Father Divine

Father Divine, also known as Reverend M. J. Divine, was an American spiritual leader from about 1907 until his death in 1965. His full self-given name was Reverend Major Jealous Divine, and he was also known as "the Messenger" early in his life. He founded the International Peace Mission movement, formed its doctrine and oversaw its growth from a small and predominantly black congregation into a multiracial and international church. He also engaged in anti-lynching activism. His organization had a few tens of thousands of adherents and was the largest property owner in Harlem at one time. Many consider him to be a cult leader, since he claimed to be God.