A very rare and attractive large format, 5 x7 glass negative original photograph of faith healer, John Alexander Dowie [1847-1907].
Dowie began his ministry in Australia. Always a person of extremes, he aligned there with the Salvation Army and was jailed for unauthorized public processions, etc., In 1883, he became convinced that healing was part of Christ's atoning provision and founded the International Divine Healing Association. He then emigrated to the United States, settled first in California, then Chicago, and ultimately founded the community today known as Zion, Illinois. It was designed as a sort of millennial community with tobacco and alcohol made illegal, doctors not allowed, etc., He was a fascinating character.
This original glass negative and accompanying sepia and grayscale photograph were taken by Brown Brothers Photography, the leading provisioner of the press during the early decades of the 20th century. This example c.1902-1905. Very good state.