscience straightened the mess out. Today you receive your 90-day coin (the pins have long since been unavailable) when you earn it – at 90 days!

In the early ‘70’s, for one reason or another, our group membership began to dwindle, and at one low point the group was down to only three or four members. What happened to turn things around? Well, we owe much to the leadership of one John P. John shared his concerns about the declining membership with his sponsor, Lee, who promptly told him to “handle things” himself. At that point John encouraged the group to “get its act together.” Group officers were elected, with John himself serving as chairman. A secretary and treasurer were soon elected from among the few group members. Later that year, Maggie B., a long-time group member was elected Southern New Jersey Delegate to the General Service Conference which meets in New York City every year. I am happy to report that the tradition of being active in all levels of service continues to this day at Maple Shade. Along with Maggie, other members of this Maple Shade Group who have served as delegate include the aforementioned Noel L. (two terms), as well as Nancy McC. and Madge M. But enough about ancient history! More recently, even more members of our home group have been privileged to serve Area 45 as Delegate when Jimmy S. was elected as Panel 56 delegate, followed by Fred E., Panel 58 Delegate. This makes a total of six delegates to the General Service Conference who are or were members of the Tuesday Night Maple Shade Group.

The Maple Shade Group began having regular business meetings in 1975. These meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month, prior to the regular meeting. If you would have paid the group a visit in those days, you may have found yourself drinking your coffee from a cup and saucer of fine china. This tradition was ultimately abandoned in favor of Styrofoam cups after we realized we were getting home awfully late because of having to wash so many cups and saucers.

A group anniversary such as this one tonight, takes a lot of planning and organization. To raise money to cover our expenses, we pass a separate basket at our monthly business meeting. This way, no seventh tradition money is ever diverted to fund the anniversary celebration. In addition, group members contribute much of the food. However this was not always the case. Back in 1976, the group decided to really go all out and have a catered affair for our anniversary celebration. While the food was great – it cost a bit more than the group anticipated and the group went into debt for a short time.

A snapshot of the group in the year 1976 would show Madge M. with 2 years of sobriety serving as GSR, and Jim W. with 2 years sober serving as group secretary. It’s no coincidence that such service in their early years with the fellowship has paid dividends in their path of sobriety. And they are sitting here tonight each with 34 years of continuous sobriety.

Around that same time, John P., who had been so pivotal in turning things around for the group in 1972 when membership was low, was involved in a serious accident. The emotional toll of this accident led him back to alcohol. He drank for another 10 years, finally returning to the Maple Shade Group in the late ‘80’s, a shadow of his former self. He passed away within the year, sober, and it’s probably not an exaggeration to say that the Maple Shade Group owes its very existence today to a man that died with less than a year of sobriety. God does move in mysterious ways, does he not?

The Maple Shade Group has always recognized the importance of reaching out to the newcomer. In 1977 we started a beginner’s meeting separate from the regular meeting in order to give those in early sobriety special encouragement. We had to suspend the meeting for awhile as we were moved from room to room within the church. But as soon as we were given the space again, we restarted this important meeting.

In 1984, we started a free raffle at our monthly anniversary meeting. Everyone gets a ticket at the door, we hold a drawing, and the winner gets a book of his or her choosing from among the AA Literature. In many cases, the person holding the winning ticket gives the book away to a newcomer, thus continuing the tradition of passing on the AA message.

The group has seen a few significant changes in recent years too. Sometimes these changes are foisted upon us from without, as happened a few years ago by the Lutheran church. The synod handed down a decree that henceforth, all Lutheran Churches would be non-smoking facilities and that included this one. Many of us viewed it as God doing for us what we couldn’t, or wouldn’t, do for ourselves. Also a few years back another significant change occurred when the group conscience voted overwhelmingly to change the meeting start time from 8:30 to 8:00. And I have been told by someone in a position to know that, many years ago, our start time here was actually 9:00 p.m! Let the record show that the alleged 9:00 p.m. start time is disputed by other long-time members of this group.

In May of 2005 the group was forced to move out of the auditorium we had been meeting in for so many years, to a church property around the corner in “The Red House.” This move was necessitated by a renovation project that took much longer than expected to complete. Two years later, almost to the day, we moved back into “the big room,” effectively ending our time in Purgatory. Regrettably, we are no longer able to conduct our Beginners’ Meeting due to the reconfigured layout of our meeting space.

The good news . . . the bottom line to all of this discourse is that though change is inevitable with the passing of time, as long as we, as a fellowship, keep AA’s singleness of purpose as expressed in our Fifth Tradition and our Unity as expressed in the First Tradition uppermost in our minds, we can survive and accomplish many things. This is as true for all of us as individuals as it is for the AA Group.

