Quest - Vol 6 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: QUEST
Issue: Vol. Six, No. One (Whole No. 29)
Date: September-October, 1974
Price: 75¢
Theme: Fifth Anniversary Issue

Disappearances and Reappearances

This section, authored by Kurt Glemser, details several baffling cases of people vanishing and reappearing under mysterious circumstances.

Carolyn Cascio and Richard Rosem

On June 7, 1969, Carolyn Cascio, a 24-year-old nurse, rented a plane with Richard Rosem for a flight from Pompano Beach, Florida, to Montego Bay. After refueling in Nassau, they flew to Grand Turk Island. Three hours out, Cascio reported that her direction-finding equipment was malfunctioning and that she was circling "two islands and nothing is down there." Hotel guests confirmed the plane was circling. Her last message was, "Is there any way out of this? I'm out of fuel. I'm sinking!" No trace of the plane or its occupants was ever found.

Alexandria Disappearance

A UPI dispatch from Cairo on March 29, 1973, reported that Mrs. Mirfat Ahmed Shihata, a 20-year-old bride, was walking with her husband in Alexandria when the ground suddenly opened up and swallowed her. A rescue squad dug to a depth of 10 yards but could not find her.

Key West Reappearance

In contrast to disappearances, the issue notes mysterious reappearances. An article from ANOMALY #9, edited by John Keel, tells of a young man who walked out of the Atlantic Ocean onto a deserted beach in Key West, Florida. The youth, about 17 years old, had no memory of his name or how he got into the ocean. He described it as "like waking up and opening my eyes," feeling rain and darkness, and drifting or floating. He was wearing cut-off blue jeans and a t-shirt, with a rusty knife and a compass.

Chief Luther A. Davis Disappearance

The Phoenix Gazette reported on February 26, 1973, that Chief Luther A. Davis of Royse City, Texas, was missing for 11 days. He had reportedly gone home after an 11-day absence, but city officials had issued an all-points bulletin. His squad car was also missing and had been seen parked in Dallas. Davis' wife could not explain his whereabouts.

Chief Roger Plante Disappearance

In another similar case, the Albany Times-Union reported on October 9, 1973, that Barton's village police chief, Roger Plante, 43, disappeared for 25 hours. His cruiser was found abandoned by the side of a road, with a shattered window, a wallet, and a boot found nearby. Plante suffered contusions and abrasions but was mentally alert. Information from his interview proved "futile" according to the State's Attorney.

Questioning Classic Cases

Oliver Larch Case

Fortean researchers are questioning some classic disappearance cases. Lucius Farish, in "On Maintaining An Even Keel" (Caveat Emptor, Nov/Dec 1973), questions the authenticity of the Oliver Larch case. Larch reportedly vanished on December 24, 1889, from a farm near South Bend, Indiana. However, no trace of him could be found in South Bend records, and weather reports contradicted the story of footprints ending in snow.

Charles Ashmore Case

Brad Steiger, in his book "Strange Disappearances," found a similar case of Charles Ashmore of Quincy, Illinois, who disappeared on November 9, 1878.

Anjikuni Disappearance

Researcher Ronald Dobbins investigated the disappearance of 30 Eskimo inhabitants from Anjikuni in Canada's Northwest Territories in August 1930. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police searched their records and contacted former officers, but no one had heard of the incident, and no records were found.

Bender and Stuart: Contactee Accounts

This special feature by Gary Severson, reprinted from UFO Sighter (Fall, 1964), examines the accounts of Albert K. Bender and John Stuart.

Skepticism Towards Contactees

Severson expresses skepticism towards contactees who claim to meet spacemen in the desert and deliver vital messages, often for a fee. He finds their stories lack concrete evidence and suspects "publicity hoaxes."

Bender's Story

Severson was initially intrigued by Bender's "hush-up" story. Bender's book, "Flying Saucers And The Three Men," is described as written with "warm sincerity." Severson notes that Bender told his story a decade after the events, questioning why he didn't make it public sooner if he sought fame or fortune.

Stuart's Story

John Stuart's book, "UFO Warning," is portrayed as having a different style, lacking Bender's sincerity and presenting "only cold facts." Severson questions Stuart's decision to change Doreen Wilkinson's name to "Barbara" in his account, suggesting it might be to avoid scrutiny. He also questions the inclusion of incidents involving "Barbara," wondering if they were invented to make the story more interesting or if they were genuinely part of the strain of discussing UFOs.

