Departures of note

Archie Johnson Inger, born June 17, 1883, in Preston, Idaho, and died October 3, 1954, in Hayward, California, was an artist, author, and Christian lecturer. He is best known for his 1908 book, Revealed Translation of John's Revelation Given by the Lord Jesus Christ to Archie J. Inger, published in Oakland, California, when he was 25. The book, which he claimed was an explanation of the Apocalypse provided directly by Christ, was intentionally not restrictively copyrighted, and has since become widely available online and in published editions.

Inger's claims of hearing 'heavenly' voices and music while wide awake began in his youth, and he confided in his parents about these experiences. He attracted widespread attention in Oakland around 1903, when he claimed voices directed him to 'come over to Jesus Christ.' Despite having little formal education and no prior understanding of the scriptures, he wrote a 300-page book on the Book of Revelation. He was interviewed by a score of clergymen and professional men who were puzzled by his apparent understanding and mysterious force.

In 1909, at age 26, Inger lectured in Los Angeles, claiming to be a prophet of God. He spoke at Blanchard Hall on the coming of the Fifth Universal Empire and the Prophecies of Daniel, and later at Symphony Hall, charging a 25-cent admission to defray expenses. He said the spirit voice was with him during his talks, and that he had no idea what he would say before going on stage, describing it as 'Christ speaking through me.' He disclaimed any intention of forming a sect, though he was said to be gradually building a following.

Inger's work also endorsed the revelations of Levi McKeen Arnold, a Poughkeepsie, New York businessman who claimed to receive revelations from Jesus Christ starting in 1851. In the twelfth chapter of his book, Inger's text refers readers to Arnold's History of Origin of All Things, calling it a credible body of revelation similar to his own. In 1944, Inger presented a painting to the Hayward ward of the Latter Day Saints church, and he remained associated with Mormonism in his adult years, though his experiences and claims were also compared to those of Maurice L. Glendenning.