Spiritualism

?1542 ?

Agasha Temple of Wisdom

PO Box 5012
West Hills, CA 91308

The Agasha Temple of Wisdom was founded in 1943 by the Rev. Richard Zenor (1911-1978), an intertransitory medium for the Master Teacher, Agasha. Zenor had begun to show paranormal abilities as a child in Terre Haute, Indiana. During the first decade of the temple's existence, Zenor attained recognition and fame from being featured in Telephone Between Two Worlds (1950), by popular writer, James Crenshaw. The temple became the center from which Zenor traveled and spread the message of Agasha.

Two years after Zenor's death, the Rev. Geary Salvat was chosen to continue his work. Salvat, an intertransitory medium for the Master Teacher Ayuibbi Tobabu, had, like his predecessor, manifested psychic abilities from his early life.

While activity at the temple includes communication with the departed, it is primarily directed toward master teachers, advanced individuals who communicate teachings from the other side. From Agasha, Ayuibbi Tobabu, and other teachers, a distinct philosophy has been developed: the Universal Understanding of the God Consciousness. Its keynote is individual responsibility and spiritual democracy within the plan of Universal Laws. The basic laws include the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; and the law of compensation: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Individuals spend many lifetimes seeking to understand these laws by which their life is governed. During the 1980s the teachings received from Agasha became the subject of a series of books by longtime temple student William Eisen, and a volume on the teachings of Ayuibbi Tobabu is projected. The organization's web site is at http://www.agasha.org.

Membership: Not reported.

Periodicals: Agasha Temple Newsletter.

Sources:

Crenshaw, James. Telephone Between Two Worlds. Los Angeles: DeVorss & Co., 1950.

Eisen, William. Agasha, Master of Wisdom. Marina del Rey, CA, 1977.

——. The English Cabalah. 2 vols. Marina del Rey, CA: DeVorss & Co., 1980-82.

——, ed. The Agashan Discourse. Marina del Rey, CA: 1978.

Zenor, Richard. Margie Answers You. San Diego, CA: Philip J. Hastings, 1965.

?1543 ?

Aquarian Fellowship Church

(Defunct)

The Aquarian Fellowship Church was formed in 1969 by the Rev. Robert A. Ferguson, who was until that time president of the Universal Church of the Master, one of the larger Spiritualist organizations. Ferguson founded the new church as a result of inspiration received through dreams. He also felt a growing concern about the doctrine of reincarnation, which most ministers in the Universal Church of the Master accepted but which he, their leader, denied.

The Aquarian Fellowship Church centered its teachings upon Bible, the writings of Andrew Jackson Davis (the founder of modern spiritualism) and the writings of Ferguson as primary sources of belief. Ferguson has initiated a project of reprinting Davis' works. Like Davis, Ferguson rejected the Christian beliefs in the Trinity and the deity of Christ, but considered Jesus the most perfect of men and a pattern for all to copy. This life is the beginning of a process of continual growth. After death, individuals go to one of seven heavens, to which they gravitate according to their earthly character, and from where they continue to work out their salvation. Communication with those in "summerland" (the afterworld) is emphasized. There are no sacraments, though infant dedication occurs.

The headquarters of the Aquarian Fellowship Church was in San Jose, California, and in 1972, there were three congregations, one each in Los Angeles, San Jose, and Dayton, Ohio. Lessons in Spiritualism were offered on a correspondence basis. Ferguson authored several books on psychic themes. Sometime during the 1980s, the church seems to have dissolved.

Sources:

Ferguson, Robert A. Adventures in Psychic Development. London: Regency Press, 1972.

——. Universal Mind. West Nyack, NY: Parker Publishing Company, 1979.

Ferguson, Walter F., as told to Robert A. Ferguson. The Celestial Telegraph(A Message from Beyond). New York: Carlton Press, 1974.

?1544 ?

Aquarian Foundation

315 15th Ave. E.
Seattle, WA 98112

The Aquarian Foundation was founded in 1955 by Rev. Keith Milton Rhinehart, a Spiritualist minister. The foundation combines elements of Spiritualism, Theosophy, and Eastern philosophy into an eclectic occult perspective. It existed for many years as an independent Spiritualist congregation in Seattle. During the 1960s, however, Rhinehart became known for his "materialization" seances and later claimed contact with those same "ascended" masters originally contacted by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical Society.

The Aquarian Foundation does not have a statement of belief, which it feels would serve to prevent growth into greater knowledge. Aquarians draw inspiration from, and identification with, all of the major religious traditions though the elements of Spiritualism and Theosophy are most evident. "Mediums," individuals with an ability to regularly communicate with the "so-called" dead, are valued. However, the foundation does not focus upon regular contact with dead relatives and friends. Instead, contact is made primarily with Masters of the Great Brotherhood of Cosmic Light (also known as the Great White Brotherhood). The foundation believes in many of the concepts passed on by this Brotherhood through the Theosophical Society–karma and reincarnation, the evolution of the soul, the law of cause and effect, mastery of life and death, and the eventual attainment of personal mastery. Rhinehart, the primary medium for the foundation, has trance sessions, through which the Masters speak, regularly recorded from playback at the foundation's many centers.

The foundation is committed to the Great Plan enunciated by the Masters, who are viewed as ascended and evolved beings guiding the evolution of humanity and ushering in the present Aquarian Age. Prominent among the Masters who have regularly spoken over the last decades through Rhinehart are Saint Germain, Morya, Sanat Kumara, and Djwal Kul (D. K.), popular figures in the Theosophical and I AM Religious Activity presentation of the spiritual hierarchy. Rhinehart also serves as the medium for many other "Masters" including the Angel Moroni, who gave Joseph Smith Jr. the Book of Mormon; Mahatma Ghandhi; Ashtar, first contacted by George Van Tassel, an early UFO contactee; Clarion, a UFO entity contacted by Truman Betherum in the 1950s; and the Master Immanuel, from South American Spiritualism. Rhinehart gained his early fame in Spiritualism because of his well-publicized materialization seances conducted in the 1950s. More recently he has claimed to possess the stigmata, a paranormal appearance of the wounds of Christ, which is said to have appeared on his body before hundreds of witnesses.

Membership: During the 1970s the foundation spread from its Seattle base to become both a national and international organization. Churches are located in Honolulu, New York City, Miami Beach, Anchorage, Hollywood, Dallas, San Francisco, and Portland, Oregon. Study groups are found in Hilo, Hawaii; Ft. Lauderdale; Tacoma; West Palm Beach, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Atlanta. Foreign groups are located in Vancouver; British Columbia; and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sources:

Rhinehart, Keith Milton. Soul Mates and Twin Rays. Seattle, WA: Aquarian Foundation, 1972.

?1545 ?

Believers' Circle

? Rev. Estel Merrill
7437 Bear Mt. Blvd.
Bakersfield, CA 93313

The Believers' Circle was founded in the early 1980s by the Rev. Estel Peg Merrill. Merrill had been a student of metaphysical and esoteric studies for many years before she became aware of a gift of healing. She also intuited several spirit guides, and began to go into trances and to channel messages from the spirit world. These guides/teachers were affiliated with a group called the Council, which was seen as part of the Group Mind, which in turn was a part of the Spiral Unihood (formerly known as the Brotherhood). The council expressed its concern for humankind. Merrill's primary guide is named Levi, formerly a scribe in his earthly incarnation, famous as the same entity who directed Levi Dowling in the transcription of The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her spirit control is HiChing, formerly an astrologer in China during the Ming Dynasty.

In 1979 Merrill began to receive lessons that became the basis of the teachings of the Believers' Circle. These teachings have been collected together in several books. They affirm God as the supreme Power and designer of the universe. Neither male nor female, God is "Uni," and exists in and around all of creation. God's energy is available for healing the mind and body. Humans are a form of God consciousness who are in this present life to learn God's absolute laws and correct past mistakes. Following death humans make a transition to spirit existence and continue their learning.

The Believers' Circle is headquartered in Bakersfield, California, but members are scattered across the continent. Members relate to Merrill primarily through the reception of the Circle's lesson through the mail. Beginning students start through three volumes entitled Spiritual Understanding and progress to more advanced lessons in God's Prevailing Laws, God's Energy through Thoughts, and God's Laws of Love and Life.

Membership: Not reported.

?1546 ?

Christian Spirit Center

Box 114
Elon College, NC 27244

The Christian Spirit Center is headed by S. J. Haddad, its president, and is centered in Elon College, North Carolina. The Center is primarily devoted to translating messages received by Brazilian mediums from Portuguese into English. It also publishes books and distributes literature on spirit doctrines. Spiritualism came into Brazil through the writings of French writer and medium Allen Kardec. His particular teachings were distinctive, at the time, by their introduction of reincarnation into Spiritualism.

The main tenets of the Center are the continuity of life after death (first taught and demonstrated by Christ in his own resurrection, and now proven by mediumship), the laws of reincarnation and cause and effect ("karma"), and people's free will and responsibility for their actions.

In accordance with the words of Christ, "Freely ye have received, freely give," and based upon spirit teachings to the same effect, the center advocates mediumship as a free service. The same principle is applied to lectureships and other spiritual work. Active followers of the Spirit doctrine earn their living in secular occupations.

Membership: Not reported.

?1547 ?

Church of Cosmic Science

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Church of Cosmic Science is a small Spiritualist body formed in 1959 at Rialto, California, by the Rev. William Dickensen, Reginald Lawrence, and Josephine Dickensen of Jamul, California. For many years, the associated Cosmic Light Press issued the monthly Cosmic Light, which was widely circulated among the independent Spiritualist churches. They use it for advertising. The group also circulates Awareness for Cosmic Truth, lessons in psychic development. The headquarters in Jamul, California, grant ordinations, healer's certificates, and church charters to otherwise autonomous ministers.

Membership: Not reported. In 1970 there were 500 members and 7 churches.

