“BILLY” SUNDAY DEAD

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1935, Page 4

“BILLY” SUNDAY DEAD

GREATEST MODERN EVANGELIST. STRIKING PERSONALITY’S WORK. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Rec. 7.30 p.m. Chicago, Nov. 6. The Rev. William Ashley Sunday died to-day of angina pectoris at the age of 72 years. He was the best known evangelist in the world and during his tours visited New Zealand some years ago. “Billy” Sunday, as he was known to the world, was bom in the State of lowa, U.S.A., and was the son of William Sunday, who fought with the northern forces in the American civil war. The younger William started his career as a professional baseball player but was attracted to evangelism. In this he rapidly made his mark, partly because of his striking personality and sincerity and partly because of his unusual methods. His death removes one of the most picfigures of the century. He became' a baseball player at the age of 20 and followed this calling for seven years. He then became attracted by the work of the Y.M.C.A. and was assistant secretary of the Chicago Association for five years.

It was not till 1903 that Mr. Sunday entered the Presbyterian Church.