During the late 1950s, a “doomsday cult” of Christian denomination was founded by James Warren Jones in California. The “Peoples Temple” was originally for the sick and homeless, but spread to become one of the first interacial congregations. When the government started to investigate their alleged cures for cancer, heart disease, and arthritis, Jones moved his congregation. Eventually, he relocated to Jonestown, Guyana. Reports of pretend suicides and possible forced membership prompted Congressman Leo Ryan to visit and inspect the temple. Some members decided to leave the temple at this time, but as they attempted to, armed temple gaurds arrived at the airstrip and killed Ryan, three members of the press, and one who wanted to leave Jonestown. 11 more were wounded. Afraid of consequences, 914 members drank grape juice laced with cyanide and sedatives and died. Others escaped to the jungle. This group suicide killed 918 adults and children, the greatest single loss that was not the cause of a natural dissaster or war.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/dc_jones.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peoples_Temple
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