{"id":16994,"date":"2013-03-09T21:57:04","date_gmt":"2013-03-09T21:57:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alternativejonestown.com\/?page_id=16896"},"modified":"2025-11-18T11:45:48","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T19:45:48","slug":"personal_reflec","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jonestowndev.sdsu.edu\/?page_id=16994","title":{"rendered":"Personal Reflections"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"photo22\"<\/a>
Children in Peoples Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The icon which characterizes Jonestown in the public mind is a picture of a galvanized metal vat, surrounded by bloated bodies. This image dehumanizes the victims, however, and disconnects us from the tragedy.<\/p>\n

The fact is, those who died in Jonestown were real people, with families, friends, and loved ones. The best way to appreciate this fact is to read personal reflections by those with direct knowledge of Peoples Temple and its members.<\/p>\n

The articles below offer a wide range of perspectives on the life of Peoples Temple and the deaths in Jonestown. All were written by former members and relatives of the people who died. While each individual story brings a powerful voice to any consideration of the events of 18 November 1978, their totality contributes to an even more important \u2013 if sometimes cacophonous \u2013 body of work. For that reason, these stories represent the foundation for an online collection of perspectives which we hope will grow over the years.<\/p>\n

The importance of these stories is enhanced by the fact that a number of contributors have died. They are indicated below by the \u2020 symbol next to their name.<\/p>\n

We invite other members and families of Peoples Temple \u2013 whatever your views on the tragedy of Jonestown and the factors that led to its end \u2013 to join in this chorus. Contact us at remoore@sdsu.edu<\/a> so that we may add your story.<\/p>\n

\n

Interviews with American Embassy officers<\/a><\/p>\n

A Child of Peoples Temple Finds Hope at Memorial<\/a> (2011)<\/p>\n

The Trauma of Marriage to a Temple Survivor<\/a> (2003)<\/p>\n

Laughing with Liane<\/a>,\u00a0by Kristine Alles (2011)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Susan Ashby<\/a>
\n\u2020 Reflections and Articles by Barbara Sines<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Reflections and articles by Kathryn (Tropp) Barbour<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2020 Reflections and Articles by Glenda Randolph Bates<\/a><\/p>\n

Remarks at May 29, 2011 Jonestown Memorial Dedication Service<\/a>, by Jessie Beagle (2011)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Jack Arnold Beam<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2020 Reflections and Articles by Don Beck<\/a><\/p>\n

Remembering the Beikman Family<\/a>, by Thomas Beikman (2011)<\/p>\n

\u2020 Larry Layton and Peoples Temple: Twenty-Five Years Later<\/a>, by Frank Bell (2003)<\/p>\n

Life Would Never Be the Same<\/a>, by Nina Berry\u00a0(2019)<\/p>\n

Snapshots from a Jonestown Life<\/a>, by Phil Blakey\u00a0(2018)<\/p>\n

My Adolescence in Peoples Temple<\/a>, by James Bernie Blanton (2011)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Thom Bogue<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by the Family of Donald Bower<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Dorothy Brooks<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2020 Poetry of Teri Buford O’Shea <\/a><\/p>\n

My Peoples Temple Christian Church Experience<\/a>, by Jesselle Carter\u00a0(2018)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Mike Carter<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Tim Carter<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Mike Cartmell<\/a><\/p>\n

The Art of Patti Chastain Haag<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Jean Brown Clancey<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Jim Cobb<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2020 Wayne Pietila: A Life of Quiet Passion<\/a>,\u00a0by Teresa Cobb (2012)<\/p>\n

Rock This Way<\/a>,\u00a0by Jackie Colbert (2013)<\/p>\n

Theologies of Oppression<\/a>, by Arlander Ronnie Cole (2008)<\/p>\n

\u2020 Reflections and Articles by June and Gene Cordell<\/a><\/p>\n

Edith Cordell and the Cordell Family Legacy<\/a>, by Don Cordell (2013)<\/p>\n

What Did November 18, 1978 Do To Me?<\/a> by Donna Cordell Lawrence (2008)<\/p>\n

Honoring My Duty to My Family<\/a>,\u00a0by Steve Daniel (2013)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Denise Davenport<\/a><\/p>\n

Questioning the Cults Around Us<\/a>,\u00a0by Laura Davis (2012)<\/p>\n

My Journey to and from Peoples Temple<\/a>, by Dominique Z. Delphine\u00a0(2018)<\/p>\n

Dominique Delphine Interview with Tim Reiterman (1980)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Articles and Reflections by Kim Dutra Arvold<\/a><\/p>\n

Investigation, Reflections and Articles by Laurie Efrein Kahalas<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Prophet\/Pastor Hue Fortson, Jr.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Writings of Dawn Gardfrey<\/a><\/p>\n

A Visit to Peoples Temple<\/a>, by June Gerlach (2005)<\/p>\n

\u2020 Notes on Peoples Temple<\/a>, by Carlton B. Goodlett (1988)<\/p>\n

\u2020 Reflections and Articles by Vernon Gosney<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Dan Harpe<\/a><\/p>\n

The Last to Remember Stanley Gieg<\/a>, by Deb Harper (2020)<\/p>\n

Living Through the Pain<\/a>, by Silvia Harrill (2008)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by the Family of Liane Harris<\/a><\/p>\n

