NSSCHS Archives | National Spiritual Science Center Historical Society

The history of Spiritual Science in Washington DC includes individuals whose work extended beyond the church itself. One of those figures was Rev. Henry Nagorka, a minister who later became closely connected with the publication history of the Psychic Observer.

Rev. Nagorka completed his ministerial training under Rev. Alice Wellstood Tindall at the First Spiritual Science Church of Washington DC in 1967, graduating as a minister of Spiritual Science. Within a short time, his work expanded into the editorial side of the Psychic Observer, the publication Rev. Tindall acquired in 1968.

By 1969, the masthead of the publication listed Henry J. Nagorka as Managing Editor, marking the beginning of his long involvement with the journal and its Washington years.

This blog post introduces Rev. Henry Nagorka’s connection to the Psychic Observer and the Washington era of Spiritual Science.

The full historical page provides a deeper look at his editorial role, the transition of leadership within the publication, the ESPress printing operation, and the later merger of the journal with Chimes.

Read the full historical page:

Henry Nagorka and the Psychic Observer — The Washington Years

Historical research compiled by Rev. Starlene Joyner Burns — President & Founder, National Spiritual Science Center Historical Society

Who She Was — Why Her Work Mattered

- Every movement has a beginning.
- But not every beginning is remembered accurately.

This month, the National Spiritual Science Center Historical Society is introducing a new permanent page honoring Rev. Alice Wellstood Tindall. She was a pioneer of the Spiritual Science movement and the individual who planted and established the First Spiritual Science Church in Washington, DC.

Alice Tindall Enhanced 1951 PO, Mother Alice Tindall

For decades, Rev. Tindall’s role has been referenced, abbreviated, or quietly absorbed into later narratives. Yet her work shaped the foundation of Spiritual Science in DC. She served as a minister, healer, teacher, mental medium, exorcism healing practitioner, spiritual counselor, and publisher.

Her leadership extended beyond the sanctuary. She held national organizational roles and worked in publishing. Through print, she distributed disciplined Spiritual Science education to a wider audience.

This newly published page restores Rev. Tindall’s work to the historical record as she represented herself publicly. It reflects her ministry, her healing practices, and her ownership and active publication of The Psychic Observer: Journal of Spiritual Science. She purchased the paper in 1968 and began publishing it from Washington, DC in 1969. Surviving issues confirm that she remained actively engaged in publishing through at least 1973, the year preceding her death.

This page now serves as the roots of the Spiritual Sciencece movement.

🔗 Read the full historical page:
Rev. Alice W. Tindall — Pioneer of the Spiritual Science Movement

May her work be remembered and preserved.

Spiritual Science Research from Rev. Starlene Joyner Burns — President & Founder, National Spiritual Science Center Historical Society

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Tag: NSSCHS Archives

Henry Nagorka and the Psychic Observer

Rev. Alice Wellstood Tindall — Founder, First Spiritual Science Church (Washington, DC)

Who She Was — Why Her Work Mattered