The Divine Lorraine Hotel in Philadelphia, PA: Ghostly Guests & Cult Connections

This week we’re heading to Philadelphia to explore the eerie history and paranormal claims surrounding the iconic Divine Lorraine Hotel. Originally designed by Willis G. Hale and opened in 1894, the building began as luxury apartments. Its most fascinating chapter began in 1948, when it was purchased by the International Peace Mission Movement, led by the controversial Father Divine.

Revered by followers as a living god, Father Divine transformed the hotel into one of the first racially integrated hotels in the United States, creating a space centered on equality and affordable hospitality. Today visitors report doors opening and closing on their own, objects mysteriously moving, and carts rolling through empty hallways. Shadowy apparitions have also been seen. And perhaps strangest of all? The reports of phantom music drifting from Father Divine’s former penthouse… played backwards.