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Church Hippie Teens Take Crusade to Laguna Beach
February 22, 1969, North America
Somewhat like avenging angels, a contingent of Huntington Beach’s Teens for Christ swooped down on Laguna Beach Wednesday carrying placards, wearing sandwich signs, and admonishing all to follow God’s word.
Laguna Beach police reported numerous calls from shocked citizens complaining about the “hippies” marching up and down the main city streets at about 4 p.m. No incidents were reported.
Police estimated that 50 to 70 of the self-styled Christian zealots made the Laguna trek. The group seemed to congregate at the Mustic Arts World, 670 S. Coast Highway following their arrival in the city from Huntington Beach.
Signs the set members carried proclaimed “America is Doomed,” “Jesus Saves,” “Peach,” “He is the Light” and “Dig God,” as well as many Biblical admonitions.
“Why don’t you creeps take those paper signs off and go to church,” one woman screamed at the Teens as she passed by in her car.
A marcher …
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14 Teens for Christ Win Freedom without Bail
By Arthur R. Vinsel, Daily Pilot Staff, The Daily Pilot, California
February 21, 1969, North America
Robbery and marijuana arrests before three defendants were Born Again didn’t count Friday, as 14 rejoicing Teens for Christ crusaders walked out of court in Costa Mesa, freed without bail pending their trial.
Granting so-called O.R. releases in three groups of defendants, Judge Schmidt brought joy to the prisoners facing 36 more days in Orange County Jail.
“O, Sweet Jesus,” crooned one long-haired girl adoringly at the decision.
“Hallelujah, we’ll be back out picketing tomorrow,” declared another bearded evangelist, whose Teens for Christ cohorts simultaneously staged a demonstration outside the Harbor District Judicial Court building.
“Thank the judge and praise the Lord,” said Uncle Dave Berg the 49-year-old spiritual adviser to the sect, headquartered at 110 Main St., Huntington Beach, in the Gospel Light Club.
Only the flipping of Bible pages and whispered chapter and verse numbers could be heard in the audience, but one youth spoke up during a …
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Teens Can’t Bail Out, Continue Crusade in Jail!
By Arthur R. Vinsel, Daily Pilot Staff, The Daily Pilot, California
February 21, 1969, North America
A court-appointed public defender today challenged the constitutionality of charges on which 16 militant Teens for Christ crusaders are imprisoned while awaiting jury trial in 37 days.
Winos, bad check writers and traffic offenders alike are hearing again and again the saving qualities of the Christian way, while the 16 youths remain with them behind bars.
“We think the constitutionality of the law is pretty shaky,” said adviser Berg today in a telephone interview, as a Subteen for Christ suddenly babbled into an extension.
“Honey, will you get that baby off the phone?”, asked Berg continuing on to say the 16 among 17 arrested in Costa Mesa Monday remain happy and constructive in their jail confinement.
The Rev. Berg and his flock believe that right will triumph over might and remain cheerful in the face of adversity as more and more jail cells have rung with hymns of courage.
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