"In this first biography of Mary Purnell, Julieanna Frost recounts the history of one of the most misunderstood religious leaders of the twentieth century. Mary Purnell, along with her husband Benjamin, founded the House of David in Benton Harbor, Michigan. After his death, she had to overcome a series of challenges to create her own colony, the City of David. Some of the tenets of her faith included celibacy, vegetarianism and pacifism. This fascinating story of a charismatic woman will introduce the person, beliefs and achievements of Mary Purnell to a new generation."--Back cover blurb.