On July 4, 2026, the United States will observe the 250th anniversary of its independence. Baseball has long been regarded as a cornerstone of American tradition, embodying the nation’s spirit and history.
The House of David baseball team was an exceptional group of religious adherents who traveled throughout the United States over a span of nearly fifty years. The origins of this team trace back to Benjamin Purnell, a local man responsible for establishing both the barnstorming team and its associated commune. Born on March 27, 1861, to Madison and Sarah Ann (Ross) Purnell, Benjamin’s presence is noted in the Lewis County census, which documents his birth in Lewis County as well as his residence in Fleming County and Mason County.
Purnell maintained close familial connections in Maysville and frequently visited to deliver sermons on public street corners. His religious convictions, shared with his spouse, culminated in the founding of the Israelite House of David in March 1903. This Adventist sect aspired to reunite the twelve tribes of Israel in anticipation of the prophesied return of Jesus in the new millennium. Benjamin identified himself as the seventh messenger from the Book of Revelation and established the commune in Benton Harbor, Mich., which served as the center for his religious activities. The sprawling complex featured an amusement park among its amenities.
Benjamin’s enthusiasm for baseball led him to assemble a team comprised entirely of men with long beards and hair, adhering to the community’s customs. By the 1920s, these players had gained widespread recognition across America. The team competed against opponents from both Major League Baseball and the Negro Leagues, captivating audiences with their inventive baseball feats reminiscent of the Harlem Globetrotters. The House of David was particularly renowned for its expertise in the game of pepper, wherein players exhibited remarkable skill by bunting and passing the ball with ingenuity. Spectators were entertained by elaborate tricks, such as concealing balls in their beards and performing unorthodox stunts, including games in which fielders rode donkeys. As forerunners of today’s Savannah Bananas, the House of David team, founded by a local resident, achieved national prominence and became a widely anticipated attraction.
The House of David frequently enlisted the talents of distinguished professional baseball players, such as Babe Ruth and Satchel Paige, who participated while wearing artificial beards. The team maintained a rigorous schedule, playing two or three games daily and traveling by bus between venues. Each season commenced with training in Florida, followed by extensive tours across the nation until autumn, with the team often exceeding 200 games per season. The estimated winning percentage of approximately 70% attests to the exceptional proficiency and dedication of the selected athletes.
The House of David team continued its activities through the 1950s even after the passing of Purnell however, like many other baseball enterprises, it eventually receded from public memory. The religious movement and Purnell’s pioneering vision for a baseball team constitute a compelling chapter of local and national history, originating with a local figure whose impact reached far beyond the immediate community. Purnell died in 1927, marking the conclusion of a significant era for the House of David team.
