–eu•nuch [yoo-nuh k]
A man who has been castrated, esp. (in the past) one employed to guard the women's living areas at an oriental court. In some societies, the notion of eunuch has been expanded to include men who are impotent with women or are simply celibate.
"Children of Light"
"Elect Star"
"Elect Phillip"
"Elect David"
"Way of Life"
Posts
Great shot of Elect Phillip and I also like the piano one of Elect Star.
ReplyDeleteSara
Hi, I was travelling through the desert when I found that road sign....but I passed it, I didn't stop. Now I got curious about it and I serached for it on the web. Thanks for all your info about Children of Light. Come and find me on my blogs: Come to see www.transmongolica.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletewww.dendisf.blogspot.com
www.dendipics.blogspot.com
Ciao
Francesco
Hi, we toured with Phillip a month ago and enjoyed visiting with him.. These are nice photos. Thanks..
ReplyDeleteThank you! They are really nice people I'm glad you were able to spend some time with them :)
ReplyDeleteDo you have pics of the WHOLE group? All of the members that is.
ReplyDeleteYahannah, unfortunately I do NOT have any of the entire group that I've taken when they were all still there but I know they do. So next time I visit I will try to see if they will let me borrow a photo that I can scan and post for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the memories. I remember the children of the Children of Light attending my school, Dateland Elementary, back in the 60s and 70s. They were so polite. But, shame on me, I remember one incident like it was yesterday. One day in the lunch room I spotted one of their little boys (a newcomer I think) who looked so helpless, alone, and hungry that me and my friends started sneaking our snacks to him whenever we could. Little did we know that he wasn't supposed to have them. But he looked so sad sitting there watching us eat that I couldn't resist. I'm so sorry, and I hope I didn't cause too much trouble for him.
DeleteNext time you visit tell them Rose misses them and hopes to come back and vist. I used to be the mail carrier out there. My sons learned to swim in their pool.We loved going to visit.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, I will let them know! I learned to swim there too!
ReplyDeleteI visited them in the early 1892 or 1983. At the time there were nine or ten of them. Elijah Gold and Elijah Silver were the two leaders I recall. I thought they were formed in the depression.
ReplyDeleteNice simple philosophy: a call to live a Garden of Eden existence. I'd love to learn more about them.
Wow that's amazing Ray. Do you happen to have any photographs of your visit? Every time I visit I try to gather a little more information about them to pass along to those who are curious. Elect Gold and Elect Silver were both the leaders of the group. Sadly, they have both passed away and only Elect Star, Phillip & David remain. I will be posting more photographs of them after I visit them.
ReplyDeleteMy father knew these dear people well. His name was Jim White and he did volunteer missionary work in the Yuma area through the Southern Baptist convention between 1980 and 1986(?).I do not know how he made the acquaintance of this group. Daddy loved these dear ones and would visit often after moving to Ajo, AZ in 1987.We took a family vacation in the summer 1981 and one day during that trip was spent with "the Children". I well remember Elect Gold, Elect Star, and Elect Philip. What hospitable, industrious, kindhearted people!
ReplyDeleteI am a child of one of the members. I have always considered The children of Light to be my family, and would visit them all the time as a child to "see where my family came from".
ReplyDeleteThere is so much to say - but the tongue gets twisted.
The last time I visited was at 12 years old. I made a commitment to myself that I wouldn't return, even if it meant saying goodbye to my grandmother on her deathbed (original member).
I know for a fact via personal experiences that visitors and members have very different experiences there.
Do you all know that the Children of Light limit the amount of water you drink each day? that was when I started questioning. Limiting the water.
I wish you all Peace.
I often wondered about that too. Can you tell me the reason behind that belief?
DeleteThere is a time and a season for everything and everything is by measure.They drink by measure. You have your chose of a full measure or a half. You all drink at a certain time, even if you are away from there. And the water is at room temperature. I spent a couple weeks there visiting a good friend. It was a lovely and most memorable experience.
DeleteAnonymous.. I am aware about the water limitations. It's interesting to hear from someone who formally lived with them. I'm sure the experience is different. I would love to hear more about your experiences if you're ever up to sharing them please feel free to contact me.
