James Bernard Schafer

James Bernard Schafer (1896 – April 26, 1955) was a man primarily known as the founder of a cult known as the Royal Fraternity of Master Metaphysicians and by an attempt to raise an "immortal baby".

Schafer was born in Fargo, North Dakota. He earned a medical doctor's degree at the University of Michigan. He also joined the Ku Klux Klan.

The group was founded in the 1920s and had attracted thousands by the 1930s, most being middle-aged women. An inner circle of male members known as "The Storks" made layettes for "needy, expectant mothers".

On January 13, 1938, the group purchased the 24-acre William Kissam Vanderbilt Estate on Long Island as a retreat. Schafer renamed the mansion "Peace Haven".

The retreat was open only to paying members, who were charged $100 (equivalent to $1,838 in 2019).

Pepperidge Hall, former mansion of Christopher R. Robert, was nearly purchased by the group in 1939. However, the sale later fell through.

A building at 217 W. 57th Street, built by Jay Gould as a stable, was purchased by the group in February 1940 as the location for an auditorium. The group also purchased the Adelphi Theatre, changed its name to the "Radiant Center", and put on metaphysical plays there.

The immortal baby

In November 1939, Schafer announced his intention to bring Baby Jean, whose mother, a waitress named Catherine Gauntt, was too poor to raise her, into the mansion and prepare her for everlasting life through metaphysics and a special vegetable diet. It was intended that she eventually become the group's immortal leader. However, the experiment terminated early, in December 1940, when they returned Baby Jean to her parents, citing both her parents' wishes and the cost. Later, her mother filed suit. Grand larceny charges were also filed by the New York Attorney General, John J. Bennett, Jr.

Questions centered on various lawsuits filed by others against the group and also Baby Jean's property, which included a diamond ring supposedly valued at $50,000 (equivalent to $912,470 in 2019).

The group encountered financial difficulties during the trial and Peace Haven was foreclosed and auctioned off.

On March 24, 1942, Schafer pleaded guilty and was sent to Sing Sing on May 5 for a term of at least 5 years. During that time, he lost Peace Haven, which is now part of Dowling College. Upon his release, he opened a correspondence school in metaphysics in upstate New York and published a magazine devoted to metaphysical issues.

On April 26, 1955, Schafer and his wife Cecilia were found dead in their car on the grounds of his school.There was a suicide note on the seat beside them, detailing instructions for their daughter on how to continue operating the school. It also stated that they had "no other way out." Schafer was 59. His wife was 55.

• Schafer, James B.; William M. Evers; Éliphas Lévi (1937). 20 Lectures on Truth.
• ———————— (1939). The Royal Fraternity of Master Metaphysicians: Student Class Work. Royal Fraternity of Master Metaphysicians. 720 pages.
• ————————. Mental Magic: The Miracle Power for Producing. Metaphysical Service Bureau.
• ———————— (1982). The Treasure Chest. 64 pages.