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Reference code
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Item
Title
A101636-1
Date(s)
- 1956-09-15 (Creation)
Extent
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Attendance at Oral Roberts Crusade. Roberts' "One Million Souls for Christ in 1956" Crusade came to Tacoma September 7-16, 1956. The location was three circus style tents erected at South 38th at Sprague, where the faithful gathered each night except Monday at 2:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. The largest tent, the Cathedral tent, could hold 18,000. The revival was co-sponsored by 15 Tacoma area churches. A small stage bearing the revival principals can be seen far in the back right of the picture; it is surrounded by a sea of faithful seated in folding chairs. Oral Roberts was a part Choctaw preacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma who overcame a youthful stutter to become one of the most successful evangelists in American history. The opening night crowd for his crusade was 8,000. Total first day attendance was over 13,000. The audience for Robert's final sermon was 15,000 and the Crusade's budget of $25,000 was met in full by offerings, with over $3,000 distributed to the 15 churches. Roberts himself did not accept a salary for his ministry, relying on the good will of his listeners. The Crusade claimed 5,700 converts for Christ in Tacoma. Afternoon sermons were handled by Reverend Robert DeWeese, chairman of the million soul crusade and former Tacoma pastor. (TNT 9/1/1956, pg. 5; 9/6/1956, pg B-2; 9/7/1956, pg. 7; 9/8/1956, pg. 4)
Revivals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evangelists; Religious meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Roberts, Oral;