Seward Seaport Record

Christian Jew To Speak In Seward

Bill Baum, who bills himself as a "converted Jew", will speak at the IOOF Hall Tuesday and Wednesday nights under the auspices of Faith Chapel.

Mr. Baum was born in Germany of fairly well-to-do parents, although, as he says, being of liberal faith he did not learn much of Judaism. In 1934 he and a younger brother came to the United States.

He was a newspaper photographer, also doing magazine work. Trained at LIFE photo school, New York, and at the Army Airforce public relations photo school in Denver, he was assigned as an Airforce photographer.

He was converted by the leader of a GI gospel team in his barracks. Mr. Baum returned to Germany with the Army of Occupation and visited his hometown, which had been completely destroyed. His family, however, after some time in a concentration camp, had escaped to this country and are now living in Kansas City, Mo.

After the war, he entered the Kansas City Bible College, graduating in June 1950. More than 17,000 miles have been covered in a tour of the U. S., Mexico and Canada, speaking in 198 churches, schools, on the radio, in jails, at rallies, 5 schools in Alaska and to chamber of commerce meetings in various places.

The lecturer's talk is illustrated with visual aids which makes it very interesting aside from his history and obvious sincerity. His talk is sometimes called "From Hitler to Hollywood to Heaven."

Rev. Dean, of Faith Chapel, has secured his services for two nights next week, using the larger auditorium of the Oddfellow's Hall to accommodate the people who will want to hear the "Converted Jew."