A Strange Cult
“KING BEN” PURNELL DIES FOLLOWERS AWAIT HIS RISE By Cable. —Press Association. — Copyright. Reed. 9.5 a.m. NEW YORK, Mon. A message from St. Joseph, Michigan, says that “King Ben” Purnell, leader of the “House of David” cult, died on December 16 of tuberculosis. An announcement of his death was made previously, because of a belief held by loyal members of the cult that Purnell would rise from death to-day.—A. and N.Z. A cablegram -of November 10 read as follows:—A message from Lansing, Michigan, says Judge Fead has declared the ••House of Dayid” cult, which is dominated by the so-called “King” Benjamin Purnell, to be a public nuisance, on the ground of immorality. The judge refused to dissolve the cult’s colony, because he lacked statutory power to do do this, but he ordered a receivership, which will take care of the claims of those past and present members who have been defrauded of their property and labour by Purnell’s claims to divinity. An injunction will also be issued restraining Purnell from further association with the women members, except under proper protective conditions. The entire property of the colony is valued at £1,200,000. Purnell, jvho is a chronic invalid. is expected to appeal against the decision.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNAK19271220.2.102
Bibliographic details
Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 232, 20 December 1927, Page 11
Word Count
207A Strange Cult Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 232, 20 December 1927, Page 11
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