NEGRO "HEAVEN"

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 12, 7 October 1937, Page 6

NEGRO "HEAVEN"

Food Cheap There What manner of man. is Fathei Divine, New York negro orator, moralist, fanatie extraordinary and leader of a xeligious cult? asks a writer in an English paper. Here is a sketch of his career and activities. Originally a gardener from Baltimore in the South, Divine served his xeligious apprenticeship under a xevivalist named Morris, and at this period was know as "Baker." In 1914, in Georgia, he was tried for lunacy, but acquitted on the serious charges, being eonsidered insane but not dangerous, and was expelled. Preaching at street corners and small churches, he steadily increased his foilowers, and in 1915 arrived in New York, calling himself "The Messenger." He declared he was God, and opened a small church in Brooklyn. It was a combination of xoominghouse and employment agency at first, with religious meetings every night. His followers turned in to him every cent of their money and be provided for them clothes, food, shelter. Now Divine is the biggest ' lodging- ? house owner in Harlem, New York. Three apartment houses, nine houses, 20 flats were taken and turned into dormitories for the "Faithful." The food in the "Heavens'-' is cheap, but plentiful, cheaper than can be bought elsewhere. ' "Angels" are in charge of each of the departments, and have to show a profit on all their work. The real power of Divine began to Ihow when a short time ago he was harshly criticised by a judge durfng a legal action, and when, within a few weeks of the trial, that judge died suddenly — a simple. fact which was fatally taken as a sign of retribution. An hysterical rusk to join the movement produced "Extension Heavens" in Newark, Jersey City, and Bridgport. The movement now has restaurants, grocery businesses, coal depot, farms and two newspapers — all run for the "Father" by "Angels." With all undertakings Father Divine never owns nor leases : any property in his own name. He thus has no visible assets at all. On the whole, . Divine 's influence is good, as the main points o'f his teaching are peace and continence.