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James Dennon collection of Shalam Colony material

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-0231

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of research notes of James Dennon regarding Dr. John Newbrough, the Faithists and the Shalam Colony in New Mexico. Shalam was founded by a New York dentist and doctor named John B. Newbrough and a group of his religious followers called Faithists. Newbrough claimed to have written a new Bible, called Oahspe, while under spirit control. Contained in this Bible was "The Book of Shalam," which set forth a plan for gathering the outcast and orphaned children of the world and raising them, according to strict religious principles, to be the spiritual leaders of a new age. Newbrough and some twenty Faithists decided to create such a place as described in "The Book of Shalam." In 1884, Shalam Colony was finally established on the banks of the Rio Grande, one mile from the village of Dona Ana. Included in the collection are the correspondence files between Dennon and the first processor of the materials at the Archives and Special Collections detailing how the materials came to the department.

Dates

  • 1983-1985

Biographical / Historical

James L. Dennon was born June 24, 1932. His interest in Faithists, the Faithist bible Oahpse and the Faithist founder Dr. John Newbrough began in the 1950s. Dennon worked as a computer systems analyst, including at Weyerhaeuser in Washington state. He has been considered an Oahspe historian since he wrote his first manuscript on the Faithists in 1965. His published works on the subject include: Dr. Newbrough and Oahspe and The Oahspe Story and his annotations of Faithist works include More of Oahspe : new era, Kosmon revelation in the words of Jehovih and his angel embassadors and Rites and ceremonies of the faithist's order : Emethachavah. Dennon was also involved with the Clatsop County (Oregon) Historical Society and was editor of their quarterly journal Cumtux. James Dennon died in 1992.

Extent

0.50 Linear Feet (2 Boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Materials donated by James Dennon about Oahspe and John B. Newbrough.

Processing Information

Linda Blazer, March 1985, March 2003
Title
Guide to the James Dennon collection of Shalam Colony material
Status
Completed
Author
Linda Blazer
Date
1985
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the New Mexico State University Library Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Branson Hall
PO Box 30006
MSC 3475
Las Cruces New Mexico 88003 USA