Resignation of the Pastor of the Branham Tabernacle

In 2015, the Branham Tabernacle began a series of events that would eventually lead to the church splitting into multiple groups. Deacons in the Branham Tabernacle recognized the financial problems in the church and began investigating. To their surprise, they found evidence that they claimed to be criminal. According to their testimonies when they resigned, William Branham's sons had been allegedly stealing from the church, and cult headquarters appeared to be stealing and stockpiling money. Tax records revealed a hundred million dollars in assets, and a second legal entity was created for the sole purpose of moving money. Homes (not occupied by Willard Collins) were claimed as "parsonages" to allegedly avoid paying income tax, and a large portion of the property underneath the Branham Tabernacle was deeded away from the church to one of Branham's sons. Comparing the expenses to the money collected, a large discrepancy was found. Deacons publicly demanded to know where the money went. In October of 2015, Willard Collins resigned from his position as "pastor" of the Branham Tabernacle. Along with him, the entire staff of deacons.

Their testimony is supportive, "in the mouth of two or three witnesses", of Sarah Branham's allegations that led to the Sarah Branham Investigation. Willard Collins is one named in the Intent to Sue, and Billy Paul and Joseph Branham are the "trustees" referred to in the resignations.

Audio recordings of the resignations and statements are below, with links to the file for download.

Deacon's Public Statement Demanding To Know Where The Stolen Money Went:

This is from Brother [deacon], precious brother, we thank him for the service he has given to us. We really appreciate him. Here's what he said.

I consider myself a very fortunate man to have had the opportunity to serve our precious Lord Jesus as a deacon. Likewise, to work with our precious brother [pastor] in service to believers in the Branham Tabernacle.

Brother Branham appointed Brother [pastor] as pastor of this church. He is the absolute authority in all things. Brother [pastor] never tried to build himself an empire of wealth and fame. He chose a humble and unselfish route. What an honor to love and know this man.

God's people in the Tabernacle are truly some of the most sincere and wonderful people to walk with in the face of the earth. It humbles me to know and worship with such devout believers of this glorious Message.

The trustees announced that the attorney made a mistake concerning the deed of the church. When there is a mistake, it should be corrected. The church should have been returned to the people, not given away to a trustee family and his organization. Surely, Brother Branham would be displeased with the turn of events. He and Sister Branham deeded the church to the people in 1953. I believe that something that is STOLEN from all of us is dispersed to the Lord and can never be blessed for it is tainted.

The deacons have been unable to fulfill all of their duties for a while because the treasurer/trustee has said there is no funds available to help those in need. The question is WHERE IS THE MONEY?

I've endeavored to do my best for the Branham Tabernacle. Brother Branham intended this to be a sovereign church, not one owned by an organization. I must step down because of the decision this church is now going.

So it is with a heavy heart and deep regards that I resign my position as deacon. I trust and hope that everyone will understand the seriousness of this thing that has been done. God bless you brothers and sisters.

Signed [deacon], 8/30/15

Letter To The Trustees:

To the trustees of the Branham Tabernacle, August 5, 2015. Since very little was resolved in the recent board meeting, we have determined that the trustees must do their duty concerning the restoring of the Tabernacle to the people as it is stated in 1953 deed.

It is not for the pastor to go to anyone and ask that the tabernacle be returned. He has nothing to do with giving it away. The property was signed away by one trustee. And he is responsible for the return of said property.

Therefore, once again, we demand that the trustee responsible for this error return the property to the rightful owners. This is the property of the people. It is not the property of one or two men.

Brother Branham deeded the Branham Tabernacle to the people because he wanted it to be that way. This must be taken care of immediately.

Signed:
[elders of the Branham Tabernacle]

Willard's Resignation From The Branham Tabernacle:

I hate this time has come that I must do this. I wish to retire as pastor of the Branham Tabernacle as of this date: Sunday, August 30, 2015. I have labored so hard for this Message, and I am 89 years old and have tried so hard to keep it on the word. But it looks like it is falling apart. It is the only thing I know to do. Therefore, I'll pray for you folks, and be sure and pray for me. I won't be having any more funerals or weddings.

Willard's Farewell Speech:

There's a bunch of them! [new pastor attempts to interrupt]. Just a minute. We know one thing. We've had the greatest bunch of men I've seen together to hold this "Message" as best they knew how. I believe that. And I believe there's some trying times ahead. I believe that it won't be long 'til we'll look back and say, "wasn't those precious times?"

Wasn't that great? We enjoyed the blessings of the Lord coming among us. I don't know what's going to happen. But I can tell you one thing, the Lord knows. And it'd better be kept straight now. We're too close to home to mess it up. We'd better look to Him to help us at this hour. He's our only help. But He is a great help. And I appreciate being able to be with you folks for almost 46 years now as a pastor of the Tabernacle. I worked with Brother Branham, watched him, watched how he maneuvered. How he handled things. I've been with him a lot. And I saw how that he'd meet a stranger. He didn't jump on him with all four feet and tell him he's going to hell if he didn't straighten up -- you know, some people have that idea. I'll tell you what he would do. He'd talk to that fellow about fishing, about hunting.

