The first Testing of the sect’s theology.
The sect continued to grow. In 1963 they added a balcony to the sanctuary to accommodate the growth. The congregation numbered over 1500 and there was a concern they would soon outgrow the facility. Brother Sipe provided the answer for the more immediate future — two morning services would be held on Sunday. A new worship facility would be unnecessary for several years. The money could be used for ministry and helping people. To provide an opportunity for the whole congregation to get together they rented Memorial Hall at the fair grounds four times a year to hold a joint Sunday service. These services turned out to be community events that drew outsiders, some of whom joined the body. Two evening services were added on Friday and Sunday nights. They were designed for people who couldn’t come on Sunday because of work schedules. These grew and added to the congregation.
Over the years, Brother Hanshue studied Luther, Wesley and Simmons. He found the teachings of Menno Simmons and the Anabaptists more scriptural than their predecessors and embraced much of the Mennonite theology except in the area of what Hanshue called an extreme view on pacifism. He studied the more recent Pentecostal and Holiness movements and accepted much of their newer teachings but rejecting some that he referred to as, “just plain off the wall” because he could find no Biblical basis for it. His theology would soon be put the test. As the Vietnam War got hotter the Hanshue sect provided fifty young men to serve in combat. All were volunteers. Brother Hanshue would call them his seven times seven plus one. Many of them distinguished themselves in the fighting, all returned with some recognition for personal bravery. Over half of them received medals for personally rescuing wounded at grave risk to themselves, something Brother Hanshue had taught was the highest level of love and as close to the love exhibited by Christ as they were able to attain. Several of these men were wounded superficially but all returned home safely when the fighting ended. Brother Hanshue proudly proclaimed this as evidence of God’s protection and the validity of his leadership and direction.
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