Quotes and anectdotes from the wise to the foolish, and the courageous to the drunk

Billy Sunday Evangelist

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: United States
  • Born: Nov 19, 1862
  • Died: Nov 6, 1935

William Ashley "Billy" Sunday was an American athlete who, after being a popular outfielder in baseball's National League during the 1880s, became the most celebrated and influential American evangelist during the first two decades of the 20th century.

Born into poverty in Iowa, Sunday spent some years at the Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' Home before working at odd jobs and playing for local running and baseball teams. His speed and agility provided him the opportunity to play baseball in the major leagues for eight years, where he was an average hitter and a good fielder known for his base-running.

Converted to evangelical Christianity in the 1880s, Sunday left baseball for the Christian ministry. He gradually developed his skills as a pulpit evangelist in the Midwest and then, during the early 20th century, he became the nation's most famous evangelist with his colloquial sermons and frenetic delivery. Sunday held widely reported campaigns in America's largest cities, and he attracted the largest crowds of any evangelist before the advent of electronic sound systems. He also made a great deal of money and was welcomed into the homes of the wealthy and influential.

I challenge you to show me where the saloon has ever helped business, education, church, morals or anything we hold dear. business & education

If you don't do your part, don't blame God. God

You can't raise the standard of women's morals by raising their pay envelope. It lies deeper than that. women

I believe the Bible is the word of God from cover to cover. God

Home is the place we love best and grumble the most. best & home

I have been, and will go on, fighting that damnable, dirty, rotten business with all the power at my command. business & power

The fellow that has no money is poor. The fellow that has nothing but money is poorer still. money

There is nothing in the world of art like the songs mother used to sing. art & Mother's Day

If there is no hell, a good many preachers are obtaining money under false pretenses. money

Religion needs a baptism of horse sense. religion