?1548 ?

Church of Essential Science

Box 62284 Phoenix, AZ 85082

The Church of Essential Science was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1965 by the Rev. Kingdon L. Brown, a medium ordained originally by the National Spiritual Aid Association. Brown was an early member and developed in an informal study group. In January 1964, he received his first message from the Ascended Masters. Eventually, one of the members, became Brown's guide and teacher. Brown slowly became noted for his mediumistic ability, and followers were drawn to him.

Essential Science is a religion responsive to the new data available to twentieth century man–parapsychology, philosophy, sociology, metaphysics and mysticism.

God is seen as the cause that sustains and protects all who seek God. Man comes to know God as the Divine Mind Power as he widens his awareness to include spiritual impressions. Man is body, mind, and soul. The soul is man's divine inheritance, a part of divinity. Through the soul, man aligns himself with the God power, the basic atomic pattern structure of the universe itself, the basic energy of the universe. A significant part of creation is the fellowship of all seekers of truth. Some are in the body, some have ascended. The ascended ones become our teachers as we decide to put our spiritual development above all else.

Headquarters of the Church of Essential Science are in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Brown became pastor of the Desert Shadows Church. Other centers are located in Detroit; Chicago, Illinois; New York, New York; Columbus and Tijeras, New Mexico; Little Rock, Arkansas; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Palo Alto, California. Foreign centers are in Curacao, Canada, and Nigeria. Members are scattered around the country. Many were drawn to the church by the numerous personal appearances of Brown, who in recent years changed his name to Brian Seabrook.

In 1987, the church began a new public outreach with a mystical system. The purpose of this degree system of spiritual knowledge is to prepare humankind for the Aquarian dispensation about the year 2000 C.E. It is based on the metaphysical interpretation of the Christian Bible, and the origianl mission of the Master Jesus. Highly symbolic and transformative, this system incorporates a new understanding of traditional esoteric practices. The aim is to bring the individual into direct contact with the Divine Essence of all earthly life. Techniques such as channeling, healing, and meditation are central.

Membership: In 2002, there were 3,500 members.

Periodicals: Monthly Reminder. • Christar Temple Degrees.

Sources:

Brown, Kingdon L. The Power of Psychic Awareness. West Nyack, NY: Parker Publishing Company, 1969.

The Metaphysical Lessons of Saint Timothy's Abbey Church. Grosse Pointe, MI: St. Timothy's Abbey Church, 1966.

?1549 ?

Church of Metaphysical Christianity

2717 Browning St.
Sarasota, FL 34237

The Church of Metaphysical Christianity was founded in 1958 by the Revs. Dorothy Graff Flexer and Russell J. Flexer, two prominent mediums in the Spiritualist Episcopal Church. Dorothy Flexer had led the Spiritualist Episcopal Church in its break with Camp Chesterfield in 1956, which resulted in a number of churches and ministers leaving the church. She also became independent two years later.

Metaphysical Christianity, a combination of religion, philosophy and science, disseminates the spiritual truths as manifested in the life and teachings of the master, Jesus. It seeks to study the laws of nature–mental, physical and spiritual. Obedience to these laws is said to constitute the highest form of worship. The church also teaches and gives evidence of the continuity of life after death, encouraging each member to develop his own gifts of the spirit so that communion between the two worlds will become natural.

The basic spiritual laws are: the law of life, the law of love (the creative force of life), the law of truth or right thinking, the law of compensation, the law of freedom, the law of abundance, and the law of perfection. After death, the spirit continues and has a possibility of communicating with those still on the earth-plane. Healing is emphasized as a spiritual art.

Headquarters of the church is in Sarasota, Florida. In 1973, there were on the rolls some 25 spiritual healers.

Membership: In 1997 the church reported 125 members.

Periodicals: The Metaphysical Messenger.

Sources:

Davis, Charles [spirit speaking through Dorothy Graff Flexer]. A New Way of Life. Sarasota, FL: Church of Metaphysical Christianity, 1989.

——. Spirit Speaks. Sarasota, FL: Church of Metaphysical Christianity Press, 1988.

Wade, Alda Madison. At the Shrine of the Master. Philadelphia: Dorrance & Company, 1953.

?1550 ?

Church of Revelation (California)

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Church of Revelation was formed in 1930 at Long Beach, California by the Rev. Janet Stine Lewis (Wolford) (d. 1957). It is not to be confused with the church of the same name formed in 1974 by Harrison Roy Hasketh in Honolulu. In 1945, the headquarters were moved to Hanford, California. The church teaches the Old Christian Initiate, a set of beliefs which the church calls a world-religion and a non-sectarian philosophy. The Old Christian Initiate, based on scientific truth, shows how to find spirit, understand the natural law and have everlasting life without death. The Old Christian Initiate teaches that people survive death in a conscious state, that they can communicate with mortals through mediumship, that as a man sows on earth he will reap in the life to come, that the future life is constructive, social and progressive, and that peace and brotherhood are to be extolled and war decried. After the Reverend Wolford's death in 1957, she was succeeded by the Rev. Winifred Ruth Mikesell.

Membership: Not reported. There has been no information since a 1966 report which listed congregations in Hanford, Sacramento, Burlingame and Apple Valley, California; Toccoa, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona; and Toledo, Ohio. There were approximately 500 members and 30 ministers. Recent attempts to locate congregations have been unsuccessful.

?1551 ?

Church of Revelation (Hawaii)

21475 Summit Rd.
Los Gatos, CA 95030

The Church of Revelation was founded in Honolulu 1974 by Harrison Roy Hesketh. It is an eccletic mystical Spiritualist group whose teachings center upon the one God, who is all in all as all. Hesketh calls his higher or transcendental consciousness "Tattenaiananda," generally shortened to "Tat," the name by which most of his students refer to him. The centers connected with the church teach a wide variety of psychic development techniques, among the most important being the Rainbow Bridge Meditation, by which the leaders take students over the rainbow bridge (that part of the inner consciousness which connects the conscious self with the spiritual realms) to the White Light of God. Tat is also in contact with the ascended masters, those spiritual beings spoken of by Guy Ballard, founder of the "I AM" Religious Activity.

The church is headed by a board of directors. Hesketh is the president of the church. In 1983 the headquarters were moved to Los Gatos, California. The educational arm of the church is the Astral Physics School. Affiliated centers and churches are found in Honolulu; Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and Pambrook East, Bermuda.

Membership: Not reported.

Periodicals: The New Spirit.

?1552 ?

Church of the Four Leaf Clover

(Defunct)

The Church of the Four Leaf Clover was founded in 1925 by the Rev. M. E. Claas. The four leaf clover is a symbol of humility, its four leaves standing for eternal life, everlasting light, divine love and truthfulness. The church emphasized the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount. The church was among the early Spiritualist bodies which taught reincarnation and karma. There were, in the 1950s, four churches, all on Long Island. Headquarters were at Jamaica, New York.

?1553 ?

Church of Tzaddi

PO Box 69
Milliken, CO 80543

Amy Merritt Kees was a semi-invalid cripple, victim of an accident to the spine as a teenager. Shortly after the birth of her first child in 1936, however, she began to experience contacts from the spirit world. In 1958, Amy was healed completely. She dedicated her home as a center for study, meditation and healing and, in 1959, formed a study group, "The Open Door of Love." She also became a student of Unity School of Christianity, the Universal Church of the Master, and the Self-Realization Fellowship. The growth of her work, along with the spiritual communications received through her daughter, Dorothe, led in 1962 to the founding of the Church of Tzaddi. (Tzaddi is the 18th letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is identified with the Aquarian Age.)

The purpose of the Church of Tzaddi is "to teach sciences, ancient wisdom, ideals and principles, philosophy, psychology, psychometry, and spiritual truths; to promote the brotherhood of man, the universal law of truth and all educational subjects; to solemnize marriages and officiate at funerals; to perform and administer divine healing, give inspirational counsel and communications and prophesy." An extensive course for the ministry includes material drawn from Unity School of Christianity, the Bible, parapsychology, Hermeticism, and world religion. It may be taken by correspondence. Headquarters of the church recently moved from Orange, California to Colorado. Branches are located around the country, among the most prominent being the church in Phoenix, Arizona. Its pastor, Dr. Frank Alper, is also the founder of the Arizona Metaphysical Society.

Membership: Not reported.

Sources:

Alper, Frank. An Evening with Christos. Phoenix, AZ: Arizona Metaphysical Society, 1979.

——. Exploring Atlantis. 3 vols. Farmingdale, NY: Coleman Publishing, 1982.

Johnson, Amy (Kees), and Dorothy Blackmere. Developing Spiritually.

Garden Grove, CA: Bishop of the Church of Tzaddi, 1980.

Slate, Ann B. "Your Daughter Shall Prophecy."Fate23, no. 4 (August, 1970): 68-78.

?1554 ?

Churches of Spiritual Revelation Association

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Churches of Spiritual Revelation Association was a small fellowship of Spiritualist churches and mediums functioning in the 1970s. Though possessing a loosely organized structure, they had an episcopal polity. Most of the churches were in the Northeast and headquarters were in Reading, Pennsylvania, at the residence of Bishop Edward M. Leighton. No evidence of the continuance of the association in the 1980s had been available.

?1555 ?

Cosmic Church of Life and Spiritual Science

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Cosmic Church of Life and Spiritual Science is a small Spiritualist body headed by a Rev. M. Russo of San Francisco, California. Ordinations and healing certificates are granted.

Membership: Not reported.

?1556 ?

Eclesia Catolica Cristina

2123 Grand Ave.
New York, NY 10453

The Eclesia Catolica Cristina evolved from the Spiritualist Christian Church, was founded in March 1956 by His Holiness Delfin Roman-Cardona. It was incorporated as the Eclesia Catolica Cristina in June 1969, the name being changed to differentiate the church from spiritist centers, and in keeping with the fact that its liturgical rituals more closely resembled traditional Roman Catholic practice.

