April 1979 The organization’s name has changed, and so has the location, but the charges being leveled against former Chattanoogan Gene Spriggs and his following are no different than those 19 that were brought against the group a few years ago. Elbert Eugene Spriggs is the leader of the Chattanooga based Vine Community Church. Today,…
The Chattanooga Times/March 26, 1979 The Vine Christian Community Church [now known as the "Twelve Tribes], owner of the Yellow Deli restaurants and the subject of some controversy here over the past few years regarding its unorthodox style, is selling almost all of its businesses and properties here and plans to relocate the majority of…
Carolyn Mitchell January 21, 1979 Stories about the People’s Temple in Guyana have sparked interest in religious cults and have increased the invitations Melinda Horton receives to address church groups and civic clubs. A member of the Vine Community Christian Church for 15 months, Melinda refers to the group, which operates the Yellow Deli restaurants,…
Chattanooga Times Alan Murray January 15, 1978 There are six Yellow Delis in the Chattanooga area, and patrons of each agree that the restaurants offer delicious sandwiches and friendly service. But the organization whose members operate those restaurants, a group known as the Vine Christian Community Church, has found itself the subject of increasing controversy…
Source: The Chattanooga Times/September 20, 1977 By Libby Wann The Yellow Deli took the six small children of Mrs.Wilma Castleberry, separated them among Yellow Deli in three states, made at least one wash dishes until “11 or 12 at night” and refused to return them to their family until the police ordered them to do…
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