1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries Podcast

THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF AIMEE SEMPLE MCPHERSON, (THE VANISHING EVANGELIST)

Published: January 18, 2026

Duration: 24:50

Aimee Semple McPherson's "trial" was a highly publicized investigation in 1926 following her mysterious disappearance and reappearance, where she faced charges of conspiracy and obstructing justice for allegedly faking a kidnapping to cover up a romantic tryst in Mexico. Although evidence mounted against her, including testimony from her secretary and her mother's inconsistent statements, the case ultimately collapsed due to a lack of definitive proof, and the charges were dismissed in early 1927, allowing her to continue her influential evangelistic ministry, however it was never proved that she had made up the kidnapping story, and Aimee never revealed that she did...