Delfin Roman-Cardona was born to Roman Catholic parents in Utuato, Puerto Rico, on December 14, 1918. An ability at clairvoyance manifested when he was but three years old. From the age of seven to 14 he served as an acolyte at the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Utuado. During these years, when he was 12, he visited a neighbor who was suffering from a recurrent migraine headache, and, as if by instinct, he placed his hands on her head. The woman was cured. From that time, he developed as a clairvoyant and healer, never charging for his services. He eventually moved to New York in obedience to what he felt was a divine mandate.

In line with many congregations throughout South America, the Eclesia Catolica Cristina follows the practices of exorcism, prophecy, channeling, and psychic healing, the rites being modeled on those of the ancient Hebrews and Christians. The church draws upon the spiritism of Allen Kardec, the tenets of which it has mingled with those of Judaism, Christianity, and Eastern religions in an effort to preach a universal Catholicism. It does not identify with the New Age movement, but believes its practices and rituals are closer to those of ancient Christianity.

The church is organized on the model of the Roman Catholic Church with a pontiff, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests. The church ordains both men and women to the priesthood, a practice which it is claimed derives its precedence set in Atlantis when women were held as equal to men, and were granted the same ecclesiastical positions.

The college of priests elected Delfin as its first Pontiff on April 25, 1965. The Pontifical elevation occurred in 1976. In the meantime, in 1972, His Holiness entered a state of renunciation. After considering hundreds of testimonials and listening to many witnesses attesting to miracles performed by His holiness, the members voted to proclaim Delfin a Living Saint on October 28, 1978. He has since been known as Saint Delfin the first.

Delfin has been reported as healing a variety of illnesses including a number that were considered terminal. He also taught many others to do healing and exorcisms and anointed them to carry on their ministries. He also prohibited the exploitation of their abilities. The church holds weekly celebrations of the Mass and services of healing and exorcism, all without charge. Members pay a membership fee of ten dollars per month to assist in the church's upkeep with additional tithes and offerings being voluntary.

Twenty-five years after his renunciation, the church felt led to pronounce Delfin as a Pure and Divine Avatar and the spirit of a Solar Angel, who is the promised Comforter. He was proclaimed the Second Savior and New Messiah of this planet by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, on August 31, 1997. As the Second Savior, the college of priests and the faithful understand His Holiness' messianic mission to be to restore the teachings of Christ, to clarify his parables, and to define God and creation through enlightened reason and logic.

Olga Roman, the wife of His Holiness, was ordained as a priest on June 21, 1959, and was elevated to pontifical cardinal on January 6, 1976. Her Eminence will become the church's second pontiff following the death of Saint Delfin I. Cardinal Roman was born in Puerto Rico in 1938, and moved to New York as a young woman. She is also the mother of three sons.

Membership: As of 1997, the church operated out of a single center in New York City. There were approximately 1,500 members, 1,000 of whom resided in the United States. There were 18 priests.

?1557 ?

Foundation for Science of Spiritual Law

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Foundation for Science of Spiritual Law was founded in 1968 at Tonopah, Arizona, by Dr. Alfred Homer and the Rev. Gladys A. Homer. From Tonopah, they tour the country as spiritualist mediums, teaching and speaking to small groups of followers. The winter is spent at Tonopah (the Foundation headquarters are only a short distance from the Sun Spiritualist Camp).

Membership: Not reported.

Periodicals: Foundation Newsletter. Send orders to Tonapah, AZ 85354.

?1558 ?

General Assembly of Spiritualists

27 Appleton St.
Rochester, NY 14611

The General Assembly of Spiritualists is a sovereign, selfgoverning ecclesiastical body. Its history as an organized religious body goes back to November 15, 1897, at which date it was incorporated as the New York State Association of Spiritualists. At the convention in Rochester, New York, on June 20, 1914, the delegates, by unanimous vote, authorized changing the constitution, by-laws, and name to the General Assembly of Spiritualists to conform with the Laws of New York, 1914, Chapter 485, Section 1, Chapter 53 of the Laws of 1909, entitled "an act in relation to religious corporations, constituting Chapter 51 of consolidated laws," adding Article XII, Spiritualist Churches, section 262 to 273, inclusive. By this act Spiritualism for the first time was recognized by law as a religion with distinct powers conferred by the Legislature upon the General Assembly of Spiritualists. The original charter of the General Assembly of Spiritualist was signed and recorded in Monroe County, New York, on October 15, 1915.

At the convention in Buffalo, New York, June 19, 20, and 21, 1931, the delegates, in order to preserve what they saw as the principles expressed by the pioneers of Spiritualism, especially that of universal brotherhood, and to protect the movement against a felt threat from the encroachment of prejudice and sectarianism, voted to sever its affiliation with other Spiritualist groups. The necessary legal steps were duly consummated and papers signed, thus establishing the General Assembly of Spiritualists as a sovereign, self-governing ecclesiastical body, with executive power vested in a Board of Directors. Jurisdiction extended to several states in the United States and to Canada.

The general assembly believes in the advancement of the Spiritualist religion as an idealistic, humanitarian, and inspiring movement, that gives aid to the sick, through spiritual healing, and aid to the sound of body, by well founded hope and faith. The general assembly is firmly and permanently opposed to all fraudulent and dishonest imitation of real mediumship and to the sensational display thereof. The ideal of the general assembly is to continue to raise the standards of the Spiritualist movement and to encourage study classes, reading courses, the dissemination of Spiritualist literature, and research work, to the end that others may learn the reality of the Spirit World and its meaning to humankind.

Membership: Not reported.

Periodicals: How Shall We Teach Spiritualism? • Jesus of Nazareth. • The Nature of the Spirit World • Spiritualism Fact or Fiction. • Voice of Spirit • What is Spiritualism?

Sources:

General Assembly of Spiritualists, State of New York. New York: Flying Saucer News, n.d.

Lomaxe, Paul R. What Do Spiritualists Believe?. New York: General Assembly of Spiritualists, 1943.

?1559 ?

Hallowed Grounds Fellowship of Spiritual Healing and Prayer

(Defunct)

The Hallowed Grounds Fellowship of Spiritual Healing and Prayer was established in 1961 by the Rev. George Daisley, an outstanding British medium who settled in Santa Barbara, California. Beginning with a mailing list of 1,500 names accumulated on previous lecture tours, Daisley traveled around the country teaching Spiritualism and issued The Witness, a small quarterly journal. Only one center was opened, but adherents and supporters were found across the country. The Witness ceased with the December, 1973 issue.

Emphasis of Daisley's teachings was a form of Christian Spiritualism with particular interest in the nature of the next life. The new insights were derived from material received in spirit communication. The Bible was interpreted in Spiritualist terminology. It was believed that the next life is a discarding of the physical body and a manifesting of its duplicate spiritual body. After death, the soul continues on several planes of existence, each of a higher vibration, hence invisible. Those with a gift of discerning spirits can communicate. Spirit life is much like this life.

Membership: The fellowship dissolved in 1994 following Daisley's retirement due to ill health.

?1560 ?

Holy Grail Foundation

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Holy Grail Foundation was founded in Fresno, California, in the early 1940s by the Rev. Leona Richards. The Reverend Richards was one of a group of twelve who sat in meditation, seeking guidance. Messages received were recorded, and the Foundation grew out of this shared experience. In the early 1960s, the headquarters were moved to Santa Cruz, California. Messages emphasize man's essential divinity and the awareness of the divine as a part of one's life. Classes, using the messages received from spirits, teach self-development by spiritual enlightenment. The goal is that each member will know the presence of God within, the Holy Grail, and his or her own personal guardian angel.

There are three centers of the Foundation, in Fresno, Santa Cruz, and Portland, Oregon. Heading the Foundation are its officers: President Leona Richards, Vice-president Robert Isaacson, Secretary Gerry Isaacson and Treasurer Ruth Musiel. The foundation is affiliated with the International Spiritualist Alliance, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Membership: Not reported.

?1561 ?

Independent Associated Spiritualists

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Independent Associated Spiritualists was incorporated in 1925. It is headquartered in New York City, but has churches across the country. Notable among its members was the late psychic surgeon Tony Agapoa of Bagio City, Philippines.

Membership: Not reported.

Sources:

Valentine, Tom. Psychic Surgery. Chicago: Henry Regnery Company, 1973.

?1562 ?

Independent Spiritualist Association of the United States of America

5130 W. 25th St.
Cicero, IL 60650

The Independent Spiritualist Association of the United States of America was formed in 1924 by Amanda Flowers, who with others withdrew from the National Spiritualist Association of Churches because of her objection to the rule which forbade NSAC mediums to work in non-NSAC churches. She also wanted greater freedom to express her own theosophical views, which went beyond beliefs of the NSAC.

Membership: In 1988 there were 120 member mediums.

Sources:

Basic Course of Study. Cicero, IL: Independent Spiritualist Association of the United States of America, n.d.

?1563 ?

International Church of Ageless Wisdom

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The International Church of Ageless Wisdom was founded by Beth R. Hand (1903-1977), a spiritualist minister, in the 1920s. She was also an early student of Paramahansa Yogananda, the founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, one of the first Hindu organizations established in America. From Yogananda, who came to the United States in 1924, and other studies. She became convinced of the truth of reincarnation and karma. The Spiritualists requested her resignation, and she was forced to abandon the three churches she had founded in New Jersey. She moved to Philadelphia and opened the first Church of Ageless Wisdom in 1927.

