AUBURN — William Hiss, former dean of admissions at Bates College and author, will speak at the Androscoggin Historical Society’s next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, in the Davis-Wagg Museum on 2 Turner St.

His topic is “Shiloh: Frank W. Sandford and The Kingdom.” Hiss will offer a history of the movement with slides of its work under the Rev. Frank W. Sandford, who headquartered the religious community on a hilltop in Durham.

Sandford announced that he was the second coming of Elijah, foretold in the last verse of the Old Testament in Malachi 4. By the early 20th century, he had hundreds of followers, but also attracted some hostility.

The Shiloh movement attempted to evangelize the world, although the followers experienced both spiritual joy and great suffering. The community lasted until 1920, when it was dissolved as a community. The Kingdom still exists as an evangelical movement. The original Shiloh sanctuary building in Durham is still in use for Christian services.

Hiss retired in 2013 after 35 years as a dean, vice president and lecturer in Asian studies at Bates. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Bates, an MTS in ethics and American church history from Harvard Divinity School, and an MA and Ph.D. from Tufts University. He is the moderator of the West Auburn Congregational Church, a beekeeper, gardener, soccer referee and the principal researcher on a national study of optional standardized testing in college admissions.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. Those attending should enter the county building at the side door on Court Street and go to the third floor. An elevator is available.

FMI: 207-784-0586.

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