FATHER DIVINE

Evening Star, Issue 22631, 24 April 1937, Page 15

FATHER DIVINE

FOUND HIDING IN BASEMENT ARREST EFFECTED QUIETLY Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright NEW YORK, April 22.. Father Divine was arrested while hiding in the basement of a residence in Milford, : Connecticut. He was sent to , gaol as a fugitive from justice, with the’ charge pending until the arrival of. New York detectives. He was unarmed, and surrendered quietly. He declined to make a statement to the District Attorney, whom he urged should permit his immediate return to. face trial. VJI7E DYING IN HOSPITAL NEW. YORK, April 22. It has been disclosed that Father Divine’s wife is dying, in. hospital from heart and kidney disease. “Faithful Mary ” , is . paying the hospital bills. Tn the meantime Father Divine’s followers have ousted Mary from one of the tenements which she managed, and refused to allow her to enter Father Divine’s “ Kingdom of Heaven.” FACING FRESH TROUBLE

NEW YORK, April 23. The police said that when Father Divine was found behind a furnace ho raised his right hand and exclaimed. “.Peace, it’s _ wonderful.He faces new trouble in an investigation con earning coal stolen from Pennsylvania fields and allegedly used by Divine’s followers. He blessed Thomas, who was arrested, and admitte loaing the coal. He, however, denied knowing that it was stolen. UNABLE TO SECURE BAIL NEW YORK. April 23. Father Divine returned to New York, where he was placed in gaol. He was unable to secure bond, due to the courts being closed early in the morning. Afore than 500 negroes are around police headquarters and more are arriving constantly from Harlem by trains and motors. Although the crowds are peaceful the police captain has ordered reinforcements and a special guard for Father Divine’s cell.