17 Jul Telepathic Instruction from the Masters
Another hometown Spiritual L.A. sect is the Christian/Theosophical hybrid Niscience (pronounced nish-ence). Founded in in Glendale in 1953 by the charismatic Ann Ree Colton (1898 – 1984) and her 24-year-younger husband, Jonathan Murro, Niscience is a blend of Eastern and Western thought.
Colton developed a system for personal and spiritual growth in a series of 23 books based on telepathic instructions, psychology, dream analysis, Christianity, and Eastern religions. This system of lessons is still available as a home-study course. At the Glendale location visitors can listen to recordings of Ann’s teachings on ESP, reincarnation and past lives.
During the height of Nicience’s popularity, several hundred members would gather most nights at the Glendale compound for spiritual talks, fasting, prayer, and worship. Colton’s reported warmth attracted great devotion amongst her followers, something that her husband, after her death in 1984, was unable to sustain.
Jonathan Murro committed suicide in 1991 after allegations that he had embezzled money (although investigations found no evidence) and that Nicsience was an oppressive cult. He was unable to maintain the level of enthusiasm Colton had inspired in her followers.
Ann Ree Colton Foundation of Niscience
336 W Colorado St
Glendale, CA 91204
For schedule of events including weekly meetings and regional enclaves visit the website: niscience.org
This is an excerpt from Catherine Auman’s book Guide to Spiritual L.A.: The Irreverent, the Awake, and the True
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