People v. Israelite House of David

“ This is an action in equity, brought by the attorney general of the State of Michigan, in his official capacity, to abate an alleged public nuisance claimed to be maintained by the defendants.

“The defendant Israelite House of David is a voluntary, unincorporated, religious society, founded and dominated by the defendants Benjamin and Mary Purnell. Claiming to be the Seventh Angel or Messenger mentioned in the Book of Revelation, Benjamin, in 1902, gave to the world a written religious message. On March 17, 1903, he and Mary and five others came to Benton Harbor, Michigan, acquired some…