100 years ago in Spokane: Faith-healing hospital ordered to close for violating fire code

From our archives, 100 years ago

The Rev. John G. Lake’s private faith-healing hospital was ordered to be closed or moved to another location.

The order came after Dr. J.B. Anderson visited the place the day before.

“I found a 14-room, two story frame residence used as a hospital, in which were three patients, one of whom was a paralytic,” said Dr. Anderson. “I told the Rev. Mr. Lake that it made no difference to me what form of treatment, spiritual or medical, is employed, but that it would be necessary to comply with the city building ordinance, which requires that hospitals be fireproof.”

The reverend and superintendent of the hospital said they were willing to comply with the ordinance and that they were looking for a more suitable building. As soon as they found it, they would transfer the patients.

That wouldn’t be too hard, since the hospital had only three patients. The superintendent said they are “treated with prayer,” by the reverend and his assistants.

From the crime beat: A detective said that the parents of William Smith, the “fiend” sentenced to life for three counts of rape, “are truly to be pitied.” He said both of the “old folks” believed their son was living right and were shocked to learn the truth.