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Moorish Science Temple of America — Part 13
Page 67
67 / 130
—r
a
Oe tee 8 i ites I i Soll ies BO ia: aaa eee
Chicago File #14-39
Es : Po eT ben
"Gibbons, too, wus sent to the insane asylum, but was released
several years laters In 1941 he was heading o Chicago temple
on Eest 40th Street and still asserting claim tc the title of
Grand Sheik of oll Moorish«American Science Temples. Gibbons
was one of six contestants, each one a temple loader and each
onc designating his own os Templa Noe 1é
"Services in each temple observe with minor deviations, the
pattern established by Drew Ali. First, a minor sheik, a
sheikess cr the chairman reads and explains Brew Ali's version
of the Koran. Then follows a more elaborete discourss by the
Grand Sheik (in some temples callec the Governer), the whole
cercrcny being punctuated at intervais by Christ*en hymis with
the words Allah, Drew Alii, and Mosle>. being substituted for God,
Chrisc, and Christian. Friday is cbserved as tho holy day of
rest, ‘because cn Friday the first man depnrted out of ‘the
flesh ond cna Friday the first man wos formed in flesh and on Ne
a Fridsy the first man departed out of the Tlech and as-ended
utc his feather God Allzh, for that cause Fridcy is the Holy
Day for cll Keslems all over the werld.'
"Since Drex Ali considored Marcus Garvey his forerunner (in o
relationship analogous to that of John the Baptist and Jesus)
ond paid tribute to him in his 'Acron'’ and in his sermons,
Kocrish-Americans frequently laud -and quote the ~amaican-or-———
gonizcre
"January 8, the Prophet's birthday, is a evecial occasion in
ell temples. Full Moorish rezelie is worn ty these members |
who can affort it, and there is likely to be feasting and dis-
tribution of gifts as in Christmas celebrations in Christian
churches. A number of unconverted guests are invited; the
customary speeches take on a more evangelistic tone. Exposie
tions of the teachings and principles of the Prophet are offered
ina simplified form fer the bonefit of those still under the
influence of Christianity, called "The Folly.' 4
"The leader cf cach of the bickering factions has striven in
vain tc build up an organisation as powerful (and as lucrative)
ag the parent body disrupted by internal warfare and the death
of Drew Ali. According to Attorney Aaron Payno, the Prophet
in ono year amassed a fortumo of $56,000.00 and commanded 4
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