The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-07-14
4 MODERN MESSIAH
THE NOTABLE sWINEFURTH
BRIEFLY sUMMERING IN THE
MILL CITY.
TALKS OF HIS STRANGE SECT.
CLAIMS TO BE PERSECUTED BIZ
HIS ENEMIES AND ENvIOUs
RIVALS.
FAIRMoN SUES FOR A BIG PRIZE.
Ladies' Bicycle Race Begun-Rain
Cuts Short the First Heat
MIL City Matters.

Swinefurth, the Messiah" as he has
been termed in countless newspaper
articles, has been summering in Mime
apolls. Known to but small circle of
people who are followers of his own
peculiar religious tenets, this singular
man has spent over a month in this
city and has delivered regular weekly
sermons during that time, none Of
which, interesting as they undoubted-
~ were, have been reported by the
daily papers. This man who has at
tracted so much attention through this
and other countries, and whose name
was constantly before newspaper read
ers year or two ago, because of his
eccentric doctrine, kept his identity
secret while in Minneapolis, because of
desire to avoid publicity and the
usually attendant notoriety. Since
June 1, he has been visiting at the re-
siGence of Charles E. Whitney, one of
his disciples at 3114 Fifteenth avenue
south. He left the city on private
mission yesterday afternoon, but will
return in the course of few weeks.
He acknowledged the name when
asked If he were not Mr.. Swinefurth,
and Immediately asked as he grasped
the hand of his interviewer: "You are
reporter are you not?" Well 1 am
about to leave the city on a private
mission and can hardly spare the time
to talk with you. Even if I were not
pressed for time l should hardly feel
inclined to make any expression regard
ing myself, for I suppose that is your
errand, because of the gross mistreat-
ment and Misrepresentation I have re-
ceived in times past at the hands Of
the press"
What is your mission in the city,
Mr.. Swinefurth?" was asked.
81 am here for rest" he continued,
although there are affairs in connect
ion with my work that I am attending
to. The seat of our religion is at the
Weldon farm near Rockford, Ill. There
I have preached for Is or 20 years and
1 will resume my duties upon my re-
turn in the fall.
us it true that you have professed
to be Christi"
II am the head of the church," was
the quiet reply. "It is called the church
triumphant. Our belief is that every
individual in order to attain the attri-
butes of Christ must be of him. In seek
ing the life everlasting we must follow
exactly in his footsteps and live as he
lived, doing unto others as we would
they would do unto u.s. Yes, I have
been accused Of immortality, but the
accusations were false and made by
persons of different beliefs who have
tried to be of us, but have found the
to bear. Our belief is as an open book
to the world and all who earnestly
wish to learn something of our faith
are welcome to attend our meetings.
Our teachings are not mormonistic
in any sense. We belive in a pure up
right life
Further than this Mr.. Swinefurth
ding the reporter good day, stepped
into the house and closed the door be-
hind him.. a
The Weldon farm Of which he spoke
is. situated near Rockford, and is oc-
cupied by the Weldon family. This
farm is the headquarters of the re-
ligion and there Swinefurth has stat
Toned himself, surrounding himself with
a group of those who believe in his
teachings. From time to time, at
tempts have been made to interfere
with him and his work, and all kinds
OF charges have been made against
him, both by outsiders and by ex-mem-
bers of his church. The matter of
driving him out of the state OF of pros
cred by the Illinois state legislature.
An investigation was made and as a
result the charges came to nought.
The Whitney family and a few con-
verts represent the church in Mime
apolis and services in which sermons
prepared by Swinefurth are read, have
been held weekly since the erection of
the house a number Of years ago. The
church does not believe in formalities
of any description and with one or two
exceptions the services where it finds
representation are conducted in private
houses. There are no officers cOrre-
spending to the deacons and elders
and ministers of other churches. All
are common soldiers with one head.