Religion: Peaceful Fraternity

William Kissam Vanderbilt called it Idle Hour: a 100-room house in Oakdale, Long Island, as sumptuous and showy as a Summer Palace of the Romanovs. Thirty years ago it cost about $7,000,000, but nowadays it is a bit run down. Last week 500 Truth Students, Adepts and Master Metaphysicians twitched on hard chairs in the big reception hall with its encrusted ceiling, ivory-colored fireplace, concealed pipe organ. Above the doors were signs reading "Peace, Discrimination, Enlightenment, Inspiration." James Bernard Schafer, Master Metaphysician, entered.

Conversation stopped. He strode to the platform. "Peace," he said. "Peace," said the 500.* Dimpled, businesslike Mr. Schafer, M.M., was dedicating Idle Hour as a sort of spiritual sanatorium for the members of one of the most elusive cults in the U. S.—The Royal Fraternity of Master Metaphysicians. It will be called Peace Haven. Mr. Schafer acquired it some months ago for $350,000, raised by Love Gifts from his disciples. "Truth Students never lack anything," he says. It will be used as a retreat "for those Students who desire Metaphysical assistance or loving care. . . ." One of the wings will be made over into Camp Peace for children. Every night a loud speaker in the reception hall will broadcast an inspirational message by telephone from Mr. Schafer in Manhattan.

Room and board at Peace Haven: from $14 a week, up.

At the Royal Fraternity's headquarters, the Forum of Truth and the Center of Peace (a fairish-sized lecture room) in Manhattan's Steinway Hall. Mr. Schafer delivers four talks a week. Truth Students become Master Metaphysicians after studying more than a year and a half.

What they study is far from clear, but the Royal Fraternity's creed might be described as a theological goulash of Rosicrucianism, Christian Science, Christianity, Supermind Science, faith healing and How to Win Friends and Influence People. As to the number of middle-aged ladies he has attracted, "the Christian Science Church doesn't publish the number of its membership," says Mr. Schafer; "Why should we?" However: "Our organization is unorganized. You can't define a thing like that."

Last week some 100 Fraternity members moved out to Peace Haven to stay. Mr. Schafer (called by his disciples the Messenger) went back to Manhattan to continue his lectures. Said he comfortably to the press, "People think we're a lot of nuts."