The Atlas Obscura Podcast A Disappearance from the Ocean View Hotel
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May 22, 2025 Dive into the mysterious 1926 disappearance of evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson from the Ocean View Hotel. Witness the vibrant history of Venice Beach as Aimee captivates audiences with her innovative preaching. Explore her puzzling reemergence in Mexico and the gripping tale of her survival from abduction. Unravel the inconsistencies surrounding her story that sparked suspicion and intrigue. Plus, enjoy a humorous look at the Ocean View Hotel's quirky past as it transforms into its modern iteration.
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Amy's Theatrical Preaching Style
- Amy Semple McPherson was a wildly popular evangelical preacher known for theatrical sermons like riding a motorcycle on stage.
- She used spectacle and entertainment as a way to draw crowds and spread her religious message.
Amy's Rise to Celebrity Preacher
- Amy was a rare female evangelical megachurch leader in the 1920s, rising from humble origins.
- Her natural charisma and marketing savvy helped create her celebrity status long before modern influencers.
Amy's Disappearance and Sightings
- Amy disappeared while swimming at Venice Beach, presumed drowned, sparking a massive search and public mourning.
- Despite official assumptions of her death, many reported seeing her afterwards, fueling mystery and hope.