Aw, just anything the man wanted to talk about. And sometimes he would never mention the church, the Bible, or nothing. Other times, he would. If he found the place where he thought there was hope of reaching the man, he would stay with him. Otherwise, he'd let it drop. Because, after all, there's only so many. And he knew who would and who would not! He had the answer!

He could tell you what you had for breakfast three weeks ago if he wanted to! I'll tell you, he was-he was God tabernacled in the flesh! Nothing short of it! And he had all the answers, just like they should be to help the people! He come to help the people, not to hurt them. He didn't want to hurt nobody. He wanted to help everybody. And I've been so honored to be with him since 1955.

I feel like that it's really strengthened me in the things of the Lord, and I thank him for that. And I thank you for putting up with me all this time. You've been very gallant, and I appreciate it. Some of you stayed away from church. Let me tell you something he told me. I was resigning a long time ago. I was tired and weary, and when I'd get up to speak, people would get up and march out. That makes a preacher feel bad, I don't care who he is.

And then, I'd meet them outside and put down my hand and shake hands with them, and they'd just turn their back and walk away. Then they started leaving the church, one by one. Well, I thought maybe if I'd resign, they'd come back. I wasn't blaming them. And I had my resignation written out. He called me one Saturday from Tucson, Arizona. He said, "Brother Collins, I was up in the mountains praying today, and the angel of the Lord told me to call you. What's the matter?" I said, "I guess everything's alright Brother Branham," and he said, "No, no, that's not it."

He said, "There's a problem, and you tell me what it is."

I said, "Well, I was resigning tomorrow," and I told him why.

He said, "Don't you do that." He said, "I can tell you the reason why they went out from us."

I didn't know what to expect then. I said, "What, Brother Branham?"

He said, "Because they weren't of us!"

Now that shook me. They weren't of us.

And I believe the true believers will hold to nothing but the Word of the Lord that come to this day. This is the greatest day in history. It's a lovely time, and I trust that God blesses every one of you supremely from now on. I don't know what I'm going to do now, but I felt like it was time to do something, because I worked under the Methodist church for a long time and it wasn't easy.

And I went through some things very similar to what I see going on. I'm going to tell you one thing, they promote it. And that was, get the young people, get the young people, get the young people. Whatever you have to do to get them! And I found what their theory was. If you get the young people, eventually you'll get the parents. And if you get the parents, eventually, you'll get their money!

I find nearly everything is based on money value. You can't base this on money value! This is the Word of the Lord that he so generously given to us! And the Lord helping me, I'll stay with it the longest day I live, which won't be too long now. You know, I'll soon be ninety years old. It won't be too long, but I want to give Him every thing I've got, however I have to do it. I love the Lord. And ever since I went to that meeting in Macon, GA,

I've understood more about the Lord than I ever knew was possible to know. And I've watched, and I see what's taken place. If you'll watch your "types," you'll see it too. But God bless you and be with you is our prayer.

1967 Resignation of Banks Woods

In 1967, Banks Woods resigned from the Branham Tabernacle Trustees over similar issues with church leadership. Woods was director of what would become Spoken Word.

Excerpts from Bank's Woods Resignation speech The reason I stand before you this morning, you people put me in the trustee board, and I feel led this morning to come and tell you all, you put me in, but I step out, because I'm forced to do what I have to do. You don't answer for me, I stand alone with God. This is an individual affair, and you can't answer for me. And I ain't doing… there's no one doing, telling what to do. I step out alone, stepping out and quitting, resigning all, no signing any checks, from the trustee board. I resigned, and already resigned. And so, I feel a load gone from me, this morning. I walked with a prophet along the way, and I done everything I could, to please him as we walked along together. (...)

And little Billy Paul should have come to the board when he announced it. I want this tape to be sent to Billy Paul. That's a fact. And you're supposed to go to the board when you do these things. And then, then go to the people. (...)

I know who he left in charge, there he is [points to Orman Neville], its on tape. So, believe whats on tape. That was the Lord speaking to us. Holy Ghost coming back in the last days speaking to us. (...)

Now I have come in together with all you people {garble}, I want y'all do the same thing and believe in the one God placed here: Brother Neville to take the people, he [William Branham] said, to take the people through. He's ordained to do it. So I say what the tape says, nothing else. (...)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and forever. He don't change. We're the ones that changed. We changed. We worship idols. We worship everything. Human beings is funny creatures. Anything they can see with their eyes, they worship. But we're supposed to worship a creator that you can't see. By faith, he walks right along and talks to you along the way. Not no screaming voice, but a still voice. Oh God, that's wonderful, ain't it? Have a creator that you know is with you, even in you, clear to the end. Pray for me, people. I felt led to do this. Brother Neville I turn the service over to you.

Excerpts (cleaned):

Excerpts (original):