Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection via Wikipedia. 1fair use

“Sister” Aimee Semple McPherson (October 9, 1890 – September 27, 1944) was an evangelist and founder of the Foursquare Church. She was in Oakland to hold a series of revival meetings in 1944, and accidentally overdosed on sleeping pills while staying at the Leamington Hotel. 2 Local doctor Edward Lundegaard was called on to perform the autopsy, pushing Lundegaard's name into the national press. 3

According to the Los Angeles Times:

She had ridden in a horse-drawn buggy with customary showmanship to the Oakland Auditorium and lectured on “The Story of My Life.” She was scheduled for three additional revival sermons, “V-Day,” “Great Divine Healing” and High Voltage.” 4

McPherson led an interesting life; see the Wikipedia entry for more information.

Earlier Visits

1922 ad192219291929 51931 6

Links and References

  1. Aimee Semple McPherson on Wikipedia
  2. Aimee M'Pherson Dies of Heart Attack Here Oakland Tribune September 27, 1944 (p2)
  3. Pathological Tests Planned As Autopsy Fails To Show What Caused Death of Evangelist Louisville Courier-Journal September 24, 1944
  4. Aimee Semple McPherson Dies Suddenly In Oakland Los Angeles Times September 28, 1944 (p2)
  5. Aimee As Real Sky Pilot Oakland Tribune May 21, 1929
  6. When Oakland Youth Unmasked Aimee Oakland Tribune May 13, 1931
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