ReplyDeleteWendy Martinez
wendy@martinezdesign.net
Is there a way to change the batteries in childrens "light up" shoes?
ReplyDeleteHello Dear!!!
ReplyDeleteWe were just visiting the children of light,they are
wonderful people.
God bless them all!!
Erika
Thank you for the pictures of the Children of Light. My great grandmother was one of the original group from Canada in 1949 following Elect Gold (Carlson). Elect Sapphire was my great grand mother and I have wonderful memories of visiting in the 1970's. I wondered if they were still there. Thanks to the people who loved and cared for Elect Sapphire.
ReplyDeleteWendy H,
DeleteI have wonderful memories of Elect Sapphire (I lived with the group in my 20s). She was in her early- to mid-nineties and had more energy than I did sometimes. She always had projects that she'd tend to -- mostly gardening (in 110-degree heat!), when she was done with her assigned work (food prep and cleanup, mostly).
One time she went to one of the storage basements for food and was carrying 2 gallon jars full of something up the cement stairs (that had no real railing), slipped, landed on the cement floor and broke her hip. C-of-L didn't do a lot of doctor visits, so she lay for 6 weeks in bed with a broken hip. I cannot imagine her pain. But after 6 weeks she'd had enough and decided it was time to start walking again. She would get up and force herself to walk with pain so excruciating that at first she would pass out. That didn't stop her at all. Eventually she could walk again without pain. She was a slight woman and maybe 5'5" but she was a fireball. She was a person worth knowing.
Elect Sapphire was a sweetheart . A go getter . I lived there almost 7 years . It was an experience to say the least & maybe it’s best to leave it at that .
DeleteIt's always wonderful to hear from people who knew/know them. To answer your question.. they are still there. Only Elect Star, Elect Phillip & Elect David are there now. Please feel free to email me if you ever want to share any stories about your memories there. wendy@martinezstudios.net
ReplyDeleteI lived in Hyder and was looking for pictures or information on this group... I use to go swimming there since they had the only pool in our area... I was there in the late 70's and we spent alot of time there...They seemed very nice...
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate enough to visit "The Children" just last week. I have a cousin that knows them and lives nearby. A friend from my hometown in south-central British Columbia is Elect Star's sister and I had the opportunity to see her when I was there as well. What an amazing visit. So kind and generous.
ReplyDeleteWe visited the site today. Although there were no signs keeping us out, we simply drove in the turnaround drive and continued on our way. We felt we may be bothering the residents. Such a peaceful setting. We will go back on our next visit to the area.
ReplyDeletemarie, I spend 2 weeks in may2012 and will return soon,am I DRINK all the water I needed an so my cat. they dont waste water or food,I could eat all the food, was treated very good. I hurt my knee an they sever me in the cottage that I was stsying.God Bless their heart. love them all.
ReplyDeleteI am a newspaper reporter living in Yuma. Here is an article I wrote about this wonderful group of people: http://www.yumasun.com/articles/elect-15643-children-commune.html
ReplyDeleteElect David passed away this morning April 16th 2013
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have heard about Elect David's passing. I am sorrowful of this. He was the heart of the Children. He kept everything running- everything mechanically. His presence will be missed. He always had a smile for me when I was able to visit.
DeleteWe ran across the Children of Light while exploring back roads in the area in 2007 or 2008. We visited them again in 2010. Very sweet and special people - sad to hear of Elect David's passing.
ReplyDeleteElect David joined the children of light in 1971. He had been diagnosed with cancer, I think, and had been given 2 years to live. He wanted to dedicate his last years in service to God. God apparently rewarded him with a lot more years than he expected.
ReplyDeleteI helped a family friend her name is Shirlee P. Move to COL several years ago, Shirlee is a close family friend and I was wondering if anyone met her and would know how she is, the last time I spoke to Elec Star was the day my mother passed away and she said Shirlee wasn't doing well, I have had a hard time visiting these places connected with my mom including the COL and I haven't been in AZ for awhile, I grew up at Sun Spiritualist Camp and Understanding in Tonopah and of course visited the COL, if anyone knows anything about Shirlee I would love to hear about her....C.
