McPherson, Aimee Semple (1890–1944)

Canadian-born US religious leader. As a popular preacher, ‘Sister Aimee’ reached millions through radio broadcasts of her weekly sermons, in which she emphasized the power of faith. She established the Church of the Four-Square Gospel in Los Angeles 1918.

Born in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, McPherson worked as a missionary to China before becoming an itinerant evangelist in the USA, gaining a large following through her revival tours. Her brief but suspicious 1926 ‘disappearance’ tarnished her reputation. She committed suicide 1944.