Circle of Christhood

In 1962 Joel had a class in Chicago, and Lorraine Sinkler, Virginia Stephenson, Lorene McClintock, Eileen Bowden and Daisy Shigemura all attended. (Perhaps the other teachers were working or had family commitments.) Likewise, many of each of these teacher's students also attended. I have been told that there were around 200 people at this class.

Joel asked each of these teachers, individually, to speak to the group. This was a gesture of support and courtesy. Each had a turn on the "stage" or "platform". 

There was no ceremony. There was no "priestly" significance in this practice for Joel.

He would often have a teacher in the city of the class lead a meditation or give a talk before class. (Read Starcke's "Joel Goldsmith and I.")

Surely, Joel was publicly introducing all of these teachers to the class he was giving. But this was never, ever any kind of "ordination."  Joel talks about doing the same exact thing in San Francisco with a teacher he thought would be a good person to anchor the San Francisco students, only to have the person loose all the student body in a matter of months.  Joel had to work 2 years to build the student body up and gave it to another person residing in San Francisco who seemed to be able to do the job. They were better, rather than loosing the students in two months, it took them six. So, you see, he did not take this as a permanent dispensation.

Introduction from the "platform" was a common practice Joel exercised with many people. In the Hawaiian Hotel Talk of May 26, 1963 you will read that Joel had his colleague in Divine Science say a few words "from the platform" before he gave his class.

Do not be fooled into thinking it was a magical bestowing of power or priesthood.