Page:1965 FBI monograph on Nation of Islam.djvu/46

 of these unnumbered groups show that only four groups have over 50 persons regularly attending. All of the 27 other groups have less than 35 members each, with many having less than 10.

Most temples are located in the heart of the lower economic or deteriorating Negro neighborhoods. Except for the larger temples, very few are owned by the NOI and most are rented halls which are frequently on the second floor over a store or some other commercial establishment. The notable exceptions are in Chicago, the national headquarters, and in Washington, D.C., where the only NOI-built temple is located.

It is interesting to note that half of the total Negro population of the United States (as of the 1960 census) reside in the 11 Southern States which made up the Confederate States of the Civil War period. Yet, in this area, the NOI has only six temples and 17 small, unnumbered groups having a membership of only about 600 out of the total cult membership of approximately 5,000. Obviously, the NOI has made no great impression on the Southern Negro.

D. Temple Officers

The highest authority in an individual temple is the minister. He is appointed by Elijah and remains in authority only as long as Elijah believes he is helping the cause. The minister constantly echoes the teachings of Elijah and exhorts his group of Elijah's followers to contribute to the many collections taken for the support of the local temple and its officers and the national organization.