REBUILDING: A time for reflection, healing and hope for a better future

Church Leader Victor Houteff (pronounced Hot-eff) purchased land in Waco, Texas for the sum of $8 per sq. acre.
The humble beginnings are shown in the very first building ever built in 1935.
It served as a camp kitchen. It caught on fire 5 years later in 1940.

 

Quite a contrast to later years as seen in the photos below. The Davidians living quarters are on the left.
The photo is from the 1930's

The photo on the right is the foyer to one of the main office buildings. All of it was sold in 1957
and they moved to the new Mt Carmel.

 Prayer Tree

May 4, 1935 the original 12 Davidians arrived at Mt. Carmel's new home, and they all prayed underneath this tree. When the property was sold in 1957, it was requested that the tree be preserved when sold to another buyer.

*Click here for a brilliantly done pictoral of the early days of the Davidian Seventh-Day Adventists*

It may have been built with plywood and scraps, but it was HOME to over 120 people.

 

Property, liberty,freedom,justice,constitutional rights, and lives were all trampled upon.

Photo on the right shows Ruth Riddle escaping the flames, and surrendering to authorities.

 

Their home was savagely taken. Their lives unforgiveably lost.

*Click to see the vandalism perpetuated by your government, aided by our tax dollars!*

 

Mt. Carmel November 21, 1993
*Click here to see the FULL panoramic view at
http://www.parascope.com/articles/1296/panorama.jpg

 

 Waco: A Pictoral Gallery  

Hold the mail		a lone reminder
What could the surviving Davidians possibly do to cope with what happened, and to start living their lives again?

       

They honor their slain family members with memorials, they pray for JUSTICE, and with every year,
the governments lies are exposed further. The evidence is told, and retold, so those that perished are never forgotten,
and they REBUILD their futures.

 

Memorial of Trees.

76 crepe myrtle trees, one for each Davidian who died in the fire,
along with a plaque inscribed with the names of those who died

 

They begin the crucial steps in moving on with their lives, as best they can.
A literal lost flock, left to endure the pain of what happened. They build, and dedicate a museum in honor of those killed, and to show at least to some, the REAL truth of the massacre.

This museum suspiciously caught fire, along with 3 other buildings and was destoryed.
Three fires total have plagued the Davidians in their struggle to survive.

 

In 98' Clive Doyle took charge of the property, and build a one room museum on the former site of the one above.
Reflecting back, at all that has occured, and sending hope for a better future, Davidian survivor
Gladys Ottman (fire survivor Ruth Riddle's mother) speaks at a memorial. Below is a poem she recited.

 

Coming into Unity on Mt. Carmel On Mt. Carmel, the myrtles blow Beneath the main stones row on row That mark our place And in the sky The mockingbirds still sweetly singing fly As souls beneath the altar cry, "How long, O Lord, holy and true Dost thou not avenge our blood On those that dwell on the earth?" We are the dead Today it's five years ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow Loved, and were loved But now, our blood cries out on Mt. Carmel Will you, our fellowservants and dear brethren too Take up our quarrel with the foe? Ears stop; why stop ears when light should flow? To you, from faithful hearts we throw the torch Sweet Seven Seals reward! Be yours to hold it high Up hither, sweet song of liberty Open Book of Life Lamb of God, our Lord, who set us free From sin and death and tyranny If you break faith with us who cry We shall not live Though myrtles blooming blow on Mt. Carmel.

One of the only physical structures left standing was this weather-beaten shack

One can only hope they are finally given a break. A voice of truth, that can show America the wrong that was done, the horror and agony imposed on this quiet bunch.

On to Part II: Rebuilding

I Home I Page 1 I Page 2 I Page 3 I Page 4 I Page 5 I Key Players I News I Links I Quotes I E-Mail Your Rep.I
I Waco:The Rules of Engagement I Rebuilding I Help rebuild Mt. Carmel! I Contact Survivors I Meet The Web Mistress I

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