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BILL WILSON - 18TH ANNIVERSARY 11-10-52
In this talk, Bill Wilson speaks with great appreciation for all of the non-alcoholic people that have affected his life. He speaks about people such as Doctor Silkworth, St. Francis of Assisi, Doctor Jung, and wife, Lois. Bill also speaks very fondly about his grandfather and how he used to challenge Bill's abilities. When Bill was a young child, his grandfather told him that only people from Australia could make a working boomerang. Bill worked very hard and finally made a good boomerang. His grandfather once teased Bill about not having an ear for music. Bill again worked very hard; he studied the violin and became leader of the school orchestra. Bill talks about his appreciation for the women that are involved in AA and then introduces Lois. Lois speaks briefly and then Bill begins to talk again. Bill speaks very fondly about "The little doctor with the china blue eyes," Doctor Silkworth. Bill also reads The Prayer of St Francis with a lot of emotion.
Contents - 8 Tracks
Length - 38 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - 1st AL ANON WORLD CONFERENCE 1961
In this talk, Bill talks about the natural evolution of the Al Anon program from the AA program. He says that because of the basic need for people to belong and the seemingly exclusive nature of the Alcoholics Anonymous program, Al Anon is the perfect program for families of alcoholics. Bill gives a very inspiring talk and he ends up his talk by saying, "I've run out of my better adjectives so I'm going to conclude this by simply saying, Dear folks, ain't it pretty damn wonderful."
Contents - 4 Tracks
Length - 16 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - 20TH ANNIVERSARY - NEW YORK, NY 1954
This was recorded in 1954 and even though it's somewhat old, the recording was done very well; it's nice and clear. The occasion of this AA gathering was Bill Wilson's 20th Anniversary. Also on this recording are Lois Wilson and the Reverend Sam Shoemaker. Bill begins his talk by asking the question, "Who invented AA?" At the end of the talk he answers this question. Bill then tells a rarely heard personal story - the story of his last week-long drunk. He remembers that he had had a period of sobriety when he decided to go golfing on Staten Island. It was Armistice Day 1934. He struck up a conversation with a man on the bus who was carrying a rifle and was on his way to do some target shooting. The bus was involved in a slight traffic accident and while waiting for a replacement bus, he and his new friend headed for a bar across the street. Bill ordered a ginger ale and then proceeded to tell his friend all about his entire history with alcoholism. The man was very impressed with Bill's ability to resist drinking. They ended up going to a second "Hotel" when the bartender, in celebration of Armistice Day, sat down free drinks in front of Bill and his friend. Bill, without even giving it a second thought, gulped his drink down. Bill's new friend just looked at him in amazement and said, "Buddy, after what you just told me down the street, you have got to be crazy." The next thing Bill remembered was waking up on the floor of the front entranceway at his Clinton Street home, holding his golf bag and bleeding from a gash in his head. A week later, Ebby paid him his infamous sober visit. At one point, Bill eventually introduces Lois by stating that this is her anniversary as well as his. Lois says that this is one of the most moving experiences of her entire life. She speaks for a very short time but makes it very clear that she is not only grateful to the early AAs but also to everyone in attendance at this meeting. The Reverend Sam Shoemaker of the Calvary Mission tells of a small stained glass window right inside the Calvary Church entrance that is dedicated to the memory of Roland Hazzard. The meeting is closed with Reverend Shoemaker leading the group in The Lord's Prayer.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 62 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - 23RD ANNIVERSARY - NEW YORK, NY 11-11-57
This recording was made at Bill Wilson's 23rd Anniversary Dinner at The Hotel Astor in New York, NY on November 11, 1957. On this recording Bill Wilson tells his story and the story of Alcoholics Anonymous with a couple of unusual twists. In the middle of the talk when he gets to the part where a sober Ebby visits him, he invites Ebby up to tell that part of the story. Then, a very nervous Ebby gets up and tells that part of the story. Bill then talks about the first months of his sobriety, Dr Bob and the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Another very interesting thing is the matter of Bill's actual sobriety date. It is widely considered to be on or soon after November 11th (Armistice Day 1934). Bill discloses the actual date which he dates from his final admission to Townes Hospital. A Very Good Talk by Bill with a little help from Ebby. Lois Wilson also speaks on this recording.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 60 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - A MATTER OF GRACE
