Category Archives: Religion

Child Witnesses Missing in Mazdaznan Cult Sex Case

Posted on January 7, 2010 by lmharnisch

"Wonder What a 21-months-old Baby Thinks About?" by Clare Briggs. Jan. 7, 1920: The Times publishes the names of children who were allegedly molested by Otoman Zar-Adusht Hanish. The Times discontinued identifying sex crime victims years ago, but it was … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, art and artists, Comics, Religion | Comments Off

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Jan. 5, 1960

Posted on January 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

I spent an uncomfortable morning standing over the city room teletypes and watching the Holy Season dispatches pour out of Germany. I read the bulletin from Cologne about the synagogue that had been desecrated on Christmas Eve. … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Front Pages, Paul Coates, Religion | Comments Off

Teachings of Mazdaznan Cult Exposed

Posted on January 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

“When a Feller Needs a Friend,” by Clare Briggs. Jan. 5, 1920: The Times quotes the writings of Otoman Zar-Adusht Hanish: "To raise one's vibration and interest it is well to speak sentences on one breath, such as inhaling through … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, art and artists, books, Comics, Religion | 1 Comment

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Jan. 4, 1960

Posted on January 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

'Blacklist' Charge Brings an Answer The controversy over Hollywood's real or fancied "blacklist" has had more than a decade to smolder down to embers, but it's still burning. The issue is kept alive by extremists. But occasionally, it's … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Columnists, Homicide, Paul Coates, Religion, Richard Nixon | Comments Off

Police Raid Cult Headquarters

Posted on January 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

“When Doc Rides and When He Walks.” March 14, 1927, Peter the Hermit learns some dance steps. Jan. 4, 1920: During a police raid on the Mazdaznan temple, "an old, queer looking man, attired in blonde whiskers, long frock … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Comics, Obituaries, Religion | 1 Comment

Cult Leader Accused of Molesting Children

Posted on December 31, 2009 by lmharnisch

“Somebody Is Always Taking the Joy Out of Life,” by Clare Briggs. Dec. 31, 1919: Ottoman/Othoman Zar-Adusht Hanish, "little master" of the sun worshiping Mazdaznan cult, arrives in Los Angeles. He is accused of "revolting offenses against … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, art and artists, Comics, Religion | Comments Off

Predictions for 1975

Posted on December 26, 2009 by lmharnisch

“All That Is Behind You, Darling.” Dec. 26, 1959: Somehow, the forecasters failed to predict the energy crisis, leisure suits and disco. Cardinal McIntyre celebrates Mass at St. Vibiana’s. “The Bells of Bethlehem” by Aimee Semple McPherson (d. 1944) … Continue reading →

Posted in art and artists, Comics, Film, Front Pages, Hollywood, Religion | Comments Off

Christmas, 1959

Posted on December 25, 2009 by lmharnisch

Photograph by the Los Angeles Times Dec. 25, 1959: City Hall is lighted, as usual, for Christmas. The tradition was discontinued in the 1970s after a long court battle.

Posted in #courts, City Hall, Religion | Comments Off

Christmas Day, 1909

Posted on December 25, 2009 by lmharnisch

Dec. 25, 1909: Food and Christmas trees for the needy, church services and auto racing at Ascot Park with Barney Oldfield.

Posted in Food and Drink, Religion, Sports | Comments Off

The Times Takes a Dim View of Interracial Marriage

Posted on December 24, 2009 by lmharnisch

March 11, 1909: Helen Gladys Emery and Gunjiro Aoki announce their engagement. The Times notes that a marriage between them would be illegal in California. March 27, 1909: Emery and Aoki travel to Seattle in their attempt to … Continue reading →

Posted in Eurasians, Religion | 3 Comments

Pastor Accused of Stealing Church Funds, Eloping With Choir Member

Posted on December 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

Dec. 22, 1909: I had a difficult time picking a story this morning because the entire page is fascinating. First there’s the pastor from a small town in Indiana who is accused of stealing money from his church and eloping with … Continue reading →

Posted in Front Pages, health, LAPD, Religion | 1 Comment

Last Civil War Veteran Dies at 117

Posted on December 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

Dec. 20, 1959: “Peanuts” characters not only discuss Christmas, but they go to church. W.N. Chandler decorates his home at 13060 Otsego St. for Christmas. 13060 Otsego St., Sherman Oaks, via Google maps’ street view. “What do you … Continue reading →

Posted in Comics, Front Pages, Obituaries, Politics, Religion, Sports | 2 Comments

World’s First Wireless Phone?

Posted on December 16, 2009 by lmharnisch

Texting is next! Dec. 16, 1909: The Times reports that disagreement over education and missionaries has been resolved on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona. “The ruling faction at Oraibi is well content to be included in the progress of … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion, Science, Web/Tech | Comments Off

The healer

Posted on December 15, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 20. 1957, Los Angeles Tent revivals are nothing new in Los Angeles–they have been going on for a century. But by any standards, Oral Roberts’ crusades were sensational events. The televangelist staged his first Southern California revival from … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion | Tagged 1957, Oral Roberts, Pentecostals, revivals, televangelists | 1 Comment

Birth Control OK, Billy Graham Says

Posted on December 13, 2009 by lmharnisch

The Scriptures say nothing that would bar responsible use of birth control, Billy Graham says. Dec. 13, 1959: I rarely republish The Times editorials because they are frequently embarrassing, taking such positions as the U.S. doesn’t need a federal anti-lynching … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Religion | Comments Off

LoCigno Arraigned in Whalen Killing

Posted on December 12, 2009 by lmharnisch

Darryl Kemp’s prints are found in Marjorie Hipperson’s apartment. “Yes, I’ll Leave Now!” Dmitri Shostakovich gives some lumps to Louis Armstrong and Leonard Bernstein. Now you know what a Shamash is. A robe is $55 at Oviatt’s – that’s … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, art and artists, Comics, Mickey Cohen, Religion, Sports | 1 Comment

Hanukkah, 1909

Posted on December 11, 2009 by lmharnisch

Los Angeles Times file photo Temple B’nai B’rith, Hope and 9th streets. Dec. 11, 1909: “The Hanukkah teaches us to be true to our colors as a religious entity; to shield, protect and safeguard our spiritual heritage for … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Religion | Comments Off

Matt Weinstock, Dec. 10, 1959

Posted on December 10, 2009 by lmharnisch

Christmas Story It's about that time again so, as the saying goes, let's see if we can jerk a few tears. A couple with four children have been in serious financial difficulty since the father was injured recently and … Continue reading →

Posted in art and artists, Columnists, Food and Drink, Homicide, Religion | Comments Off

Digging for Solomon’s Treasure

Posted on November 28, 2009 by lmharnisch

Speculators are excavating at the Pool of Siloam in hopes of finding King Solomon’s treasure. Nov. 14, 1909: Flames roar through an Illinois coal mine, trapping hundreds underground. Nov. 28, 1909: Mine inspector Theodore Fellows is being taken … Continue reading →