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The House That Fred Built: Exclusive Photos of Fred Phelps and the People He Left Behind

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Pastor Fred Phelps, 81 here, in his home office in Topeka, Kans. Pastor Phelps founded the Phelps Chartered Law Firm in 1964, but was disbarred from practicing law in Kansas in 1979 for making false statements.
Pastor Fred Phelps, 81 here, in his home office in Topeka, Kans. Pastor Phelps founded the Phelps Chartered Law Firm in 1964, but was disbarred from practicing law in Kansas in 1979 for making false statements.Anthony S. Karen
By TIME Staff

Fred Phelps Sr., the founder of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church most widely known for picketing U.S. military funerals, died at the age of 84, Thursday, March 20. Photographer Anthony S. Karen captured these behind-the-scenes images of Phelps, his family and his church between 2008-2011, giving a remarkable inside look at the secretive and oft-despised group.

Pastor Fred Phelps, 81 here, in his home office in Topeka, Kans. Pastor Phelps founded the Phelps Chartered Law Firm in 1964, but was disbarred from practicing law in Kansas in 1979 for making false statements.
Pastor Fred Phelps, 81 here, in his home office in Topeka, Kans. Pastor Phelps founded the Phelps Chartered Law Firm in 1964, but was disbarred from practicing law in Kansas in 1979 for making false statements. Anthony S. Karen
Shirley Phelps-Roper, Pastor Phelp's daughter, protests outside of an Enrique Igesias concert in Kansas City, Mo.
Shirley Phelps-Roper, Pastor Phelp's daughter, protests outside of an Enrique Igesias concert in Kansas City, Mo.Anthony S. Karen
Pastor Fred Phelps greets one of his many grandchildren immediately following a one-hour-long Sunday service.
Pastor Fred Phelps greets one of his many grandchildren immediately following a one-hour-long Sunday service.Anthony S. Karen
Thousands of handmade signs are stored in the home of Shirley Phelps-Roper, which will be used in pickets across the country.
Thousands of handmade signs are stored in the home of Shirley Phelps-Roper, which will be used in pickets across the country. Anthony S. Karen
Shirley Phelps-Roper leads the daily one-hour bible instruction in the basement of her home
Shirley Phelps-Roper leads the daily one-hour bible instruction in the basement of her homeAnthony S. Karen
Phelps-Roper visits with one of her nieces in her home office in Topeka, Kans.
Phelps-Roper visits with one of her nieces in her home office in Topeka, Kans.Anthony S. Karen
Grace Phelps-Roper plays with two of her nephews outside Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kans. The church is part of a compound which includes multiple Phelps family homes sharing a large, fenced back yard.
Grace Phelps-Roper plays with two of her nephews outside Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kans. The church is part of a compound which includes multiple Phelps family homes sharing a large, fenced back yard. Anthony S. Karen
Pastor Fred Phelps on his back porch during a Sunday pizza birthday party for one of his grandchildren.
Pastor Fred Phelps on his back porch during a Sunday pizza birthday party for one of his grandchildren.Anthony S. Karen
Graffiti defaces the sign of the Westboro Baptist Church.
Graffiti defaces the sign of the Westboro Baptist Church. Anthony S. Karen
Jonah Phelps-Roper prepares a picket sign in the “spray room.” The room is part of the sign shop, which is a highly efficient production facility within the Westboro compound.
Jonah Phelps-Roper prepares a picket sign in the “spray room.” The room is part of the sign shop, which is a highly efficient production facility within the Westboro compound.Anthony S. Karen
Shirley Phelps-Roper sits in her home in Topeka, Kans.
Shirley Phelps-Roper sits in her home in Topeka, Kans.Anthony S. Karen

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