ABSTRACT
Two colorful lives forever destined to be identified with modern America briefly came together in San Diego the first few days of 1921. John Leo McKernan, later known as Jack Doc Kearns, was responsible for transforming a rail-riding hobo into Jack Dempsey, heavyweight champion of the world. Between 1911 and 1927 San Diego had the highest rate of suicide in the country. The city also led the nation with the highest rate of sickness. Its rate of sickness in 1931 was twenty-four percent of the population, whereas for the rest of the country the rate was only six percent. Aimee Semple McPherson success in San Diego was based upon two primary factors: the interdenominational appeal of her message and the healing aspect of her ministry. The interdenominational character of the meetings was apparent from the outset when Aimee asked a Roman Catholic priest to offer the invocation.
