Sister Aimee and the Birth of the Megachurch

This episode of 99% Invisible explores the history of the Angelus Temple in Los Angeles and its founder, Aimee Semple McPherson. Opened in 1923, the Angelus Temple is considered the first megachurch in the United States, predating the modern megachurch movement by about half a century. The podcast details McPherson's rise to fame as a charismatic preacher, her innovative use of mass media like radio, and her blend of entertainment with religion. It also delves into the scandalous episode of her alleged kidnapping and the subsequent investigation, which, despite damaging her reputation, ultimately boosted the church's popularity. The episode concludes by reflecting on McPherson's lasting influence on American Christianity and the evolution of the Angelus Temple over time.