2-378-265 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

The branded back of Reverend Orrin Van Loon, Detroit, Michigan, USA, July 1924. Reverend Orrin Van Loon, pastor of Berkley Community Church, disappeared on 30 June 1924 and was found half-naked in a stupor 11 days later, with the letters KKK (Ku Klux Klan) burned into his skin. He had previously preached a sermon condemning the Klan's cross-burning ceremony.