This recording is also sometimes called "THE SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE". This is a very casual talk that was recorded in 1960 with just a small group of AA members. Bill recalls the events leading up to and including his Spiritual Experience. Bill tells of Roland Hazzard's meeting with Carl Jung in 1932. How Dr. Jung's admitted to Roland that after many attempts to sober him up, his only chance of recovery may lie in a spiritual conversion. Bill gives Dr Jung a lot of credit for being humble enough to tell Roland that he can't cure him of this disease, it must come from a higher power. Jung made it clear to Roland though, that "this type of lightning rarely strikes." Bill tells of Roland rescuing Ebby from his drunken driving dilemma. He tells of Ebby's relaying the message to him. He tells of his own experience in the hospital. Bill goes on to say that at one point, several psychiatrists became interested in the program after hearing of the success stories. Bill then asked a few members to tell their stories to these psychiatrists but all eventually refused. Their reasoning was that it would be impossible to describe their Spiritual Experiences to Men of Science. These doctors were very confused. They couldn't figure out why this "bunch of laymen" was being successful where they themselves had failed. Bill makes it clear though, that we should never criticize the psychiatric profession because this program actually began in the office of a psychiatrist, Dr Jung. Bill is asked a couple of questions from the group after finishing his talk. He is asked why so few people have the type of sudden spiritual experience that he had. Bill tells them that it really doesn't matter if the experience takes six minutes or six months. He advises them not to "Long for the Illumination - You are apt to have the experience that is appropriate for you". A very uplifting message from AA's cofounder. This recording is very clear. Every word can be easily understood.
Contents - 9 Tracks
Length - 43 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - AA MILESTONES 1953
Bill Wilson recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the Third General Service Conference in 1953. This talk was originally on a vinyl LP record. In this recording, Bill Wilson talks about some of the more important events in the history of AA.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 59 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - AKRON, OH FOUNDER'S DAY JUNE 1954
This Alcoholics Anonymous Talk was given at Founder's Day in 1954 by AA co-founder, Bill Wilson. The occasion was the 19th Founder's Day Celebration of AA. In this recording, Bill describes the beginning and growth of Alcoholics Anonymous. A good quality message.
Contents - 9 Tracks
Length - 45 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - AKRON, OH FOUNDER'S DAY JUNE 1956
This recording was made at Founder's Day in Akron, Ohio on June 24th, 1956. Bill Wilson attended Founder's Day most years when he was alive and usually spoke a couple of times. This is a recording of the main meeting. Reverend Walter Tunks delivers the invocation at the beginning of the meeting. Bill introduces both Wally Gilliam and Ethel Macy. Each of them speaks briefly giving a little of their story and a little about AA. After Wally and Ethel are done Bill gives a very good talk. He tells his story and the story of Alcoholics Anonymous. The audience is very upbeat as Bill delivers a talk in the language of the heart.
Contents - 15 Tracks
Length - 73 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - AKRON, OH FOUNDER'S DAY JUNE 1965
This is another great talk by Alcoholics Anonymous Co-Founder. This standard audio CD contains two speeches made by Bill Wilson during the Founder's Day Celebration in Akron, Ohio. The occasion was also the 30th Anniversary Celebration of AA. The first speech was recorded on June 19th, 1965. Bill recorded the second speech, the very next day on June 20th, 1965. Bill talks extensively about the writing and the promotion of the Big Book. He discusses the disappointment felt when the Reader's Digest article fell through. He tells of the visit he and Hank Parkhurst made to the post office expecting a lot of Big Book orders - only to find two. When Bill begins to talk about the Gabriel Heater radio talk show interview with an AA member, he actually breaks down with some very hearty laughter.
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 47 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - ALCOHOLIC FOUNDATION TALK - 1947
This recording was originally released on vinyl record 1947 by The Alcoholic Foundation. On this recording, Bill is reading from his own carefully written script. He is giving a very basic explanation of how the AA program works. He talks about the need for a higher power. Bill also reads his story of his last drunk, his last stay at Towns Hospital, Dr Silkworth, Ebby, etc. Bill had apparently rewritten his story just for this recording. Bill ends this recording by reading the last seven lines on page 164 of the Big Book. We're not positive but this is perhaps the earliest recording of Bill Wilson.
