Sam Shoemaker

Dr. Sam Shoemaker, DD, STD, (1893-1963) an Episcopal priest that was instrumental in the Oxford Group and founding principles of AA Alcoholics Anonymous. Dr. Sam Moor Shoemaker was the rector of the Calvary Church in New York City, which was the United States headquarters of the Oxford Group. Bill Wilson attended Oxford Group meetings at the Calvary Church and Sam was instrumental in assisting Bill Wilson with the writing of the "Big Book" Bill acknowledged this linkage when he wrote on page 39 of A.A. Comes of Age: The word episcopal is derived from the Greek επίσκοπος, transliterated epískopos, which literally means overseer; the word, however, is used in religious contexts to refer to a bishop. ... Logo for A.A. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an informal society of more than 2,000,000 recovered and recovering alcoholics in the United States, Canada, and other countries[1] These men and women meet in local groups, which range in size from a handful in some localities to many... There have been several people of significance named Bill Wilson. ... This does not cite its references or sources. ...

"The early A.A. got its ideas of self-examination, acknowledgment of character defects, restitution for harm done, and working with others straight from the Oxford Groups and directly from Sam Shoemaker, their former leader in America, and from nowhere else."

It is hard to explain Sam Shoemaker’s legacy to A.A. without knowing the depth and breadth of what Sam offered. Rev. Shoemaker wrote over thirty books, at least half of which were circulating before A.A.’s 12 Steps and Big Book were published in 1939 and being circulated in New York, Akron, and the Oxford Group.

Books by Shoemaker

A Young Man’s View of the Ministry, 1923 Beginning Your Ministry, 1963, By the Power of God, 1954, Calvary Church Yesterday and Today, 1936 Children of the Second Birth, 1927 Christ and This Crisis, 1943 Christ’s Words from the Cross, 1933 Confident Faith, 1932 Extraordinary Living for Ordinary Men, 1965, Freedom and Faith, 1949 God’s Control, 1939, How to Become a Christian, 1953, How You Can Find Happiness, 1947, How You Can Help Other People, 1946, If I Be Lifted Up, 1931 (with jacket) Living Your Life Today, 1947, National Awakening, 1936, One Boy’s Influence, 1925 Realizing Religion, 1921 Religion That Works, 1928 Revive Thy Church, 1948, Sam Shoemaker at His Best, 1964 Steps of a Modern Disciple, 1972 The Church Alive, 1950, The Church Can Save the World, 1938 The Conversion of the Church, 1932, The Experiment of Faith, 1957, The Gospel According to You, 1934 They’re on the Way, 1951, Twice-Born Ministers, 1929 Under New Management, 1966 With the Holy Spirit and with Fire, 1960. 1923 (MCMXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1929 (MCMXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ...

Contribution

Shoemaker's contributions and service to Alcoholics Anonymous as a minister of the Anglican Communion and Episcopal Church of America have had a worldwide affect. The philosohpy that Shoemaker codified in conjunction with Bill Wilson is used in almost every country around the world in a multitude of languages to save the sick of the deadly disease of alcoholism. Logo for A.A. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an informal society of more than 2,000,000 recovered and recovering alcoholics in the United States, Canada, and other countries[1] These men and women meet in local groups, which range in size from a handful in some localities to many... The term Anglican describes those people and churches following the religious traditions of the Church of England, especially following the Reformation. ... There have been several people of significance named Bill Wilson. ... Alcoholism is the consumption of, or preoccupation with, alcoholic beverages to the extent that this behavior interferes with the drinkers normal personal, family, social, or work life, and may lead to physical or mental harm. ...

References

Alcoholics Anonymous Logo for A.A. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an informal society of more than 2,000,000 recovered and recovering alcoholics in the United States, Canada, and other countries[1] These men and women meet in local groups, which range in size from a handful in some localities to many...

External Links

Shoemaker Biography