Sometimes the most shocking stories have the most ordinary beginnings. That was certainly the case for Heaven's Gate and its leader Marshall Applewhite.

Born in 1932, in the small city of Spur, Texas, Marshall had a typical all-American upbringing, and religion was a very important part of his childhood.

His father was a well-known Presbyterian minister in the area, and he encouraged Marshall to live a life of virtue,

one that his family and God would be proud of.

Marshall was eager to please.

Growing up, he attended church regularly and wanted to

become a minister just like his father. But while Marshall was a staunch Christian, he was also

interested in looking elsewhere for the answers to life's biggest questions. So when it was time for him

to go to college in the late 1940s or early 50s, Marshall decided

to study philosophy at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and he made a splash on campus

right away. Classmates remembered Marshall as an extrovert with a magnetic personality, along

with joining the Association of Prospective Presbyterian Ministers,

Marshall was a talented singer who led the school's acapella group.

It seemed like whatever Marshall set his mind to, he would achieve it.

And when it came time to graduate in 1952, the 20-year-old decided to follow in his father's footsteps.

That year he enrolled at Virginia's Union Theological Seminary, but even though he enjoyed diving deeper into Presbyterian theology,

he still felt like something was missing.

So after two years, he decided to change course.

He dropped out and studied music and voice instead.

Marshall had an undeniable gift.

For a while, he even dreamed of a career in opera or acting.

But life had other plans.

...