the jonestown report 7, Personal Reflections

The articles below offer a wide range of perspectives on the life of Peoples Temple, the deaths in Jonestown, and the 27 years that have passed. 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 – if sometimes cacophonous – body of work. For that reason, these stories may also be found on our growing online collection of perspectives here.

We invite other members and families of Peoples Temple – whatever your views on the tragedy of Jonestown and the factors that led to its end – to join in this chorus. Contact us at remoore@sdsu.edu or fieldingmcgehee@yahoo.com so that we may add your story.

1. The Writings of Don Beck
   1. A Peoples Temple Life
   2. Afterwards
   3. The Healings of Jim Jones
2. A Blessing Ceremony, To Restore the Dignity and Integrity of the Souls Who Perished at Jonestown by Laurie Efrein Kahalas
3. The Writings of Laura Johnston Kohl
   1. The Joiners of Peoples Temple
   2. The Silence That Need Not Be
4. The Living Word and Me: The Limits of Anarchism in Peoples Temple by Garrett Lambrev
5. Relishing the Successes of Ordinary Life by Andy Silver
6. Moving On by Neva Sly Hargrave
7. Breathing Normally by Juanell “Nell” Smart
8. A Visit to Peoples Temple by June Gerlach