THE SPACEVIEWER

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SPACEVIEWER
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 8
Date: February 1960
Publisher: UFO Study Club, Kansas City, Mo.
Editor: Julia Brogan

This issue of The Spaceviewer, a publication of the UFO Study Club of Kansas City, focuses on announcements, reports, and discussions related to unidentified flying objects and related phenomena.

Featured Speaker Announcement

The main announcement concerns a lecture by Dr. D. Roy Parsons, minister and pastor of Fellowship Tabernacle of Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Parsons is scheduled to speak on the subject of Flying Saucers, their meaning, and their presence. The meeting is to be held on Sunday, February 14, at 2:30 p.m. at Drexel Hall in Kansas City, Missouri. The club is requesting a donation of $1.50 for adults and 50¢ for juniors.

Dr. Parsons' background is detailed: born in Newfoundland, ordained a Methodist minister, he later became a Baptist minister in east New York, and eventually an independent minister and evangelist. He is currently the pastor of Fellowship Tabernacle, now known as Universal Fellowship Order. Dr. Parsons claims to have had contact with 'Space Brothers' since October 1957, receiving information on cultural, political, religious, scientific, philosophical, psychological, and financial subjects, offering insights into a way of life beyond our own.

Inspirational Quotes and Reflections

Two inspirational pieces are included. The first is an excerpt from Albert Schweitzer titled "DISCOVER YOUR TRUE WORTH." It emphasizes the importance of doing more than just existing and earning a living; it calls for seeking to do good and giving time to fellow man, recognizing that "you don't live in a world all your own. YOUR BROTHERS ARE HERE TOO." This is attributed to "This Week Magazine" from November 29, 1959.

The second piece is a quote from "UNDERSTANDING, October 1959," stating, "Under Cosmic Law 'All peoples are in their right places at the right time.'"

UFO Sighting Report

Mrs. Helen M. Boyd of Rich Hill, Missouri, reported a UFO sighting that occurred in July. While returning home, she noticed the reflection of the sun on an object. Described as extremely clear and silver-colored, not very high in the sky, the object was about the turn of a car wheel distant. It then turned, revealing a disc or saucer-like shape. Mrs. Boyd observed it for 5 to 10 seconds before crossing a bridge. When she stopped her car for a better study, the object had vanished, leaving only a tiny puff of white cloud. She noted there was no sound and that the object was northeast of her position.

Scientific and Philosophical Musings

An article by Dr. Wernher von Braun, published in THIS WEEK on January 24, discusses immortality and transformation. Von Braun posits that if fundamental principles of science apply to the universe, then the human soul might also experience continuity after death, strengthening his belief in spiritual existence. The magazine frames this as a significant statement from a 'factual' scientist.

A news report from the WEEKLY READER (January 18-22) mentions scientists having had two five-minute 'conversations' with the planet Venus, though the messages were difficult to understand. This is presented as a significant achievement in interplanetary communication.

Media Discussions on UFOs

Several excerpts highlight discussions about Flying Saucers in the media:

• Radio-TV Columns: A DAILY NEWS report mentions a heated discussion on WOR radio in New York between James Mosely, Gray Barker, and Ben Isquith about saucers, which was cut off the air on August 29, 1959.
• Jackie Gleason Show: Comedian Jackie Gleason discussed saucers on a program, expressing belief in extra-sensory perception, ghosts, teleportation, and religion. He offered a glimpse into the character and mental makeup of unusual personalities.

International UFO Activity and Concerns

An excerpt from "Midnight", NIGHT AND DAY IN MONTREAL CANADA (November 9, 1959), by Terry Taylor, reports that two American A.T. Intelligence men visited Montreal to "hush up Flying Saucer revelations" from Ronald Anstee.

This report is followed by a letter from C. Alexander Odell of "The World Institute of Inter-Galactic Cosmic Science" Canadian Chapter. Odell expresses concern that a member, who is Director of Public Relations & Information, has been singled out by the U.S. Air Force Intelligence Department. Odell emphasizes that Canada is an independent sovereign state and that there is no censorship of UFO news there, asserting the presence of freedom in the Canadian press and resentment towards American interference.

Thematic Exploration: FEAR

An article titled "FEAR" by Betty Eilers from THE SPACECRAFTER (October 1959) is presented. Eilers questions why people pay homage to a "monstrous god named FEAR." She contrasts the teachings of fearing the Deity with loving neighbors and God, asking how love and fear can coexist. The article touches on the place of animals, the fear of death, old age, and employment, and how fear drives nations to war, costing billions of dollars. It also critiques the historical motivations behind exploration, such as Columbus's voyage, and notes that "Hallowe'en is our yearly Festival to honor FEAR."

Miscellaneous Reports and Announcements

• LITTLE LISTENING POST: A truism states "GREAT THINGS ARE SIMPLE." It mentions government science leaders warning about public disinterest and lack of money for research. Scientist Oberth is cited as favoring electrically propelled ships over rockets for space travel.
• United Nations University: There is talk of a UN University in New York or Geneva to foster international understanding among students.
• Geological Discovery: An article from SPACECRAFTER reports that a UCLA geophysicist, Dr. John C. Harrison, discovered a new land thousands of feet beneath the ocean, consisting of valleys and ridges mapped by gravity meters. The operation took place across the Gulf of California.
• Fire-Fighting Missile: LITTLE LISTENING POST reports on a solar aircraft with a fire-fighting missile capable of reaching a disaster scene quickly.
• Ancient Prophecy: Mr. Railsbach found a sentence in Obsequiens writings about a circular object like a shield seen sweeping across the sky in 100 B.C. near Tarquinia, Italy.
• Club Activities: The issue mentions a well-attended lecture by Dr. Wallace C. Halsey and welcomes him and his wife Tarna. It also promotes the club's tape librarian, Ken Priest, and book librarian, Neal Pinkerton, for those seeking to spread information or find reading material.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of unidentified flying objects, the potential for contact with extraterrestrial intelligence ('Space Brothers'), and the broader implications for human understanding of existence, spirituality, and the universe. There's a strong emphasis on sharing information and fostering awareness, as evidenced by the club's activities and the promotion of lectures and reading materials. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging critical thinking while also embracing spiritual and philosophical perspectives. The inclusion of diverse sources, from scientific reports to personal testimonies and philosophical reflections, suggests a broad approach to the subject matter. The issue also touches upon societal issues like fear and the importance of human connection and good deeds.