99% Invisible Sister Aimee and the Birth of the Megachurch
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Aug 12, 2025 
Gillian Jacobs, a reporter and actor passionate about Los Angeles architecture, and Claire Hoffman, the author of 'Sister Sinner', dive into the riveting story of Aimee Semple McPherson. They discuss her groundbreaking role in establishing America’s first megachurch and her innovative blend of showbiz and salvation. The conversation explores her mysterious disappearance, the scandals that ensued, and her lasting impact on modern megachurch culture. Listeners will uncover the rich history behind Angelus Temple and McPherson's influence on American Christianity.
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Angelus Temple As Megachurch Prototype
- Amy Semple McPherson built a 5,300-seat Angelus Temple that pioneered the megachurch model in 1923.
- Her design married spectacle, classical architecture, and Pentecostal worship into a new mass-church template.
Staging Religion With Hollywood Craft
- McPherson fused vaudeville and Hollywood production values with preaching to create highly theatrical services.
- She recruited stage managers, set designers, and lighting professionals to stage elaborate, illustrated sermons.
Early Radio To Scale Influence
- McPherson embraced radio early and started one of the first church-owned radio stations to reach nationwide audiences.
- Broadcasting extended the intimacy of her voice into homes and scaled her ministry beyond the temple.
