In Praise
t
i
r
i
p
S
of
Summer 2015
A religion and
philosophy of life
focused on joy,
harmony, and a
fear-free understanding of the
continuity of life.
www.crumbaugh.org
Andrew Jackson Davis
on The Magic Staff
by Bonnie Crosier, LM
higher plane of consciousness,
which he found himself in many
times.
Arthur Conan Doyle wrote, “This
boy heard voices in the fields giving
him what appeared to be good
advice.”
A man was born on August 11,
1826 in Blooming Grove, NY. It was
a small village along the Hudson
River. His father was unstable
and did odd jobs as a cobbler
and weaver. He also was an
alcoholic. His mother was illiterate
and strongly religious. The family
frequently moved, and the boy had
very little schooling. At an early
age he became an apprentice to a
shoemaker for two years.
In 1838, when the boy was twelve,
the family moved to Poughkeepsie,
NY. When he was, he attended
a lecture on Mesmerism (or
hypnosis), given by a traveling
doctor Dr. J.S. Grimes, a professor
at Castleton Medical College.
At first, this young man had no
success with it. A short time later, a
local tailor, who was experimenting
with mesmerism, helped him
achieve trance. He learned that
he was very clairvoyant and could
understand messages from a
His work as a shoemaker and
merchant proved a failure, and he
found little success with his abilities
as a healer. In time, he became
involved in more serious work in
Spiritualism.
Some of the gifts he had were
reading closed books, diagnosing
illnesses, and also prescribing
treatments that usually succeeded.
This was similar to what Edgar
Cayce did about fifty years later.
Being in this super-conscious state,
he claimed he could understand the
universe and its causes and effects.
He learned of truths of a divine
nature and the laws of the universe.
At the age of eighteen, he reached
the Superior Condition, beyond
clairvoyance, where he received
truth from the spiritual sun beyond
the spiritual world. He also claimed
to be able to visit the spiritual
world at will without the help of
a hypnotist. During this time he
learned that all spirits continue to
progress throughout eternity.
AJ Davis is this person, and he was
named the Father of Spiritualism.
Each Sunday the banner in church
states, “Under all circumstances,
keep an even mind.” Many people
see this banner but really don’t
know the history behind the banner.
In a rural area of the Catskill
Mountains, Davis had visions and
experiences that were believed to
be in meditation that led to meeting
his spirit guides, Galen, the Greek
Physician and the Swedish Seer,
Emanuel Swedenborg, both of
whom had been dead for some
time. He also experienced a great
mental illumination at that time.
In this semi-trance meeting or
meditation, Galen described his
medical system and then gave
Davis a silver cane engraved with
a full synopsis of his system. Once
Davis gained that knowledge he
was ready to come back. While
in this meditative state, in order to
leave the area, Davis had to climb
over a wall with a railing at the top.
As he tried to get over the railing, his
clothing tangled, which made him
angry. He asked Galen to hold
the cane, so he could free himself.
When Davis got to the other side, he
asked for the cane. Galen related
to him that he must first learn not
be depressed or elated under any
circumstances and that in due time
he would return the staff/cane.
continued on Page 4
IN PRAISE OF SPIRIT Newsletter for Members and Friends of the J.T. & E.J. Crumbaugh Memorial Spiritualist Church
Third Quarter Schedule
July 12, 2015
Lyceum: Moe Alwardt
Platform: Bonnie Crosier
Sermon: Bob Bianchi
Lyceum: TBA
Platform: Lynn Utley
Sermon: Bonnie Crosier
Lyceum: Craig Hogan
Platform: TBA
Sermon: Bonnie Crosier
Lyceum: Jim Puskala
Platform: Bonnie Crosier
Sermon: Jim Puskala
July 19, 2015
July 26, 2015
August 9, 2015
Lyceum: Joan Travis
Platform: Bob Bianchi
Sermon: Merlin Mather
Lyceum: Bonnie Crosier
Platform: Lynn Utley
Sermon: Bonnie Crosier
Lyceum: Rosemary McIlvoy
Platform: TBA
Sermon: Bonnie Crosier
August 2, 2015
August 16, 2015
August 23, 2015
August 30, 2015
All Message Service
Lyceum: Craig Hogan
Platform: Bonnie Crosier
September 6, 2015
Lyceum: Padma Muduli
Platform: Rosemary McIlvoy
Sermon: Bonnie Crosier
September 13, 2015
Lyceum: Lynn Utley
Platform: TBA
Sermon: Bonnie Crosier
September 20, 2015
Lyceum: Craig Hogan
Platform: Bob Bianchi
Sermon: Sharon Bianchi
September 27, 2015
Lyceum: Bonnie Crosier
Platform: Bonnie Crosier
Sermon: Lynn Utley
We are looking for anyone interested in serving on Platform August 23 and September 13. If you are interested
in filling any of those open times, please send an e-mail to: [email protected].
5 th Sunday
Sunday, August 30 will be All
Message Service and Potluck!
