The Church of Bible Understanding

Founded in Allentown, Pennsylvania by carpet cleaner Stewart Traill, originally called the 'Garbage Eaters' by locals for members' practice of eating discarded food. Traill demanded total submission from followers, who lived communally and surrendered all earnings to the group. Members worked long hours in the organization's carpet-cleaning business while receiving little pay. Former members describe systematic sleep deprivation, food restriction, and shunning of doubt. Traill later admitted he had taught an incorrect gospel for years, devastating followers who had sacrificed careers, families, and education.