As previously reported, Golden Dawn Tabernacle church officials released a biography on Pastor Isaac Noriega. They titled the book “Time-Tested Memorials, The Life Story of Two Pioneers: Brother Isaac and Sister Lucy.” A scanned digital (and searchable) copy of this 280 page book is listed below:
Underage Courting and Marriage
According to the book, Isaac Noriega met Lucy Rivera for the first time on December 30th, 1962.
Page 28: "On December 30, 1962, at the age of twenty years old, Brother Isaac gave his heart to the Lord, and unknowingly, met his future wife."
Isaac was 20 years old, and Lucy was 14 years old when they met.
Page 30: "Whenever Brother Isaac and Sister Lucy would meet each other at church, she was always very friendly. He simply thought she was just a nice, friendly girl; but then one of Sister Lucy's friends came to him and told him, "Lucy really likes you." When he inquired of her age, Sister Lucy, who was only fourteen years old, told Brother Isaac that she was seventeen. Sister Lucy appeared to be older than what she actually was because she conducted herself maturely and would often borrow clothes and shoes from friends who were five to seven years older than she was."
Isaac Noriega places the blame on Lucy for deceiving him into dating her by lying to him about her age. He also justifies her appearance as looking older due to wearing clothes from older friends. This also blames her, as it implies she was putting on an appearance that made men think she was older. With Lucy being deceased, it is likely difficult to verify if these events were true.
Page 31: "Drawn to Sister Lucy's ladylike character, Brother Isaac asked her father for permission to have a little friendship with her, and her father agreed. As Brother Isaac and Sister Lucy talked, he would occasionally correct Sister Lucy's hairstyle and dressing by telling her the Word. She always took his correction to heart and there would always be a change. Sister Lucy's sweet character and her humbleness and obedience to the Word is what attracted Brother Isaac to her."
Despite Lucy being a minor, at 14 years old, and below the age of consent (18 years) and Isaac being a 20-year-old adult, he proceeded to court her in quite a peculiar fashion, by asking her father if he could have a "little friendship with her." Why would he ask for a "little friendship", rather than formally asking permission to court her? Was it because he knew she was younger than 17 years old all along? And why would her father allow an adult to have a "little friendship" with his 14-year-old daughter? This doesn't sound plausible, and at best, sounds incredibly creepy. I don't know any father in his right mind who would allow a 20-year-old male adult to date their 14-year-old daughter.
Concerning telling Lucy how to dress and correcting her, the irony of this statement is how Isaac notoriously rails at the young girls in the church who dress older than they look, implying that they are dressing provocatively. The book called it a ”ladylike character” yet today in church, Isaac Noriega calls that a sexual spirit.
At some point, Isaac claims that he discovered she was 14 years old, but that did not appear to stop him from wanting to marry her.
Page 39: Still thinking that Sister Lucy was seventeen, as she had previously told him, Brother Isaac then suggested they get married. She asked him if they could wait a few years and admitted to him that she was only fourteen years old.
Page 40: "Shocked to find out that Sister Lucy was so young, Brother Isaac then shared with her that he would return to Selma and attend Bible school in Stockton, California. Brother Isaac told her that in the meantime they could correspond with each other; then they could get married once he completed his schooling and once she turned eighteen years old. After hearing his intentions, Sister Lucy expressed her concern about his leaving; she preferred that he obtain a job nearby so they would not have to be far from each other. He assured her that he would first write to Brother Branham to ask his advice about his plans.
However, the idea of a temporary separation concerned them both because they did not want to lose each other; therefore, knowing they both desired to get married, Brother Isaac asked Sister Lucy if she wanted him to approach her father about getting married or if she wanted to talk to him about it. She told Brother Isaac that she would ask her father's permission; but when she spoke to her father, he would not give his consent. Then Brother Isaac asked her father for permission to marry her, but her father, who was already leery of him because of what he believed, replied, "No, because she is too young."
So he was going to ask William Branham for advice, but appears to have changed his mind? Was he that impatient about marrying a 14-year-old? To contrast his earlier life, Isaac has been adamant in his pastoral role about the church youth going through him for approval for every single courtship and marriage in the church. Why should the church youth trust his judgment and marriage counseling when he was willing to marry a 14-year-old girl?
It is also clear that Lucy's parents were concerned about her being too young to marry as they rightly should have been.
