Billy held revival meetings in Charleston, WV, March-April, 1922.
“Billy” Sunday and his tabernacle. Charleston, West Virginia, c. 1922
Tag: Billy Sunday Tabernacle
The Paterson, New Jersey campaign: March 27-May 28, 1915
Image source: eBay (Feb 2025), colorized by author
Image source: eBay (late June 2025)
South Bend Tribune headline for final day of campaign
Citation: The South Bend Tribune. Mon, Jun 16, 1913 ·Page 1
SOUTH BEND’S RELIGIOUS CAMPAIGN PROVES TO
BE MOST NOTABLE IN HISTORY OF ALL INDIANA
AIR OF SADNESS PREDOMINATES AT CLOSING MEETING OF BILLY SUNDAY’S BIG REVIVAL.
“BOSS” AND “MA” SAY THEIR LAST FAREWELL
Hundreds Cheer Evangelist and His Wife on Rear of Car as They Leave City—Other Thousands Disappointed by Early Departure—Last Day of Services Proves to be Remarkable One—Over 30,000 Present.
RESULTS IN BRIEF.
Conversions.
Previous conversions ………. 5,455
Saturday and Sunday ………. 943
Grand total ………. 6,398
Attendance.
Previous attendance ………. 519,550
Saturday and Sunday ………. 46,500
Grand total ………. 566,050
Collections.
Special offering for Billy Sunday ………. $10,500.00
Collections for local institutions ………. 737.98
Fund for campaign expenses ………. 18,500.00
Grand total ………. $24,737.98
The taking of the offering for Billy Sunday was one of the features of the closing day of the campaign. Seventeen or more different people and concerns of South Bend and Mishawaka gave donations of $100. The largest was $200, given by Samuel Murdock, of Lafayette, Ind., one of the owners of the Chicago, South Bend & Northern Indiana railway. The donations of $100, which have been recorded thus far, are from the following: South Bend and Mishawaka Ministerial association; Mrs. George Wyman; Mrs. M. V. Belser; citizens of Kingston, Pa.; by George L. Newell; Folding Paper Box company; Stephenson Underwear mills; E. G. Eberhart; Stephenson Manufacturing company; C. C. Shafer; Col. George M. Studebaker; Mr. Clement Studebaker; a friend; Clement Studebaker, Jr.; J. D. Oliver; Mrs. George Ford; C. A. Carlisle and the Mishawaka Woolen Manufacturing company. The $50 donations, which have been reported to those in charge of the campaign finances, are as follows: Mrs. J. C. Ellsworth; W. O. Davies; F. H. Badet; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Thompson; J. C. Bowsher; McBrillan & Jackson; S. P. Studebaker and Mrs. Ida M. Stull, and the U. B. Memorial church.
Billy Sunday’s seven weeks’ fight against the devil in St. Joseph county became religious history to-day after the baseball evangelist had shown 6,393 people the road to salvation and approximately $10,500 had been raised for him.
The final curtain was rung down last night and the hard working little evangelist, with his wife, said goodbye to South Bend at 10 o’clock this morning. With a check for the $10,500 tucked away in an inside coat pocket, Billy boarded at 10 o’clock Northern Indiana Interurban car for his home at Winona.
A thousand people saw him off. Hundreds waved their hats and handkerchiefs at the evangelist, his wife, and Rev. William Asher, as the car moved out of the station and down Michigan street. All three stood on the rear platform bowing and smiling in response.
It is estimated a crowd of 8,000 or 10,000 people would have been at the car to say goodbye but the evangelist, leaving an hour earlier than he expected, disappointed many. The Northern Indiana company agreed to run the car through to Winona to insure the evangelist he would be able to eat lunch under his own roof.
State’s Greatest Revival.
With Sunday’s farewell prayer and a general handshaking all around at the tabernacle last night the meetings, which undoubtedly constituted Indiana’s greatest religious campaign, came to a close. The meetings ended quietly and with that heavy solemnity, which told plainer than words what it meant to the people to bid farewell to “Billy,” “Mr.” Ready, “Mac,” Ackley and all the rest.
