Father Divine

Father Divine
Father Divine in 1938
Bornc. 1876
DiedSeptember 10, 1965(1965-09-10) (aged 89)
OccupationPreacher
Spouse(s)1st: Penninah Divine
2nd: Edna Rose Ritchings

Father Divine (c.1876  September 10, 1965), 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. Many consider him to be a cult leader since he claimed to be God.