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Miss Lillian Keyes, daughter of Dr. Henry S. Keyes, president of the Emergency and General Hospital, is among those who say they have received “the gift of tongues” within the last week at the meetings conducted in Burbank Hall under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Smale.
The profession of Miss Keyes is of interest to many persons who have watched the strange services and discovered only fanaticism in the teachings.
Dr. Keyes says there is no doubt about the genuineness of his daughter’s gift and predicts for Los Angeles a marvelous demonstration of spiritual power within the next two weeks.
“My daughter is 17 years old,” said Dr. Keyes this morning. “She has received power to speak Arabic, a language which she never studied, and there is no doubt whatever about the genuineness of her gift since her words have been interpreted and thoroughly proved. . . .”
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When Rev. Smale severed his connection with the First Baptist Church on account of discord caused by his unusual views, Dr. Keyes was one of his strongest supporters and went with him into the New Testament church movement.
Within the last two months much excitement has been caued in the local religious world by the assertions of Rev. Smale and his followers that they were able to receive power to speak in languages they had never learned.
Some of the members have deserted the church on account of this strange teaching.
By those who do not believe in the doctrine, the professors are designated as “Holy Rollers.”
The sect . . . originated in Topeka, Kan., it is said.
The Smale meetings are conducted in an orderly manner, but there is another congregation in this city, which has been subject to threats of arrest for the disturbances made.
It meets in Azusa Street and is composed of whites and Negroes in about equal
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proportions. Many of the worshipers are uneducated, and the “jabbering” of those who profess “to speak with tongues” is often not possible of interpretation.
At Monrovia, a congregation of “Holy Rollers” has created excitement which promises to end disastrously. A rumor to the effect that the “Holy Rollers” contemplate making sacrifices of children, to appease the wrath of God, is in circulation, and timid women are keeping close watch over their little ones. . . .
Rev. E.P. Ryland, president of the Los Angeles Church Federation, . . . is of the opinion . . . that certain of the enthusiasts might lose their reason through overzeal and become dangerous. . . .
Miss Mabel Smale, a niece of Rev. Joseph Smale, also claims to be in possession of the mysterious gift. The language given her is Chinese. . . .
Miss Lucy Brower, although she has never studied French, is said to be able to talk fluently in that language. She also speaks Arabic. . . .
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