The Psychic Temple is not just a funny name for an old building. The structure was actually constructed by the Holy Kiss Society leader Dr. William C. Price with the intent of being the “first building in the history of the world dedicated to psychological work” and helping cult members “teach and live practical Christianity.”
When ground was broken in late September, 1905, Southern California was a haven for seekers of both health and new religions. Long Beach was a tourist town with a festive beach scene and boardwalk. The former and latter are long gone, displaced by a military breakwater in WWII and replaced by a more blue-collar culture.
By 1911, the advocate of New and Practical Psychology was run out of town and the building was purchased by one of the plaintiffs, Anna Sewell, for less than a tenth of its estimated value. She chipped Price’s name off the cornerstone and renamed it the American Hotel.
To be continued…