<TITLE>03. Par -</TITLE>L-356-20 At this time I will have Brother Neville, our associate, to read the requirements of the deacon. Brother Neville, if you'll read it from the Word of God. [Brother Neville reads I Timothy 3:8-12--Ed.]:
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine and greedy of filthy lucre;
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

L-356-21 Amen. I would at this time ask these brethren who has been called, if they would just walk forward here to the platform just a moment. And as we bow our heads just a moment for prayer, I want them... And the church knows what this is, that this is electing your deacon board and your treasurer.
Lord Jesus, it is with sober, godly thinking that we come to Thee now. We come in respects of Thy most holy Word; we come believing that "Let every man's word be wrong, but God's be true." And we are grateful to Thee for this church which Jesus has purchased with His own precious Blood, and has given us this building to worship in...
And as the overseers of this great flock, which the Holy Ghost has ordained us to be, we are trying now to present to this congregation a loyal, righteous bunch of men that we believe to be Spirit-filled and ready for the office. As it is once said concerning the deacon board, "Go, look out yourself among you, men of good reports and with the Holy Spirit, that they might serve in this manner to take care of the widows and orphans, to distribute the money, and to care for the welfare of the church." Later in years we have just read the writing of that great, inspired, sainted Paul, who sets forth the declaration of the Scriptures of the requirements of such position.
God, honor these men. And now it is the choice, Lord, as a sovereign church, as the body of the Lord Jesus, that they do the electing. And [Blank.spot.on.tape--Ed.]... and will direct this portion of the service in a special way, in that righteous and holy Name of Jesus.

L-357-25 Now with our heads bowed, not only our heads but our hearts, and as every member of this church, that comes here regular and supports it with your tithe and offerings, which is considered a member of this church... While, the pastor and I, alone, the--the associate pastor, Brother Neville, and I look on, I would ask if this church finds Brother Taylor to be a just man and eligible, by the best of your thinking to be deacon over this group of people, you will signify the same by raising your hand. [Brother Branham pauses--Ed.] All right. Now if there is any contrary, would you raise your hand. [Brother Branham pauses--Ed.] Thank you.

L-357-26 Does any of this members of this church here find, and all, do you find Brother Hollin Hickerson to be a just and honorable man, and a man that's found in your sight worthy to become the deacon of this said church, would you signify by raising your right hand? [Brother Branham pauses--Ed.] If it is contrary, then raise your hand. [Brother Branham pauses--Ed.]
Does this congregation find Brother Collins to be the same, a righteous and honorable man, and worthy of the job of being deacon of this church? Would you raise your hand? [Brother Branham pauses--Ed.] All right. Contrary, would you raise your hand? [Brother Branham pauses--Ed.]


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