The Spiritualist Church of Swampscott opened its doors on Friday, January 9 for an introduction to the religion of Spiritualism and a demonstration of mediumship, or the practice of bridging communication with the spirits of the deceased.

Attendees learned about the origins of the religion and notable historical figures linked to its beginning and spread. According to the church’s website, followers of Spiritualism believe that life is continuous after death and communication with those who have died is possible.

Rev. Robin Reale led the historical presentation. She said that the spiritualist movement reached the American colonies in the late 18th century. People in the audience took notes as Reale talked about the earliest days of the spiritualism movement.

The relies movement became popular in the 19th and early-20th centuries. Practicers see the afterlife, or the “spirit world,” as a place where spirits continue to evolve and advance beyond human capabilities. Some spiritualists follow specific spirits for direction.

Reale said Johnny Appleseed was known to wrap seeds inside pages of the writings of Emmanuel Swedenborg, who is one of the forefathers of the religion. Appleseed was considered a devout missionary for the Swedenborgian Church, which influenced the rise of modern Spiritualism. Swedenborg’s teaches served as examples for people who sought connection with the afterlife.

After the presentation, the audience filed into the sanctuary of the church as Rev. Jason McCuish attempted to relay messages to attendees from their loved ones who had passed away.

McCuish and another medium worked with people in the audience one-on-one, where messages were conveyed. McCuish would describe a person and ask audience members if they knew who he was referencing. Some audience members knew exactly who McCuish claimed to be communicating with, while others did not.

“Wow, it sounds just like her,” said one attendee.

McCuish said he hoped the audience left the event with knowledge and understanding of Spiritualism.

“It’s nice for people to come and see what’s happening, what we believe and who we are,” said McCuish.

He said events like this one could help with “getting rid of the stigma” that people think of when they hear communication with spirits. McCuish also noted he was happy to see an engaged audience.

“It shows that what we are doing is working and people are interested and investigating,” said McCuish. “We have the opportunity to offer something different that might be what people are looking for.”