A once-thriving religious group known for its communal living, humanitarian efforts, and a dramatic end in a suicide bombing.
Origins and Founder
The WKFL (Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, and Love) Fountain of the World was a religious group founded in the late 1940s by Krishna Venta, born Francis Herman Pencovic. Establishing the group’s headquarters in Box Canyon, near Chatsworth, California, Venta claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and asserted he was 244,000 years old.
Venta’s teachings were a syncretic blend of Christianity, Eastern mysticism, and UFO beliefs. He preached a message of universal love and cosmic wisdom, attracting followers with his teachings about extraterrestrial life and promises of spiritual enlightenment. The charismatic leader prophesied a cataclysmic event, including a racially motivated civil war in the United States followed by a Russian invasion, after which his followers would emerge to build a new world of equality, justice, and peace with Venta as the world messiah.
Beliefs and Practices
The ideology of the Fountain of the World centered on the principles of wisdom, knowledge, faith, and love. Venta’s doctrine incorporated beliefs about cosmic cycles, reincarnation, and the existence of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. He taught that Earth was part of a larger galactic community and that humanity was on the brink of a new age of enlightenment.
One of the central tenets of the group was the idea of “Twelve Commandments,” which expanded upon the traditional Ten Commandments found in Judaism and Christianity. These additional principles emphasized love, compassion, and spiritual growth. The group’s goal was to gather 144,000 “Elect” to survive an impending apocalypse.
Communal Living and Humanitarian Efforts
Members of the Fountain of the World lived communally, often working long hours to maintain their properties and support their lifestyle. The group was known for its distinct appearance, with male members required to grow their beards and hair long, and all members typically dressing in robes and going barefoot. New members were required to donate all worldly assets to the group upon joining.
The WKFL Fountain of the World gained recognition for its humanitarian efforts. They were involved in various charitable activities, including aiding victims of a plane crash in 1949, fighting wildfires, and providing shelter and food to the needy. Their assistance to firefighters during wildfires in Southern California earned them goodwill from local communities and authorities.
Controversies and Scandals
Despite the group’s positive public image, Krishna Venta’s leadership was marked by controversy. Allegations of financial mismanagement and sexual misconduct were rampant. Venta faced accusations of being intimate with the wives of some of his followers, leading to internal conflicts and dissatisfaction among members.
Additionally, Venta encountered legal troubles, including a child support lawsuit and accusations related to issuing fictitious checks and violating the Mann Act. These controversies, coupled with failed prophecies, caused tension within the community and attracted criticism from mainstream religious organizations and skeptics.
The Tragic End
The WKFL Fountain of the World met a dramatic and tragic end on December 10, 1958. Two former members, Peter Duma Kamenoff and Ralph Muller, carried out a suicide bombing at the group’s headquarters in Box Canyon. The attack was reportedly motivated by personal grievances and accusations of sexual misconduct against Venta.
The explosion resulted in the deaths of Krishna Venta, the two perpetrators, and seven other members, including children. The blast also caused a significant fire, destroying the headquarters and injuring several others. This shocking event marked a pivotal moment in the group’s history, leading to increased scrutiny of the sect and its practices.
Aftermath and Legacy
Following Venta’s death, the WKFL Fountain of the World struggled to maintain its cohesion and influence. Some members, including Venta’s widow, Sister Ruth, relocated to a compound in Homer, Alaska. However, the group’s numbers rapidly declined, and by the mid-1970s, it had effectively ceased to exist.
The legacy of the Fountain of the World intersected with other notorious figures and groups. Charles Manson reportedly resided at the Fountain of the World site for a time, and several former members later joined Jim Jones’s Peoples Temple, ultimately perishing in the Jonestown massacre. Venta’s legacy is further marked by rumors and legends, including stories about his birth and claims of having no navel, as well as a mysterious stone monument in Kaysville, Utah, known as Kay’s Cross, which is associated with his name.
image via Califias