Contents - 4 Tracks
Length - 13 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - APRIL 17th, 1968
On this talk Bill Wilson speaks about the AA Traditions. He says that they came about as an extension of an early list of "Dos and Don'ts" in the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Bill says that the very beginning of the traditions actually were the result of an alcoholic that approached Dr Bob. He wanted to be a member of AA but he also had another problem that he thought made him ineligible for the program. After Dr Bob discussed it with the other group members they came up with the idea that "You are a member of AA if YOU say you're a member of AA." Bill says, "Our traditions are a list of Lessons of Yesterday." The audio quality of this recording is somewhat less than perfect. Some areas are a little muffled but the words can still be understood.
Contents - 4 Tracks
Length - 20 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - ATLANTA, GA 1951
Bill recorded this talk in Atlanta, Georgia way back in 1951. He talks about the first days of AA, the Traditions, and the cornerstone of service in our fellowship.
Contents - 15 Tracks
Length - 73 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - BILL DISCUSSES THE TWELVE TRADITIONS
This is the audio version of the video entitled, "Bill Discusses the Twelve Traditions." Bill Wilson himself talks about the formation of the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. He describes how he and some other early members saw the need for basic guidelines to ensure that AA as a whole would survive and prosper. Some things Bill talks about are: Struggles among the early AA members Cleveland Plain Dealer Articles Meeting with Nelson Rockefeller who filled in for his ailing father The Saturday Evening Post Article publicity The AA Rotating Committee Harry Fosdick Attraction versus Promotion Bill also tells of the time Dr. Bob who was gravely ill, confided in him that he was offered a large mausoleum for his internment to commemorate his important role in the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill also reveals that he himself was approached by Time Magazine wanting to do a cover story and a biographical sketch. This recording was made in New York City.
Contents - 13 Tracks
Length - 63 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - BILL'S OWN STORY
This is the audio version of the video entitled "Bill's Own Story". The audio tracks have been digitally remastered and recorded in stereo onto this 60 minute CD. This recording is truly the definitive version of how Alcoholics Anonymous was formed. Bill Wilson himself tells his story and talks about the earliest days of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill had told his story many times, but this is the only recording he made in the comfort of his own home. He tells the story in a very casual and relaxing way. The quality is very good even though it was originally recorded over 32 years ago at "Stepping Stones", Bill and Lois' home in Bedford Hills, New York. Bill and Lois begin their talk on their patio and conclude in their kitchen. Some topics Bill and Lois discuss are: Bill's kitchen table meeting with Ebby T - The Spiritual Awakening - Doctor Silkworth - The fateful day in the Mayflower Hotel - Reverend Tunks - Henrietta Seiberling - Doctor Bob - And much, much more on this unique compact disk. Many AA members know the Bill Wilson Story from reading the Big Book. But if you've never heard him talk, this is a rare opportunity to hear the story from the man himself on this very inspiring audio CD.
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 57 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - BURLINGTON, VT 10-22-60 (2 CDS)
The speakers on this 2 CD set are: Bill Wilson, Lois Wilson and Helen Wynn. After the opening of the event the first speaker is Helen Wynn. Helen was a GSO worker and she tells her recovery story. She talks about her drinking and how it wasn't called alcoholism though she was hospitalized a few times because of it. Helen talks about how she came into AA and her life in recovery. This is the only recording of someone who, due to Francis Hartigan's Biography of Bill W is now a rather controversial figure. Bill is introduced next and talks briefly. Bill then introduces Lois who gives a truly beautiful talk about Alanon Family Groups. Bill then gives a really great talk. He tells his story, talks about alcoholism and Alcoholics Anonymous. This Talk has a distinct flavor. Since he is in Vermont, he continually refers to his home state, Ebby a fellow Vermonter and other Vermont things. Bill introduces his talk by saying he is going to speak after the AA custom of speaking about ourselves and our experiences. He talks about his childhood. He tells about that anxious, "apart from" feeling very common in alcoholics. He tells how he always tried to be the number one man to compensate for these feelings. Bill talks about his disappointment with and subsequent depression over the death of his first girlfriend, Bertha. There is much more that Bill also talks about on this 2 CD recording.
Contents - 24 Total Tracks
Total Length - 109 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - CLEVELAND, OH 1950 TRADITIONS MEETING (2 CDs)
Many people are familiar with the First International Convention in Cleveland, Ohio in 1950. That's the recording that contains Dr. Bob's last talk. Less well known is the only other known recording from that convention - The Traditions Meeting. This is a recording of the meeting at which the AA traditions were adopted. The meeting had a relatively unique format. Bill Wilson chaired the meeting and introduced the speakers. There were six speakers, each of whom spoke on two traditions. At the end, Bill speaks about the traditions in general and presents them to the members in attendance. It's a very historic moment, when those in attendance accepted the traditions with a rousing cheer.