ReplyDeleteHello Shirlee passed away last year. She had broken her hip and was in rehab when she passed
ReplyDeleteI have visited the Sun Camp in Tonopah a few times and would love to visit the Children of Light, but have been unable to discern their exact location, even using Google satellite maps and images. I live in West Phoenix, near Avondale. --kevin
ReplyDeletefollow-up: I found their location and hope to visit soon, if I would be welcome to do so. --k
ReplyDeleteThey love having company!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Scrappy!
ReplyDeleteIs there any news on this group? Has any of them passed away? This is the only connection I have anymore.
ReplyDeleteI was there on Jan 25, 2017 and only one man was there. He was very nice he said Elect Star had gone shopping. I'm assuming he was Elect Phillip he lost his train of thought easily. I think he said he had come from Detroit. He showed us around the home and property. The place was very nice. I visited with my friends, Linda Aragon, Diane Sloncen, Audrey Hall and Cathy Maciel. My name is Peggy Kennedy.
DeleteWe have property a few miles from here, always wondered who was still living there.
ReplyDeleteI visited in 1984 - driving with my girlfriend cross-country, we saw the road sign Agua Caliente, and hoped for hot-springs -- then saw the Children of Light sign at their entrance, drove in and were welcomed and offered lodging for the night. I remember Elect Gold, and a woman who was mute (supposedly after witnessing E.Gold's vision) - also Elect Onyx (the only black member) Every member was in their 70's or older, except fot one young woman (20's/30's?? They served us homemade yogurt, with dates & bee-pollen? - & told us their story of travels & how they'd landed there - how they'd built an oasis in the desert. After dinner they gathered for music, pulling out instruments (piano, trumpet, drums?) & passed out song-books. The next day I helped in the garden, flattening the gone-to-seed asparagus by falling on the tall plants with my body. Have often wondered how their small commune had fared over the years... Thanks for these updates!
ReplyDeleteI’m the young woman !
DeleteElect Ruby, is that you?!
DeleteI'm looking for a possible member of Children of Light named Charles Diggs. Is anyone aware of him? Born in 1932.
ReplyDeleteSkypilot1970@gmail.com
Charlie has passed away
DeleteI knew him when he was there
Elect Star is my aunt and the only remaining membet
DeleteCharlie was a wonderful man. I knew him well. He wasn't a member but came to have a safe place to be.He came after living in Phoenix after his military service. He said there were gunshots around his home and wanted a quieter place to live. He came and took care of the lawns and did many chores that made the place look so beautiful. He loved his video games...pet white mice..lol...that escaped and mated with the wild ones...there are now light brown mice...Charlie's legacy.
DeleteCharlie had a great heart and was always easy to talk with.
I use to go there alot with my family we were very good frends .. we didn't go just to visit them we would help
ReplyDeleteThem around the place clean up me and my three brothers .. we use to pick all plam tree we're u would drive in I new just adout all the original ppl ... I use to stay there all my summer vacation I knew them pretty good I'm from wellton az when they went shopping in Yuma az they would always stop by and say hi elect David star, Berle,onyx,phillp,gold. when I frist when there there was like 15 or so of them ..
I think I know who you are,are you also a member of El Oasis Del Senor Christian Community?
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to get information about who might be left to see if there might be a story for a magazine. Has anyone been there recently? I'm writing this in December 2018. You can reach me at kathysubs@gmail.com Thanks!
We were there in Dec. 2019..elect star and elect Phillip gave us a tour of the place .What wonderful people. We visited the first tine 3 years ago and never forgot the people or their home
ReplyDeleteI was there 2000 and 2001 Carried many books to Elect Phillip, Elect Peter helped my with my Mortor Coach and I played Guitar and sang for them. I only stay 2-3 Days, lst time I had Volkswaron 1974 ...Bus with Sleeping, Stole etc. Cant remember what it was bought in Jas Vegas, Used Very Little Gasoline! Big Dodge M-C used Much Gasolines. after a year I went back to Riding Freight Trains with Army A.L.I.C.E. Pack, Ham Radio, & Guitar. Being humble is richness. I loved Elect Starr and They Never Took or Traded in U.S. Money: Filthy Lucure Elect Starr quotes Jesus Christo.
ReplyDeleteTemptation is Money, Money is Roots of Evil. The Children of Light weree HOLY PEOPLE & I was Blessed to know them.
