50 years ago: The death of Father Divine

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:5 (also Mark 13:6)

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24 (also Mark 13:

On September 10, 1965, George Baker, better known as Father Divine, died; his age was uncertain, but he was believed to be in his late 80s. He founded the International Peace Mission Movement in the early 20th century.

A Negro, Father Divine promoted racial equality, and attracted many white, as well as black, followers. He was heavily influenced by the positive-thinking movement known as New Thought, and was thus an early figure in the New Age Movement. Father Divine's main doctrine was that he was God, and the only true expression of God's spirit. He wasn't. For further reading, see Robert Weisbrot's biography Father Divine (1983) (originally published as Father Divine and the Struggle for Racial Equality).