Father Divine was an influential and charismatic religious leader and founder of the International Peace Mission Movement. Born in 1879 on Middle Lane as George Baker, Jr., he attended the Rockville and Jerusalem M.E. Church. He later relocated to New York, calling himself Reverend Major Jealous Divine or Father Divine. Believing he was God manifest, he preached in churches, houses, and on street corners. Although his religious views were radical, his efforts to support the needy and challenge racial barriers were successful. He was an early proponent of racial equality and pushed for anti-discrimination legislation in Congress in the 1940s. The Peace Mission Movement still exists and strives to help people in need. It operated a number of model farms and hotels throughout the country, some of which still exist. The Peace Mission's headquarters are at the Woodmont Estate in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.