Soon after the formation of the Church of Ageless Wisdom, Hand met the Rev. George Haas, leader of the Universal Spiritual Church, a British Spiritualist body which shared Hand's ideas about reincarnation. She brought her church into commmunion with his. She later sought, but did not receive, a formal charter from that church. Meanwhile, in 1956, Haas was consecrated a bishop by John Beswarick, bishop of the Catholic Apostolic Church (United Orthodox Catholicate), an independent British Orthodox-Catholic body, who had received orders from the famous independent bishop, Hugh George de Willmott Newman. In 1958 he consecrated Hand. In spite of the consecration, the inability to receive a formal charter led Hand to become independent of the Universal Spiritual Church. In 1962 she received a charter from the State of Pennsylvania. Subsequently, she consecrated other bishops of the Church, one of whom, Muriel E. Matalucci, succeeded her as Archbishop Primate in 1977. That same year Archbishop Metalucci changed the name of the organization to its present designation.

The Church's teachings are eclectic, drawing upon Spiritualist, Hindu, Buddhist and ancient occult wisdom teachings, though there is a primary emphasis upon Christianity. It teaches that God is the father of all that exists; that all men are brothers (hence no discrimination is allowed); souls are immortal and there is always the opportunity for reformation; reincarnation and karma; and the planet and humanity can be saved by the power of prayer and love. God is not conceived in anthropomorphic terms. Jesus is considered the Wayshower, who manifested the way for individuals, all of whom are sons of God, to become one with God. Humans evolve by following the Universal laws of the universe. Finally, the church believes in and uses the wide variety of psychic gifts as tools for human progress and service in God's work.

The church is headed by the Archbishop Primate, assisted by the other archbishop, one bishop, the canons-of-states and the canons-at-large, which together comprise the Holy Synod. There is an annual meeting.

Membership: Not reported.

Educational Facilities: The International Church of Ageless Wisdom Esoteric Seminary, Wyalusing, Pennsylvania.

Periodicals: Aquarian Lights.

Remarks: Associated with the International Church of Ageless Wisdom is the Michigan Metaphysical Society, headed by popular Detroit-area psychic teacher, Sol Lewis, who was ordained by Hand. Another famous member of the church is popular occult lecturer Col. Arthur Burks.

Sources:

Barrett, Lawrence R. 10 Principles. Atlanta, GA: The Author, 1982.

Ritual Book. Wyalusing, PA: International Church of Ageless Wisdom, 1979.

?1564 ?

International General Assembly of Spiritualists

5403 S. Ridge W.
Ashtabula, OH 44004

The International General Assembly of Spiritualists (IGAS) was incorporated in 1936 in Buffalo, New York, by the Rev. Arthur A. Ford (1897-1971), Fred Constantine and eight other Spiritualist ministers. Arthur Ford was the first president. The Rev. Fred Jordan, a retired Navy commander, was ordained by Ford in 1937 and served as president of the IGAS from 1938 to 1974. Rev. Jerry Higgins was elected to succeed Jordan, but died before assuming the post. The Rev. Fred Jordan, Jr., the vice-president, was then elected to succeed his father.

In 1946, the IGAS adopted a "Declaration of Principles" which is word-for-word that of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches. Emphasis is placed on prayer, healing, and spiritual unfoldment and development. Communion is served regularly. There are affiliated congregations in Africa, and Nepal.

Membership: In 1987 the church reported 35 congregations, 410 members and 103 ministers in the United States and an additional 190 members worldwide.

Educational Facilities: Shrine of the Healing Master, Ashtabula, Ohio.

Periodicals: The I.G.A.S. Journal.

Sources:

Ford, Arthur. Why We Survive. Cooksburg, NY: Gutenberg Press, 1952.

Ford, Arthur, with Margueritte Harmon Bro. Nothing So Strange. New York: Harper & Row, 1958.

Royce, Clifford M., Jr. To the Spirit…From the Spirit. Chicago: The Author, 1975.

Spraggett, Allen, with William V. Rauscher. Arthur Ford: The Man Who Talked with the Dead. New York: New American Library, 1973.

?1565 ?

International Spiritualist Alliance

320 Columbia St., Rm. 1A
New Westminster, BC, Canada V3L 1A6

The International Spiritualist Alliance is a Canadian-based Spiritualist church headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was founded to "bring into closer Brotherhood and Unity Spiritualists the world over." Churches are located across Canada and the British Isles and include two churches in California, one in San Bernardino and the Holy Grail Foundation in Santa Cruz. There is an annual convention. The current president is the Rev. Beatrice Gaulton Bishop.

The Alliance has a loose belief-structure, accepting as "Principles of Spiritualism" seven affirmations on the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, the immortality of the soul, communion with the departed, personal responsibility, compensation for good and evil, and eternal progress of the soul. Members are Christian, accepting the belief in God and the creator, who is love, and in Jesus, the Lord who was incarnated for the salvation of men. Jesus became perfected in suffering and thus became both Lord and Christ.

Membership: Not reported.

Periodicals: International Spiritualist News Review. Send orders to 3371 Findlay St., Vancouver, BC, Canada.

?1566 ?

Lotus Ashram

264 Mainsail
Port St. Lucie, FL 33452

The Lotus Ashram was established in 1971 in Miami, Florida, by Noel and Coleen Street. Noel is a medium originally from New Zealand and ordained by the Universal Church of the Master. Coleen is a yoga teacher. Noel became a popular figure in the psychic community in the United States through his annual tour and his many books and writings. He specializes in psychic healing, which he learned from the Maori natives of New Zealand, and past-life reading by which he is able to trace an individual's previous incarnations on earth. Coleen's work stresses physical fitness through yoga, vegetarianism, and food preparation.

In 1975 a second center for the Ashram was opened in Chillicothe, Ohio and named "Springtime." A chapel, healing sanctuary and bookstore are part of the complex. In 1977 the Ashram headquarters moved to Texas, at a location near the Mexican border. The Ashram is governed by an eight-person board of directors.

Membership: Not reported.

Periodicals: Lotus Leaves. Send orders to Box 39, Fabens, TX79838.

Sources:

The Story of the Lotus Ashram. Miami, FL: Lotus Ashram, n.d.

Street, Noel. Karma, Your Whispering Wisdom. Fabens, TX: Lotus Ashram, 1978.

——. Reincarnation, One Life-Many Births. Fabens, TX: Lotus Ashram, 1978.

?1567 ?

Metaphysical Episcopal Church

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Metaphysical Episcopal Church was founded as an independent Episcopal jurisdiction in 1974 in Titusville, Florida, by Fr. R. D. Finzer, II, its bishop primate. The church describes itself as "metaphysical" in philosophy and theology. It also believes in the unity of religion and that religious paths eventually lead to God. The creedal statement included in the church's liturgy affirms belief in the fatherhood of a God and the brotherhood of man. It follows the teaching of the Master Jesus and the guidance of angels. Spiritualist influence is manifested in the affirmation of communication with those who have passed through the experience of death and the future progress of the soul after death.

The church is decidedly Christian and follows a liturgy derived from the Book of Common Prayer.

Membership: Not reported.

Sources:

Fenzer, F. D. The Missal of the Metaphysical Episcopal Church. N.p.: Metaphysical Episcopal Church, 1975. 18 pp.

?1568 ?

Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ, Inc.

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Metropolitan Spiritual Community Churches of Christ, Inc., was founded in 1925 by Bishop William Taylor and Elder Leviticus Lee Boswell. The word "spiritual" in the church's name indicates its basic Christian beliefs and its practice of the spiritual gifts according to I Corinthians 12. The church is trinitarian and baptizes people in the name of the "Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost." It affirms the Apostles Creed, but replaces the word "catholic" with the word "universal." The Gospel is described as foursquare: preaching, teaching, healing, prophecy. Incarnation, not reincarnation, is taught. The churches believe that "all men (humankind) are incarnations of the one Spirit regardless of race, creed, or condition, with full belief in creation."

Bishop Taylor was succeed by the Rev. Clarence Cobb (b.1979), founder and pastor of the First Church of Deliverance in Chicago, Illinois. In the 1970s he brought additional churches in Accra, Ghana, and Monrovia, Liberia, into the fellowship of the Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ. Cobb was succeeded by Dr. I. Logan Kearse, pastor of the Cornerstone Church of Christ in Baltimore, Maryland, the current international president.

Membership: Not reported. In 1965 there were 125 churches and 10,000 members. Currently there are a number of churches in the eastern half of the United States.

?1569 ?

National Colored Spiritualist Association of Churches

Current address not obtained for this edition.

Shortly after World War I, the growing black membership in the National Spiritualist Association of Churches separated from the parent body and, in 1922, formed the National Colored Spiritualist Association of Churches. Doctrine and practice follow closely those of the parent body. Churches are located in Detroit, Chicago, Columbus (Ohio), Miami, Charleston (South Carolina), New York City, Phoenix and St. Petersburg.

Membership: Not reported.

Periodicals: The Nationalist Spiritualist Reporter.

?1570 ?

National Federation of Spiritual Science Churches

(Defunct)

The National Federation of Spiritual Science Churches was a Spiritualist association founded in 1927 whose member churches were primarily on the West Coast. In the 1930s, a periodical, Spiritual Science Magazine, was inaugurated. In the 1940s, churches were to be found in the states of California and Washington. The federation taught a form of Christian Spiritualism and affirmed a belief in God revealed in Nature, the teaching of Jesus the Christ, and the worthiness of the Bible as a source of inspirational truth (to be tested by reason and the Laws of God). Spiritual healing was emphasized as was spirit communication. The small federation granted ordination and church charters and offered study courses to the ministry. The mother church was in Los Angeles; however, no sign of its continuance has been observed in recent years. It is presumed to be defunct.

Sources:

Textbook of Spiritual Science. Los Angeles: National Federation of Spiritual Science Churches, 1932.

?1571 ?

National Spiritual Aid Association

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The National Spiritual Aid Association, Inc. was formed in 1937 and incorporated at Springfield, Illinois. It functions as a central office to certify and hold certification credentials for otherwise independent Spiritualist ministers. Beliefs are not specified beyond the insistence that Spiritualism is the true religion that God sent Christ on earth to teach. Headquarters are in St. Petersburg, Florida, where its president, Charles E. Lyons, resides.

