Harmonial Society
A Spiritualist organization founded in Benton County, Arkansas,
in 1855 by former American Methodist minister T. E.
Spencer and his wife. It was called Harmony Springs, and admission
to membership was subject to the approval of the controls
of the founder. Spencer taught that many spirits perished
with the body, and that some languished after death but soon
expired. However, those who followed his system, he expounded,
would arrive at immortality here on Earth. Part of the price
of that immortality was the surrender of the members property
to the founders. In the course of events some initiates began to
doubt and made known their intentions to take legal measures
to recover their property. The Spencers thereupon disappeared
but were soon apprehended and sentenced to imprisonment.
