George Lukins facts for kids

George Lukins was an English tailor who became famous in 1788. He was 44 years old when people claimed he was experiencing demonic possession. This led to a special religious ceremony called an exorcism. His case caused a lot of discussion and debate across England.

George Lukins' Story

In May 1788, a woman named Mrs. Sarah Barber was traveling in a village called Yatton in Somerset. She met George Lukins and noticed he had a very strange illness. He would sing and scream in unusual voices, some of which didn't sound human. Mrs. Barber told a local church leader, Reverend Joseph Easterbrook, that doctors couldn't help George.

Early Life and Illness

Mrs. Barber knew George Lukins well. She said he was a good person who regularly attended church services. However, for 18 years, he had been having strange fits. George believed these fits started after he was knocked down by an unseen force during a Christmas pageant.

Many doctors tried to help George Lukins, but none could find a cure. He even stayed at St George's Hospital for 20 weeks, but the medical experts there said he was incurable.

Belief in Possession

Because doctors couldn't explain his condition, people in the community started to think George was "bewitched." George himself believed he was possessed by seven demons. He claimed that only seven clergymen could drive them out.

Reverend Joseph Easterbrook heard about George's belief. He contacted some Methodist ministers who were connected to John Wesley, a famous religious leader. These ministers agreed to pray for George Lukins.

One of the ministers, Reverend John Valton, wrote about his feelings before the exorcism:

Some time ago I had a letter requesting me to make one of the seven ministers to pray over George Lukins. I cried out before God, "Lord, I am not fit for such a work; I have not faith to encounter a demoniac." It was powerfully applied, "God in this thy might." The day before we were to meet, I went to see Lukins, and found such faith, that I could then encounter the seven devils which he said tormented him. I did not doubt but deliverance would come. Suffice to say, when we met, the Lord heard prayer, and delivered the poor man.

– Rev. John Valton

The Exorcism

The local newspaper, the Bristol Gazette, published a report about the exorcism. It said that during his supposed possession, George Lukins claimed to be the devil. He also made barking noises, sang a reversed church hymn called Te Deum, and was very violent.

On June 13, 1788, seven clergymen, including Reverend Joseph Easterbrook, gathered with George Lukins. They went to a special room in Temple Church and performed the exorcism. This included singing hymns and saying many prayers.

The ministers believed the demons were cast out using a special religious phrase. George Lukins then shouted "Blessed Jesus!", praised God, and recited the Lord's prayer. He then thanked the Methodist and Anglican clergymen.

Aftermath and Controversy

Reverend Easterbrook wrote down the events, with support from John Wesley. He knew that people in the "modern era of skepticism" might doubt the story. But he pointed to religious texts and historical accounts to support what he believed was a real case of demonic possession.

However, not everyone agreed. An article in The Gentleman's Magazine, and Historical Chronicle criticized the story. It suggested that George Lukins actually suffered from medical conditions like epilepsy and St. Vitus's dance. A doctor named Dr. Feriar, who studied beliefs about demons, even called George Lukins an "impostor." This means he thought George was faking his condition.

Despite the arguments, George Lukins was described as calm and happy after the exorcism. Many books and articles were printed about his case. This made his story of supposed demonic possession and deliverance very popular, even though it was originally meant to be kept a secret.

See also

• Clara Germana Cele
• Anneliese Michel
• Robbie Mannheim
• Michael Taylor (Ossett)
• Johann Blumhardt