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Early 1970s – Traill’s Religious Break and Growth
Traill undergoes a conversion experience, joins a Pentecostal church and is later expelled. He begins teaching his own interpretations of the Bible gaining a following. -
Mid-1970s – Rapid Expansion
The group reaches 10,000 members and 110 communes becoming a widespread network of churches headquartered in New York. -
Founding of Forever Family
Stewart Traill establishes the group in Allentown, Pennsylvania, initially called Forever Family as a communal religious organization. -
Name Change to Church of Bible Understanding
The organization is officially renamed the Church of Bible Understanding. Allegations emerge of exploitative labor with members working for low wages while all funds go to the church. -
Expansion into Business Ventures
COBU establishes Christian Brothers Carpet Cleaning, a business later referenced in a Seinfeld episode as the "Sunshine Carpet Cleaning Cult." -
Legal Battle Over Youth Recruitment
Bruce Ritter of Covenant House accuses COBU of luring 17 homeless youth away from shelters with promises of salvation. A state court prohibits them from housing or transporting minors without parental consent. -
Investigation into Haitian Orphanages
An Associated Press investigation finds COBU’s orphanages in Haiti in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, despite the group claiming to spend $2.5 million annually on them. -
Multi-Million Dollar Funding from Olde Good Things
Tax records reveal that Olde Good Things funneled $6.8 million to COBU raising questions about financial transparency. -
Death of Stewart Traill
Stewart Traill, the long-time leader of COBU passes away leaving the future of the organization uncertain. -
Tragic Fire at Haitian Orphanage
A fire breaks out at a COBU-run orphanage in Haiti killing 15 children. The cause is linked to candle use after the facility's generator failed. The tragedy raises further concerns about the group’s management and safety standards.