The Most Important Cult You Never Heard of 

Im just loving how these young youtubers getting on here and educating the world. What a positive way to do social media

I'm a 66 YO Black man. My grandfather was a devoted follower of Father Devine. I visited Father Devine's beautiful estate several times with my grandfather as a young child. I carried a picture of Father and Mother Devine in my wallet through out my early 20's. My grandfather never explained to me who and what Father Devine represented. However, my grandfather was such a strong fixture in my life that I accepted his beliefs, no questions ask. My grandfather lived to be in his late 90's. He was an intelligent black man who headed a loving and successful family.

Isn’t it a tragedy that when someone comes up with a good idea, like peace, and integration, it always gets perverted into a crazy cult? If only there would be a group that does all the good things, but doesn’t demand crazy things from the members and doesn’t become corrupt.

I have been watching cult documentaries for years and have never even heard of this man! Thank you for bringing this story to the world!

I just asked my Grandmom who will be 90 in December if she remembers this ... She told me the ate dinner at his restaurant for 15 cent and at his barber shops the hair cuts were 10 center . She told me that she learned how to sew at one of his programs

I love how quiet and straight to the detail your video is. No inconsiderate music in the background or dramatic animated expressions. This allows a wider audience to be able to stand your video.

I'm from Newark,NJ and his hotel still stand. It's a historic building and was remodeled. It also been renamed. All the elders still call it Father Divine Hotel. The city still rent to the poor. My mom talked about him all the time.

My family is deeply rooted in the Peace Mission. Father Divine bought my great grandparents a mansion in Newark back in the day. I've been to many banquets.

I'm watching this and my mother face called me rite now and I asked if she heard of him and she's telling me exactly what is being said by the young lady, interesting. My momma actually ate there all the time!!!! She didn't join, she actually gave him much credit for helping others and encouraging them to do the same. It's interesting how he knew my great grandfather and they talked all the time!!!! I probably would have never known unless I wouldn't have come across this interesting video.

Langston Hughes wrote a character based on him in his book “the ways of white folks”

i really need everyone black to spread this, teach your kids.. it's no accident he's omitted from history texts. and if we let it, the history will be erased.. i can only imagine how many other things haven't been told to us

This is my first time hearing of this cult but as for Jim jones…He took away two aunts I never got the chance to meet,I have no words for him but as for others I hope they don’t get pulled into these types of things anymore.Also this was well put together I like your content❤

I have so much admiration for you Maye. Strong, intelligent, incredibly talented. Girl can ACT, can WRITE, can PAINT. It's just too much. You are phenomenal and I am here for it!!!!

I grew up in Philadelphia and when I was a young child my mom took me to one of his restaurants and the food and atmosphere was absolutely wonderful. My mom said they called him Daddy Divine.

I'm born & raised in North Philly. I also read about this as a kid and my parents told me about this organization. They also had a restaurant that feed a ton of people at the lowest prices. There so much more to this. Thanks for bringing this up.

Omg I was not expecting to sit through the entirety of this! Nicely presented and relatable! 🥰🥰 ty!

Celibacy is the ultimate form of empowerment. When you cut off your sexual desire's, it empowers you to control every aspect of your life. Smoking, drinking, toxic people. It's not about sexual, deprivation. It's the beginning to finding God, yourself, and becoming your bestfriend.🙏🏾🕊

He had the best store in my neighborhood growing up in the 70's it was called PEACE they sold everything, from candy, toys , sewing patterns, household items.

“Oh the wife’s thinking thoughts, must be a crime involved” is literally soooo on point. Like that should be a saying

I love your presentations style and dry sense of humor! I just discovered your channel with this video, and look forward to exploring the eclectic and thought-provoking content!

My Mom (who is actually 100 and a 1/2 yrs old) spoke about what a movement it was and how the pentecostals hated him for the lack of humility...thanks for this!

Ive often wondered if a cult leader set out to develop a cult following, or if they truly had good intentions that grew into something bad.

Grew up in Philly, never heard of this man until studying the Jim Jones case. This story is unreal and so suppressed.