Severson's Conclusion

Despite his skepticism, particularly towards Stuart, Severson concludes that he believes both Bender and Stuart are telling the truth. He attributes the disbelief in their stories to their "unrealistic, too stupendous, and too astounding" nature, which challenges conventional beliefs.

Book Reviews

Earthprobe by Hayden Hewes

Reviewed by Steve Erdmann, this book covers the Missouri UFO flap investigated by Hayden Hewes, a self-styled "UFO expert." The highlight is the Reggie Bone sighting of a circular object with pulsating lights. Hewes estimates over 200 witnesses saw UFOs in the area. However, the review notes criticism from other research groups, with Dr. Allen Hynek attributing sightings to hysteria and "me-too-ism." Some photographs were identified as "lens flares."

An Assassin's Diary by Arthur H. Bremer

This review discusses Arthur Herman Bremer's diary, kept before his arrest for shooting George Wallace. Harding Lemay's introduction is critiqued for not delving into the "true conspiracy." The review suggests Bremer was a product of the "Communist Party" and an "elite." Alan Stang's investigation is mentioned, which uncovered Bremer's association with the Communist underground and individuals like Michael D. Cullen and Dennis Salvatore Cossini.

Newsfront

Swedish Airliner UFO Encounter

A Swedish airliner pilot reported encountering fifteen shining, disc-shaped objects in a V-shaped formation at 20,000 meters over Lisbon, Portugal, on January 26, 1974. Similar sightings were reported by Norwegian and British crews, but ground control did not track the objects.

Drug Smuggling Estimates

The Senate internal security sub-committee estimates that drugs for over $5 billion worth of marijuana and hashish entered the U.S. in 1973. This estimate is based on seizures and projects that roughly 10 times the amount seized enters the country. Total consumption is estimated at 17 million pounds of marijuana and 500,000 pounds of hashish.

"The Exorcist" Film Ban

In London, a member of Parliament, Rhodes Boyson, has joined calls to ban the American film "The Exorcist." The film has attracted massive publicity due to reports of vomiting, hysteria, and fainting among audiences. An exorcist, Canon John Pearce-Higgins, warned that viewers risk becoming possessed.

Case of the Restless Skull

This story recounts the tale of Dr. John Kilner, who in the 1870s, stole the skull of a murderer named William Corder from West Suffolk Hospital. After stealing the skull, Kilner experienced a nightmare of an evil spirit, and a vivid white hand smashed the skull's showcase. Horrified, Kilner gave the skull to a friend and eventually had it given a Christian burial.

Supernatural: Driving Out the Demons

This section describes an annual Chinese religious festival in Ampang, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, where devotees of the nine Emperor Gods participate in rituals to drive out demons. These rituals include walking over live coals and impaling flesh with spears, with participants wearing yellow cloth talismans and white clothing.

Did Ancient Astronauts Father The Human Race?

This article discusses the movie adaptation of Erich Von Daniken's book "Chariots of the Gods?" and his theories. Von Daniken is happy with the film but notes that some parts were not followed closely. He hopes to make more movies and ensure future productions accurately reflect his ideas. The film, made in Germany, has achieved international success. Von Daniken's later books, "Gods From Outer Space" and "Gold of the Gods," further explore his theories, with the latter proposing that ancient astronauts may have mated with early humans to start the human race.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of QUEST magazine are unexplained phenomena, particularly disappearances and reappearances, and UFO sightings. The magazine also delves into the realm of the supernatural, with articles on demon expulsion rituals and a haunted skull. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these unusual events, presenting various accounts and theories, even those that challenge conventional understanding, such as the contactee stories of Bender and Stuart and Erich Von Daniken's ancient astronaut hypothesis. There is a clear interest in exploring the fringes of accepted reality, from alleged extraterrestrial encounters to paranormal occurrences and historical mysteries.

This issue of THE NATIONAL STAR, dated February 16, 1974, features a prominent cover story titled "THE PORTRAIT WITH THE LIVING EYES," which delves into the mysterious and miraculous aspects of a painting of the Virgin Mary. The magazine also includes articles on the "malpractice of faith healers" and the work of an exorcist in Paris.

The Portrait with the Living Eyes

The lead article, written by Carlyle Stevens, explores the "miracle" painting of the Virgin Mary that has intrigued church and art experts for 400 years. The most extraordinary feature highlighted is the eyes, which are described as radiating a divine glow and appearing "alive." Upon immense enlargement, three tiny human faces are discovered implanted within the eyes. The origin of these faces remains one of the painting's greatest mysteries.