Isaac and Lucy were legally married on September 29, 1963, when Isaac was 21 and Lucy was 15 years old as shown in the record below (Isaac was married under his previous legal name Ismael). Lucy had just turned 15 on August 7th, 1963.
Below is Isaac and Lucy’s marriage record:
Lucy Noriega Rivera's Illness
It is a well-known fact that Lucy Noriega Rivera was ill for most of her married life. Unfortunately, she suffered from several illnesses and complications throughout her life. It is also well-known that Isaac Noriega sought the best care possible for Lucy's medical conditions as shown in the example below.
Page 121: "Near the end of 1986, Sister Lucy started bleeding and an internist, Dr. Torrey, discovered that she had developed a heart murmur. Further testing showed that she had a leaking valve. Sister Lucy then had an appointment with Dr. Andrew Boulet who examined her and affirmed that she urgently needed surgery for this heart condition. Then Dr. Goldstein also confirmed that she needed the operation. When the couple called Dr. Jack Copeland, a world-renown cardiologist who was instrumental in developing the artificial heart, he agreed to see Sister Lucy right away although he had many demands upon his time. After examining her, he highly recommended immediate open heart surgery in order to replace the defective valve with an artificial one."
Page 121/122: "Believing that God had revealed to them what to do and being told by the doctors that without the operation Sister Lucy would die, Brother Isaac and Sister Lucy decided to proceed with the valve replacement. On May 19, 1987, at thirty-eight years old, Sister Lucy had open heart surgery. Dr. Copeland tried two times to repair the leaking valve without putting in a metal one, but after each attempt, Sister Lucy started bleeding again. Finally, he put in a metal valve. A German doctor later told Brother Isaac, "You are very fortunate that you had a doctor like that."
While it is perfectly normal and acceptable to seek medical attention when needed, concern arises when examining what Isaac Noriega preaches to the Golden Dawn Tabernacle congregation. He preaches that they need to have faith and discourages seeking medical attention.
Page 122: After Sister Lucy had recuperated for about two weeks in the hospital, Brother Isaac brought her home. Then she started to not do well. One evening, while the family was hearing a message together, she became very ill and her coloring began to change drastically. They prayed and sought the Lord about her condition until about seven o'clock in the evening; then Brother Isaac told her, "Lucy, let's go! I'm taking you to the hospital, to the doctor that operated you!" At first Sister Lucy refused, but Brother Isaac insisted, "No, let's go!"
As shown above, Isaac was very keen on seeking emergency medical attention for his wife, but we have experienced Isaac showing little to no sympathy for congregants who require medical attention. If only Isaac cared enough about all of the congregants to prioritize their health, rather than lambast them for skipping a church service for seeking medical attention.
As a recent example, current church member, former trustee, and notary public David (Dave) Koss, recently had his leg amputated. According to anonymous reports, he was diagnosed with cancer and was advised by his doctor a while ago to get his leg amputated to avoid cancer spread. However, Isaac was against this so Dave Koss put off this procedure. Eventually, he had to get it to get his leg amputated as a last resort due to his suffering. We ask our readers, how much unnecessary suffering and death have the church members incurred due to Isaac's impractical and unqualified medical advice?
Page 168: "Although many times Sister Lucy suffered physically because of the conduct of others, she never got angry or questioned, "Why am I going through this?" In actuality, her trials drew her closer to God. Looking back, Brother Isaac identifies that the detrimental side affects of Prednisone and Coumadin, two medications that Sister Lucy had taken since her valve replacement, began to take their toll, especially in the last seven years of her life."
What is noteworthy about the above statement, is that it seems to imply that Lucy suffered due to the conduct of others. Isaac Noriega has been infamous for blaming the congregation and their perceived "sins" for his wife's suffering. This tactic is known as gaslighting. He especially utilizes this tactic during communion services.
Conclusion
In this book, Isaac squarely places the blame on his wife for allegedly lying to him about her young age. Despite this, he proceeded to move forward with marrying her despite her alarmingly young age (she was still a child!). He also places the blame for his wife's suffering on others, especially on those who attend or have attended Golden Dawn Tabernacle and are living in "sin" according to Isaac's rules. It is reasonable to conclude that Pastor Isaac Noriega is exceptional at placing the blame on everyone else to absolve himself of any potential wrongdoings or hypocrisy. We strongly believe that the Two Pioneers book is a blatant attempt to rewrite history and shift focus from Isaac and his questionable actions as the witnesses that could refute his accounting of those stories are dead.