Contents - 20 Tracks
Length - 94 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - DALLAS, TX 1951 (2 CDs)
This recording was made in February of 1951 at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, Texas. This is a 2-CD recording that lasts for nearly 2 hours. On this very early recording of Bill Wilson, he tells his story in great detail. He begins with the infamous Ebby visit in Brooklyn, New York and continues on through his stays at Townes Hospital and his eventual recovery. Bill also talks quite a bit about the current condition (1951) of the AA fellowship. He talks about the steps, traditions and the fellowship's commitment to service.
Contents - 23 Tracks
Length - 112 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - DES MOINES, IA 11-29-1948
This is a very early Alcoholics Anonymous Talk by Bill Wilson. Bill recorded this talk in Des Moines, Iowa on November 29th, 1948. Even though the talk is quite old, the clarity is pretty darn good. Bill begins his talk by saying, "I feel a wondrous spirit of gratitude rising in this place." Bill speaks fondly of his grandfather. His grandfather was always challenging Bill to push himself further. Bill tells of his grandfather's challenges to him to make a boomerang and later to excel on the violin. Bill believes that this was his early introduction to the idea of always trying to be better than the next guy. Bill goes on to tell a very thorough version of his own story. He begins by telling about the huge three year depression he fell into when his first girlfriend died unexpectedly. He only came out of it when future wife, Lois came along. Bill gives a very clear description of the alcoholic's inability to recall the past as he tells a story about "falling off the water wagon" after being tempted to drink Apple Jack by a group of friends. He speaks of Ebby, his own spiritual experience, Henrietta Seiberling, and Doctor Bob. He describes his alcoholism as a "Cancer of the Emotions," and how he became willing to go to any lengths to relieve himself of his terrible obsession. A great early talk by the AA co-founder.
Contents - 14 Tracks
Length - 73 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - FORT WORTH, TX 6-13-54
Bill Wilson recorded this talk on June 13th, 1954.This talk is also known as: HOW THE BIG BOOK WAS PUT TOGETHER. In this very special talk, Bill goes into great detail about how the AA Big Book was put together. From the initial ideas to the Rockefeller meetings to the magazine articles, Bill explains it all. Ebby Thatcher, who is in the crowd, is acknowledged for his important role in the early development of the fellowship. A great talk.
Contents - 15 Tracks
Length - 70 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - LONG BEACH, CA 1960
This Bill Wilson recording was made at the Third Annual International Alcoholics Anonymous Convention in Long Beach, California. This event was held in a huge outdoor stadium. Bill Wilson talks about the fellowship and also reads a tribute to Doctor Bob. Also making speeches on this recording are: Lois Wilson, Ebby Thatcher, and Sister Ignatia.
Contents - 13 Tracks
Length - 65 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - MEMPHIS, TN 9-20-47 (2 CDs)
This is the earliest Alcoholics Anonymous talk we have found by AA co-founder, Bill Wilson. Bill is introduced as a man who could have been a "material millionaire" but chose instead to be a "spiritual millionaire." Bill tells how he learned a lesson in humility from an ex-prisoner/doctor when he visited Shelby, North Carolina. Bill goes on to tell a very thorough version of his life story, from his parents divorce all the way through the writing of the AA Big Book. Bill then goes on to talk about his new idea called, "The Twelve Points to Assure Our Future." They are actually Bill's early version of what was to eventually become the AA Twelve Traditions. It's very interesting to hear him present them in their raw form. Great, old, historical recording by Bill W.
Contents - 23 Total Tracks
Total Length - 115 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - MIAMI, FL 1970
This was Bill Wilson's Last Talk. Bill delivered this last talk in the summer of 1970 at the Fountainbleu Hotel in Miami. The event was the 5th Alcoholics Anonymous International Convention. More than 13,000 members were in attendance. Because of his emphysema, Bill Wilson's overall health had deteriorated greatly. The crowd had been told earlier that Bill was in such poor condition that he was not going to able to speak. Then chairman for the meeting, Dr Jack Norris, is introduced and he immediately states, "We have a tremendous thrill, our prayers have been answered, BILL IS HERE!!!!" A wheelchair appears from the back of the stage, and there was Bill. He was hooked up with tubes to an oxygen tank. Everyone rises and explodes with applause. The organ music begins to play. Bill is wheeled to the front of the stage and then he pulls himself up to his full height at the rostrum. Bill speaks for only a few minutes but his words are heartfelt and emotional and his voice is strong and clear. Bill's final words are, "MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS FOREVER." In less than 6 months, Bill was rushed back to a Miami hospital from his home in Bedford Hills, NY. Bill died a very short time afterward.
