Morrow Mayo, "Aimee Rises from the Sea," The New Republic, December 25, 1929

. . . Sister substituted the Gospel of Love for the Gospel of Fear. This doctrine is as strange in Southern California as it is elsewhere in Christendom. . . .

Sister substituted the cheerfulness of the play-room for the gloom of the morgue. She threw out the dirges and threats of Hell, replacing them with jazz hymns and promises of Glory. The gospel she created was and is an ideal bed-time story. It has a pretty color, a sweet taste, and is easy. . . .

Mrs. McPherson describes the Holy City literally - the jeweled walls, pearly gates, golden streets, milk and honey. She says she is not sure - she is not sure, mind you - but has a pretty good idea that Heaven will resemble a cross between Pasadena, California, and Washington, D.C. That will give an idea of what may be expected at Angelus Temple. The atmosphere bubbles over with love, joy, enthusiasm; the Temple full of flowers, music, golden trumpets, red robes, angels, incense, nonsense and sex appeal. The service may be described as supernatural whoopee.