The Ultimate Malcom Rutherford Experience

Malcom Rutherford has interest as an historical character only because of his famous father, Joseph Franklin Rutherford (hereafter abbreviated to JFR). JFR was second president of the incorporated Watch Tower Society between the years 1917-1942. This series of four articles covers Malcom’s general history, particularly during the time he associated with the Bible Student movement.

The first article gives an overview of his life story. The second covers the background to his name appearing in a copy of Daily Heavenly Manna. The third is a transcript of a very long letter he wrote to his father in 1918, and the fourth is the background to the discovery of Malcom’s Watch Tower Bible.

Perhaps we should use this opportunity at the start to establish his correct name. When the Watchtower Society referred to him in the Proclaimers book in 1993 they called him “Malcolm,” which is the normal way of spelling this name. (See Proclaimers book footnote for chapter 7, page 89.)

However, the 1900 census used the less conventional spelling, “Malcom.” Then, when he was referred to in print in a 1911 convention report, “Malcom” was again used. His World War 1 draft registration card also refers to him as “Malcom” in the heading. But from thereafter (with occasional exceptions) the paper trail calls him “Malcolm” including his own signatures. However, when he died, his family – no doubt using some sort of official document – had “Malcom” inscribed on his grave marker. He wasn’t around to argue otherwise.

On the basis that he both started and finished as “Malcom” this is the form adopted throughout this series of articles, even though some of the historic graphics will state otherwise.

The series is as follows:

1.      Malcom’s history

2.      Malcom in the Manna

3.      A son’s letter

4.      Malcom’s Bible