After several scandals and investigations in San Francisco, Jones decided that by creating a utopian community in Guyana, he could further cement his absolute power over his members far away from the intervention of US authorities — or members' worried relatives. In 1974, he leased over 3000 acres (12.1 km²) of land from the Guyanese government and members of the People's Temple started the construction of Jonestown, under the supervision of senior members who were assigned by Jones to oversee the construction. Jones then went back to California before he encouraged all of his followers to move to Jonestown in 1977. Jonestown's population increased greatly from 50 members in 1977 to over 900 at its peak in 1978.
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Alternative Considerations of Jonestown and Peoples Temple - Discussion of issues surrounding the Peoples Temple, sponsored by the Dept. of Philosophy and Religion, University of North Dakota.
Meta Description: [ Alternative Considerations of Jonestown and Peoples Temple ]
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Jonestown: Jim Jones and the People's Temple - Information gathered by The Rick A. Ross Institute. Includes first hand accounts.
Meta Description: [ Jonestown, People's Temple, Jim Jones ]
The People's Temple, Jim Jones - Doomsday cult committed mass suicide in 1978.
Meta Description: [ Jim Jones' People's Temple ]
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