William Ashley Billy Sunday

William Ashley “Billy” Sunday
1862-1935
Evangelist. Billy Sunday was born at Ames, Iowa. Since his father died when he was less than a year old, Billy was raised in an orphanage. He became a professional baseball player, and played in the National League for seven years. He was converted to Christ through the street preaching of Harry Monroe of the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago.

After entering the ministry, he preached in the army camps during World War I, and later held citywide meetings in the various cities across America. In one meeting in Philadelphia, over 2,300,000 people attended during a period of eight weeks. He held campaigns for over 20 years and literally “burned out” for Christ. This man, whose preaching was also influential in the support of the Prohibition Amendment to the Constitution, witnessed 19 conversions in his last sermon, before his death.

ARTIST’S NOTE: The colors refer to his colorful ministry. His pyrotechnics and explosive messages are pictured in the background.