MaryLou, Our Secret Sister<\/a>, by Mike Higgins\u00a0(2017)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Lela Howard<\/a>
\nMeeting The Lady I Never Knew<\/a>, by Chris Demirdjian (2007)<\/span><\/p>\n

A Young Girl\u2019s Story<\/a>, by Bunny Jackson (2008)<\/p>\n

The Great Protector<\/a>, by Janet Jackson (2014)<\/p>\n

\u2020 State of Mind<\/a>, by Claire Janaro (2008)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Charles Johnson <\/a><\/p>\n

The Death of Innocence<\/a>, by Pinkie Jones (2007)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Stephan Jones<\/a><\/p>\n

Address at May 29 Memorial Dedication Service<\/a>, by The Hon. Bayney Karran, Guyana Ambassador to United States (2011)
\nIntroduction of Ambassador Bayney Karran<\/a>, by Charles Krause (2011)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2020 Reflections and Articles by Laura Johnston Kohl<\/a><\/p>\n

The Longest Twenty Years<\/a>, by Bryan Kravitz (2003)<\/p>\n

Poetry, Reflections and Articles by Garrett Lambrev<\/a><\/p>\n

Listening to the skeptical side<\/a>, by Doug Lashley (2021)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Deborah Layton<\/a><\/p>\n

Articles by Chris Lewis, Jr.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2020 How Bobby Survived and Returned<\/a>, by Judy McAbee (2010)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Dea McConnell<\/a><\/p>\n

Recovering the Simple Pleasures in Life<\/a>, by Diana Mertle Mills (2008)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Linda Mertle<\/a><\/p>\n

Linda Harris: A Remembrance<\/a>, by Virgil Miller (2003)<\/p>\n

\u2020 The Deaths of Two Daughters: Grieving and Remembering<\/a>, by Barbara Moore (1988)<\/p>\n

\u2020 Reflections and Articles by John V Moore<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2020 Jonestown: Catalyst for Social Change<\/a>, by Robert B. Moore (1988)<\/p>\n

\u2020 Remarks at May 29, 2011 Jonestown Memorial Dedication Service<\/a>, by Vickie Ijames Moore (2011)<\/p>\n

My Father, Oliver Morgan, Jr.<\/a>, by Zelma Morgan (2011)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Hattie Newell<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Herbert Newell<\/a><\/p>\n

Remembrances and Articles by Kenneth A. Odell<\/a><\/p>\n

Together We Stood, Divided We Fell<\/a>, by B. Alethia Orsot (1988)<\/p>\n

Damn you, Jim Jones!<\/a> by RP (2011)
\nMy Life Since the Temple<\/a>, by RP (2011)<\/span><\/p>\n

Gerald Parks: My Father, My Hero<\/a>, by Tracy Parks Diaz (2023) \"NEW\"<\/p>\n

Writings of Vicki Perry<\/a><\/p>\n

A Visit to Peoples Temple<\/a>,\u00a0by Jacinta Hector Powers (2012)
\nMemories of My Sister: Melanie Hector Simon<\/a>,\u00a0by Jacinta Hector Powers (2012) <\/span><\/p>\n

Living in Rome<\/a>, by Jim Randolph (2010)
\nLaura Johnston Kohl: Fierce in Her Defense of Those She Loved<\/a>, by Jim Randolph (2020) <\/span><\/p>\n

Remarks at May 29, 2011 Jonestown Memorial Dedication Service<\/a>, by Craig Reubens (2011)<\/p>\n

An Early Departure from Peoples Temple<\/a>, by Susan Saylor\u00a0(2018)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Dianne Scheid<\/a><\/p>\n

In Loving Memory of Claire Ol\u2019 Bean<\/a>, by Liz Schwartz (2020)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Janet Shular<\/a><\/p>\n

Poetry, Reflections and Articles by Andy Silver<\/a><\/p>\n

The Aunt I Never Knew<\/a>, by August Silverstein\u00a0(2017)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Neva Sly Hargrave<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Juanell “Nell” Smart<\/a><\/p>\n

Articles and Reflections by Eugene Smith<\/a><\/p>\n

Interview with Ivo Spalatin<\/a>
\nIvo Spalatin was a member of the Staff Investigative Group of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs, which investigated the assassination of Rep. Leo Ryan. He was interviewed in December 2019 by Preston Jones of the Military Response \u200bto Jonestown<\/a> website.<\/p>\n

My Mother, Agnes Jones<\/a>, by Robert Spencer (2014)<\/p>\n

To the Survivors of Peoples Temple<\/a>, by Tim Stoen (2003)<\/p>\n

The Military Assignment That Turned Historic<\/a>, by Paul Storm (2023) \"NEW\"<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Mickey Touchette<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Mike Touchette<\/a><\/p>\n

Poetry, Reflections and Articles by Jordan Vilchez<\/a><\/p>\n

Surprise! I’m Alive and Look What I’m Doing Now<\/a>, by Tommy Washington (2010)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Vera Washington<\/a><\/p>\n

My Mother, My Superhero<\/a>, by Jakari L. Wilson (2017)<\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by Leslie Wilson<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections and Articles by David Parker Wise<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflections, Articles, and Poetry by Guy Young<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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