Tears started in the eyes of many a man, and many a woman, as farewells were said on the platform. Hundreds crowded near the revival leaders to shake their hands and the number to about Homer Rodeheaver, director of the great chorus of 1,000 voices became so large, the people had to be formed in a line and were compelled to move rapidly as soon as they had said goodbye.
Completely worn out, Mr. and Mrs. Sunday were conducted from the tabernacle without notice to the eager thousands, who wanted one more glimpse last word of farewell. The evangelist was forced to permit, however, because of his weakened condition, to leave the building as soon as possible.
[Much more coverage in this issue.]
Money to Billy is well spent, c. 1913
BY JOHN HERRING.
City Councilman, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
[Note: Mr. Herring had applied for a saloon license but afterwards “hit the trail” in the Wilkes-Barre campaign.]
Citation: The South Bend Tribune. Tue, Jun 03, 1913 ·Page 8
From my own personal observation I do not hesitate to say that Wilkes-Barre and Wyoming valley has never enjoyed so much happiness as prevails at the present time as a result of the Billy Sunday campaign. The great change that has come over the community as a result of Mr. Sunday’s campaign is very noticeable and I believe that if the people of this city could have him they would ask Mr. Sunday to come back to our locality and stay another seven weeks.
Throughout our locality saloon-keepers do not deny that they have been badly affected by Mr. Sunday’s campaign. The faces which were very familiar in such places for many years are now absent. Men who for years have led a reckless life and neglected their families have been released from the influence of drink and are once more respected by their fellow men. A visit any night to the large hotels in the central part of our city is sufficient to prove that the patronage at these places is not nearly as great as before the revival. I believe it is safe to say that the amount of good done by Mr. Sunday in this vicinity cannot be measured.
Never in the history of our churches has the attendance been as large as during the past few weeks, or since Mr. Sunday left for South Bend. One church, the Central Methodist Episcopal has taken in nearly 800 new members to date and many more are expected. Another church, Westminster has taken in about 500 and several other churches have taken in like numbers. In fact, if the enthusiasm continues and I have every reason to believe it will, many of our congregations will have to enlarge their edifices. It is surprising to know the number of our influential citizens who for years have been out of the church now within the church and taking an active part in its affairs. Another feature of Mr. Sunday’s work is that men of high positions in life who were converted are now members of the Y. M. C. A. personal workers league and are out daily leading others to the cause of righteousness. The work that is being done by the personal workers is admirable. Employers can be found working hand in hand with their employees all working in the interest of Christ. So satisfactory have the results been that other cities have asked several of our young men to visit and tell the story of the great amount of good that has been accomplished. Only last Sunday one of our newspapermen went to Williamsport and so pleased were the people with his message that he was forced to repeat it at three different meetings.
The question has been asked as to whether the merchants of this vicinity have been benefitted by the Sunday revival. Every day one hears some merchant say that accounts which he had closed several years ago have been re-opened and are being settled by the people who contracted debts.
Judging from the activity among the ministers since Mr. Sunday’s visit it cannot be denied that the great evangelist has done a wonderful amount of good among the ministers of the gospel. The better work being done by the ministers in my estimation is due to the fact that they are now receiving the co-operation of their congregations, which was unusual heretofore.
Regarding the liquor traffic and the effect of the revival in surrounding towns, two of the saloon keepers, I have been informed, have quit the business. One was a resident of Parsons and the other of Edwardsville. Two pool rooms one, of which was to be replaced by a saloon, have been wiped out and have been replaced by a grocery store and confectionery.
An organization of railroad men at Ashley was disbanded after the officers were converted and the men are all doing personal work now. A club room at Plymouth, where men assembled on Sundays and did considerable drinking has been changed to a prayer meeting room, the sale of liquor having been discontinued.