Membership: Not reported.

?1572 ?

National Spiritual Alliance of the U.S.A.

RFD 1Lake Pleasant, MA 01347

The National Spiritual Alliance of the U.S.A. was formed in 1913 by the Rev. G. Tabor Thompson, previously a medium with the New England Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association, and an advocate of belief in reincarnation, an opinion at variance with the NSAC. Otherwise, the Alliance is similar to NSAC. Their website is http://www.thenationalspiritualallianceinc.org. An annual convention is held at Lake Pleasant, Massachusetts. An official board of directors conducts outreach work.

Membership: In 2002 there were 2 churches, 100 members, and 35 ministers.

?1573 ?

National Spiritual Science Center

409 Butternut St. NW, Ste. 1 Washington, DC 20012

The National Spiritual Science Center was established in Washington, D.C., in 1941 by Rev. Alice Welstood Tindall. Reverend Tindall was trained at the Spiritual Science Mother Church, headquartered at Carnegie Hall Studios, New York City, which was founded by Rev. Julia O. Forrest on May 29, 1923. For many years it was an active part of the Ecclesiastical Council of the Spiritual Science Mother Church and also a charter member in the Federation of Spiritual Churches and Associations, an ecumenical organization of Spiritualist groups which was organized by Reverend Tindall. In 1969, while attending a Federation meeting, Reverend Tindall suffered an accident which disabled her and led her to turn the center over to two people she had trained over the 1960s, Reverends Henry J. Nagorka and Diane S. Nagorka.

During the 1970s the Nagorkas reorganized the center, independent of the Spiritual Science Mother Church, moved the headquarters at 5605 16th St. NW, and under their leadership, the center emerged as a prominent national Spiritual Science organization. ESPress, Inc. was created which became a significant Spiritualist publishing concern, and for 16 years Rev. Henry Nagorka served as its publisher and president of the center's Board of Directors. Rev. Diane S. Nagorka founded the School of Spiritual Science and with her colleague and assistant, Rev. Margaret Moum, established the curriculum and theology for metaphysical studies for which the school became known. She served as its director for many years. After Rev. Henry's death in 1986, ESPress, Inc. ceased its publishing activities, and Rev. Diane S. Nagorka assumed management of the operations of the center and school as its president and director until her retirement in June 1989.

The baton of leadership passed to the Board of Directors, and during this transition, the office and school moved to its present location in Washington, D.C. Healing and Worship Services are held every Sunday evening at 1611 16th St. NW. The Board of Directors, the governing body of the Center, meets on a regular basis to determine policy and to administer the services and activities of the center. The School of Spiritual Science continues its program of metaphysical studies under the guidance of the Director of Education, who is appointed to the position, and presents a four-year course of study leading to certification as Graduate of Spiritual Science of Minister of Spiritual Science.

Beliefs of the center are summarized in a nine-point statement which affirms belief in God as the Universal Creative Energy, the dynamic growing nature of the universe; the drive of every entity to unite with God; the immortality of the soul; individual free will; wisdom as the latent power of God within; the reality of communication with spirit; soul-unfoldment and service as the purpose of life; and God as a just, accepting and impersonal Force, drawing all to perfection.

Membership: In 1991 the center reported 20 chartered affliated centers and more than 125 Ministers of Spiritual Science.

Educational Facilities: School of Spiritual Science, Washington, D.C.

Periodicals: Psychic Observer.

Sources:

Moum, Margaret R. Guidebook to the Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ. Washington, DC: ESPress, 1974.

Nagorka, Diane S. Spirit as Life Force. Washington, DC: ESPress, 1983.

?1574 ?

National Spiritualist Association of Churches

? Morris Pratt Institute
11811 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Oldest and largest of the Spiritualist churches is the National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC) formed in 1893 at Chicago. Among its leaders were Harrison D. Barrett and James M. Peebles, both former Unitarian clergymen, and Cora L. Richmond, an outstanding medium and author. The association was formed both for fellowship and to deal with fraudulent mediumship. The association is also important for its adoption of a number of statements on Spiritualism which have become a standard to which other Spiritualist bodies more or less adhere.

In 1899, a six-article "Declaration of Principles" was adopted. (Three other articles were added at a later date.) Because of its significance in setting the beliefs of modern Spiritualism, all nine articles are quoted in full below. (The influence of Unitarianism is obvious in the definition of God in article one.) l. We believe in Infinite Intelligence; 2. We believe that the phenomena of Nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Intelligence; 3. We affirm that a correct understanding of such expression and living in accordance therewith constitute true religion; 4. We affirm that the existence and personal identity of the individual continue after the change called death;5. We affirm that communication with the so-called dead is a fact, scientifically proven by the phenomena of Spiritualism; 6. We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule: "Whatsoever ye would that others should do unto you, do ye also unto them." 7. We affirm the moral responsibility of the individual, and that he makes his own happiness or unhappiness as he obeys or disobeys Nature's physical and spiritual laws; 8. We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed against any soul here or hereafter; 9. We affirm that the precept of Prophecy and Healing are Divine attributes proven through Mediumship.

Over the years, other statements have been adopted on "What Spiritualism Is and Does" and "Spiritual Healing." A set of "Definitions" has also been approved. The two issues of "reincarnation" and the relation of Spiritualism to Christianity have been the major questions dividing Spiritualists. Differing answers to these two questions have split the NSAC on several occasions, and dissent led independent Spiritualists to form their own organizations instead of joining the NSAC. Reincarnation, gaining popularity through theosophy, began to find favor among some mediums in the early twentieth century, but was specifically condemned by the NSAC in 1930. "Are Spiritualists also Christians?" was debated by the NSAC and generally decided in the negative. While the NSAC has drawn heavily on the Christian faith, from which most members came, it identifies its members as Spiritualists. The specifically "Christian" Spiritualists were found in other bodies such as the Progressive Spiritualist Church. [It should be noted that most Spiritualists differentiate between primitive Christianity, which they believe themselves to be following and practicing, and contemporary orthodox Christianity, which they strictly differentiate from both primitive Christianity and Spiritualism.]

The polity of the association is hierarchical. There are loosely organized state associations and an annual national convention. Among Spiritualists, the association has the highest standards for ordination. The NSAC is noteworthy as the only Spiritualist body to attempt to develop work among youth. The lyceum was originally promoted and shaped by Andrew Jackson Davis in 1863. Children's materials have been developed and many churches have an active lyceum (Sunday school) program. Such efforts have given the NSAC a stability lacking in most Spiritualist bodies.

Membership: In 2002 the association reported 144 member congregations. There are ten state associations and 11 camps. There were also four affiliated congregations of the National Spiritualist Churches of Canada in Ontario and Quebec.

Educational Facilities: Morris Pratt Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Only College of Spiritual Science, Lily Dale, New York.

Periodicals: The National Spiritualist Summit. Send orders to 668 E. 62nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46220. • Spotlight. Sends orders to 1418 Hall SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-3960.

Sources:

Barrett, H. D. Life Work of Cora L. V. Richmond. Chicago: Hack & Anderson, 1895.

Holms, A. Campbell. The Fundamental Facts of Spiritualism. Indianapolis: Stow Memorial Foundation, n.d.

Kuhnig, Verna Kathryn. Spiritualist Lyceum Manual. Milwaukee: National Spiritualist Association of Churches, 1962.

One Hundredth Anniversary of Modern American Spiritualism. Chicago: National Spiritualist Association of Churches, 1948.

?1575 ?

Order of the White Rose

(Defunct)

The Order of the White Rose was a Spiritualist organization founded in Chicago, Illinois in the 1890s by Jesse Charles Fremont Grumbine (1861-1938). Around 1900 Grumbine moved the headquarters to Boston, Massachusetts, where it was to remain for the next two decades. Around 1921, Grumbine moved to Cleveland and two years later to Portland, Oregon. The order was described as mystical and Rosicrucian in nature, pure spiritualism. It was composed of two branches, the Spiritual Order of the Red Rose, the exoteric or outer branch, and the Spiritual Order of the White Rose, the esoteric or inner branch. Both branches led members to the celestial branch of the order.

Grumbine began his understanding of spiritualism by distinguishing universal spirit and personal individual spirits. Universal spirit does not exist as a God outside of the universe, but is the radiant center from which spirits draw life. Matter is the substance of form. Form defines and limits spirits, which are temporal, relative, and finite. Spiritualism is the revelation of the being of God within each person. The message of excarnate spirits through mediums is the divinity of each spirit. Psychic abilities such as clairvoyance, telepathy, healing, and prevision were seen as innate divine powers, which, when properly used and controlled, could check evil and produce a divine manhood and womanhood.

The order had as its primary task the establishment of the Universal Spiritual as defined in Grumbine's many books. Members were organized into chapters around the United States. No estimate of the size of the order is available. Grumbine wrote a number of books which continued to appear into the mid-1920s.

Sources:

Grumbine, J. C. F. Clairaudience. Boston, MA: Order of the White Rose, 1911.

——. Clairvoyance. Boston, MA: Order of the White Rose, 1911.

——. Melchizedek or the Secret Doctrine of the Bible. Boston, MA: Order of the White Rose, 1919.

?1576 ?

Progressive Spiritual Church

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Progressive Spiritual Church was formed in 1907 by the Rev. G. V. Cordingley, who had been one of the organizers of the Illinois State Spiritualist Association of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches. The Reverend Cordingley had rejected the NSAC's adoption of a "Declaration of Principles" instead of a "Confession of Faith" based upon the authority of the Bible. An aggressive policy of proselytization brought steady growth during the first decade of the Progressive Spiritual Church.

