Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-02-08
REV. FRANK ". SAND
FORD WRITES letter
from Atlanta Penitentiary Re-
garding the Conditions at Holy
Ghost and Us Society at Shiloh
Denies DissensiOn Exists
Is Himself in the Very Best of
Condition.

RockIand, Me-. Feb. 7.-Again breaking
silence, that he may defend son and
daughter from the first criticism that
the public has launched against them.
Rev F. Weston Sanford, exiled leader
of the Holy Ghost and Us Society. has
written from his cell in the Federal
prison at Atlanta, Ga, giving his version
Of conditions at Shiloh. as he understands
them.
Refusing to pose as a religious martyr.
and chatting not at his enforced bondage.
the imprisoned Elijah" has won the out
spoken admiration Of his gaoiers and the
love of his fellow convicts, 80 of whom
are found in the Bible class which he
leads every Sunday.
The Shiloh institution again came un-
c.illingly into the newspaper spotlight a
Few days ago. when the news reached the
outside world that Mr.. Sandfords Oldest
SON. John, and his oldest daughter,
Esther had been placed in supreme
charge OF the temple on the Hilltop.
The Holy Ghost and Us Society again
became the target for the shafts of its
enemies with whose aid the free-,ance
newspaper correspondents drew picture
Of new privations among the 600 persons
comprising the sect. and told OF deser-
tons among the leaders, threatening the
dissolution Of the entire movement.
Mrs. Sanford Writes.
Pressed for a statement as TO the actual
conditions At Shiloh, Mrs. sanford. Wife
Of the exiled leader wrote:
You know that Mr. sanford has al
ways taken the stand Of not resisting evil
attacks, and Of not trying to justify our
selves before the public. Although we
deeply appreciate your kindness, we
would not want TO try to defend our
selves before the world. l know that all
true friends trust us, even though they
may not understand all they hear l will
say, however. that much has been pub
lished that is entirely false
The Telegram correspondents request
was referred to Mr.. Sanford, however.
The man who calmly accepts his impris-
onment at Atlanta in full belief that it
Is part of his ordained mission in life,
and who has never fiinched before the on
slaughts of his enemies. responded at
once. 1t was one thing for him to re-
we're those who literally sought his blood,
but it produced quite another sensation
when he learned that his beloved son
and daughter were under fire
With the inspectors endorsement print
ed in red letters across each sheet there
came from the Federal prison today Mr..
Sandfords reply. He says:
II enclose a private letter written me
by matured woman in spiritual things
concerning my elder son and my eldest
daughter aged respectively IS and 1e
years. II speaks for itself, and l only
wish those in charge of the activities OF
the press in my native State were worthy
Of similar words of commentator.
No Dissension.
There is. and has been no dssension
whatever. as far my knowledge goes
concerning my sons leadership-rather the
people have been amazed at the remark
able ability in spiritual things possessed
by one so young. and have rejoiced great
ly l have a flood of letters of common
dation and not even single word of dis
paragment.
LAS to conditions at our center We
are in the best position from a spiritual
standpoint (and we never reckon from
any other) in the best place by far since
my incarceration. AS to Mr.. Whitaker.
I have Just received a heart melting let
ter from my dear friend and brother-one
calculated to make angels rejoice and
saints look up and worship.
PERSONALLY I am in the very best OF
condition physically. marvel to all
mentally. improving my opportunities as
teacher over large class for the re-
view of college studies, and spiritually
in spite of incessant tribuation every
inch of me humble. victorious soul-ar
overcomer If l know the meaning of thai
word And from this little cell l cry t.
a thirsty world: 'Ho. everyone that
money and without price-the waters Of
everlasting life"
John the Shepherd"
The letter to which Mr. Sanford refers
was written from South Durham b,
Belle +. Mckenzie and from 1t these ex
tracts are made:
Il expect. no doubt that others have
written their appreciation to you fol
Johns ministry. Personally l hardly
know what to say for words seem fla
20 express the depth of appreciation il
my own soul for our precious shepherd
John.
Since ycu have left US, I have gone
through such a queer, unsafe restles:
evperlence in nv spjrit While I have har