Two IOWC units of 40 members each were formed at Belvedere on July 4

The Fourth National Conference took place at Belvedere on July 4, 1973. State Representatives and Mobile Unit Commanders gave reports of the progress gained in the year so far. The conferees arrived on June 30 and spent three days hearing the Divine Principle lectures before taking the examination on the evening of July 3.

July 1 marked the beginning of the second half of the three-year period 1972-73-74. Our Leader proclaimed it the “Day of Resolution for Victory”, a day of celebrating in advance success in meeting our goals during this critical period. To impress upon us: the significance of the day, our Leader gave a gift of beautiful pieces of colored cloth autographed by him to the representatives; of each country. He also gave autographed neckties to the: Mobile Unit Commanders to become part of the Family heritage. After that a delicious Korean banquet was served on the lawn, and games and entertainment followed.

July 4 Celebration

Our Leader and distinguished guests watch entertainment

There were fireworks when the Mobile Unit Commanders and State Representatives came to Tarrytown. Even though plans for a July 4th Celebration were not made until June 28, Trainees, Belvedere and HSA staffs — everyone in fact, pitched in to make it a big success. The grounds were gaily decorated with multinational flags, streamers, banners and scented candles.

Our Leader wanted to make it the greatest celebration the area had ever seen, and to demonstrate his commitment to love America more than Americans do. He gave a welcoming speech to a responsive crowd of 5,000 and said he would like this to be the first of such annual events sponsored by the Church.

In addition to free fireworks, there were refreshments, children’s games and prizes, Family entertainment (including songs from each of our European and Japanese Families), a sixteen-piece brass band, and tours of the Estate.

Our Leader and Mother hosted a Korean dinner for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Tarrytown, the lawyer who helped us get Belvedere, and the former caretakers of the estate, among others. The caretakers were very impressed by our redecoration of the house and upkeep of the grounds. The Deputy Mayor asked for more information on the Church.

Making his guests feel at ease, our Leader sang a Korean folk song mid-way through dinner. The Mayor reciprocated with an impromptu duet with Miss Soo Lim, Director of the Oakland, California Center. Doris Orme, founder of the English Family, followed with a Christian hymn. By the end of the evening, our guests left, gifts of ginseng tea in hand, with hopes of coming to visit us again soon.

As many of the 5,000 people left the Estate after the fireworks were over, they thanked us for holding the festivities and said they would like very much to visit Belvedere again. Some plan to come to weekend workshops. All in all, it was a golden opportunity for the Unification Church and the community to get to know and like each other.

Performing a skit before our Leader during the July 1st Celebration

International Mobile Units Formed

Two international mobile units of 40 members each were formed at Belvedere on July 4, with Joseph Sheftick heading Team No. 1 and Perry Cordill, Team No. 2. Assisting them are Tetsuaki Izukawa and Ryoji Sawamukai. Members of the Japanese and European Families from New York and from the various mobile units were called in to join the teams, and newly arrived Japanese and Europeans were sent out to replace them. On July 12 the two teams left for New Orleans, Louisiana, and Tampa, Florida, respectively. Their mission is to work with each of the 21 cities and help bring membership in each city to at least 50. They will conduct two two-week campaigns in each city before Master speaks in that city.

Final farewell to International Bus Teams as they leave for their mission

On the same day our Leader called all those present of Jewish descent to the front of the room and then announced that in January of 1974 he will send 12 members of Jewish ancestry to Israel. They will be selected on the basis of achievement in the next six months.

On Friday, July 6, over 200 members gathered at Kennedy International Airport to say goodbye to our Leader and his party as they left for a brief stop in San Francisco, and then on to Korea.

International Leadership Training

On July 18, 118 students from over 20 universities in England, Scotland, and Ireland arrived at Belvedere. During the first week of the program the Divine Principle lectures were presented and were, not surprisingly; very controversial. During the second week, Mr. Joe Tully lectured on Unification Thought.

Several lectures based on Dr. Lee’s “Communism, a New Critique” were also given.

A number of guest speakers also appeared on the program, including Nobel Prize winner Dr. John Eccles; General Knowlton, West Point; Mr. Takeshi Furuta, IFVC; and several professors from Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, and Yale.

On August 5th the students came to Washington DC for the FLF banquet, sightseeing, and further study of the Divine Principle.

Further News

Mr. and Mrs. Farley Jones are the proud parents of a son, Matthew Farley, born on July 15th. Congratulations, Farley and Betsy!

Our Leader supervises Tug-of-War game during the July 1st Celebration