Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-20
JU NJ MPERS
I 0 K | Ill
{ CHlTDREN i / } j \
Holy Rollers Plan a
Slaughter Of
lnnocents
MOnrOvia HOrrified by
Discovery of
Plot
Religious Fanatics Advocate Burning
at Stake--Women GroveI In Dirt
and ebbcr WlIdIy-of-
flcIaIs Alert
EVANGELIST CoOK's UTTER
ANCE
"The old days when people were
burned at the stake were the joy
fuI days of the church."


Monrovia is all torn UP over the
rumor that the Holy Rollers contem-
plate slaughter of innocents-a hu-
man sacriic by fire.
So radical have speeches made at the
little Holiness meeting house at Ivy
and Orange avenues become that the
townspeople are uneasy over what
might happen.
Marshal Miller or a deputy attend
each afternoon or night meeting to re-
strain the frenzy of the Rollerites If
necessary.
The story that sacrifice of Isaac by
Abraham, modernized to date was en-
tirely probable in Monrovia created
much excitement in the little foothill
town. 1t is understood that certain
members of that sect advocated the
Staying one child from each household
as human paschal lamb, to gain
sanctification which they could only
obtain by human sacrifice. Such at
least was the Interpretation of remarks
they made while shouting "testi-
monies"
In the presence of the everlasting
hills the utterances of these parents
have been discussed by the neighbor-
hood until great indignation has been
aroused and it has been said that the
children intended for sacrifice were
kept prisoners in a house. preparatory
to the slaughter.
Marshal Investigating
Regarding these reports Marshal
Miller of Monrovia stated to a Herald
reporter that he is investigating the
cases, and that while he believes the
people somewhat fanatical, he did not
think they would dare to carry out
their horrible designs.
Recently many of the followers have
become seized with the belief that the
Holy Spirit gives them the "gift of
tongues" In this stage they utter
strange languages, which at times even
the Rollers fail to interpret. These mes
sages are considered divine, hence spe-
cial watch is being kept on the flock
lest some insane impulse leads to the
commission of crime.
Women and men fall PROSTATE on the
floor or on pews in the Holiness church
which the sect uses for worship and
suddenly streams of unintelligible
phraseology flow from their lips.
No one can translate it but those who
have heard these testimonies say that
repeatedly the Spirit has called for the
full should surround themselves by
walls of fire.
In line with this view of the fanati-
cism it is pointed out that Evangelist
Cook, who has stirred the town by
rabid utterances, has emphasized the
sacrficial feature by continually
preaching on the martyrdom of flames.
In Small Church
on Ivy street, near Orange. in the
shade of green trees and almost at the
foot of the foothills stands a small
church, wherein these people gather to
carry out their services.
Entering the little edlfce yesterday,
a strange sight was to be seen.
one woman, CLAD in a dark calico
dress, was stretched out full length on
the floor, moaning.
Others were kneeling in various
positions, the central figure evidently
being man whom they were trying to.
convert
Approaching the building the harsh
sounds of 1.-The tongues" as they call
their queer chattering, was plainly to
be heard but this soon ceased after the
entrance of a stranger.
The look in the unconverted mans
face would have attracted attention in
a crowd of people, so agonzed was it.
He was small man, tanned by many
days of California sun, clad in a COM
mon working suit.
Tells Him to Shout
The evangelist was softly stroking
mis- hair and telling him to shout hal
leluiah" and praise Jesus"
This the man was evidently unab BILE to
do, for not a sound escaped his lips.
The haunted look of a condemned man
did not leave his face during the
service.
Shortly the moaning and prayers
ceased and the eight members of the
congregation visited for short time,
Foremost in The conversation was the
evangelist, Mr. Cook.
Mr.. Cook was attired in tan negli-
gee shirt, with his trousers suspended
by old-fashioned "galuses." In this
rather democratic attire he led the
singing and prayers. He gave a short
talk, evidently for the benefit of the
strangers, and quite made ones hair
stand on end by his praising of the old
custom of burning at the stake.
The Good Old Days
The old days of persecution. when
people were burned at the stake and
tortured We're the joyful days of the
church Of Christ, according to Mr.
Cooks statement.
To be burned was to have the Lord
put wall of fire about one, showing
his signal favor.
The gift of tongues, 1t was shown, is
Continued ON page two.