This is the one of the best series and presentation I have ever seen! Your humor is well appreciated and awesome in your delivery and profound knowledge dissemination ❤️🌹

When you said “elderly people love young people who are polite and help them with electronics” 😂…Truth

I live in Philadelphia and have had many of delicious meals from his restaurants. However, he used those people. They had to give him all of their money, change their name, and do exactly what he said. Abstinence with married people is crazy as hell. I know a previous member of his cult and the only persons that profited was Father and Mother. He controlled their minds. They actually believed that he was God and that he would arise like Jesus. Damn shame that people are so vulnerable.

It’s crazy I found this video. I was just learning about him from my grandpa. My grandpa said meeting father Devine was the first time his father had a conversation with a white person. For all the things father Devine did and was accused of. What he was preaching was absolute gold.

I first became fascinated with Cult History back in high school when I took Psychology 1 and Jim Jones was the 1st cult we were taught about. How ironic the 1st video I see of yours has a little segment about him 🤯. I’m Here to stay now 😂

Father Divine has been a taboo in our culture and in America. He was the first to do what ministries today has a matter of fact he was the blue print

RU-vid algorithms are awesome! Glad your video popped up - it was great!

My grandma was a follower of Father Divine. All I can say is what she taught me from what she learned from him, YES! Thoughts create things and the Law of Attraction/The Secret/ The Law of Assumption is REAL. Because of her teaching me what she learned during that New Thought Movement I have been able to CREATE. It is all in the Bible, if you know how to read it. We are GOD!

You did a great job on this and it reflects in your views. I am now a subscriber and look forward to more of your work. I never knew who Father Divine was until now and you're the one who taught me. If only school teachers taught like this, people would be more interested in history 😆. Keep up the good work

His ministry fed my mom in Harlem back in the 30's and an old Jewish friend said Father Devine retrieved his stolen truck filled of watermelon. I respect his efforts.

I did some research on Jim Jones and always heard him referring to father Devine. I now know exactly who he was referencing. Thanks for the enlightenment

My Mom talks about Father Divine every time we pass by the Divine Lorraine Hotel. She is usually very vague as it was before her time so I had to hop on this vid to hear the whole story. I’m going to share this with her! Thank you!

I'm 70 and I remember Father Divine and Sweet Daddy Grace. Glad you shared your research. It's important that young people talk to their elders so they don't have to assume we never heard of these people.

This is so interesting, my grandma said a few days ago that they would go to the Divine Lorraine Hotel in Philadelphia and hear him “preach” she has Alzheimer’s but when I mentioned that they turned the hotel into apartments she remembered him!

Buddha had a son before he became a monk, so after Buddha became successful in building his religious movement, his son wanted to join him, but Buddha's father was heartbroken due to his grandson leaving him. So Buddha promised to make a rule for children joining his monasticism, parents have to give consent, and if parents refused they'd have to wait until they reach adulthood. This is to prevent break up of families.

This is my 1st time discovering you and I must say I’m intrigued! Absolutely love this peace and your articulation! You are #awesome with that being said I’m subscribing and will share your platform with others. I look forward to discovering and viewing more of your material! Godspeed

Thank you for posting this. I remember seeing a promo for an documentary on this cult 2 or 3 times but I was never able to find a copy of it ANYWHERE.

Thanks for the information. You spoke so passionately of Father Divine. I earned my Ph.D. in Religion at Temple University in 2003. While there, I learned that Father Divine funded a scholarship there for poor students. I started going to his building off Broad and Giraud. It was a wonderful experience. His building is now an apartment condo complex. Great research Douglas E. Thomas, PhD

My grandmother is from Harlem, and says he was larger than life........Major figure in the black NYC community.

I just want to say I'm glad I found your channel. You have completely motivated me. Thank You!

I am so happy that you mentioned Father Divine. I went to college on Philadelphia in the late 80’s and was immediately introduced to him. His buildings were all over the Delaware Valley. As a matter of fact, when I got married we bought a historic home on the same block as his convent.

There was Daddy Grace ( Graciella) and Father Divine at the same period. Rastafarian movement was started about the same time by a man named (Howell) an associate of Garvy. There are still followers to this day of most of these moments.

Thank you Maye for bringing this part of black church history. I heard about Father Divine and Daddy Grace and even Reverend Ike as a kid but did not know the much about his place in civil rights and his own version of "God". I am proud to subscribe to your muses, VERY well done!!!