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Archived Comments
20 comment(s) imported from the original site:
Pimp Daddy — November 11, 2023
It is negligent not to point out that during that time and culture that it was historically socially acceptable to date and marry a girl who was underage.
Golden Dawn — November 11, 2023
Supuestamente para este tiempo, segun sus “afirmaciones” como creyente del mensaje de la hora, que dice haber tenido un encuentro con la columna de fuego, y estar con una relation formal amorosa intimamente con Ester Malena, como pudo dejar a su novia Ester M.para inmediatamente casarse con Lucy??. Si una’s de las doctrinas mas fuertes del mensaje enseña que una vez que una joven da el “SI” a un joven , ya quedan casados delante de DIOS??? Lo que yo recuerdo que el usó por años y años las enfermedades de su esposa para chantajear a la gente y a ministros de otros paises y hacerle la victima, en toda manera, tanto para probocar compacion por el y atenciones extras, y en la Iglesia la usaba para culpar y oprimir a los creyentes como en Este articulo se menciona.. señalando que era el pecado de ellos, lo que la tenia a ell asi. es verdad. Hoy en dia usa este web para decirle a los ministros que lo persiguen y de pasada CALUMNIA sanginariamente a sus supuestos enemigos, asi con una vocesita tan dulse!!!y se hace pasar por indefenzo y devil, Y los ministros ciegos y carnales con intereses monetarios , le soban el lomo como a los gatitos, y lo confortan,.. Tambien usaba a la hna Lucy, como ejemplo de sumicion y obediencia, ella cargaba las responsibilities de las ambicíones de su esposo .. La recuerdo los ultimos dias sentadita atras con su hija mejor, se doblaba hacia abajo a dormitar por los medicamentos, cada minuto, debil, y drogada, y obligada a estar alli como " EJEMPLO" una vez mas ,. Y todavia muerta, la usa porque dice que lo viene a visitar en sueños, paseandose por la casa ,en la mesa, y le enseña “cosas” para enseñarle a la Iglesia.., pero cual es el problema de este Ismael?… si tiene una’s cuantas docenas de mujeres solas a su servicío, para seguir gritandoles y controlandolas, y lo mas vergonsozo , hombres solteros , tambien . Ademas es tan mentiroso, que ni se cree que la hna Lucy le mintio de su edad… sus contemporaneos dicen que sufre de mentir como nada, y atravez de los años lo hemos comprobado ser verdad, una mentira tras otra… años y años y se empeora.
GDT Research — November 11, 2023
The legal age of consent in California during this time was 18 and had been so since 1920, so there’s that. The median age for woman marrying in the 1960s was 20 years old (see below). This was the 1960s, not the 1800s.
Pimp Daddy — November 11, 2023
Look at cultural norms as well. Ask your Mexican heritage grandparents and parents what age were they courting, dating, having sex.
Pimp Daddy — November 11, 2023
Consent is such a new term in society. But let’s look at parental consent for minor children. Marriage age in California and Washington don’t have a legal minimum age.
It is still wrong, but a heavily influenced cultural norm might have played a huge part in this. So let’s factor that in, when reviewing historical data.
Crusader 101 — November 11, 2023
This is why Isaac Noriega protects child molestors in the church. He “ understands “ their attraction to minors. He also is known to blame the victims for being promiscuous.
Truth seeker — November 11, 2023
Ismael showed Lucy the “Word” in where she was dressing wrong?? Please I dare any one of you golden Dawn members to show me where it says women should have a long dress on down to their ankles. Show me where you can’t wear earrings and jewelry. Show me where it says you can’t wear pants. IT DOESNT! Oh but you’ll say the Bible says a women shouldn’t wear cloths pertaining to a man. Fist of all most of you don’t even know where it says that in the Bible. Secondly, in the same chapter it also says that a person should wear clothing with 2 materials (such as cotton and polyester) mixed together. Yet the men where a long-sleeve button down that 60% polyester and 40%cotton. Talk about cherry picking the Bible. Then you guys have all these made up rules like men can’t have facial hair or long hair when Jesus had both. No jewelry, when Joseph in the Bible wore a ring and a chain around his neck. No drinking, when Moses, Noah Lot, all got drunk. And Jesus was invited and went to a wedding where they drank so much that they ran out of wine and Jesus filled 12 big pitchers up with new wine. Clearly you guys don’t believe the Bible you only believe what Ishmael teaches you. No one can wear shorts when your so-called prophet Branham wore shorts on hunting trips and his daughters cut thier hair. It’s clear as day in pictures you people are too afraid to look at because Ishmael tell you not to look at it.