Please come hungry and bring a dish to
share. If you have something you would
like to share with the congregation, we
would like to hear from you!
Join us on Saturday, July 25th at
10am. We are once again giving the
church and garden a good cleaning. If
you are interested in either gardening
or cleaning, we would appreciate your
help. The church will supply lunch.
Thanks for your help in advance!
Commemorative
Hymnals
The church has had to order more
hymnals. Once again, we are extending
the opportunity to dedicate a
hymnal to your loved one. The
cost is only $20, and we will put a
memorial in the inside front cover from
you.
Please contact us at
[email protected]. Include
your name and the best way to reach
you, along with the name of your loved
one you wish to have added to the
hymnal.
We Would Like to Hear From You
We are looking for people to submit articles for the newsletter. The next newsletter
will be constructed in September. Please submit all articles for review to:
[email protected]. All submissions must be received no later than
September 1, 2015.
If you have something you would like to share with the congregation, we would like to
hear from you!
2
IN PRAISE OF SPIRIT Newsletter for Members and Friends of the J.T. & E.J. Crumbaugh Memorial Spiritualist Church
Rumblings
from the
President
by Butch Tull
Board President
Licentiate Minister
Certification
Hello everyone.
I have been a member our Church for
the last 13 years and on the Board of
Directors for the last 9 years. I have
seen people come and go, some
passed away some moved and some
decided our Church wasn’t for them.
In the years I have been attending there
have been several people that have
enrolled in the Morris Pratt course to
become an ordained spiritualist minister.
Out of those one recently made it
through all her studies and testing and
received her Licentiate Minister License.
Many of us already know but for those of
you that might not heard. As President
of the JT & EJ Crumbaugh Spiritualist
Church Board and as friend I would like
to congratulate Bonnie Crosier on
her new credentials. I applauded Bonnie
on her dedication and perseverance.
Education Speaks for Itself
Spiritualists saw a need to educate, not
only their ministry, workers and leaders,
but all Spiritualists on the science,
philosophy, and religion of this great
view of the world. The Morris Pratt
Institute (MPI), established in 1901, has
been a part of that education for almost
100 years.
Presenting a correspondence course
in Modern Spiritualism is just a part of
the MPI. The school also presents a
two week residential course in Pastoral
Skills and Special Seminars on the
aspects of Spiritualism.
To enhance the study of Spiritualism,
the MPI has an extensive research
library in Milwaukee, open to the public.
If you are unable to visit the library, you
can request a book catalog for the mail
order book store, carrying books on
Spiritualism and related topics.
For further information on the MPI visit
their web site or contact them at:
Morris Pratt Institute
11811 Watertown Plank Road
Milwaukee, WI 53226-3340
Phone: (414) 774-2994
www.morrispratt.org
It is well noted MPI and the National
Spiritualist Association were closely
affiliated; therefore, it was natural that
the Morris Pratt Institute became the
Educational Bureau of the N.S.A.C.
Taken in part from www.nsac.org
Pansy Gets a Makeover
On July 3rd, Pansy was loaded
and on her way to receive a much
needed makeover. Because of the
humidity, she had acquired mold
and some moisture damage.
Once separated from the glass
and frame, we could visibly see the
clean outline of where Pansy rested
for many years
It’s not an easy course. I wish her all the
best in finishing her studies to become
an Ordained NSAC Spiritualist Minister.
Love and Blessings,
Butch
The Board has done extensive
research in order to ensure a safe
restoration. She will be returned to
the church in approximately four
weeks and will receive a new
frame that should prevent any
future damage.
If anyone has any information
on Pansy, we would like to know
more about her. Please send that
information to
[email protected].
3
PANSY
spirit painting
IN PRAISE OF SPIRIT Newsletter for Members and Friends of the J.T. & E.J. Crumbaugh Memorial Spiritualist Church
The Magic Staff
continued
One evening, a few weeks later,
Davis had a vision. It was the exact
image of the cane given to him
by Galen. A flash of light followed
along with a strange sheet of
whiteness on which were glowing
the words:
When Davis asked, “Is that long
sentence my Magic Staff?” the
words disappeared, and a beautiful
bright word, “Yes,” appeared.
This staff (of words) was a source
of upliftment throughout Davis’
life. The banner that hangs in our
church has the words:
Under All Circumstances
Keep an Even Mind.
In any situation, keep your mind
open to all that can take place and
experience those feelings without
judgment or gloating. Be even in
your temperament. These few
words are very supportive in today’s
world and still ring true today.
Behold, here is thy Magic Staff,
Under All Circumstances
Keep an Even Mind;
Take it, Try it, Walk with it,
Talk with it, Lean on it.
Believe on it forever.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE. In this age of electronic information, we are able to
preserve many valuable pieces, no longer in print. Downloads of the forgotten books
of Spiritualism can be found at http://www.crumbaughchurch.com/Books.php.
Check often for additional books that will be downloaded.