In Wilkes-Barre several men who for several months had been gathering weekly in a garage and playing poker were converted and are now holding Bible classes instead.
A representative of the Bell Telephone company said a few days ago that since the revival the company’s receipts from saloon pay stations have fallen off a large per cent and the receipts from drug store stations have increased accordingly.
Although the grand jury of our county ignored several cases against “speakeasies” that were raided by Sheriff Kniffen, one of the converts, the religious organizations throughout the whole county have passed resolutions supporting the sheriff and his crusade and the Y. M. C. A. personal workers’ league plan in a few days to hold a big street demonstration approving the sheriff’s work.
In conclusion I would state that it is difficult to express the real situation existing in his locality as the result of the great evangelist’s good work.
That the change among the people is also being felt by our city officials was evidenced several days ago when the mayor of our city, Hon. John V. Kosek, caused every side room, where cabaret shows were held nightly and where women of questionable character congregated, to be closed. Hotels that for years were known to have been the meeting place of immoral men and women during the past week have been in darkness.
Billy Sunday was given over $23,000 by the people of this valley and I do not hesitate to say that if he had been given $100,000 he would not have been repaid for the good he accomplished.
The South Bend Tribune. Tue, Jun 03, 1913 ·Page 8
Picture of the Sunday tabernacle at South Bend, c. 1913
PORTION OF CROWD OF 9,000 PEOPLE SURGING FROM TABERNACLE AFTER MOTHERS’ MEETING
THOUSANDS LEAVING AFTER MOTHERS’ SERVICE.
Mothers’ day proved quite as great a success yesterday afternoon as did the initial men’s meeting of the campaign last Sunday afternoon. Nearly 9,000 men and women, the majority of them the latter, heard the evangelist deliver his wonderful sermon on ‘Mothers’ during the special service.
-By Staff Photographer.
Citation: The South Bend Tribune. Sat, May 17, 1913 ·Page 12
Rescue the Perishing ‘personal worker’s’ resource during Billy Sunday campaigns, c. 1911
RESCUE THE PERISHING
PERSONAL WORK MADE EASY.
That ye may KNOW how ye ought to ANSWER every man.—Col. 4:6.
SUGGESTIVE NOTES AND HINTS FOR BEGINNERS IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
And take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.—Eph. 6:17.
ARRANGED BY “FRED” R. SEIBERT
Books Proving Handy.
Those who assist in the personal work at the tabernacle are finding that the little book on this line of endeavor sold by Fred Seibert to be of much value. The ex-cowboy, in addition to selling the book on personal work, handles the hymnals and has for sale two of Billy Sunday’s sermons, ‘Moral Lepers’ and ‘Three Groups.’
The South Bend Tribune. Mon, May 12, 1913 ·Page 9
Billy Sunday souvenirs sold at his revival campaigns
PUBLISHER OF SUNDAY SOUVENIRS IS IN CITY
H. A. Lorberg Will Remain Through Balance of Campaign.
H. A. Lorberg, publisher and dealer in postal cards, portrait buttons and other souvenirs of the Billy Sunday campaign has reached South Bend and will remain in the city throughout the balance of the revival. Mr. Lorberg, who has followed the party for years, has secured quarters at the Y. M. C. A. and will shortly open a place in this city, where his wares will be placed on sale.
Mr. Lorberg not only carries with him pictures of Billy Sunday, but he also has copyrighted photographic souvenirs of various kinds relating to other members of the party. He also has charge of the sale of a number of songs and books, which were written and published by various members of the party. Among these publications is the book of the Acts, written by Miss Grace Saxe.
For a long time Mr. Lorberg had difficulty in keeping possession of his book of hymns for worship in the tabernacle. This he overcome or attempted to overcome several months ago, by marking with letters two inches high on the backs of his hymnal “Thou shalt not steal.” The scheme has been effective, Mr. Lorberg says.
