January 13 – February 12, 1905. Mason City, Iowa
Billy Sunday conducted a month-long revival campaign in Mason City, Iowa, from January 13 to February 12, 1905, during a period when the city’s population was only about 8,300 and total church membership was roughly 3,000. A temporary tabernacle constructed of rough boards and tar paper—heated by six furnaces to withstand winter conditions—served as the central venue for the meetings.
Attendance was substantial for a community of Mason City’s size. One January meeting drew 2,000 men, while associate evangelist Ira E. Honeywell simultaneously addressed 1,000 women in a separate gathering. During a notable men’s meeting on January 29, Sunday delivered a forceful sermon condemning social vices; more than 50 men responded for prayer and conversion. The revival continued despite severe winter weather, including temperatures reported at twenty below zero.
By the campaign’s conclusion, the meetings had produced approximately 700 conversions, including 200 on the final day. Sunday received a $1,800 love offering, while an additional $2,500 was raised for campaign expenses and $800 for the city’s poor. Contemporary newspapers widely reported the revival and praised Sunday’s energetic preaching style and his unusual ability to sway large crowds.
Evangelist Billy Sunday (1862-1935) 