I’m sorry to say it straight but Lucy was a modern day whore back when she was a little girl when Ishmael married her. And look what that says about Ishmael lustful desires. The girls who are young now a days that look older are shamed by Ishmael and Rey. Ishmael call them prostitutes. Well lucy was a prostitute too and Ishmael was a modern day Bengie and DC. No wonder ishmael let his oldest son get away with raping his cousin and Rey’s daughter.
I could go on and on but you members of Golden Dawn are too brainwashed to open your eyes. I pray God help you to see the truth.
Gross — November 11, 2023
Calling a 14 year old child a whore is shameful. Have some class.
Truth seeker — November 11, 2023
Ishmael and Rey call them prostitutes. What’s the difference? I mean she obviously was dressing in a fashion to make her look older and attractive to older men so sounds like a whore to me according to Golden Dawn standards. You’re just upset cuz I’m talking about your beloved Lucy whom you think was perfect. But let’s be honest. If Lucy was 14 years old today and she was attracting 20 year olds Ishmael would be yelling at her from the pulpit and sending her home to change.
Crusader 101 — November 11, 2023
If you want to clear the person who is actually guilty, Suggest guilt somewhere else But never localize it.
Isaac always doing the wrong. And blaming the innocent. Always.
Richard — November 12, 2023
In those years, many of us were young believers in the gospel, wholeheartedly believing in the teachings of Jesus. It seemed that among these teachings and values was the idea of entering marriage as a virgin. So, the only hope we had to calm our bubbling hormones was to get married. We married very young and without relationship experience, almost without knowing each other, and inexperienced with life itself, very ignorant of the realities of life (a perfect recipe for failure). That was my experience.
Today, I would not recommend those ideas and beliefs at all.
It amazes me how there are marriages that endure very toxic things and behaviors within the couple itself, unhealthy both psychologically and physically. They consider it a gain to endure, to last together, and to be seen as a united family.
It’s not a gain for our children to grow up seeing that example of toxic love, manipulative love, of that love which is not love, superficial love, and superficial peace.
But for the love of power, it seems that there are marriages willing to sacrifice values, honesty, common sense, to sacrifice conscience, to sacrifice their own health, literally a sacrifice to the God they worship.
And over the years, it becomes clear what kind of God they have been worshipping and admiring.
Gross — November 12, 2023
The difference is you lowering yourself to their standards. If you’re going to speak out against them, getting yourself in the mud with them points out to the personal vendetta that you may have against them. Do you have a 14 year old daughter, what if someone would call her a whore? Thats distasteful and abusive. And that makes it very clear about the intent of this so called research.
Truth seeker — November 12, 2023
I’m just saying it the way Ishmael would have said it. So that people see the double standard. You clearly aren’t catching it. Did you even go to Golden Dawn? If so you’d understand what I’m saying. Or maybe your one of those who still worship Ishmael and Lucy. You’re right it is gross yet you take the abuse from Ishmael without speaking up against it
Golden Dawn — November 12, 2023
Esposas de ministros aliados a Ismael, que frecuentaban las reuniones, la mayoria eligió no venir mas a Tucson por causa del abuso que veian hacia la hna Lucy, y las querian someter mientras estaban de visita…. La hna fransis, ya nunca mas vino, e Ismael mentiií a la Iglesia diciendo que estaba enferma y no le era posible viajar, y despues Al poco tiempo se le veian de vista con El hno chad lamb, de visita casada con su esposo El hno Steven fransis, y ahora viuda.los visita tambien La esposa del hno Hugo Castillo SE le vio de visita en Mexico con su esposo. De visita e y por sierto muy Feliz . .. Se sabe de hnas esposas de ministros con multiples quejas contra Ismael y su ministerio
Golden Dawn — November 12, 2023
Richard, cuando Issac junta una pareja a su antojo, les dice que en el camino del matrimonio aprenderan a amarse. Golden Dawn esta lleno de matrimonios en esta terrible condicion, es una de las razones que no se pueden salir de alli, sus matrimonios se desmonorarían, ellos lo saben, y la parte triste, son los hijos, que se Les aplica la misma crueldad, casandolos con pareja que ni conosen para nada, estan solo juntos pero no amor para nada…. Lo vez, desde hace 3 generations, lo peor que tiene la Iglesia llena de solteronas y a casado jovenes con mujeres mayores de edad, que los varones. ( Tiene la asamblea llena de solteronas mayores de edad) comenzando por su hija Lucinda, la casó con un joven menor que ella, pero se han salido tantos jovenes que no se que hará para sacar del mostrador tantas mujeres casaderas… una cosa siempre es segura, a casado a sus hijas, sobrinas y proximamente a sus decenas de nietas, PRIMERO que cualquier otra joven!!! Es una situacion tan triste y toxica… Y como acaba de pasar que llegó un joven soltero y se añadió a la asamblea (veremos cuanto dura), y puedes ver el brillo en los ojos de las mujeres casaderas, Dios mio, que se dieron cuenta que tienen un mejor camino, y escapar de ese secuestro en el que viven.!!!
