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Re: Anyone has info on Bedward's 'flight to heaven

Bedward was born at Mona in 1859. He spent time in Panama, where he became a born again Christian. He eventually became the leader of a Christian cult at August Town, and founded the Jamaica Baptist Free Church. He claimed prophetic powers, and attracted a large following . His movement came to be called Bewardism. He annointed himself Bishop, and was called "the Shepherd". His church was essentially revivalist, with a whole group of women active as "Mothers", dressed in white, etc., etc. He was fascinated by the concept of the Trinity, and had some interesting thoughts in that direction.

Bedward was known for his fanatical certainty, his absolute belief in his prophetic powers, and his hypnotic effect on people. He eventually claimed to be Jesus, and had his followers address him as "Lord". He claimed that he and all his followers were going to acend bodily into heaven on December 31st, 1920. His followers gave away all their possessions, and many hundreds gathered at August Town on the appointed date, all dressed in white, ready for the celestial trip. Even educated people were affected, and one Gleaner editorial writer suggested he might indeed be the reincarnation of Jesus.

On January 31, 1920, Bedward sat himself in a chair, in the middle of the church yard. He sat for a long time, but nothing happened. He said that the miraculous event was postponed to another day. He did this a few times over the following weeks and months. Nothing happened. He then reportedly tried to teach a few people how to fly. Their failures in that connection were attributed by Bedward to a lack of faith. Finally, he called for a march to Kingston, to assert his divinity to the government. The British arrested him, and had him committed to an insane asylum, where he ended his days.

Another glorious chapter in Jamaican religious experience. If you need more information, let me know.

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Anyone has info on Bedward's 'flight to heaven'.
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