The Mount Rainier Possession

The 1949 exorcism of a boy known as Roland Doe became the basis for William Peter Blatty’s novel “The Exorcist” and its subsequent film adaptation. The actual events, documented in contemporary diaries and reports, were in some ways more disturbing than their fictional portrayal.

The Beginning

Roland, a fourteen-year-old living in Mount Rainier, Maryland, began experiencing poltergeist activity after the death of his spiritualist aunt who had introduced him to Ouija boards. Objects moved on their own. Scratching sounds came from the walls.

The Escalation

The phenomena centered on Roland. His mattress shook violently. Furniture moved in his presence. Scratches appeared on his body forming words and symbols. He spoke in Latin and ancient languages he had never studied. He demonstrated knowledge of events occurring elsewhere.

The First Exorcism

Lutheran minister Luther Miles Schulze attempted to help but was overwhelmed. Catholic priests were called. Father Edward Hughes began exorcism but was slashed by an unseen force, requiring stitches. The boy was transferred to St. Louis for continued treatment.

The St. Louis Exorcism

Jesuit priests William Bowdern, Walter Halloran, and William Van Roo conducted the exorcism over several months. Father Halloran later described witnessing the bed shake so violently it broke. Words appeared scratched into Roland’s skin. Objects flew without physical agency.

The Resolution

After approximately thirty exorcism sessions, Roland suddenly spoke in a commanding voice declaring the demon expelled. He recalled nothing of the preceding months. He went on to live a normal life, marrying and working for NASA.

Assessment

The Mount Rainier case is among the best-documented American possessions. Contemporary records, maintained by skeptical Jesuit priests trained in critical observation, provide compelling evidence. The case’s influence on popular culture ensures its continued examination.