Tito — November 13, 2023
Ismael .. pedaso de mierda, .. como tenes el valor de hablar con otros ministros llenos de caca como vos, y hablas falsedades, .. te digo que , Tus hijos y nietos van a tener que lamber la mierda que vos embarrass, mentiroso cabron, engendró de la MENTIRA, ratero, abusador! Diles la verdad cabron, deciles que estas millonario por hacer tranza Al gobierno desgraciado, deciles que le pagabas a la vieja que ya la mataste de penas, que pena que te estaras friendo en el infierno cuando Tus engendros paguen tus pecados, hijo de puta maldito mentiroso, deja de llorar ya y pide perdon, antes que todas tuss mentiras y las almas penitentes que dañaste, te jalen, pendejo farsante… Eres un cobarde, vieja chillona, TE la pasas de casa en casa llorando cabron, ya parale!!! O te paro yo,…. ni Todo vuestro dinero te cauteriza el osico, para que dejes de joder y pares de calumniar… Se te esta llegando tu hora, maldito atormentado… Se te acabara tu fiesta!!!
Saved By Grace — November 16, 2023
The Pioneers fable book …but we talked about this being similar to a North Korean journalist writing about his majesty Kim Jong IL.. Maybe the book should be renamed “Acts of The Prophet Pt II” …Isaac is Moses to the people of GD. Please be bold and take your lives back. dont give your children to be Isaac’s next generation of servants and tithe payers. The Prince in waiting will require even more. The son of the monarchs are always worse!.. walk away from this prison and into freedom! youll never be happy at GD unless you want to follow the Law and replace Jesus with Moses “To God be the honor and glory amen!”
Brother Berean — November 16, 2023
They cant show you where any of the rules that Isaac makes are in the Bible..Its all ever changing and based on Isaac’s personal agenda that changes on average every 10 yrs. women wore knee high skirts, 2 inch heels, levi skirts. High school was allowed and men (including Isaac) had hair on the collar sideburns to the ears (including Isaac) tight bell bottom pants..(ESPECIALLY ISSAC) just find pictures from the early 1980s April meetings. people wake up its all about control for Isaac and Rey…And money for the prince and his kids.. But then again you people chose to serve this man rather than follow Christ. Believe me Isaac does not speak for God and is not his mouthpiece. Ya’ll should just move to North Korea already
Brother Berean — November 16, 2023
Tito..He is God’s voice to the people. How dare you speak of the 8th messenger..he told my mom after my father passed “you’ll see your Husband again on the other side but this time you’ll call him Bro 3**#.. and I will present you both to Christ”…LOL Isaac is so full of himself because we build him up and his ego. wake up folks.and young people FLEE! there are many people out here willing to help you leave.
Richard — November 17, 2023
Golden Dawn, gracias por actualizar mi entendimiento, hace ya como 30 años que no asisto a una iglesia del mensaje, muy atrás quedó todo eso… Pero no dejo de ver comportamientos sectarios, de abuso de poder, de manipulación espiritual y emocional, de indefensión aprendida, en la familia y en todo ámbito. Entender lo que pasamos y experimentamos en lugares como Golden Dawn y Shalom me ayuda mucho a entender la realidad que vivimos día a día. Pues observo comportamientos similares, costumbres similares, dinámicas de poder similares, pujas de poder similares en todo ámbito. Y las “solteronas” que tu describes, entiendo a que te refieres, secuestro es una buena descripción.
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