The Pastoral Bible Institute was started in 1918 when a number of prominent leaders and members withdrew their support from the Watch Tower Society after Joseph Rutherford became the president of the Society, following the death of pastor Charles Taze Russell. The Watchtower society was the publishing arm of the Bible Student movement, a Christian denomination following Millerite Adventist notions guided by principles expounded by Pastor Russell who founded and led the movement.
The first Bible Student Convention held independent of the Watch Tower Society took place on July 26–29, 1918, in Asbury Park, New Jersey."THE CONVENTION AT ASBURY PARK", The Herald, VOL. I. August 15, 1918 NO. I In November 1918, two to three hundred people attended the second convention in Providence, Rhode Island."A HOLY CONVOCATION AT PROVIDENCE", The Herald, VOL. I. December 1, 1918 No. 1 It was at this meeting that the Pastoral Bible Institute (PBI) was formed to resume Pastor Russell’s pastoral work independent of the Society.
In December 1918 the first issue of The Herald of Christ's KingdomThe Herald of Christ's Kingdom, from 1918 to present. was published. It was edited by R. E. Streeter until his death in December 1924."THE PASSING OF OUR MUCH LOVED BROTHER R. E. STREETER", The Herald, VOL. VIII. January 15 & February 1, 1925 Nos. 2 & 3 Today the PBI functions in a reduced capacity and continues to publish the Herald magazine and distribute Christian literature.
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External links Pastoral Bible Institute Online issues of The Herald of Christ's Kingdom from 1918 to present