The doctrine of the church is derived from Christian affirmations as modified by divine revelations received through spirit communication. The Confession of Faith affirms belief in communication with spirits, the resurrection of the soul (but not of the body), God as absolute divine spirit, and angels or departed spirits, who communicate through mediums. Members further hold that Jesus was a medium, that spirits have desires, that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and that heaven and hell are conditions, not locations. Four sacraments are practiced: baptism, marriage, spiritual communion and the funeral.

A mother church was established. Officers–a supreme pastor, a board of trustees, a secretary and a treasurer–are elected by it. Individual congregations elect their own officers, but are subject to the mother church. Churches are located mainly in the Midwest.

Membership: Not reported. Multiple attempts in recent years to contact individuals associated with the church have proved futile. It is not known if the church is still functioning.

Sources:

McArthur, Paul. Text Book, Ritual, Valuable Data and Selected Poems.

Progressive Spiritualist Association of Missouri, 1908.

?1577 ?

Pyramid Church of Truth and Light

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Pyramid Church of Truth and Light was formed in 1941 by the Revs. John Kingham and Emma Kingham in Ventura, California. They continued at its head until 1962, when the leadership was passed to Dr. Steele Goodman. During the pre-1962 era, four churches were chartered, but none has survived. The teachings of the church center upon individual unfoldment. The church says the basic principle of the universe is vibration or love, which is manifest in many laws. In 1973, there were two churches, the headquarters church in Sacramento and a second in Phoenix, headed by Isaiah Jenkins, a black man and popular medium. A third church is projected for Santa Ana.

Membership: Not reported.

?1578 ?

Roosevelt Spiritual Memorial Benevolent Association

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Roosevelt Spiritual Memorial Benevolent Association was formed in 1949 by a group of independent Spiritualists. Its main purpose in forming was to provide a home for otherwise independent mediums and churches, which it certifies and charters. Doctrinally it is Spiritualist, believes in communication as taught in the Bible and promotes psychical research. It does provide, for any seeking it, a study course in Spiritualism. President of the Association is the Rev. Nellie M. Pickens.

Membership: Not reported.

?1579 ?

St. Paul's Church of Aquarian Science

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Rev. Harold C. Durbin is a Spiritualist medium and was formerly a pastor in the Spiritualist Episcopal Church. In the 1960s, he became independent and founded St. Paul's Church of Aquarian Science in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 1970, his book, Someone Asked, He Answered, was published. The name of the church is derived from the zodiacal sign of Aquarius. According to the church, humanity is now moving into the Aquarian Age. The "man with the waterpot," Aquarius, is referred to by Jesus in Mark 14:13-15.

The church teaches that God is Universal Spirit with the attributes of power and intelligence; that God is a trinity of Father (creator), Son (created), and Holy Spirit (the process of creation); that man is a trinity of body, soul or mind, and spirit; that Jesus the master gave the highest teachings, and we grow as we practice these teachings; that man is divine creation, with all the divine attributes and access to God through Jesus; that all life is eternal and must grow and evolve; that the door of reformation is never closed; and that by developing the divine attributes, attunement of the world of spirit (mediumship) is developed. Reincarnation is accepted.

Besides the original congregation in St. Petersburg, a second congregation was established in Tampa, and, in 1970, a third was projected for Sarasota. However, in the late 1970s, headquarters were moved to Texas.

Membership: Not reported. There were over 800 people affiliated with the several congregations prior to the move to Texas.

Sources:

Durbin, Harold C. Someone Asked, He Answered. Lakemont, GA, 1970.

?1580 ?

Society of Christ, Inc.

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Society of Christ is a small spiritualist body founded by Bishop Harriette Leifeste and Bishop Dan B. Boughan, the president. Teachings are derived from the Bible and the "wisdom teachings of all the great religions," which are interpreted esoterically. God is seen as infinite intelligence manifested in nature and as love and goodness. Members believe in the moral responsibility and free choice of the individual; that science and religion have proved the continuity of life after death, as demonstrated through mediumship; that the highest morality is the golden rule; that the possibility of reformation is never closed, and that man can unfold and manifest the gifts of the spirit. The church grants ordinations, healing certificates and church charters.

Membership: Not reported. At last report there were 2 congregations and 4 ministers.

?1581 ?

Spiritual Episcopal Church

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Spiritual Episcopal Church was founded in 1941 as the Spiritualist Episcopal Church by the Revs. Clifford Bias, John Bunker, and Robert Chaney, all prominent mediums at Camp Chesterfield in Indiana. Bias and Bunker were members of the Independent Spiritualist Association and Chaney was a member of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches. The founders expressed dissatisfaction with an overemphasis on phenomena within Spiritualism; they wanted a greater emphasis on philosophy, particularly as channeled from the spirit realm.

Significant in the history of the Spiritual Episcopal Church was the disruption in 1956, when a morals charge was brought against a prominent medium, a candidate for a church office. Camp Chesterfield, where the church had its membership, was split between those supporting and those opposing the medium. After attempting to dissuade the medium from seeking office, the Rev. Dorothy Graff Flexer moved the church headquarters to Lansing Michigan, hoping to keep the divisiveness at Camp Chesterfield from spreading throughout the church.

The church believes that Spirit is the Origin, Sustainer, and Reality in all forms of nature and in all the expression of life. The universe is spirit-built and constitutes a divine revelation of Spirit (God). The church believes in life after death, the efficacy of prayer, the duty and privilege to come into harmony and peace with the Spirit, and the divinity of all persons. Jesus is accepted as an Avatar, one of the "Christed ones" who have manifested into the world to lighten its darkness and show by precept and example the way of life leading back to the Source.

The current presiding clergy is Rev. Marilyn Brown, and the Internet address is http://www.spiritualist-church.com.

Membership: In 2002, the church reported congregations in Eaton Rapids, Mt. Morrice, and Owosso, Michigan; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Hendersonville, North Carolina; and Riverside, California.

Periodicals: Spiritualist Messenger, 610 Clinton St., Owosso MI48867.

Sources:

Chaney, Robert G. "Hear My Prayer". Eaton Rapids, MI: Library, The Spiritualist Episcopal Church, 1942.

Development of Mediumship. Dimondale, MI: Spiritual Episcopal Church, n.d.

?1582 ?

Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The exact origin of the Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army is unknown, but it draws heavily upon two older African American religious traditions–Black Judaism and Spiritualism. Leaders of the Spiritual Israel Church, such as Bishop Robert Haywood (the "King of All Israel") and Bishop George Coachman (the association's "Overseer"), placed its establishment in the late 1930s, with some organization precedents going back to the 1920s. The forerunner of the Spiritual Israel Church was the Church of God in David, which was established by Derks Field in Alabama. At some point, either in Alabama or Michigan, Field met W. D. Dickson, who had arrived at similar ideas. After Field's death, Dickson took on the title of the "King of All Israel" (a title also carried by his successors) and pulled Spiritual Israel "out of David" upon instructions from the Spirit. Spiritual Israelites credit both Field and Dickson with "restoring" the teachings of the ancient Israelites. Apparently after the Field's death, a power struggle for the leadership of the association occurred among Dickson and the surviving Field brothers, Doc and Candy. Each of the Field brothers established a separate organization, and several other groups, all containing the word "Israel" in their names, later broke away from the Spiritual Israel Church. Because of the severe Michigan winters, Dickson moved the sect to Virginia for a while, but returned to Detroit upon further instructions from the Spirit. Dickson was succeeded in his leadership by Bishop Martin Tompkin and Bishop Robert Haywood.

Members of Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army view themselves as spiritual descendants of the ancient Israelites or "Spiritual Jews," and their association as a restoration of the religion of the ancient Israelites. They maintain that "Ethiopian" is the "nationality" name of Black people whereas "Israel" is their "spiritual" name. They believe that the first human beings were Black, starting with Adam, who was created from the "Black soil of Africa" and that all of the great Israelite patriarchs and prophets were Black men. In time, however, with the sons of Isaac, a division in humanity developed. Jacob became the progenitor of the Ethiopian nation and Esau of the Caucasian nation. Spiritual Israelites maintain that most whites who identify themselves as "Jews" are actually the descendants of Gentiles who intermarried with the original Jews or Israelites.

Spiritual Israelites maintain that they belong to the "one true Spiritual church" and that the Spirit dwells in all people. Like most other Spiritual groups, they believe that heaven and hell are projections of the human mind. The Christ Spirit, which is simply the "anointed power" of God, has occupied the bodies of many kings of Israel.

Membership: In 1982 the group reportedly had 38 temples and missions, with a concentration of them in southeastern Michigan (namely the Detroit metropolitan area, Flint, Ann Arbor, and Lansing). There were also congregations in New York City; the Chicago area; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Washington, D.C.; Louisville, Kentucky; New Orleans, Louisiana; several cities in Indiana (Gary, Fort Wayne, and Muncie); and a small city in Ohio, as well as five congregations in the Southeast (New Orleans, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi).

Sources:

Baer, Hans A. "Black Spiritual Israelites in a Small Southern City."Southern Quarterly 23, no. 3 (1985):103-124.

——. The Black Spiritual Movement: A Religious Response to Racism. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 1984.

?1583 ?

Spiritual Prayer Home, Inc.

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Spiritual Prayer Home was incorporated in 1939 in California as a Spiritualist organization. The Home issues ordinations and charters, and offers students training courses. The president during the 1970s was Norman C. Fredriksen and the headquarters were in San Dimas, California. Recent attempts to locate the church have failed.

Membership: Not reported.

?1584 ?

Spiritual Science Mother Church

Current address not obtained for this edition.

Mother Julia O. Forrest, a former Christian Science practitioner, became a Spiritualist and, with Dr. Carl H. Pieres, organized a new body modeled on the Christian Science Mother Church in Boston. The Spiritual Science Mother Church is headquartered in New York City. From its ruling ecclesiastical council, it issues charters and runs the Spiritual Science Institute for training ministers. Forrest was succeeded by Glenn Argoe as president of the council and pastor of the mother church in New York City.

