American’s Ascent of Mount Nebo Described

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

“If I don’t find the Ark I’ll put the first automobile on top of Nebo” said Dr. A. F. Futterer, president of Edendale Bible Institute, Los Angeles, California, who for two years has been engaged in research work in Palestine, trying to find the lost Ark in Nebo. Those who hear the above remark, and had visited Nebo, said, “It can’t be done.” Dr. Futterer made the ascent without preliminary surveying of the road. He piloted his way through untried rock piles, and at 9 A.M. on September 8, stood up in his automobile on top of Nebo waving the Union Jack together with the Stars and Stripes amid a bewildered tribe of wild Bedouins, many of whom had never before seen an automobile. They crowded around it, children climbed upon it, while from the hills around groups of Bedouins could be seen gazing with wonder at this new arrival upon old Nebo. At various stages along the way, while removing rocks and blazing a new trail or the car. Dr. Futterer took moving pictures.

The Mayor of Madaba, the nearest town to Nebo, came later on horseback to Nebo with city officials to congratulate Dr. Futterer. He presented to him a signed letter with official seal stating this to be the first car that ever scaled the heights of Nebo. The mayor stated that he would now apply to the government for a permanent road to open up auto tours to Nebo, thus saving about sixty miles detour.

“Nobody but a pioneer auto-trailmaker paving the way to the greatest historic mountain of Nebo, can realize what inspiration and peculiar sense of victory there was in parking the first auto on Nebo heights for the sake of the many thousands of Bible lovers who will surely follow,” says Dr. Futterer. “Moreover, as a Bible representative. I felt it my duty to open up this new auto trail to this great historic mountain, which I certainly believe holds the lost Ark of the Covenant in one of its many hidden caches. I also believe that a properly equipped expedition to excavate Nebo will follow soon. I am satisfied that my work here has been a great success, the future will prove it.”

The Bedouin chief of Nebo presented Dr. Futterer with his robe to take to America, as a token of friendship and approval. His last word while shaking hands was “Wahad” meaning he was in sympathy with him in his future Nebo exploits.