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Sister Aimee’s Hideaway

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

Aimee Semple McPherson, who founded the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, had this house built in the hills of Silver Lake so she could be near her 5,300-seat Angelus Temple, which she established in 1923. McPherson combined familiar hymns and the biblical interpretations of many Christian churches with a brass band, large choirs and elaborate sets.

She preached to millions over her radio station KFSG and gained even more attention with her mysterious disappearance, which she called a kidnapping, in 1926. She baptized more than 40,000, some at home in her pond, which is now a pool.

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About this house: “Sister Aimee” didn’t live here long, but the memories of her linger. The house was built in 1941; she died at 53 in 1944. True to the evangelist’s sense of drama and mystery, the house has one stairway that goes nowhere. Paul Williams’ name is on the plans, but he wasn’t the architect of record; he oversaw some remodeling of the home in the ‘50s.

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Asking price: $1.4 million.

Size: The house has five bedrooms and five baths in 3,943 square feet.

Features: Described as a “Silver Lake Revival,” for the area and in memory of McPherson and her many revivals, the two-story Monterey-style house with Art Deco influences sits high on a hill up a private drive with lake and city views. Two adjacent lots protect the privacy of the home, its pool, sprawling lawn and mature landscaping. The house also has a maid’s room and a family room.

Where: 1982 Micheltorena St., open today from 1 to 4 p.m.

Listing agents: Karen Weiss and Bob Weatherford, Coldwell Banker, Los Feliz, (323) 210-1421.

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Ruth Ryon can be e-mailed with candidates for Home of the Week at ruth.ryon@latimes.com.

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