Many times as we start our quest
with mediumship, we become
doubtful of the gift we have before
us. The one thing our guides want
us to do is trust that the messages
we receive are that of a spirit
wanting to connect with someone
they want to help from the spirit
side of life.
As you will see in the story below,
the man was seeking verification,
but when doubt entered into his
energy, he lost his ability.
______________________
Do Not Question
the Search
Spiritual Story
by Sri
A man was about to cross a river,
when master Bibhishana came
over, wrote a name on a leaf, tied
it to the man’s back, and said,
“Don’t be afraid. Your faith will
help you walk on the waters. But
the minute you lose faith, you will
drown.”
Corey Lange & Bill Northcutt
Helping play the recorded music
Tiffany McBride
Leading us in singing each Sunday
Tara Hennessy
Assisting with the newsletter
Madonna Courtright
Design and layout of the newsletter
Butch Tull, Dean Crosier, & Bonnie Crosier
Taking Pansy to receive her new “makeover”
All the Healers
Helping others in our healing service
Our Sunday Congregation
Making each service special and to those who
can’t make it for your continued support
4
The man trusted Bibhishana and
began to walk on the waters,
without any difficulty. At a certain
point, he had an overwhelming
desire to know what his master
had written on the leaf tied to his
back. He took it and read what
was written: “Oh god Rama, help
this man to cross the river.”
“Is that all?” thought the man.
“And who is this god Rama,
anyway?” The moment doubt
lodged in his mind, he submerged
and drowned in the strong current.
IN PRAISE OF SPIRIT Newsletter for Members and Friends of the J.T. & E.J. Crumbaugh Memorial Spiritualist Church
The Church Ladies are Back!
Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for the church ladies with typewriters. These memos
actually appeared in various church bulletins or were announced at church services in various churches:
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
-------------------------Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items
to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
-------------------------The sermon this morning: ‘Jesus Walks on the Water.’ The
sermon tonight: ‘Searching for Jesus.’
-------------------------Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get
rid of those things not worth keeping around the house.
Bring your husbands.
-------------------------Don’t let worry kill you off— let the Church help.
-------------------------Miss Charlene Mason sang “I Will Not Pass this Way
Again,” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
-------------------------For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we
have a nursery downstairs.
-------------------------Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir. They
need all the help they can get.
-------------------------Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October
24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their
school days.
-------------------------At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be
‘What Is Hell?’ Come early and listen to our choir practice.
-------------------------Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the
addition of several new members and to the deterioration
of some older ones.
-------------------------Please place your donation in the envelope along with the
deceased person you want remembered.
-------------------------The church will host an evening of fine dining, super
entertainment and gracious hostility.
-------------------------Pot-luck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM— prayer and
medication to follow.
-------------------------The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every
kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday
afternoon.
-------------------------This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the
park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come
prepared to sin.
-------------------------The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the
Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the
pancake breakfast next Sunday.
-------------------------Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7
PM. Please use the back door.
-------------------------The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s
Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM .. The
congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
-------------------------Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First
Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door
at the side entrance.
-------------------------And this one just about sums them all up
The Associate Minister unveiled the church’s new
campaign slogan last Sunday:
‘I Upped My Pledge— Up Yours.’
5
J.T. & E.J. Crumbaugh Memorial
Spiritualist Church
102 S Pearl St
PO Box 174
LeRoy, IL 61752
309.962.9076
Pastor
[email protected]
Rev. Robert
Bianchi, NST
April 2008
2
J.T. & E.J. Crumbau
ugh Memorial
Bonnie
Crosier,
treasurer
Sp
piritualist
t Church
309.830.2259
LeRoy, Ill
linois
[email protected]
Corey Lange, trustee
309.532.8333
[email protected]
Bill Northcutt , trustee
309.846.1491
Butch Tull, president
217.875.9062
[email protected]
We believe in Infinite Intelligence.
We believe that the phenomena of
nature, both physical and spiritual,
are the expression of Infinite
Intelligence.
We affirm that a correct
understanding of such expression
and living in accordance therewith,
constitutes true religion.
We affirm that the existence and
personal identity of the individual
continue after the change called
death.
We affirm that communication
with the so called dead is a
fact, scientifically proven by the
phenomena of Spiritualism.
We believe that the highest morality
is contained in the Golden Rule, “Do
unto others as you would have them
do unto you.”
We affirm the moral responsibility
of the individual, and that we make
our own happiness or unhappiness
as we obey or disobey nature’s
physical and spiritual laws.
We affirm the doorway to
reformation is never closed against
any soul here or hereafter.
We affirm the precepts of Prophecy
and Healing are divine attributes
proven through Mediumship.
Spiritualist Church
Board Members
Declaration of Principles
J.T. & E.J. Crumbaugh Memorial
317.428.8740
-- Bulle
etin --
[email protected]
102 S Pearl St
PO Box 174
LeRoy, IL 61752
layout & design donated by
Madonna Courtright
309.825.2153
[email protected]