Frederick Franz

[Guest Nicole]

Frederick William Franz (September 12, 1893 – December 22, 1992) served as President of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, the legal entity used to direct the work of Jehovah's Witnesses. He had previously served as Vice President of the same corporation from 1945 until 1977 and as a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses before replacing Nathan H. Knorr as president in June 1977.[1]

 

Biography

Listen to his talk called "Decision" about his life story in his own words.

Franz was born on September 12, 1893 in Covington, Kentucky. He was baptized in the Lutheran Church, but attended Catholic services as a child as a matter of convenience, before later attending the Presbyterian Church.[2] He graduated from Woodward High School in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1911 and attended the University of Cincinnati where he studied liberal arts and later (for two years) Biblical Greek,[1][3] with the intention of becoming a Presbyterian preacher.[2] He learned German and could read Latin and Greek and in later years learned Spanish, Portuguese and French and a basic understanding of Hebrew.[3] His association with the Bible Students began after he read some of the literature of Charles Taze Russell. He was baptized as a Bible Student on either November 30, 1913,[4] or, according to Franz, April 5, 1914.[5] (Kenneth Flodin explains why the official date is 1913)
In 1920 he joined the Watch Tower headquarters staff in Brooklyn, New York[2]and in 1926 became a member of the editorial staff as a Bible researcher and writer for the Society’s publications. Upon the death of Watch Tower president Joseph Rutherford, Franz became head of the editorial department, and in 1945 he replaced Hayden C. Covington as vice-president of the Watch Tower Society.[6]Franz was the Society's leading theologian[7] and has been named as a leading figure in the preparation of the Witnesses' New World Translation of the Bible.[8][9] His nephew and fellow Governing Body member Raymond Franz resigned from the Governing Body and was subsequently disfellowshipped in 1982 during F.W. Franz's presidency.[10]
Franz died in Brooklyn, New York in 1992 at the age of 99[11] and was succeeded as president by Milton G. Henschel.


1992 Fred Franz Death - Brooklyn Heights Press PDF

Talks by Frederick William Franz
Fred Franz predicts September 5, 1975
Will the Gates of Hell Prevail Against Vatican City? - 1971
Operation of the Holy Spirit - 1982
Counsel by the Vice-President of School - 1953
Filling the House with Glory - 1953 New World Assembly at Yankee Stadium

 

 

References

1. Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 111.
2. "Looking Back Over 93 Years of Living", The Watchtower, May 1, 1987, page 22-30.
3. Penton, M. James (1997). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses (2nd ed.). University of Toronto Press. p. 174. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3.
4. "Rewarded With the Crown of Life", The Watchtower, March 15, 1993, page 31, 32.
5. "Looking Back Over 93 Years of Living", The Watchtower", May 1, 1987, page 25
6. Walsh vs Honorable James Latham, Court of Session Scotland, 1954, examination of Frederick Franz pp. 5-6
7. Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. p. 66. ISBN 009-455940-6.
8. Michael Marlowe editor, The New World Translation, published online by Bible Research
9. Wills, Tony (2006), A People For His Name, Lulu Enterprises, p. 253,ISBN 978-1-4303-0100-4
10. Witness Under Prosecution, Time Magazine, February 22, 1982
11. New York Times, December 24, 1992.

 

Preceded by Nathan Knorr..........

President of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.............  June 8, 1977 - December 30, 1992

Succeeded by Milton G. Henschel

 

1992_Fred_Franz_Death-Brooklyn_Heights_Press.pdf

[Jack Ryan]

I saw this quote on another thread. Can anyone verify or remember this person?

Quote

"Fred Franz played a big role as the "oracle" of the Society. " But he became a figure head to conceal that the real directing influence of the WT Society was outside of the Society. A big 6'2" Jewish man has gone everywhere with Fred Franz as his guide these last few decades. This man, Natheer Salih, was needed because Fred became blind. However, for many years people at Bethel found that Salih was more like a bodyguard. Indeed, he was more than a bodyguard, for any communication to Franz has been going through Salih, who then returns with the "answer" from Franz. This Jewish man with obvious rich tastes, big expensive rings and watches, has become the President's mouthpiece, and in effect a decision-maker although he isn't part of theGoverning Body.29 Salih was in a position to protect against an old man saying the wrong thing."

 

[The Librarian]

Interesting talk about his views in 1975

 

[The Librarian]

Schroeder Albert - Fred Franz Funeral Memorial.mp3

Fred Franz Memorial Funeral Talk

Given by then Governing Body member Albert Schroeder in December 1992

[Anna]

Anyone who wishes to share their opinions, personal experiences, (or the experiences of others) they had with Fred Franz, can do so here!