Thanks for your channel and your bringing forth facts on a cult leader. I'd heard about Father Divine being a man whom was supposed to be religious but had gotten people to give him lots of money. I appreciate hearing & watching someone who does their research to prove what they speak on

I am writing about him, in a book, he was indeed an inspiration for King, Daddy Grace, Malcolm X, and was indeed the most important pastor in America, between Garvey and King. Garveyites, in Harlem and Oakland, CA., followed Divine after Garvey's arrest and deportation. Father Divine lived next to FDR and owned over200 houses where followers lived on Booker T. Washington philosophy. Only Booker T. Was held higher than Divine, to Divine. Divine held 35 million, during the Great Depression. Jim Jones, a white man, trying to engage in a black cultural form, collapsed under its pressure, trying to lead a black movement, as a white man. Jonestown was the result. Thanks Maye, for bringing Father Divine to peoples' awareness. He still has all his original property in Sayville, LI and Woodmont, in PA. Also, "you have to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative" is based on a Father Divine sermon.

My great grandmother told me that her mother ran off with father divine she left her husband and kids to follow him

Thanks Maye! In the late '60s and early '70s My dad used to occasionally take our family to dinner at the Divine Temple on Sundays. It was on broad Street in Philadelphia, although we were not members. It was good food at a reasonable price. 🌞

Hi Madam Maye. Your presentation was brilliant and quite witty as well as being most informative! Thank you so very much for sharing. There is much to think about. I am reminded about individual purpose and life's purpose... Much kudos to you as You, your Family and Loved Ones remain safe guided protected inspired healthy happy wealthy and blessed perpetually.

I'm from west philly. I lived around the corner from father devine's church, inside of that church, they served breakfast, lunch & dinner. the food was top of the line food, that they never charged a set price. you could give whatever you had. father devine also owned a whole block, where all women lived, on westminister ave. all of the women who lived in those house were all red bones ( very light skinned black women) father devine owned a hotel on broad street in philly, that hotel had 10-5 floors on hotel rooms, father devine had notaries all over philly, & all manner o other businesses Father Devine was that dude.

I’m a 62 year old African American woman who grew up in North Philadelphia where Father Divine had a mansion on 16th & Oxford. It’s still there. I loved when my mom took us to the Divine Lorraine Hotel to visit the restaurant downstairs on the intersections of Ridge Ave, Fairmont Av and North Broad Street!

OMG!!! I only ever saw you on some spelling podcast that my husband watches. I was surprised to find you here educating us on the cult life. I love it❤️! Subscribed and binging ASAP! 🙌

You're doing an awesome work, Maye! Thanks for all you do. Respect!

He was before my time but when I was growing up, I remember the elders talking about him. His influence still exists today but we just don't know it's from him.

If there wasn't a Father Divine, there would be no Reverend Ike.

You were on my recommended list and I'm NOT disappointed

You are a strong scholar and historian on all of your connected parts. Love this quality and loving your work!!!

I really loved this video!!! I learnt so much, especially since I’ve never heard of father divine in my life (which is surprising because I relish learning about historical figures)- I am so happy I found you 🤗

If he wasn't the first mega church, he had the first mega church, that didn't collect funds from his followers. That in itself is a miracle. (to my knowledge)

Just found your channel. I love your content, and even more your delivery. Your humor is awesome. The relationship between Father Divine and Jim Jones is fascinating. They both demonstrate the concept that power corrupts.

Why am I just finding this channel now? I love topics like this and you tackle it really well! Definitely subscribing

My Dad grew up in Harlem in 40's and he loved Father Divine, he spoke about him all the time.

I remember reading about Father Divine myself. I honestly forgot about him until I seen this title. Great job with the video and research!!

Father Divine was like Jim Jones he became rich from the people he thought he was God

This kind of content is wonderful!!!! So glad I found your channel. Keep up the great work!!!!

Excellent presentation. I knew of Father Divine, but only the negatives. I didn't know Father Divine was influenced by New Thought. There were many good things in his cult. I subscribed to you channel because the video was so well researched.

I grew up with Father Divine's followers. My grandmother and my aunt lived in one of his hotels. My grandmother became friends with him and his followers. I spent a lot of time at his hotel in Newark, N. J. It was a very interesting experience and helped shape who I am today.