The South Bend Tribune · Mon, May 05, 1913 · Page 7 · (South Bend, Indiana)
South Bend pondered what to permanently do with the tabernacle at the beginning of the South Bend campaign
Citation: reported in The South Bend Tribune. Thu, May 01, 1913 ·Page 11
TABERNACLE MAY BECOME MARKET
PERMANENT RETENTION OF BUILDING IS URGED.
Disposition of Large Structure When Sunday Campaign Ends, Causes Speculation Among People.
The permanent retention of the Billy Sunday Tabernacle as a public market house is one of the latest suggestions made relative to the future of that very large structure.
South Bend has been experimenting for some time with a public market and the interest which it has created makes many feel confident a permanent market in good quarters ought to be established. Those who favor the use of the tabernacle believe that while the location may not be the best, it is probably the best that can be found at the price and under existing conditions. Surrounding the tabernacle is sufficient space for a hay market, while the interior of the building is large enough to accommodate an indoor market for many years to come.
This is only one of a number of suggestions that have been made for utilizing the tabernacle when the Sunday workers are through with it. The possession of a structure as large as this is beginning to be regarded as a great advantage to the city and it is not impossible that before the Sunday campaign ends a movement may be started that will result in the retention of the building for a market or some other purpose.
The South Bend Tribune. Thu, May 01, 1913 ·Page 11
TABERNACLE MAY BE LEASED FOR SUMMER
Business Men Believe Building Can Be Left Standing for Time.
Business men and members of the different political parties in South Bend are still in favor of securing the Billy Sunday tabernacle here at the end of the campaign and using it for public meetings this summer and fall. As a rule the tabernacles are torn down at the end of a campaign but it is thought that if a combined effort is made the building may be left standing for a time at least. The tabernacle belongs to the St. Joseph County Evangelical association and it is probable that some overtures will be made for securing the building for public purposes before Billy Sunday leaves South Bend.
The South Bend Tribune. Wed, May 28, 1913 ·Page 12
Contributions and Converts 1910-1913 for Billy Sunday?
| Contributions | Converts | |
| Wilkes-Barre, PA | Feb 1913 | |
| $22,138.90 | 16,584 | |
| Columbus, OH | Dec 12 (1912) – Feb 1913 | |
| $20,929.53 | 18,127 | |
| McKeesport, PA | November 3-December 14, 1912 | |
| $13,438.00 | 10,024 | |
| Toledo, OH | April 9-May 21, 1911 | |
| $15,423.00 | 7,686 | |
| Wheeling, WV | February 18-March 31, 1912 | |
| $17,450.00 | 8,300 | |
| Springfield, O. | September 24-November 5, 1911 | |
| $14,800.00 | 6,804 | |
| New Castle, Pa. | September 18-October 31, 1910 | |
| $14,000.00 | 6,683 | |
| Erie, PA | May 28-July 9, 1911 | |
| $11,565.00 | 5,312 | |
| Portsmouth, OH | January-February, 1911 | |
| $12,554.00 | 6,224 | |
| Canton | December 31, 1911-February 11, 1912 | |
| $12,500.00 | 5,640 | |
| Youngstown | January-February, 1910 | |
| $12,000.00 | 5,915 | |
| Beaver Falls, Pa. | May 16-June 24, 1912 | |
| $10,000.00 | 6,000 | |
| Lima, OH | February 11-March 25, 1911 | |
| $8,000.00 | 5,659 | |
| East Liverpool | East Liverpool – September 15-October 27, 1912 | |
| $7,000.00 | 6,351 |
Source: The South Bend Tribune. Tue, Apr 29, 1913 ·Page 7
The role of ushers at a Billy Sunday revival?
The South Bend Tribune published the following about the role of ushers at the South Bend revival. (The South Bend Tribune. Mon, Apr 28, 1913 ·Page 9)
The work of the ushers in the South Bend campaign is to be under the direction of Col. Charles Arthur Carlisle, chairman of that committee, and W. Raymond Smith, chief usher, together with C. B. Alberts, of Mishawaka, vice chairman of the committee.
