Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-05-16
Messiah" ochwsiniorth
Editors Of The Kenne5ee Journal:

Editors Of The Kennebee Journal:
Your issue of Friday contained an &C
count Of the spread Of the doctrines Of the
Illinois Messiah" in Kentucky. BY it the
impression is given that the new religious
craze" was started by Schweinfofth. Such
is not the case. 1t had its origin in Mrs.
Dora Beekmsn. wife of the Copgrega-
tionalist minister of Byron, Ill. j.,
and the members of the new sect
received the name Of Beck
nantes" Dora Beekmsn, according to the
testimony Of all who knew her. was a
modest, quiet. gifted woman who never
sought notoriety. She attracts attention,
however. as q reader. Many csme to her
house and attended the prayer meetings a.
the church at which her husband was pas
tor for the purpose Of hearing her read
hymns ard selections from the Bible.
Soon her "fame went abroad" and many
persons visited her. Some believed that
she was inspired and few declared that in
cepted her teachings and called themselves
her disciples.
AmoDg the persona who visited her was
a young Methodist minister named
Schweinforih. He Il of German descent as
his name indicates, but was born 10 Ohio
During his childhood and youth he wss
religiously inclined and when very young
united with the Methodist church. He was
educated at the Northwestern University,
Evanston, Ill. and prepared for the min
istry at the Garrett Thecloical Seminary
al the ssme piscs. These schools are
under the control of the Methodists After
he had preached few months
he learned of Dora Beekman and went to
her home. He was so impressed with her
teachings that he became one Of her dis
ciples. Shortly before her death she desig-
mated him as her successor. 1t is not likely
tbst he has ever declared that he i. the
"Mes.ish, though probably many of his
followers regard him as such. He appears
TO be the Peter or Paul OF the new religion.
Mr.. Schweinforth is . quiet, refined
gentleman, whose looks and manners create
= very favorable Impression, He is man
of fac literary and scientific attainments,
ths master Of several languages and .kil-
full musician. His countenance bears a
close resemblance to the pictures Of Christ
as executed by the great painters. In this
respec! he is like james O'Neil, the actor,
who was selected to take the part
Of Christ in the passion Play" that
ii was proposed to bring out in this
couhtry. His home, which is the Mecca of
bis sect, is near Rockford, Ill. 1t il the
shire town Of Winnebsgo county, and in
wealth and intelligence fsvorably compares
with Augusta. 1t is 3 spacious farm home
and presents ample evidences of culture
and refinement. With him reside several
persons who have retired from business and
who are devoting all their tine to spiritua'
affairs.
There are several societies of the Beck
msnites" in the western states. Their writ
ten creed does not essentially differ from
that Of evangelical sscts. Their religious
services closely resemble those of the Free
Bsptists and primitive Methodists. 1t is
worthy of notice that most who have Joined
this new ssct were members OF other reliy
ious denominations.
ONE WHO KNOWS THE messiah