In the year 1914, two brilliant scientists, Pennell and Lazaroff, share a dinner at the home of Sir Spofforth and his daughter, Esther. Spofforth is the benefactor of the Biological Research Institute where they work, and during the evening, a heated debate arises between Lazaroff and Spofforth regarding the conflict between science and religion. While Spofforth believes there is no clash, Lazaroff is convinced that within a century, science will reign supreme as humanitys guiding faith, overshadowing all other religions. What they perceive as a mere academic argument takes a sinister turn as Lazaroff secretly orchestrates events that will catapult himself, Pennell, and Esther into the future he anticipates. Fast forward to 2015, and welcome to The Messiah of the Cylinder.