Edmund Creffield facts for kids
Franz Edmund Creffield, also known as Edmund Creffield or by the name Joshua, was a religious leader from Germany who started a special group in Corvallis, Oregon. People in the area called his group the "Holy Rollers" because of their energetic worship style. Many people thought his group was a cult. Creffield believed he was a very important religious figure, like the second coming of Jesus. He often had disagreements with the authorities and local people.
In June 1904, he was sent to the Oregon State Penitentiary for about a year and a half. In 1906, Creffield died.
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Early Life and New Beliefs
Franz Edmund Creffield was born in Germany. We don't know exactly how he came to Oregon in the United States. He first appeared in Portland in 1903. There, he joined the Salvation Army, which is a Christian organization.
Later that same year, he was sent to the town of Corvallis to help with their work. But soon, Creffield decided to leave the Salvation Army. He then started his own religious group. He called it the Bride of Christ Church.
The Bride of Christ Church
The people of Corvallis had a different name for Creffield's group. They called them the "Holy Rollers". This was because during their church services, members would sometimes roll on the floor for a long time. This was part of their worship.
Creffield's group became quite popular, especially among women. However, many people in the town saw the group as a cult. This meant they thought the group had unusual beliefs and practices.
Challenges and Disputes
Creffield and his followers often faced problems with the law and the people living in Corvallis. These issues often came from his unusual behavior and the way he led his group.
In 1904, these problems led to Creffield being sent to prison. He spent about seventeen months at the Oregon State Penitentiary. After he was released, he continued to have disagreements with others.
Creffield's Death
In 1906, Creffield died. He was killed by a man named George Mitchell. Mitchell's sister was one of Creffield's followers.
