Peoples Temple Collection; Box 11, Virtual item 15 - Q265 - Part 1, JT meeting addresses runaways, attempted suicide, 10/17/78 | Special Collections & University Archives
At a late-night meeting in Jonestown in mid-October 1978 – a month before the deaths – Jim Jones speaks to his followers about his two major concerns of the evening, and of the period leading up to Leo Ryan’s visit: manifestations of disillusionment with Jonestown, which has led to malingerers and runaways; and the threats represented by hostile relatives. The tape opens with the meeting already in progress. Jones’ tone of voice is almost conversational for most of the session, although it is clear he is angry, combative, and not open to argument on the solutions that he sees. Only once or twice does his voice rise into an outraged cry.
Full summary of the recording available at Alternative Considerations of Jonestown website, along with the tape transcript.
Series 2: Audiovisual Materials, 1957-2010 Sub-Series 1: Audio Cassette Tapes, Summaries, and Transcripts, 1957-1979 Sub-Series 1: Audio Cassette Tapes, 1958-1978 Box 9 Item 20: Q265 - Jonestown meeting addresses runaways, attempted suicide, October 17, 1978 Item A: Q265 - Part 1