Tues Nite “Pass It On” Group History

Tues Nite “Pass It On”

What is the name of your group?

Tues Nite “Pass It On”

When did your group start?

Nov 4, 1986

Who were the founders of the group?

Bill C.

What is the reason the group was started?

Sobriety

What is the frequency of the group?

Weekly, Tuesday

What type of Meeting is it?

Step

Where did the group first meet?

Woodbury Presbyterian Church

Current Location?

Same

Any special problems ever occur, such as places, format of meet, Mr. & Mrs. AA trying to run the show, etc.

No

Friday Night Pass It On Group History

Friday Night Pass It On

What is the name of your group?

Friday Night Pass It On

When did your group start?

February 1, 1981

Who were the founders of the group?

Walt, Dennis F, & Frank Z.

What is the reason the group was started?

Primary Purpose

What is the frequency of the group?

Weekly

What type of Meeting is it?

Open Discussion

Where did the group first meet?

St. John Bosco R. C. Church

Current Location?

Presbyterian Church 2nd & Pine

Any special problems ever occur, such as places, format of meet, Mr. & Mrs. AA trying to run the show, etc.

No

Shiloh Serenity Group Group History

Shiloh Serenity Group

What is the name of your group?

Shiloh Serenity Group

When did your group start?

Jan. 2000

Who were the founders of the group?

Frank B. & Clara R. Mulford

What is the reason the group was started?

Need for Al-Anon & Ala-teen, No AA in Bridgeton Area

What is the frequency of the group?

Every Monday at 7:00 p.m.

What type of Meeting is it?

Step, Tradition, Open Discussion

Where did the group first meet?

Shiloh 7th Day Baptist Church

Current Location?

Same

Any special problems ever occur, such as places, format of meet, Mr. & Mrs. AA trying to run the show, etc.

No

Sweet Sobriety of Blackwood Group History

Sweet Sobriety of Blackwood

What is the name of your group?

Sweet Sobriety of Blackwood

When did your group start?

June 1989

Who were the founders of the group?

Mary M & Diane S

What is the reason the group was started?

Lack of Meetings in the area

What is the frequency of the group?

Wednesday 6:15 pm – 730 pm Weekly

What type of Meeting is it?

Open Speaker Discussion

Where did the group first meet?

Campy’s Ice Cream Parlor

Current Location?

Grenloch Presbyterian Church, Lake & Eastview Aves, Grenloch, NJ

Any special problems ever occur, such as places, format of meet, Mr. & Mrs. AA trying to run the show, etc.

New Meeting Time 6:30 pm to 745 pm Wednesdays

Vineland Nooners Group History

Vineland Nooners

What is the name of your group?

Vineland Nooners

When did your group start?

Sept 3, 2007

Who were the founders of the group?

Ed Smith, Sam Mason & Bill Meyer

What is the reason the group was started?

There was not a lunchtime (nooners) meeting in the immediate area

What is the frequency of the group?

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

What type of Meeting is it?

Mon- Step & Tradition, Wed- Big Book, Fri- Open Discussion

Where did the group first meet?

434 ½ W. Landis Avenue Vineland NJ 08360

Current Location?

Same

Any special problems ever occur, such as places, format of meet, Mr. & Mrs. AA trying to run the show, etc.

No

Winslow Crossing S&T (Friday Nite Live) Group History

Winslow Crossing S&T (Friday Nite Live)

What is the name of your group?

Winslow Crossing S&T (Friday Nite Live)

When did your group start?

March 19, 1982

Who were the founders of the group?

Tommy Frost, Al Konat, Stela Genison, Warren Fowler, Chris Roberts

What is the reason the group was started?

Needed “Step” Meetings in the area

What is the frequency of the group?

Weekly

What type of Meeting is it?

Step & Tradition

Where did the group first meet?

Bayer Hall Ambulance Sicklerville

Current Location?

New Brooklyn Methodist Church (Malaga & New Brooklyn Roads)

Any special problems ever occur, such as places, format of meet, Mr. & Mrs. AA trying to run the show, etc.

No

Wayne K. Personal History

Wayne K.