I was at the compound in the year of 1987, my wife & I were there to work for Slim and Coit Hughes at the old hotel in Agua Calentia. We saw the date palm's and we loved the pool and people.I remember Star ad I think we meant a few previous spirits.
ReplyDeleteNice to run across this & hear some details!
ReplyDeleteIn the winter of 1984 I was driving with my girlfriend from LA to Tucson -- we saw an official highway exit sign saying "Agua Caliente" and hoped there were some hot-springs available to the public... I think there maybe used to be? -- but nothing obvious to us -- then we saw the archway over a gate saying "Children of Light" and perhaps "Welcome" -- so we drove in and were welcomed.
We were fed -- yogurt and fruit/nuts, I believe -- and I was tasked with using my body to crash down the 6-foot tall, dried-up asparagus plants... That night the Children told us their history & pulled out musical instruments & led us in songs from their songbook.
I do remember Elect Phillip being from Detroit (as am I) and I think Elect David being a former NYC jazz musician, and playing trumpet? -- and Elect Onyx being the only Black member ;-) -- Elect Gold, and an older woman who couldn't speak, said to have been struck dumb while witnessing Elect Gold's visions? There was one younger woman, maybe in her 20's/30's -- the only member I saw younger than 50/60+...
Personally, though it seemed a curious place, I was concerned that my girlfriend was going to be tempted to join them & I chose to sleep the one night we were there out on the desert sand... 😄 (maybe not so safe? I was young and naive).
I've always wondered how things have been there ever since?!
My Aunt Patty Kelly Conner lived in Hyder then in Dateland with her husband Leon Connor and her children Jenni, Michael and Patrick. I traveled across the country several times to visit and Patty would take us to see the children of the light to swim or just say hi. Sher was good friends with Elect Star and Phillip. The last time I was there (about 10 yrs ago) I shot infrared photos and enjoyed their dates. Thank you for this blast from the past. Lauren from Vermont
ReplyDeleteI worked at Dateland school in the late seventies. I was lucky enough to visit Children of the Light, once or twice.
ReplyDeleteIn my seventies now, I sometimes reminisce about Dateland times. It's good to read some of the familiar names and places. My husband at the time was Gordon Smith. (He passed away from leukemia, most likely caused by agent orange.)
I kept on in education, teaching 19 years on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, and some more in the Phoenix area.
COL was a peaceful place, with very hospitable residents. One does not find that often in a lifetime. What blessed souls!
We were traveling to California in the mid 1980’s from Durango, Colorado. Saw Ojo Caliente on the map and drove down a dirt road looking for hot springs. Came upon the Children of Light compound. We were invited to take a swim in their swimming pool and later invited to dinner. At dinner and after, we learned about them, their history and plans. We were invited to spend the night in a guest house and left the next morning. Lovely folks and quite an experience in the Arizona desert.
ReplyDeleteI was a Maricopa county deputy, sheriff assigned to the Gila bend substation in 1979. On one of my very first patrols of the far west portion of Maricopa County came across the children of light. I stopped, and had a very nice chat with a lot of people who were quite elderly at the time. They were very welcoming that people. I got there around noon on that particular day. It was late fall and they invited me in for lunch at that Large wooden table in the community room We had a nice lunch, fruits, and vegetables. I would stop in every 23 months to check in on them
ReplyDelete2 or 3 months until I was transferred closer to Phoenix in 1985.
DeleteMy aunt Elect Star thought very highly of you
DeleteThank you for all you did for her
The last original member of the Children of Light Elect Star passed away Dec 2023
ReplyDeleteShe was my aunt Evangeline Hettrick
I’m beyond sad to know that Elect Star is gone. Thanks for letting us know here. I live in Colorado and many years ago she, Elect David and Elect Phillip made the long journey up here in their camper truck to trade dates for local organic fruits. For once, we were hosting them instead of the other way around. I met the group in 1980 or so when I lived in Yuma County. I’ll never forget them.
DeleteLoved Elect Star. Sentinel School used their pool every summer for 35+ year for swimming lessons. This will be the first summer there will not be swim lessons. We traveled out there the other day and the road is now blocked off.
ReplyDelete