Dorrellites
Many flocked to this leader who claimed he could not be harmed, but he lost his following after a critic beat him up
1794 - 1798
The Dorrellites were a communal group that existed shortly after the founding of America. The leader, William Dorrell claimed he was not able to be harmed, so when a critic physically assaulted him until he was begging for mercy, it caused conflict in the community, leading to the community's demise. Dorrell's reputation never recovered from his defeat, and he became an outcast from the rest of society, spending the rest of his life as an alcoholic until he eventually committed suicide. Unfortunately, very little information about this organization has survived into the present day.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Other
Founder: William Dorrell
Founded: 1794
Ended: 1798
Size: 100
Locations: Near Guilford, Vermont, USA; second location in northwest Massachusetts
Other info:
Believed that there was no moral difference between God and Satan (source p. 110)
Dorrell was illiterate but had much of scripture memorized (source)
Thought there was no need to pray because God had no power over man (source)
Dorrell claimed to have been able to walk on water (source)
Dorrell continued to be firm in his unique beliefs for the rest of his life (source)