Archives: Personal History

Name: Wayne K.
Date of Interview: 9/24/06
Sobriety Date(s):6/21/74
Current Home Group & Location: Winslow Crossing Serenity – Turnersville, NJ
Locations lived in during sobriety: Camden County, NJ

How and when did you get started in A.A.? Where did you sober up and go to your first meeting?
Two AA members 12 stepped me on 6/21/74 and took me to the Friday night Bellmawr meeting.
How did you first learn about A.A.?
I first learned about AA when I was 12 stepped.
Did you have a sponsor when you first came in? What type of sponsorship did you have?
I had a sponsor when I first came in but he did not direct me to the steps.
How many groups or meetings were in existence? Can you recall the formats used at some of these early meetings? How were they run?
There were approximately 50 meetings in South Jersey at that time. The format was as follows:
a) The chairman opened the meeting with “How It Works” & “The Preamble”
b) Two topics were chosen
c) All attendees of meeting stated name and shared (or passed)
When was A.A. started in your town or area? How often were meetings held? Who were some of the people playing important roles in the formation of new groups? Can you explain the differences that led to new groups being formed in your area?
I am unsure as to when AA started in my area. There were at least 7 meetings a week in Camden County. “Russian Paul” & I were involved in starting my home group. New groups were formed because the meetings were getting too big.
What else do you know about the growth of A.A. during that period of time?
AA began to grow due to the state of NJ sending DUI offenders to AA. At this time Seabrook Rehabilitation just opened.
What contributions did you, yourself, make to the growth of the Fellowship? (Don’t be unnecessarily modest!)
In my homegroup I was the chairperson, literature rep, GSR & coffee maker. I was on the Public Information Committee and was on numerous 12-Step calls.
What controversies over issues addressed in the Traditions can you recall people wrestling with? (How were meeting spaces acquired? Was rent or other funding obtained by gambling sessions, Bingo games, etc? How did the membership resolve these affairs?)
There were no controversies that I recall.
What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety and why?
“Bitchin John” “George the Barber” & Bob P. were very prominent in my sobriety because I worked night work and they made themselves available during the day to help me.
How were new members contacted? What kinds of Twelfth Step work were going on? Are there any Twelfth Step anecdotes that stick out in your mind that you’d care to share?
New members were contacted via 12-Step calls. We would carry the message to schools and church groups through the PI Committee.
On one 12-Step call, I had my “biker” clothes on & was 12 stepping a man in a suit. When I brought him to detox the staff addressed me as if I was the “drunk.”
Treatment facilities nowadays frequently host A.A. and other Twelve Steps meetings. Did any of them use a Twelve Step format or incorporate meetings into their structure?
Yes, Maryville Rehab did & still does incorporate meetings & the 12 steps into their format along with other rehabs.
Did you seek the cooperation of other local community or professional agencies?
No, I did not seek cooperation.
Today, radio and television public service announcements for A.A., as well as Internet Web sites, are becoming commonplace. When you first got sober, how did A.A.s interact with the media? Have you had any profound experiences sharing your relationship with alcohol with the public? What cautions might you have for young A.A.s today regarding media exposure?
There was no interaction that I was aware of.
Today, I would caution young AA’s to not judge the program by what is portrayed via the media (stars & public figures) as they are only members and not representatives of the program.
During the early years of your recovery, how did the community receive Alcoholics Anonymous?
At first the community was a little leery of the program as a whole.
Do you think your group(s) has had an influence in your community? If so, how?
Yes, my homegroup enabled some of its members to become sober, productive members of the community.
Today, Conference-approved literature is available to help A.A. members deal with a wide variety of challenging questions. In the early days of the Fellowship all we had was the book Alcoholics Anonymous, common sense and your compassion. How did early A.A.s treat newcomers? How did your group(s) treat constant slippers? Thirteenth steppers? How were people, wishing to talk about multiple addictions during your meetings addressed? How about nonalcoholic drug addicts walking in off the street for their first meeting?
Early AA’s treated newcomers by giving them the Big Book, 12×12 book, and a list of member’s phone numbers. Our group welcomed the slipper with open arms and compassion, but did not tolerate the 13th steppers. If multiple addictions were mentioned the group members would handle the situation tactfully. We let non-alcoholic drug addicts join the meeting but also directed them to NA.
In what ways has A.A. changed over the years?
Some of the changes are as follows:
Pros: The membership has improved. The fellowship is more accepted than before. People are more educated about addiction and AA.
Cons: More groups are straying from the primary purpose of AA. Meetings are getting too large. Hand raising as opposed to going around the room allowing all to share. (New members are not made to identify themselves this way.)
Vic M. Personal History

Vic M.

Archives: Personal History

Name: Victor M.
Date of Interview: September 19, 2007
Sobriety Date(s):Mar. 1956-1963, 1964-1981, 1985-present
Current Home Group & Location: Back to Basics Kennedy Hospital Cherry Hill
Locations lived in during sobriety: Camden, Gibbsboro, Cherry Hill, NJ.

