The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-13
FOUNDING A NEW SECT.
A Society Resembling the Oneida Commu-
nifty, and Styled the children of God"


novel case came up for hearing before
Justice Woodman yesterday. the defendant
claiming to be second Christ, with full power
to dispense salvation and damnation to whom
soever he chose. It was also brought out that
this individual, claiming, it was said, to be a
Christ, had converted several persons to his
faith, and that ali had been living together in
common, much after the style of the Oneida
community. Arnan Reinertson, the person re-
ferred to, was before Justice Woodman on COM
plant of Karl Stianson, who claimed that he had
threatened to kill him. Stianson was one of
Reinertsons converts, but his conversion, it
seems, was not thorough enough to cause him to
acauiesce in Reinertson's intended disposition of
his wife,
Some time last summer, it was said, Reinert-
son converted three families to his peculiar be-
lief, and ordained that they should all go and
live with him. In this they complied, and until
about three weeks ago all three families lived
peaceably together in Reinertson's basement
laundry at No. Isl West Indiana street. Reinert-
sons word was law, and whatever he said or did
lies commenced to live at Reinertson's place he
ordained that all their marriages were worthless,
as they had not been consummated with his
sanction. He then separated the couples, max
ing the wives live apart from their husbands.
Everything went along pleasantly, so far as the
outside world knew, until short time ago, when
Reinertson ordained that the couples should
marry again, and that they should mate as he
directed. Stianson objected to taking a new
wife, and this caused trouble. Stianson left, and
wanted to take his wife with him. Reinertson
forbade him to do so, and threatened to kill
him, Stianson says. Stiansons wife did not
wish to leave, as she was under the impression
that if she did she would be damned. With the
aid of policeman and some of Stiansons old
neighbors, his wife and children were taken
away by force. Since then his wife has had to
be watched continually to be kept from going
back. The entire company consists OF three
men, four women and two small children.
All the money taken in from the laundry goes
through the hands Of the prophet" and goes to
buy food, clothing and other necessaries for the
company. Reinertson himself is not married.
He chastises the children of the rest of the com
pany, however, it is said with all the freedom
imaginable. Some time last winter one of
Stianson's children was taken sick Stianson
wanted DOCTOR but the prophet" objected and
the child died. Some trouble was experienced
in getting a burial permit, and there was some
talk of calling in the coroner. Stanson was
somewhat timd in giving his testimony yester-
day and what he did say was in broken English.
Renertson is heavy-se broad shouldered
Scandinavian, and wears mustache and reddish
chin whiskers, and his eyes are pale blue. In
conversation he talks in a rambling way, seem
ingly not able to keep his thoughts concentrated
on any one subject. All the parties concerned
apparently of Scandinavian extraction.
Reinertson was placed under $500 bonds to keep
the peace
'The Children of God" is the self styled title
by which Reinertson and his disciples distinguish
themselves from other religious sects. They
claim the Bible furnishes them all their spiritual
guidance. fOOtSteDS
Christs disciples They have no specified rule
of conduct except what they term the prompt
ings of the Holy Spirit. Reinertson, however,
is the interpreter of all spiritual tidings and dis
penSes to his flock whatever dispensations he
sees fit. The little community last evening was
reinforced by StiansOn and his wife, who came
to the door of Reinertson's abode, penitent and
in tears. They were let in and welcomed by
the assembled brothers and sisters as stray sheep
from the flock Hymns were sung, Reinertson
offered prayer, and, amid general rejoicing,
the events of the day were regarded as trial to
their fortitude and the special work Of the evil
one.
Six rooms in the dingy basement supply
them working apartments sleeping places, and
big kitchen This last apartment is the gen
eral conference room of the communists. 1t is
lined with the usual paraphernala of laundry
wash tubs and fat-irons-while long pine
table stands in the middle of the room and
is made to do double service dining table and
sort of pulpit Reinertson claimed to be in
spired, were the prophets of old, but he laid
stess on the fact that his inspiration came d.
rectly from the Bible eve have order of
W said he. I'VE sing and pray just as
sisters in the Lord Jesus What little money
we have left, after the profits are divided up we
give to the poor. We believe in doing right, in
being just as the Bible tells u.s. and all our sins
are forgiven in the blood of Christ Through
my efforts all the others were converted"
The community includes Reinerston, who is
thirty four years old, and native of Mandel, a
small town in the south part of Norway He
was formerly sailor and has been ten OF twelve
years in this country; Ludwig Larson, a cigar
ship carpenter, his wife and one child; Stanson,
who was formerly baker, his wife and two
children, and young woman of twenty five,
named Maggie Thompson. The latter has a
rather good looking face. but the other women
are beyond middle life, and look tired and worn
out, as if they had toled beyond their strength.
All Of them hail from the town of Krstansand,
which is also in southern Norway. not many
miles distant from Reinertson's birthplace.
Eve are all happy they chorused, when
one of us in gone for little while said Reinert-
son, 1--WE all grieve until the brother or sister
gets back; then we love the new conner and sing
hymns for joy" Renertson said he became con-
verified in theater four years ago. He said the
hold of him, he read the Bible
and saw the light of the holy truth. '"The Lord
was after me for seven years." said Larson, "but
it was brother Reinertson who converted me-
Stianson succumbed about two years ago to the
persuasive eloquence OF the founder of the sect
The other members told precisely the same
story, and all admitted their fordness for the
things of the world was overcome by the teach
ings of Reinertson. Christ is with u.s." said
Reinertson, land we would rather die than be-
come separated. We have had a good many
troubles our foolish brother Stianson was moved
by the devil and he went wrong" Stianson adj
mtted that he did wrong in objecting, and said
beyond doubt his satanic majesty was to blame
for it ALL Reinertson and the young woman
Maggie Thompson, are the only unmarried ones
in tho community. They claim that chastity is
exacted by their doctrine. and that except when
married, no intimate association between the
sexes is tolerated. "Its the Lords business