Contents - 3 Tracks
Length - 14 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - NEW YORK, NY 10-7-67
Bill recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous Talk in New York City on October 7th, 1967. He was 33 years sober at the time. Bill speaks extensively about the roles that Rowland Hazzard and Dr Carl Jung played in the formation of the AA program. Bill tells us that in 1961, he wrote to Dr Jung thanking him for what he did for AA. This is the first contact that Bill had ever had with Dr Jung. Dr Jung died later that same year but before he did, he sat down and responded to Bill's letter. It's quite moving to hear Bill Wilson himself read Dr Jung's letter. Dr Jung is especially appreciative for Bill letting him know about Rowland Hazzard who he had not heard from since the mid 1930s.
Contents - 13 Tracks
Length - 65 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - NEW YORK, NY 4-20-60
Bill Wilson at the 10th Annual Service Conference In New York City April 20th, 1960.This occasion was also the 25th anniversary of the AA Fellowship. The main theme of this talk by Bill Wilson is Communication - One person talking to another. Early in his talk Bill introduces his wife, Lois. She speaks for a short period. Bill then speaks about Marty Mann, Dr Harry Tiebout and then Bill introduces all of the Alcoholic Delegates and one by one they stand. Bill then introduces the AA General Service staff, the Grapevine staff, and the World Service Directors - all of them standing to much applause. Bill then continues with his talk on the topic of communication.
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 50 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - NEW YORK, NY DECEMBER 1953
Bill Wilson recorded this Alcoholics Anonymous talk at the Manhattan Group's Christmas party in December of 1953. In this talk he speaks about AA, "From Kitchen Table to Rosary Hall's First Anniversary." Bill tells this relatively small group about how he drunkenly "testified" at Sam Shoemaker's church in his early days with the Oxford Group. He talks about his lack of success with New York drunks before eventually getting advice from Dr Silkworth. Bill says that a week ago he had attended an anniversary celebration at Rosary Hall in Charity Hospital in Cleveland. He says that between the time Sister Ignatia and Dr Bob treated Bill Dotson in the Flower Room in St Thomas Hospital in Akron to the time Dr Bob passed away, this "Rare Pair" treated over 5,000 alcoholics.
Contents - 7 Tracks
Length - 33 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK MAY 1951 (2 CDs)
This is a 2 CD set recording of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder, Bill Wilson. He gave this talk in May of 1951 at the Oklahoma State Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. On this recording Bill gives a very thorough telling of his story and the formation of the fellowship of AA. He also speaks about the traditions and the three AA legacies.
Contents - 18 Tracks
Length - 89 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - THE EVOLUTION OF THE AA SERVICE STRUCTURE
Bill Wilson gives this talk before a gathering of people involved or interested in organized AA Service, probably a New York City Intergroup meeting. The date is unknown. Bill starts the talk by explaining how AA generally takes "The Middle Course" in most matters. He illustrates his point by explaining the variety of opinions during the writing of the Big Book back in 1937. There were radical publicists who wanted everything possible and lots of it. Opposing them on the other end of the spectrum were the people who didn't want the book or anything else. The majority wanted something without the excesses of either extreme. The Middle Course. He describes the evolution of a single group's service structure from self made founders to group representatives chosen by the group. He uses a sketch of pyramids to illustrate his talk. Bill explains how Intergroup and General Service similarly evolved. He explains the evolution of World Services, Works Publishing and the Grapevine. Bill talks about Intergroup and the role of Clubs. This talk really displays the genius of Bill Wilson's thinking, simple without oversimplification. The talk is followed by a lively question and answer session in which Bill answers a variety of questions about AA Service and Alcoholics Anonymous in general. He answers questions about clubs, problems other than alcoholism, and relationships to other 12 step organizations among other subjects. This is a very historically significant AA talk; It's very different from most other Bill Wilson talks.