Do not think for a minute that this phase of the campaign is not thoroughly mapped out and systematically, cared for.
The following list of instructions have been put in the hands of each of the 250 men who will be on duty in this city and must be carried out to the very letter.
List of Instructions.
- Ushers will enter the tabernacle by the east door of the building near northeast corner.
- Upon entering report immediately at the chief usher’s desk and receive assignment.
- Upon assignment proceed at once to the section to which assigned, and report to chief of section, securing also the seat reserved for him.
- The front seats will be filled first, and as soon as the front section are occupied, then the next in rear will be filled; so on to the rear of the building. As soon as a section is occupied, ushers will not permit any in charge, to pass their station, except by permission of the chief usher.
5. When reservations are made, special instructions will be given in each case.
6. In taking collections or distributing cards, ushers will work from the front toward the rear of their respective sections.
7. As soon as the usher has completed the collection he will return to his station, face toward the center of the aisle and remain standing until he had delivered his collection to the general collector. He will then take his seat and remain there throughout the service.
8. Ushers will keep watch over their sections, and should any person be overcome or faint, they will quietly be removed by the usher to a place provided.
9. Ushers must see that the aisles are kept clear of chairs, and no person will be allowed to sit or stand in the aisles. (This is against the state law, and subjects the offender to a fine of $1,000).
10. Ushers in charge of exits will remain constantly at the exit during the service and at its close will see that the doors are properly thrown open. In case of fire or panic, the doors will be at once thrown open.
11. When all seats are occupied, the entrance doors will be closed, and no person will be allowed to enter the building thereafter except by special permission.
12. Should any usher desire to retire, he will report to his chief of section, delivering to him his card for
13. All ushers, whether on duty or not, are requested to wear their badge during the service. This is necessary so that they may be recognized at once if needed for any duty or assistance or overflow meetings.
Assigned by Card.
14. Ushers will be assigned by card for each service. They will receive their assignment cards at the chief usher’s desk. The first come will be first served, until all stations are filled.
15. Each ushers will have a seat reserved for himself and one other person, and in no case will he give up his seat to any person for any reason whatever.
16. Chiefs of sections will see that these provisions are carried out in their respective sections.
17. The committee on ushers from each church are requested to arrange to have at least 40 per cent of those named by them as ushers present at each service.
18. Ushers will return their assignment card and badge at the close of each meeting to chief usher.
19. Ushers are enjoined to be firm in the enforcement of rules, but will refrain from any controversy with anyone; yet they will quietly insist upon all persons obeying the rules.
The division ushers, those in charge of the various sections into which the large tabernacle has been divided, who will serve during the local campaign and who started their duties yesterday morning include the following:
O. G. Huff, L. B. Finch, G. M. Urey; I. Jackson, H. I. Reddick, Fred Sweitzer, M. C. Price, Harry H. Weiss, Rollo E. Bunce, W. M. Knell, Edward Schubert, George Koenig, William G. Garten, A. D. Young, W. T. Anders, H. L. Kingsley, W. S. Bassett, William H. Swintz, Frank Boone, H. A. Thulka, Oscar Wise, Albert M. Stamm, E. H. Cornish, J. A. McEndorfer, Wesley Miller, E. B. Zehring, Myron Campbell, E. S. Webster.
Tue, Apr 29, 1913 ·Page 7
MAN WHO WILL DIRECT SEATING OF THOUSANDS IN TABERNACLE CHARLES ARTHUR CARLISLE
Here is the man who will have charge of the handling of the thousands of people attending the meetings at the Billy Sunday tabernacle during the next few weeks.
Col. Charles A. Carlisle is chairman of the usher committee and has about 250 men working under him who have charge of seating the crowds during the Billy Sunday meeting. The men have been trained well in their various duties and no difficulty has been experienced as yet in taking care of the people at the tabernacle,
Evangelist Billy Sunday (1862-1935) 