Legend attributes the painting's creation to a vision experienced by Juan Diego, an Aztec Indian, on December 12, 1531. He reportedly ran to the local bishop, Zummaraga, who then witnessed the portrait materialize before him without any visible human intervention, paint, or brush.

The painting itself is unusual, being on a material made of loosely woven cactus fibers, said to have come from Juan Diego's cloak. While cactus fiber typically disintegrates within 20 years, this painting has remained intact for 443 years. Furthermore, no brushstrokes are visible, suggesting a process akin to a modern photographic wash.

In 1929, photographer Alfonso Gonzales, while examining negatives of the painting, discovered the tiny faces in the eyes. He reported this to church officials but was immediately forbidden to speak about it publicly. The discovery remained unheard of for 26 years until 1955, when another photographer, Carlos Salinas, made the same observation while enlarging similar pictures. Giant enlargements were made, identifying one face as Juan Diego, another as Juan Gonzales (an interpreter), and the third face remained unidentified.

In 1956, eye specialists Dr. Javier Toroello and Dr. Rafael Lavoignet examined the images and testified that they were situated as if looking at three faces, a reflection that should be impossible on a flat, dark surface.

The Malpractice of Faith Healers

An article by Rev. Lester Kinsolving addresses the dangers of faith healers, particularly concerning diabetes. The piece highlights instances where individuals died after abandoning insulin due to faith-inspired advice. In Toronto, faith healer Mark Cowan reportedly encouraged the disposal of his 20-year-old wife's insulin. In Barstow, California, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Parker were jailed for manslaughter after their 11-year-old son, Wesley, died of diabetes after they withdrew his insulin. The Parkers had been influenced by a visiting evangelist who they believed claimed their son was healed.

Rev. William Robertson, a denomination superintendent, clarified that the preacher had not claimed faith healing and had only prayed for healing, emphasizing that divine healing does not endorse discarding life-saving medication. The article also mentions the case of Wanda Beach, a diabetic who died in 1959 after throwing away her insulin, claiming to have been "completely cured" by travelling faith healer Oral Roberts. The piece notes Roberts' transition from the Pentacostal Holiness Church to the Methodists and his status as a TV producer.

The article also references the case of Cora Louise Sutherland, a Christian Scientist who died of tuberculosis in 1954 after refusing an x-ray, opting instead for treatment from a Christian Science practitioner. The author draws a parallel between these cases and the concept of miracle malpractice, suggesting that religious fanatics should not be permitted to endanger lives.

'Possessed' Parishioners Keep Paris Priest Busy

This article by John Vinocur reports on the work of Father Henri Gesland, the official exorcist for the Paris region. Father Gesland, who has conducted over 3,000 consultations since 1968, states that demonic possession is a rare occurrence, with only four cases he believes to be genuine. However, he notes an increase in visitors, possibly due to the popularity of the film "The Exorcist."

Many visitors, the priest explains, are not truly possessed but are experiencing psychological distress or seeking explanations for their bad luck. He offers practical advice and suggests they see a general practitioner or psychiatrist. For the few cases of alleged possession, he recites the Litany of the Saints, splashes holy water, and commands the evil spirits to leave.

The article details two convincing struggles with demons involving two 13-year-old girls. In one case, a girl became verbally abusive, caused lights to flicker, and made objects fall. After three exorcism sessions, the devil reportedly departed. In another case, a girl spoke fluent Italian and German, languages she did not know, and was also freed of demons.

Other Content

The magazine also includes advertisements for various books and publications related to UFOs, the occult, and paranormal phenomena, such as "CAVEAT EMPTOR," "SPACEVIEW," "DIMENSIONS," and "SPECTRUM - JOURNAL OF THE OCCULT." There is also a "GALAXY PRESS BOOK CATALOG" offering a wide selection of titles on these subjects, including works by authors like George Hunt Williamson, John A. Keel, and Dr. M. K. Jessup. A woodcut depicting "PRINCE DRACULA DINING" is also featured, described as a gruesome scene of slaughter and barbarity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the miraculous, and the potentially dangerous aspects of belief systems. The magazine appears to explore controversial topics such as alleged miracles, the negative consequences of extreme faith, and supernatural phenomena like possession and UFOs. The editorial stance seems to be one of investigation and reporting on these subjects, presenting both the sensational and the skeptical viewpoints, particularly in the articles on the Virgin Mary portrait and faith healing malpractice.