Andrew Loza and his elderly mother live in Tucson, but he’s only seen her a few times over the last 30 years.
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Andrew Loza with his mother Norma Loza in a family photo from 1993, copied July 25.
Courtesy of Andrew Loza
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Isaac Noriega
Courtesy of Golden Dawn Tabernacle Research website
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"Indoctrination school" at Tucson church thrives under Arizona's home-schooling rules. Former students say it used shunning and shame, taught all about 'prophet' William Branham.
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Rev. William Branham is pictured by the Ohio River in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Millions worldwide consider Branham to be a prophet of God. Branham died in 1965.
Courtesy of Voice of God Recordings
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A light appears above Rev. William Branham's head as his photo is taken during a debate with a skeptic in Houston, Texas, in 1950. Message followers believe the light was a supernatural being from the Holy Spirit, vindicating Branham's ministry and healing powers. They call the light the "Pillar of Fire."
Courtesy of Voice of God Recordings
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William Branham describes a pillar of light entering his boyhood home
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John Calvo, a former member of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle browses his website, goldendawntabernacle.org , inside of his home in Tucson, Ariz., Aug. 10.
Grace Trejo, Arizona Daily Star
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An aerial view of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle at 301 E. Los Reales Rd. on Sunday, June 30. Twenty former church members have accused the church of being a "cult."
Rebecca Noble, for the Arizona Daily Star
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Robert Roa left Golden Dawn Tabernacle when he was 19 because church members ostracized him after discovering he had watched a movie in 1996. Movies, internet, TVs and smartphones are banned in the strict, pseudo-Christian church. Roa now calls Golden Dawn a “cult.” Here, Roa is pictured outside his home in Grand Rapids, Mich., on May 23.
Emily Hamer / Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team
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Rev. William Branham preaches in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Courtesy of Voice of God Recordings
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Rey David Aguirre grew up in Golden Dawn Tabernacle. He said his father beat him for not following the strict rules of the church, allegations that his father denies. Here, Rey David is pictured in Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 17, 2023.
Emily Hamer, Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team
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Branham: 'Take a board and blister her with it'
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Isabel Duenas grew up in Golden Dawn Tabernacle church but eventually left with her husband. She poses for a photo in her home in Tucson, Ariz. on July 25.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
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Gabriel Cordova, poses for a photo in his home in Tucson, Ariz., August 14. Cordova and his wife Zoe were members of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle church until two years ago when they left.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
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Aaron Duenas and his wife Isabel Duenas at their home in Tucson, Ariz., on July 25. The couple grew up in the Golden Dawn Tabernacle community and left together.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
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An aerial view of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle at 301 E. Los Reales Rd. in Tucson, Ariz., on Sunday, June 30.
Rebecca Noble / for the Arizona Daily Star
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Andrew Loza poses with photos of three generations of himself, his wife, his kids and grandkids in his home in Tucson, Ariz., July 25. Loza was excommunicated from and cut off from the members of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle more than 30 years ago. His mother, Norma, has rarely seen him and doesn’t know her grand and great-grandchildren.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @timothysteller
Contact reporter Emily Hamer at emily.hamer@lee.net or 262-844-4151. On Twitter: @ehamer7
In this Series
Updated
Jun 2, 2025
Updated
Nov 12, 2024
Updated
Jun 2, 2025
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