Early History of Zion City and Dr. John Alexander Dowie
Dr. John Alexander Dowie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on May 25, 1847, and emigrated to Australia at the age of thirteen with his parents. In Australia, he worked for his uncle and later pursued religious studies. After attending Edinburgh University, Dowie was called back to Australia, where he was ordained as a Congregational minister, serving for nearly a decade before beginning to preach about divine healing. In 1886, he formed the International Divine Healing Association.
In 1888, Dr. Dowie left Australia and arrived in the United States, intending to travel to London after a series of healing missions. However, he remained in the U.S., holding services on the West Coast. In 1890, Dowie came to the Chicago area for a divine healing convention. After a miraculous healing of a woman suffering from a fibroid tumor, Dowie felt called by God to stay in Chicago.
Dowie’s Ministry in Chicago and the Birth of Zion City
In 1893, during the opening of the World’s Fair, Dr. Dowie opened Tabernacle Number One, also known as “The Little Wooden Hut,” near the fairgrounds. Despite early struggles, Dowie gained recognition after healing Sadie Cody, niece of Buffalo Bill Cody. His popularity grew, leading him to lease large auditoriums in Chicago. In 1896, he founded the Christian Catholic Church in Zion, based on apostolic principles.
Dr. Dowie envisioned creating a city free from the world’s evils, a place where God would be the ruler. After searching for land, he found a site north of Waukegan, Illinois. In 1900, he secured approximately 6,600 acres of land, which would become Zion City. His dream was to build a city where people could live, work, and worship in harmony. Zion City was one of the only cities, besides Washington D.C., to have its plans completed before construction began. It included places of employment, schools, and recreational facilities, all under Dowie’s control. The city land was leased to residents for 1,100 years with specific restrictions, reflecting Dowie’s belief in Christ’s imminent return.
The Development and Challenges of Zion City
On July 14, 1900, the dedication of Zion City took place, with hundreds attending the ceremony. Over the next year, the city was surveyed, utilities were planned, and lots were made available to the public. The first house was built in August 1901, and Dr. Dowie and his family moved to Shiloh House in July 1902.
Zion City faced financial struggles from the start. In September 1905, Dr. Dowie suffered a stroke, and during his recovery in Jamaica, he appointed Wilbur Glenn Voliva as his deputy, giving him full power of attorney. Upon Voliva’s return to Zion City, he discovered the dire financial situation and took control, leading to a legal battle. In 1906, Dowie was deposed, and Voliva took over as the leader of Zion City. Dr. Dowie spent the last year of his life at Shiloh House, surrounded by loyal followers. He passed away in March 1907, just months before his 60th birthday, and is buried in Lake Mound Cemetery in Zion, Illinois.
Legacy of Dr. John Alexander Dowie and Zion City
Despite Zion City not fully realizing Dr. Dowie’s grand vision, his influence on the region and his legacy as a religious leader and healer remain significant. The establishment of Zion City, the creation of the Christian Catholic Church, and his work in divine healing have left a lasting impact on the history of Zion, Illinois.