How and when did you get started in A.A.? Where did you sober up and go to your first meeting?
I asked a man that I worked with back in 1956 and he took me to my first meeting at the Center City Group in Phila, PA. I was only 21 years old and I went to find out that I wasn’t an alcoholic. I wanted to prove to my wife and my parents that I couldn’t be an alcoholic because I only drank for 7 years.
How did you first learn about A.A.?
From the man I worked with. He kept telling me I couldn’t drink. I just told him to shut up and he was the one who couldn’t drink. Because he belonged to that triple A or whatever it was called.
Did you have a sponsor when you first came in? What type of sponsorship did you have?
Yes, his name was Jack M. of Phila. He said he would tell me how to stay sober for one day not the rest of my life. He was right. He would say “boy if it’s not in the book it’s BULLSHIT” He was right. He gave me a lifetime membership card for the 4021 Club in Phila. Signed by him and Jimmy B.
How many groups or meetings were in existence? Can you recall the formats used at some of these early meetings? How were they run?
Don’t remember how many meetings were in the area at that time. My home group. Center City met once a week on wed. nights. We used to have what we called house meetings at someone’s house on Sat. or Sunday and spend the whole day and have dinner and share our experience, strength, and hope with everyone at the meeting. Most formats were Speaker meetings. Newcomers were not allowed to talk until they completed all 12 Steps or completed 3 months of continuous sobriety. When we introduced ourselves we said “I’m a drunk and my name is Vic.” And nobody responded with “HI, VIC”.
When was A.A. started in your town or area? How often were meetings held? Who were some of the people playing important roles in the formation of new groups?
Don’t remember. Big Ed W., Warren F., Kenny H., Warren M.
What else do you know about the growth of A.A. during that period of time?
Well a lot meetings were being formed and a few new Club Houses (Camalon Club, 400 Club,…)
What contributions did you, yourself, make to the growth of the Fellowship? (Don’t be unnecessarily modest!)
Well I don’t know if I personally made any big contribution but I did show up at meetings and sponsored a lot of guys. I made a lot of coffee at meetings got involved with intergroup 12 step calls, which seems to becoming a lost art.
Can you explain the differences that led to new groups being formed in your area?
More drunks showing up which caused overcrowding and RESENTMENTS caused a lot of people to start a new meetings. They forgot they were only trusted servants.
What controversies over issues addressed in the Traditions can you recall people wrestling with? (How were meeting spaces acquired? Was rent or other funding obtained by gambling sessions? Bingo games? How did the membership resolve these affairs?)
I can’t get into the politics of AA. Dr. Bob told Bill Wilson, “For God’s Sake Billy lets not louse this thing up keep it simple and do it one day at a time.”
What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety?
Bill Wilson, met him in 1956 at a convention with my sponsor who knew Bill. Don’t ask me what he said to me but it was a great moment, he told me to stick with Jack and you might be OK.
How were new members contacted? What kinds of Twelfth Step work were going on? Are there any Twelfth Step anecdotes that stick out in your mind that you’d care to share?
My first 12 step call was with my sponsor on a Wed. night before our AA meeting. He said come on boy we have some work to do. The first thing he did was to stop at a state store to buy a half pint of whiskey. I said what are you doing? This is only for the drunk we are going to see – he might be in the DT’s and he’ll need it. I said OK. I usually just tell the person about my life as the Big Book says to do. I also add you only have to stay sober for one day at a time, and YOU CAN’T QUIT DRINKIN, DRINKIN! 12 step calls today are a lot different than years ago. Today most people just take them to a detox.
Today, A.A. is well known to, and supported by police officers, judges and corrections officials. What kind of relationship did A.A. in your area have with local authorities? How has that changed since you sobered up?
Well, back when I was drinking the cops would take me home and leave me a note telling me where my car was. A lot of cops today just lock you up. They don’t know that alcoholism is a disease. Alcoholism runs rampant in the law enforcement area. Except for the cops that are in AA.
Treatment facilities nowadays frequently host A.A. and other Twelve Steps meetings. Did any of them use a Twelve Step format or incorporate meetings into their structure?
Yes, this time when I was early in recovery a woman called me from Kennedy Hospital in Cherry Hill and said she had a 5 bed detox in the mental health ward and wanted to know if I could get someone to come over and explain what AA is and how to get help after detox. I was going to 7 meetings a week then and I said I’ll see what I can do. I wound up starting the mtg. on a Wed. Night back in 1985 (Get Well Group.) Also helped get the Friday night Group.( The Promises) get started. Both Groups Are still in force. Also I eventually wound up being employed by Kennedy and received my CADC certification. I always say “Find a job you love and you’ll never have to work another day in your life.” The best thing I can do with my life is to give back to others what someone gave to me many years ago. I love drunks.