From Christian Science the idea of the mother church is retained, as is the concept of demonstration of spiritual realities in this life. Three principles of demonstration are emphasized: preaching, or the giving out to each one through messages (clairvoyance) what God has for him to do; communications from other realms, and healing through the channelling of healing power. Spiritual Science is specifically Christian in its orientation, holding that Jesus Christ is lord and master and dispenser of the law of love. The Trinity of God the Father and creator, the virgin-born Son and Holy Spirit is affirmed. Man is a free agent on a spiritual path which has included past reincarnations. A major emphasis is on soul-unfoldment. Salvation comes as a cleansing process through intelligent prayer.

Membership: Not reported. In the 1970s there were approximately 40 churches.

Educational Facilities: Spiritual Science Institute, New York, New York.

?1585 ?

Superet Light Doctrine Church

2516 W. Third St.
Los Angeles, CA 90057

The Superet Light Doctrine Church was founded in Los Angeles in 1925 by Dr. Josephine De Croix Trust (d. 1957), called Mother Trust by her followers. She began her work in New York City. According to Superet Light belief, Mother Trust was a Light Scientist who found Jesus's Religion because she had the gift to see the light, vibration, and aura of Jesus's Words. She childhood, Mother Trust was able to see auras. She labored diligently in the study of the auras while in New York to learn their meanings, often going without food. While left alone there, she developed tuberculosis. In a vision, Jesus healed her and gave her the mission of bringing to the world His light teachings. She gained a reputation around New York City as a miracle healer.

From her studies of the Bible she discovered that only the Words of Jesus shone with light. She then began to realize the secret of the Mother of God: the Holy Ghost was the Mother of God. She discovered that there are two purple hearts united in one, the Father and Mother of God. Also, she discovered from her studies of light in the Book of Revelation, the New Name Superet, the Parent God, Father and Mother Superet Light. Jesus Christ chose Mother Trust to bring out this truth to the world. She was told in a vision, "This is the new Name, Superet, which is the everlasting Fire in God's Sacred Purple Heart." This was not heretofore revealed.

The Superet Science teaches the manifestation of God's Light through every individual's light atom aura. All substances the possess magnetism, especially all life, have an aura, an invisible emanation. Mother Trust, as an aura scientist, was able to see both the outer aura and inner aura (or light of the soul). The light atom aura, capable of receiving God's Light, is produced by developing one's inner aura. Through Jesus Christ the Superet Light is effected and people become successful in their daily lives.

The church offers several lesson series, which explain basic Superet Light beliefs, such as "The Superet Lessons" and "The Golden Text Lessons." Mother Trust wrote more than 25 books, most of which are available to the general public.

On Christmas Day, 1938, Mother Trust inaugurated the Prince of Peace Movement, for people of all religions, colors, and nationalities, as an auxiliary to the Superet Church.

Membership: Not reported. In 2001 there were three churches in the United States (Los Angeles, California; Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania; and Washington, DC) and one in British Columbia. There are also churches in Mexico (one), Nigeria (20), Panama (two), and Venezuela (one). There were Prince of Peace Clubs in the Bahamas, Chile, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Trinidad, and the United States.

Periodicals: Newsletter of the Superetist Brotherhood and Sisterhood. Send orders to 1516 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90057.

Sources:

Miracle Woman's Secrets. Los Angeles: Superet Press, 1949.

Superet Light Doctrine Ministry. Los Angeles: Superet Press, 1947.

Trust, Josephine C. Bible Mystery by Superet Light Science. Los Angeles: Superet Press, 1950.

——. Superet Light. Los Angeles: Superet Light Center, 1953.

——. Superet Light Doctrine. Los Angeles: Superet Press, 1949.

?1586 ?

T.O.M. Religious Foundation

Box 52
Chimayo, NM 87522

The T.O.M. Religious Foundation was founded in the 1960s by the Rev. Ruth Johnson of Velarde, New Mexico. The Reverend Johnson achieved her leadership through knowledge gained from study, experience and previous lives. In 1970, the Foundation was moved to Canon City, Colorado. The Teachings are transmitted primarily through the correspondence studies, "Moon Time Studies in Spiritual Culture." Students receive instructions in dreams and the Bible, ESP and psychic development, and "Atlantis" and "Original Christianity." God is conceived as the divine one, or Whole, or Spirit, who knows, loves and cares for us. He manifests his love through spiritual guidance. Students learn the language of the soul, which supplies lines of communication with the spirit world. Graduates may be ordained as ministers and receive a franchise from the foundation.

Membership: Not reported.

?1587 ?

Temple of Universal Law

5030 N. Drake
Chicago, IL 60625

The Temple of Universal Law was founded in 1936 by the Rev. Charlotte Bright. The Reverend Bright is a medium under the guidance of Master Nicodemus, the control and directing voice who speaks through the Reverend Bright. In 1965, a temple was erected in Chicago on the North Side. Teachings were given through the Reverend Bright by the Masters of the Great White Brotherhood. The Reverend Bright passed away in 1989, but the control and directing voice, as well as other masters of the brotherhood, speak through her son and successor, the Rev. Robert E. Martin.

The Temple describes itself as a nondenominational church based in metaphysical Christianity. Members believe in God who expresses himself as a Trinity. God the Father is the universal law of life which creates, sustains, and progresses to eternal life. Christ is the perfect demonstration of divine mind. The Holy Spirit is the action of divine mind within. Worship can come in many forms. Truth is found in the Bible and in all spiritual traditions. Man in immortal. The essential duty of man is to look within and begin to awaken the Christ Spirit. Only by learning and understanding universal law can we come into oneness with God. The Lord's Supper is celebrated on the first Sunday in each month.

A complete program of classes, special workshops and lectures, and various services emphasizing communication with spirits supplement the Sunday worship. A library is maintained, and numerous booklets have been published. A branch temple is located in Wisconsin near Winter.

Membership: In 1988, the church reported two congregations with more than 200 members served by 11 minister-mediums. There were also 12 missionaries (channels) affiliated with the church.

Periodicals: Temple Messenger.

?1588 ?

United Spiritualist Church

813 W. 165th Pl.
Gardena, CA 90247

The United Spiritualist Church was founded in 1967 by the Rev. Floyd Humble, Edwin Potter, and Howard Mangan. The Reverend Humble had earlier served several independent Spiritualist Churches. The United Spiritualist Church differs from most Spiritualist churches by its adoption of a centralized form of government. Power is invested in the presidency which includes the president, first advisor-secretary and second advisor-treasurer. Under the presidency is the board of governors. There is also a board of publication, education, and church extension and missions. There is a general conference which elects the board of governors.

The beliefs and practices of the church are out of the consensus of Spiritualism. Members believe in mediumship, both mental and physical, and follow the practices of Jesus in preaching, healing, teaching and prophecy. Man is considered immortal; the unfoldment and development of individuals are means to bring the kingdom of God on earth.

Membership: Not reported.

Periodicals: The Spiritual Outlook. Send orders to 809 W. 165th Place, Gardena, CA 90247.

Sources:

Humble, Floyd. Bible Lessons. Gardena, CA: United Spiritualist Church, 1969.

?1589 ?

Universal Christ Church, Inc.

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Universal Christ Church was formed in 1970 by the coming together in fellowship of several Spiritualist churches in the Los Angeles area. Doctrine is Spiritualist, and reincarnation is accepted. There is an element of ritualism in the worship; the clergy wear clerical vestments. The Rev. Anthony Benik is the head of the church.

Membership: Not reported. In 1971 there were 5 churches, all in the Los Angeles area, and one 500-member congregation in Australia.

Periodicals: U.C.C. Spokesman. Send orders to 1704 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006.

?1590 ?

Universal Church of Psychic Science

Current address not obtained for this edition.

The Universal Church of Psychic Science is a small Spiritualist body headquartered in Philadelphia and headed by W. L. Salisbury, its president, and Clarence Smith, its secretary. The group is limited to the states of New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The Church issues ordinations and church charters.

Membership: Not reported.

?1591 ?

Universal Church of the Master

100 W. Rincon
Campbell, CA 95008

The Universal Church of the Master (UCM) was formed in 1908 in Los Angeles, California, and was incorporated in 1918. Initially, it was largely a West Coast association of ministers and churches, but it began to spread across the nation in the 1960's. Among its early leaders was Dr. B. J. Fitzgerald, author of A New Text of Spiritual Philosophy and Religion, the basic book of the UCM. In 1930, the headquarters were moved to Oakland and then, in 1966, after Dr. Fitzgerald's transition (death), to San Jose.

The church sees itself as both Christian and Universal in its religious philosophy. While it uses much out of liberal Christianity, it also is eclectic, allowing a wide range of beliefs to exist. Its tenpoint statement, drawn from the Text, affirms belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, the laws of nature and living in harmony with them, life after death, commmunication with the unseen world, the golden rule, individual responsibility and the continual possibility of improvement, prophecy, and the eternal progress of the soul. The emphasis on the laws of nature denies any supernaturalism or miraculous nature in the communication phenomena. The church also uses The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ by Levi Dowling as a source for its teachings.

The UCM is headed by a governing board including the president, other officers and trustees. There is an annual membership meeting. An examining committee approves all ordinations and certifications. The board of trustees grants charters. The polity is congregational.

The church's Internet site is at http://www.v-c-m.org.

Membership: In 2002 the church reported 118 congregations, 598 ministers and 5,662 lay-members.

Periodicals: UCM Quarterly Magazine.

Sources:

Dowling, Levi. The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ. Los Angeles: Leo W. Dowling, 1925.

Fitzgerald, B. J. A New Text of Spiritual Philosophy and Religion. San Jose, CA: Universal Church of the Master, 1954.