This was expertly explained. I was born in the late 90's, so this was utterly unknown to me. What a fascinating collections of teachings! I can hardly imagine what people's first impression of him was- especially at that time!

I'm glad the algorithm shook your channel out! Looking forward to checking out your other content.

My grandmother was actually a devout follower of this man. My mother and her brothers suffered at her hands under his teaching.

you're very articulate & beautiful. your vibe is magnetic. new subscriber 💜

I love the levity you bring to your video- thank you

This was amazing, I was familiar with Garvey, but this completely new to me. Thank u

I remember learning a little bit about Father Divine in a religion class I took in college. I remember my professor saying he had a big impact at the time but I didn't realize it was as big as it was. Also I didn't know there was video of him. That was interesting to see.

Back with cult content and I’m here for it.

Much respect good research Young lady can't wait to see what you will do next father Divine feed his people and his hotel Loraine grace Divine still stands today and he always had the cleanest white dinner table that could give Ruth Chris a run for their money even today immaculate dinner arrangements without question

I remember him , I lived in Ct , and it was news when he visited his Churches in New Haven and Bridgeport , he was on the news . My older brother explained him as a religious leader. Who was financially motivated looking back he pretty much exploited Poor black people.

I had to chuckle when you said that Father Divine preached celibacy and then the husbands of his women followers had him arrested for lunacy. Heh.

Mind Blowing!! I have NEVER heard of this man, this is proof that they only teach and show you what they want you to absorb, bless you Maye for dropping this jewel, I'm subscribing RIGHT NOW.

I’m so glad you’re talking about all this history!!

I can’t believe I watched/listened to this entire video. It was interesting. You got me when you said you are a U.S history movement. I love history especially U.S.

When I was young in the sixties I heard my parents talk of this father Divine and of the Sunday meals he was served after service at his church somewhere down my forty-third street round Wyalusing or somewhere down in Philadelphia but that's all I ever heard about it thank you for being so informative on this subject of Father Divine as I never knew he was into the Civil Rights Movement there was nothing ever written about him that I've enabled spine until your podcast so thank you very much

First time I heard of Father Divine was in the mid 1990 I was a p public Health Nurse and had to visit one of his followers in a building he had on Central Av. Newark NJ. At first I though it was an apartment building but when the old Male answered the door. I asked to see Me. Love and he answered in a strange voice. Which Love ? We have Peaceful Love , Wonderful Love etc. As soon I gained entry in was shown pictures of Mother and Father which was every where and in every bedroom. There was a large dining area with a place setting for "Father and Mother " who was already dead years ago. A very strange place.

This video is everything! I'm so glad I found your page!

Thank you for sharing this, I would have never known! Nice addition to black history

My grandfather used to talk at length about Father Divine and said mostly good thing about him. Thanks for this video, I hope he’s not lost to history.

Dr. Maye, you are a brilliant teacher. You make history come alive. I had read a little about Fr. Divine but you brought his Past life out of obscurity. Thanks for sharing!

Dawg how have I not found this channel sooner this content is elite

Thank you for relating this part of history. It is greatly appreciated.

I was just researching this man’s buildings that have been remodeled and resold over the years in Philadelphia. His full self given name was Father Major Jealous Devine. Just the name is a red flag.

I remember when I was a little girl growing up and in Philadelphia my dad used to take us every Sunday to father Devine to eat and even back then the food was so good and you just gave a donation. Best homemade yeast rolls. I Remember all the older women wearing all white as they served us

This is my first viewing of one of your videos. You are analytical, immensely intelligent, beautiful woman. (What are you doing on RU-vid??!?) That was very well presented & I LOVE content with facts that I haven't heard before. That is rare, but you pulled it off. Much respect😁

I only clicked on this video cuz of your diviness! I learned a lot I never knew. I've come to realize there is a lot of the past our parents never speak about

Loving this series! I'm learning so much that I literally would have never even thought to research.

I knew of him as a child, my parents and relatives always talked about him. My mom is 102.

Great video. Thanks you! I enjoyed the info,. You are a natural RU-vidr and a pleasure to watch. Cheers.

God dwells in us doesn't mean we are God it just means he dwells in us. We have his anointing on us.

Once again you teach me something new Maye, Father Divine sounded like Creflo with the suits and the plane lol let me stop before someone gets offended but let me look up Nevel