Did you seek the cooperation of other local community or professional agencies?
Yes, My doctors and clergy.
Today, radio and television public service announcements for A.A., as well as Internet Web sites, are becoming commonplace. When you first got sober, how did A.A.s interact with the media? Have you had any profound experiences sharing your relationship with alcohol with the public? What cautions might you have for young A.A.s today regarding media exposure?
11th and 12th tradition’s reflect on our PERSONAL ANONIMITY I personally don’t care who knows I’m an alcoholic I will protect everyone’s anonymity because I have to.
During the early years of your recovery, how did the community receive Alcoholics Anonymous?
Most people didn’t even know about AA.
Do you think your group(s) has had an influence in your community? If so, how?
Yes, our group is a Beginner Class it is an open meeting all are Welcome. All you do is sit and listen or read along with the notebooks we give you. You can achieve all 12 Steps in 1 month’s time if you do your homework.
What do you remember of early conferences, assemblies, and conventions? Can you recall opening intergroup or central offices?
My earliest conference was with Joe & Charlie in Florida and I didn’t know all that stuff was in the Big Book. It helped me so much in my recovery this time. It got me into the history of AA and so much more.
Have you had any contact with G.S.O.? Please elaborate.
Yes, if I want to find out something about AA I get it right from the horses mouth not some second hand information.
Today, Conference-approved literature is available to help A.A. members deal with a wide variety of challenging questions. In the early days of the Fellowship all we had was the book Alcoholics Anonymous, common sense and your compassion. How did early A.A.s treat newcomers? How did your group(s) treat constant slippers? Thirteenth steppers? How were people, wishing to talk about multiple addictions during your meetings addressed? How about nonalcoholic drug addicts walking in off the street for their first meeting?
Of all the conference approved literature that AA sells, none of the books that the early AA’s read are on the list today including the Holy Bible. I heard a IGR at a meeting say don’t buy any books from Hazelden they’re not approved, they sell all AA books too. Dick B. has a lot of books on the history of AA and they are factual. Before some one says anything about our books or any books they should do a little research. The newcomers today are treated a lot different then years ago. Newcomers are the most important people in the room, make them feel WELCOME
Without New People we couldn’t grow. SLIPPERS why do we say KEEP COMING BACK if we don’t mean it. I thank GOD that when I came back to my group they didn’t tell me to go away. Where does it mention 13th steppers in the Big Book? It doesn’t. So it’s BULLSHIT it came from rehabs so did No relationships. KNOW THYSELF—TO THINE OWNSELF BE TRUE. SHAKESPEARE. 13th steppers are around it not in it. Other addictions—I always ask at the beginning of the meeting, How many people came here because they ate too many Hershey Bars? I never see any hands. In this meeting we talk about alcohol if you have a drug problem why don’t you try NA? I don’t ask them to leave, but will talk to them after the meeting.
In what ways has A.A. changed over the years?
Oh WOW! Types of meetings, chair persons, intergroups, phone system, Thank GOD the first 164 pages has not changed except for a few words and for that I am very grateful. I am enclosing an attachment below of the books that the first 100 guys read before there was AA and a Big Book.
Books the early members read before AA

  1. The Holy Bible
  2. Matthew-The Sermon on the Mount
  3. The Book of James
  4. 1st Corinthians chapter 13 (LOVE)
  5. The Upper Room
  6. My Utmost for His Highest – Oswald Chambers
  7. The Runners Bible – Nora Smith Holm
  8. Daily Strength for Daily Needs – Mary W. Tileston
  9. The Meaning of Prayer – Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick
  10. The Sermon on the Mount – Emmet Fox
  11. A Layman with a Notebook – The Oxford Group
  12. Carl Jung – Writings
  13. The Varieties of Religious Experience – William James
  14. The Book of Luke
  15. The Book of Psalms
  16. Rev. Sam Shoemaker
  17. The Greatest Thing in the World – Henry Drummond
  18. Victorious Living – E. Stanley Jones
  19. The Book of John
These are just a few of the books early AA’s read, this is before AA. Most of the first 100 men and 1 woman read anything that was spiritual in order to stay sober and gain their Faith in the Oxford Group and their Higher Power. They labeled themselves as (The Drunk Squad of the Oxford Group)
If you take notice none of these books are on the conference approved reading list today.

Compliments of B to B Group, Cherry Hill, N.J.

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