In 1920s Los Angeles, one of the biggest names in American evangelism was, surprisingly for the time, a woman. Aimee Semple McPherson founded America’s first megachurch, preaching to some 17,000 people at three services, seven days a week. She founded a radio station that shared those services to millions of households around the country. 10% of the population of Los Angeles held a membership at her Angelus Temple. And on May 18, 1926, Aimee Semple McPherson vanished.

Want early, ad-free episodes, regular Dumpster Dives, bonus divorces, limited series, Zoom hangouts, and more? Join us at patreon.com/trashydivorces!

Want a personalized message for someone in your life? Check us out on Cameo!

To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com.

Stacie’s Receipts

Sister, Sinner: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson, by Claire Hoffman (bookshop.org)

The Vanishing Evangelist by Lately Thomas (worldradiohistory.com)