Rev. Colleen Irwin

Beyond Baker Street: Arthur Conan Doyle and the Spirit World

May 22nd marks the birthday of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle—the mind behind Sherlock Holmes, a character known for logic, deduction, and reason. But Conan Doyle wasn’t just a writer of mysteries. He was also a seeker of spiritual truth.

What many don’t know is that the man who gave us Holmes spent the latter part of his life devoted to Spiritualism. While Sherlock searched for clues on the foggy streets of London, his creator was searching for something less tangible: proof that the spirit world was real.

To some, that shift seems contradictory. But for Conan Doyle, it made perfect sense. He didn’t see Spiritualism as an escape from logic. He saw it as the next frontier of discovery—a science of the soul.

A Heartbreaking Catalyst

Conan Doyle’s interest in psychic phenomena wasn’t new. But his belief deepened after tremendous personal loss. World War I brought grief into his home. He lost his son Kingsley to illness in 1918, followed closely by his brother, Innes, and two brothers-in-law.

Like many others grieving in the aftermath of war, he turned to Spiritualism for comfort, connection, and clarity. He didn’t want fantasy—he wanted evidence. He believed the spirit world could be studied, experienced, and proven.

A Spiritual Messenger on a Global Stage

Conan Doyle didn’t keep his beliefs quiet. In fact, he devoted the last years of his life to spreading the word. He wrote books, including The New Revelation and The History of Spiritualism. He traveled the world, giving lectures and meeting others who shared his passion.

And yes—he came here to Rochester, New York. Our city, home to the Fox Sisters and the roots of Modern Spiritualism, welcomed this literary giant who had become a spiritual advocate. He also visited Lily Dale, the world’s largest Spiritualist community. I can only imagine what it felt like to have Arthur Conan Doyle walk the grounds of that sacred space.

A Legacy of Faith and Curiosity

Not everyone agreed with Conan Doyle. Some critics mocked his belief in spirit photography and the Cottingley Fairies. Even his friend, magician Harry Houdini, pushed back—hard. But Conan Doyle stood firm. He believed what he had seen and felt. He trusted the mediums he worked with. He believed in the messages from the other side.

His role in Spiritualism was more than symbolic. He brought visibility, respect, and intellectual rigor to a movement often dismissed or misunderstood. And even now, long after his passing, his voice echoes in our circles—in our questions, in our hope, and in our deep longing to know that love never dies.

Remembering the Seeker

So today, on his birthday, I invite you to remember Sir Arthur Conan Doyle not just as a writer, but as a seeker. A man who, when faced with heartbreak, chose to believe in something greater. A man who used his platform to lift up a message that still touches hearts today.

From the cobblestone streets of Baker Street to the quiet paths of Lily Dale, his story reminds us that mystery doesn’t end with the last chapter. Sometimes, it’s just beginning.