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Most readers of the Big Book will recognize “The Keys of the Kingdom”, as it was published in the Second, Third, and Fourth Editions. Its author, Sylvia K, traveled from Chicago to Akron and Cleveland, Ohio in early 1939, around the time that the Big Book was first published, but not yet widely available. After reading the book and meeting with recovering alcoholics, she was encouraged to return to Chicago to get a group started there. Although she ultimately did not get sober until September 1939, both she and Earl T., whose story, “He Sold Himself Short” was presented in an earlier episode, worked diligently to establish Chicago’s first AA group. Together, they were the two most important founding members of Chicago AA. Sylvia stayed sober until her death in 1974, and held the distinction of being the first woman to achieve long-term sobriety as the direct result of Alcoholics Anonymous. She was a true pioneer in every sense of the word.
“The Keys of the Kingdom” is story 12 in part 1 of the Personal Stories section of the Second Edition of the Big Book published in 1955.
Howard L, sober since January 1, 1988, presents this inspired reading of the Big Book and encourages listeners to revisit earlier podcast episodes that feature the main chapters and stories in the First Edition of the Big Book. Enjoy listening on our website, BigBookPodcast.com, or download and subscribe to the podcast for free at Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. If you have a minute, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Also join our facebook group, Big Book Podcast Listeners, where you can share your thoughts and experiences with fellow listeners.