Universal Church of the Master, History and Principles. Santa Clara, CA: Universal Church of the Master, 1995.

?1592 ?

Universal Hagar's Spiritual Church (UHSC)

c/o Professor George H. Latimer-Knight
PO Box 07071
Detroit, MI 48207-7071

The Universal Hagar's Spiritual Church (UHSC) was founded by Father George Willie Hurley, a contemporary of Father Divine and also a self-proclaimed god. Hurley was born in 1884 in Reynolds, Georgia, and received his early training as a Baptist minister, though he later became a Methodist. After moving to Detroit, Michigan, with his wife in 1919, he joined a small Holiness sect called Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ and actually became its Presiding Prince for the state of Michigan.

Then in the early 1920s, Hurley became a minister in the National Spiritual Church, probably a predominantly White organization, which brigded his transition into the leader of his own church established in Detroit on September 23, 1923. In 1924 he established the School of Mediumship and Psychology, which eventually became a secret auxiliary in each congregation affiliated with UHSC. Father Hurley maintained that the school is a branch of the Great School of the Prophets, which Jesus attended during the eighteen years of his life that are not accounted for in the Bible. He also established the Knights of the All Seeing Eye, a Masonic-like auxiliary open to both men and women. By the eve of Hurley's death on June 23, 1943, UHSC had grown to an association of at least 37 congregations (eight in Michigan, eight in Ohio, six in Pennsylvania, seven in New Jersey, five in New York City, and single congregations in West Virginia, Delaware, and Illinois).

Similiar to other Black Spiritual groups, UHSC inherited a eclectic religious heritage, drawing elements from Spiritualism, Catholicism, African-American Protestantism, and possibly Voodoo or hoodoo. Father Hurley also incorporated concepts from the Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ, astrology, Ethiopianism, and other belief systems in his church. Sometime around 1933 if not earlier, Father Hurley began to teach his followers that his "carnal flesh" had been "transformed into the flesh of Christ." He maintained that just as Adam had been the God of the Taurian Age, Abraham the God of the Arian Age, and Jesus the God of the Piscean Age, he was the God of the Aquarian Age. Unlike most Spiritual churches, which have assumed an apolitical posture and refused, for example, to participate in the Civil Rights Movement, Hurley took unequivocal stands on a number of social issues, particularly the status of African Americans in the larger society, and urged his followers to vote for Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since Hurley's death the strongly nationalist and critical rhetoric of his church has been considerably tempered.

Father Hurley's successors as head of UHSC have included Prince Thomas Surbadger, Mother Mary Hatchett, Prince Alfred Bailey, and Rev. G. Latimer, a daughter of Hurley. The Wiseman Board, which has consisted primarily of women in recent decades, serves as UHSC's governing body. Over the years, the heaviest concentrations of Hagar's congregations have been in southeastern Michigan, where the association's headquarters is located, and in the New York-New Jersey megalopolis. The affiliations of individual member congregations have changed considerably over the years, and especially since the early 1960s, UHSC has experienced significant fluctuations in the number of its congregations in the East and Midwest, somewhat offset by the spread of the church to California and the Southeast. The organization's web site is at http://fatherhurley.com.

Membership: In 1965 UHSC had 41 congregations in eight states. In 1980 it had 35 congregations in 11 states.

Sources:

Baer, Hans A. The Black Spiritual Movement: A Religious Response to Racism. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 1984.

?1593 ?

Universal Harmony Foundation

5903 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772

The Universal Harmony Foundation grew out of and superceded the Universal Psychic Science Association, founded in 1942 by the Rev. Helene Gerling and her husband, J. Bertram Gerling. Both had been prominent mediums at Lily Dale Spiritualist Camp near Rochester, New York. Headquarters were later moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where a seminary was opened, offering nine courses leading to ordination as minister, healer, missionary, or teacher. Headquarters are now in Seminole, Florida.

Teachings of the foundation are eclectic, drawn from the universal revelation and the tested teachings of all the world's prophets. Study is directed toward metaphysics, healing, comparative religion, Bible, yoga, and mysticism. The seven affirmation-tenets present a religion premised upon the religious and scientific demonstrations of the talents and powers of the Living Spirit. They affirm the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man, the eternality of life, the power of prayer, spiritual healing, the reality of the psychic, soul-growth as the purpose of life, and fraternal service as the way of life. The Torch of Truth, the symbol of universal harmony, is lighted at the beginning of all services.

There is a mother church, the first chartered by the foundation, and members are encouraged to join it by participation in an annual free-will offering. Ministers are organized into a ministerial fellowship. They may apply for temple (i.e., congregation) charters. Rev. Gerling is the author of correspondence lessons offered through the seminary and a number of books. Rev. Gerling retired in 1988 and was succeeded by Rev. Nancy Castillo.

Membership: In 2001 the church reported 175 members all in the United States. There were seven affiliated congregations.

Educational Facilities: Universal Harmony Foundation Seminary, Seminole, Florida.

Periodicals: The Spiritual Digest.

Sources:

Gerling, Helene A. Healthy Intuitive Development. New York: Exposition Press, 1971.

?1594 ?

Universal Religion of America

? Christ Universal Church
295 N. Tropical Trail
Merritt Island, FL 32952

The Universal Religion of America was founded in 1958 by the Rev. Marnie Koski, pastor of a church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a former minister of the Spiritual Science Mother Church. The body is Spiritualist and Pentecostal, and emphasizes ESP and the spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues. Koski is also known to her followers as Soraya (meaning a "Solar Ray"), because she has served as a medium for some contemporary messages from Jesus. Leaving the Kenosha congregation to assistants, Koski moved the headquarters to Rockledge, Florida, and then more recently to the Metaphysical Center in Merritt Island.

Membership: Not reported. In 1968 there were 500 members. There are two congregations, one in Wisconsin and one in Florida.

Sources:

Koski, Marnie. Person Talks with Jesus. Washington, DC: ESPress, 1979.

?1595 ?

Universal Spiritualist Association

4905 W. University Ave.
Muncie, IN 47304-3460

The Universal Spiritualist Association was founded in 1956 by Clifford Bias (1910-1987) with former members of the Spiritualist Episcopal Church, which had provided theological training for Camp Chesterfield of the Indiana Association of Spiritualists. Bias was succeeded by Warren M. Smith, who retired from Spiritualist activities in 1990. T. Ernest Nichols has been president since 1990. The organization has a Board of Trustees, overseeing the operation of the association and the Universal Bookstore On Line. The Board of Regents, presently elected by the Board of Trustees, oversees the operation of the Universal Institute for Holistic Studies and its Home Study System, a five-level course of study towards the Universal Spiritualist Ministry, along with its interactive Internet counterpart, the College of Religious Education (CORE). Elections are held on an annual basis, each official holding office for three years. The Board of Trustees has the power to charter churches as well as license ministers and mediums who have completed the requirements of the institute.

The Universal Spiritualist Association is composed of people who believe in and practice the religion of Spiritualism described as "the Science, Philosophy, and Religion of continuous life, based upon the demonstrated fact of communication by means of channeling (mediumship) with those who live in the Spiritual World." The association and its churches affirm the belief of the Creatorship of God, the oneness of all life everywhere, the leadership of the Christ, salvation by character, and the progression of humanity upward and onward forever. Annual institute sessions are conducted at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Class intensives continue the association=s tradition of teaching, preaching, and practicing the great religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism as well as the Esoteric Faiths of Esotericism, Native American Spirituality, Rosicrucianism, Spiritualism, Sufism, and Theosophy as a Serene Way of Life in a troubled world. The association and its institute provide education and fellowship for the devotees and adherents of the Mystic, the Psychic, the New Age, the Metaphysical, and the Traditional. Within the association, there is a mystical society, the Ancient Mystical Order of Seekers, consisting of clergy and the more serious students who wish to learn and understand "the esoteric arts and sciences." The subject matter extends far beyond that common to most Spiritualist practices. Clifford Bias authored a series of manuals, The Path of Light, and published several books representative of their work.

The Universal Spiritualist Association's Internet site is at http://www.spiritualism.org.

Membership: In 2002 the association reported 390 members in the United States and Canada including ministers, spiritual healers, and mediums as well as eight churches in the United States and one church in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Educational Facilities: Institute for Holistic Studies, Muncie, Indiana.

Periodicals: The Banner of Light.

Sources:

[Bias, Clifford]. The A. M. O. S. Path of Light. 19 vols. Anderson, IN: The Ancient and Mystical Order of Seekers, n.d.

——. The Way Back. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, 1985. Universal Spiritualist Manual. Manor Grove, IN: Universal Spiritual Church, n.d.

Wallace, Austin D. Thistle Presents Prince Nikeritis. Eaton Rapids, MI: Transcendental Science Publications, 1950.

?1596 ?

University of Life Church

? Richard Ireland
5600 Sixth St.
Phoenix, AZ 85040

The University of Life Church was formed by renowned psychic Richard Ireland of Phoenix, Arizona. After serving a number of Spiritualist churches in the Midwest and East, he moved to Phoenix in 1955. Ireland gained a reputation during the 1960's as a nightclub entertainer, conducting ESP shows in which he read serial numbers of dollar bills while blindfolded. At the church he is a full trance medium; several guides, a Dr. Ellington and an Indian, speak through him. They answer questions for members and visitors, prophesy future events and give spiritual teaching. Reincarnation is stressed.

The center of the church is the congregation in Phoenix, which has 1,450 members. A healing shrine is being built in South Mountain in Phoenix. Lessons written by Ireland and/or his guides are sent out around the country. Ireland tried unsuccessfully to inherit the estate of James Kidd of Miami, Arizona, who willed his money for research on the existence of the human soul. The money went to the American Society of Psychical Research.

Membership: Not reported.

Sources:

Ireland, Richard. The Phoenix Oracle. New York: Tower Books, 1970.