About Us

Telling the Truth (aka TTT) started with a book. In 1989, I read “The Secret Sect” by Doug and Helen Parker, published in 1982. I was astonished at Parkers’ claim that William Irvine, a Scotchman, had started my church at the turn of the 20th century in Ireland. However, I remained skeptical and didn’t allow it to rock my world…yet.

Previously, seeking understanding of the cognitive dissonance between what the Bible said and the beliefs and practices (traditions) in my church, I had made a vow to God. “Lord if you will help me understand–I will help others understand.” Like Daniel, the Lord came for my words: For from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand…thy words were heard and I am come for thy words (Daniel 10:12). Little did I know how significantly that vow would change the course of my life.

Until then, I had never questioned the origin of my church—I was taught and believed that Jesus started it. Parker’s account of the church’s origins was such a significant contradiction that I knew I would never have peace until I proved or disproved for myself when my church had actually begun and by whom. I began a quest to learn what was the truth? In 1988, this was no easy task, and research was especially difficult without an official church name, and very few published works.There was no internet and communication was mostly by letters.

Since Parkers’ book contained numerous footnotes to material quoted, I began by independently obtaining copies of every single document it referenced; e.g. certified copies of newspapers, court documents, letters, books, family trees, ship records, etc. I made two trips to the UK and Ireland (2004 and 2014) where I researched public records and personally visited 2×2 historical sites and ancestors of early 2×2 preachers.

Eventually, I proved Parkers’ book was an accurate historical account, except for a few minor details (e.g. incorrect newspaper dates, a misspelled name, a mislabeled photo caption, etc.), none that jeopardized the accuracy of the book. Although I felt betrayed, deeply disillusioned, and I disassociated from the church in 1990, my faith and love for God have increased.

Over the years, my document collection continued expanding as I worked with various sources around the world. No longer content to let the information remain tucked away in my files and wanting it to be accessible and useful to others, I created Telling The Truth website (aka TTT).

It became apparent that a clear and orderly way to navigate and study the vast amount of material on TTT was needed. So, I decided to write a book presenting the history of the Two by Two Church in chronological order, supported by the TTT documents. In 2022, I published Preserving the Truth: The Church without a Name and Its Founder, William Irvine. The quotations in my book are easily verified as supporting documents are posted in full on the TTT website.

So, it could be said that TTT grew out of Parkers’ book, a book that changed the course of my life. I will always be grateful to Doug Parker for opening the door to an extraordinary journey of discovery. It happened this way for me. First, there was Parkers’ book; then my research; then the growing TTT archive; then the TTT website; ending with my book in 2022. In the meantime, Parkers’ book sold out. Fortunately, my book covers most everything it did, plus much more that I discovered after Parkers’ book was published in 1982.

I have often been asked, “What is your motive?”  Because it was so very difficult for me to locate information when I first began to seriously research, my longstanding mission has been for the true history and documented evidence surrounding the 2×2 Church origin and founder to become common knowledge and easily accessible for others. To do for others what I wished had been done for me. To share critical information that was unfairly withheld from those who had a right to know.

For thirty years, I have thoroughly enjoyed curating this extensive archive. And now, I am delighted to pass my mantle to Dr. Darlea Wilbeck, a woman of outstanding character, courage, strength, integrity and unwavering values. Her love of knowledge, logical reasoning, and deep passion for truth and justice make her a natural guardian of this important body of work. I am confident that, under her stewardship, she will faithfully carry forward the mission and legacy of Telling the Truth as equally committed as I have been to seeking, sharing and safeguarding truth.

There is a principle which is a bar against all information;
which is proof against all arguments;
and which cannot fail to keep people in everlasting ignorance.
That principle is Condemnation before Investigation.
(Herbert Spencer)

Read her story  ·  Read her book  ·  Acknowledgments

[Darlea’s paragraph goes here: a few sentences on taking Telling the Truth on, her own connection to the subject, and what she intends for the archive.]