RR	Re: The Roots of Pastor Russell's Teachings
	It is not until the April 1, 1910 ZWT, page 119 that the name "International Bible Students' Association" is adopted as the name for followers of the Watch Tower. Although Russell claims to have started his Bible class in 1868, we have noted that the majority of these students of the Bible and associates were Second Adventists. It is clear that a separate group does not really begin to evolve until 1878 when Russell makes a break from Barbour. It is this group that becomes known as Bible Students. Correction: Russell did not adopt the name IBSA "for the followers of the Watch Tower" in 1910. The early congregations, which were mostly "house-churches" (largers groups would meet in rented halls), did not have an official name, they did use the term "Bible Students" or International Bible Students" but this was simply for advertisements purposes. When asked: ADVERTISING--What Name to Use? (1909)--2--By what name would you suggest that the local classes advertise their meetings, so as to avoid the confusion of a multiplicity of titles, such as: "Millennial Dawn, "Believers in the Atonement," "Believers in the Precious Blood, "Bible Students," etc. ANSWER.--It is a difficult matter to know how to advertise, not for ourselves, but difficult to keep from being misunderstood by the people. "Church of God"; "Church of the Living God"; "Church of Christ." Any of those names would suit us very well, and we would have no objections to them, but we find that there are various denominations who have appropriated those titles, not that we think they have a right to apply them to themselves, but we would like to live in peace. It is a difficult matter to decide, and each class will have to do that for themselves. 1909 Convention Question Meeting In 1911, the supporters of the WTS were describes as "associated Bible Students": Pastor Russell took up the various features of missionary work in home and foreign lands, in which he and associated Bible Students are co-laboring. He referred to the progress in Bible study which is being effected throughout the civilized world and to the more or less successful methods. He urged all to remember that every child of God is an ambassador and representative of the Kingdom and prospectively a member of the "Body" of the glorious Messiah. - Watch Tower 10/01/11 p. 369 In 1914, when the WTS Sociaty incorporated the work in Europe under the banner of International Bible Students Association, Russell stated in the Watch Tower of 1914, under the HEADING: ASSOCIATED BIBLE STUDENTS We suggest that the above name be used by all classes locally in newspaper advertising and otherwise instead of the title, International Bible Students Association, which name properly belongs only to national and international use. When advertisements appear on the religious page of newspapers classified denominationally, this title, ASSOCIATED BIBLE STUDENTS, can be used instead of a sectarian name. Watch Tower 11/01/14 p. 321 But he was flexibale: RE ASSOCIATED BIBLE STUDENTS DEAR BROTHER AND PASTOR:-- We have noted the paragraph in November 1st WATCH TOWER re the name "ASSOCIATED BIBLE STUDENTS" in place of the one we have been using, "INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION." We can see some reasons why we are not entitled to use the latter name and we think the new one a very good one. Shall we take down the signs that now appear on the Temple and change our stationery? (The signs over the doors now read, "PEOPLE'S TEMPLE, LOCAL HEADQUARTERS INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION.") Trusting we may impose on your valuable time long enough to reply to these queries, and assuring you of our continued love and prayers, we are, THE LOS ANGELES ECCLESIA. IN REPLY The words "ASSOCIATED BIBLE STUDENTS" on a religious-notice page of newspapers seems a very good name. We therefore use it in advertising local New York Meetings. This does not mean that we have abandoned the use of the words INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION in connection with all literature, conventions and general affairs. As respects the friends everywhere, if they think it best to continue the use of the name INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION they may do so; but we would like that it be used only as you have used it in Los Angeles; namely, "Local Headquarters (or Local Class) INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION." - Watch Tower 01/01/15 p. 1 Starting in February of that year (1915) "Associated Bible Students" was the term used officially.  However, it was not an incorporated name. When Russell died, JUdge Rutherford went back to using the IBSA name to distinquish his International Bible Students from the Associated Bible Students. Today, Most Bible Student classes use the ABS name. RR
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