The Beginnings of the Peoples Temple
The Peoples Temple of the Disciples of Christ, also known as the Peoples Temple, was established in Indianapolis in 1956 by a man named Jim Jones. Jones wanted to help people in need and found a perfect way to do so, by starting a church.
Jim Jones. Photo by Janet Fries/Getty Images
It didn’t take long for the Peoples Temple to gather followers who were drawn towards Jones’ message of racial justice and social equality. At a time when racial segregation was the norm, Jones’ philosophy was considered revolutionary. They donated money to charity and created social and medical organizations, such as soup kitchens and job placement services.