Billy Sunday
By: Kate Davis
"Fire and Brimstone" Preacher
In 1886, Billy was converted at the city's Pacific Garden Mission. He became active with the YMCA and a local Presbyterian Church. He married in 1888 and retired from baseball in 1890 so he could preach the Gospel full time. Billy served for three years under a famous evangelist before finally launching his own career in 1896.
In the next four decades, Billy became the most prolific American evangelist. Billy preached against sin, alcohol, and vice. He got lots of news coverage every time he preached. He became well-liked and wealthy, even though he gave most of his fortune away. It is estimated that as many as 100 million people heard Billy preach and over one million people walked down the "Sawdust Trail" to shake his hand and accept Christ as the savior of the world.
Impact
Video Questions:
- What is the message or goal that Billy is trying to get across?
- In your opinion, why were people so inspired by Billy?