Contents - 12 Tracks
Length - 60 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - THE THREE AA LEGACIES (2 CDs)
This is the well known talk by Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder, BILL WILSON. Most people in Alcoholics Anonymous for any length of time have heard of this speech by Bill Wilson. In this talk, Bill emphasizes the importance of The Three Legacies: RECOVERY - The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, UNITY - The 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, SERVICE - AA's Twelve Concepts for World Service. Over the years these legacies have proven to provide for effective recovery in a harmonious atmosphere that encourages selflessness. Bill makes his message very clear in this 2 CD set.
Contents - 18 Tracks
Length - 86 minutes
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BILL WILSON - THREE UNIQUE RECORDINGS
This CD contains three unique recordings of Bill Wilson.
RECORDING #1 is an audio response by Bill to Dr Bob's earlier recorded message to him. A man traveling through Akron in 1947 stopped at Dr Bob's house and recorded a message from Dr Bob and his wife, Ann to Bill and Lois Wilson. This recording is Bill Wilson responding to that recording. He speaks of formulating his plans for the Twelve Traditions. At the end of his message, Bill picks up his violin and plays a beautiful waltz.
RECORDING #2 is a phone call made by a fellow named Harry Greene from Fort Worth, Texas in 1952. He is calling Bill Wilson at his home in Bedford Hills, New York. Lois Wilson answers the phone and Bill returns the call at a later time. The purpose of the phone call is to get Bill’s opinion on an idea for establishing a paid position for a Texas member of AA. This recording gives you some insight into Bill's feeling about what may violate AA Traditions.
RECORDING #3 is a 1956 NBC radio interview with Bill Wilson. Two interviewers ask Bill, "Who is an Alcoholic?" Bill's answers are very straightforward and practical. Bill provides some very down-to-earth, simple explanations.
Contents - 10 Tracks
Length - 48 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - TORONTO, CANADA JULY 1965
The occasion of this talk by Bill Wilson was the Fourth AA International Convention which was the first not held in the USA. It was held in Toronto, Canada, in July 1965. Lois Wilson speaks first for a short time and then Bill begins his talk by giving much of the credit to the two people that he feels actually began the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous: Rowland Hazzard & Dr Carl Jung. Bill firmly believes that without these two men meeting in 1932, the AA program would have never come to be. Bill then proceeds to tell a very heartfelt version of his entire story.
Contents - 11 Tracks
Length - 52 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - TRADITIONS TALK ST LOUIS, MO JULY 1955
This recording was made at the 1955 AA Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. On this recording, Bill Wilson tells how each of the 12 Traditions came about, and how they work to maintain AA unity and service. Many of the stories are funny as he is telling them but were very troubling at the time they occurred. This is a good example of Bill not taking himself too seriously and how trouble properly dealt with can bring about great good. A good bit of AA history is also touched upon as some of the pivotal moments are discussed in light of the traditions that came about as a result of them. There are also insights into proper attitudes and how the AA program is meant to be lived.
Contents - 15 Tracks
Length - 74 Minutes
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BILL WILSON - VARIETIES OF RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
Bill Wilson gave this talk in 1969. The occasion was the 34th Anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill gets a huge round of applause after being introduced. Bill speaks for just a short time before introducing Lois. She tells of a talk she gave 17 years ago and that that time Bill had been sober for 17 years and because he had drank for 17 years she considered them "even." Now he's got 17 more years. She is obviously very grateful. Bill then begins his own talk by saying that he wants to talk about the "Spiritual Experience" and will share a succession of short stories. Bill tells of many people he knew that said the program is working well but as far as the spiritual connection goes, we just "Ain't got the spiritual angle." He tells of a young fellow who had been in the program for a few years. He had been having trouble with spirituality. He stood up one day and proclaimed that the radiator in the corner "Is My Higher Power." Bill goes on to tell several stories of spiritual experiences and then he comes to Dr Bob. He gives a lot of credit to the woman that set up the meeting between them and then he introduces Henrietta Sieberling sitting in the audience. She stands up to a big round of applause. Bill says that when he met Dr Bob, he had found in him, a man that was very spiritual despite his drinking. In Dr Bob's case his craving for alcohol was not lifted for about 2 1/2 years later. Near the end of his talk, Bill says he feels at peace because he is very confident that "The candle of spirituality will be passed on and on, from hand to hand, from one generation to the next." Inspiring.
Contents - 15 Tracks
Length - 57 Minutes
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