Brother Roberts' Traveling Salvation Show

By Elton Camp (This is another in the continuing series on rural life in the South during the early 20th Century.) When a traveling preacher arrived to set up a tent meeting, it was always exciting. Most of those men sincerely wanted to help people, but a few had other motives. Usually he represented no particular denomination. An open pasture was a preferred location. The Alf Teal place provided such a spot; itd been used for that purpose many times over the years. The preacher and his crew arrived the day before he intended to commence services. The men staked their large white tent and pulled it up into position. Underneath, they placed as many rows of folding chairs as they could squeeze into the limited space. A wooden platform, about a foot high, served as a pulpit. The preacher brought his own small band since music was an important part of the service.

Crowd Gathers for the Tent Meeting Free. No admission charged, read the banner erected near the road. Wagons, buggies, and horses began to arrive about an hour before the scheduled beginning of the service. Most were dressed casually, not in their Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes. They talked excitedly among themselves. Children ran and played in the pasture beyond the tent. Brother Roberts observed to one of his assistants, Peopl seem t b freerer to except whut they needs from th Lawd ef they dont half to worry how they dress r act. The band struck up a lively tune, Turkey in the Straw. Then it switched to gospel music to set the right tone for what was to follow. All eyes were on Brother Roberts as he walked briskly to the front of the audience.

Brother Roberts Brethren and Sistern, wes heer t have a joyful time ez we praize the holy name o Jesus, he shouted as he raised his hands toward heaven. A rapturous smile spread across his face. Aint thet right good people? The audience responded with cries of amen and clapping. Many of the ladies began to fan themselves with paper fans with thin wooden handles. They had pictures of Jesus or angels on one side and an advertisement for L.W. Bryant General Merchandise on the opposite. Roberts delivered a long, impassioned prayer while the audience stood with their heads bowed and eyes shut. It ended, Come, Lord Jesus, Amen. The man began his sermon by describing his own conversion and calling to be an evangelist. He boasted that hed brought salvation and assurance of a place in heaven to hundreds of sinners. True believers could expect tongue talking, healings, and other manifestations of the Holy Ghost. He claimed to have no set sermon, but to be led by the spirit to say the right things. Any who didnt believe his utterances, he assured his audience, could expect eternal damnation. Their wuz a rich man, he continued. He didnt ker nothin fer th pore folk ere fer whut wuz right. One day he died n wuz carrid off t b wif th devil t live in hellfar. Then he wishd hed bin more generus wif his money, but hit war too late. He had laid the foundation for what was to follow. Although the tent revival had been advertised as free, he went on to tell how desperately money was needed to carry on his ministry. It was the first of several such appeals. By the end of the service, love offerings were virtually demanded. The Lawd says that the tenth parts hissin. Ef ye dont give th tithe, ye air stealin from God. Bring in the tenth, says He. His assistants passed the collection plate for the first of several times. The evangelist either didnt know or remained silent about context. The tithing arrangement was part of the Jewish Law to compensate the tribe of Levi for priestly services and because they didnt receive an equal share of the Promised Land. Not a single Israelite sat in his tent that night. The service continued. As Brother Roberts begged for manifestation of the Holy Ghost, he suddenly began to shake and talk in a tongue. The gibberish was mixed in with

his normal speech at several second intervals. The audience gasped at his demonstration of Divine gifts. He then lapsed into several sentences uttered in the unknown tongue. Older women bowed their heads and their lips moved as they prayed silently. The men reached for their money pouches. Healings didnt start until the second night of the tent revival. It took that long for his assistants to arrange for shills. Two of them brought in a young man lying on a canvas stretcher and placed him on the ground in front of the preacher. Whats yore name, son? he asked. A tear ran down his cheek as he spoke. Ets Jacob, Reverend, he answered. His voice was barely audible. He reached up and clasped Roberts outstretched hand. Whut wud ye have th Lawd d fer ye tonight? Roberts inquired. Ask n ye shall receive if only ye has faith. I wuz throwed b my horse. Now I cant walk no mor. Help me ef yu kin, Jacob requested with a louder, but wavering voice. Some of the women in the audience began to sob. Son, I cant do nothin fer ye. I am jest a channel fer th power o th Lawd Jesus Christ. If ye believe, he kin heel ye. I do believe, Jacob said with a stronger voice. Brother Roberts got on his knees beside the stricken man. He looked up toward heaven and began to pray. Lawd, this here boy ez filld wif a demon of paralyses. I know ye kin do all things. Heal this man n the name o Jesus. He placed the tips of his fingers on both hands against Jacobs body and yelled, Heal! Heal! Jacob began to quiver and moan. At each repetition of the command to heal, he moved more violently and cried out louder. I feel the spirit comin inter me. Thank ye, Lawd. Thank ye. Git up n walk, Roberts ordered. Jacob made a couple of weak attempts to sit up. Roberts took his hand and helped him to his feet. Show us ye bin healed, son, he ordered. Ye know ye kin do hit. Jacob took a couple of unsteady steps, but reeled uncertainly. Suddenly he seemed to gain strength and commenced to pace back and forth in front of the audience and shout.

I been healed! he yelled. Hits a miracle. All these months I couldnt walk n now I kin. Glory t th Lawd. Thank ye, Brothr Roberts. The audience began to cheer and clap. Cries of Praise th Lawd arose from various ones. The assistants led Jacob from the tent as he continued to testify as to his miraculous healing. Only when he was out of sight in the darkness, did one of them slip him the agreed-upon ten-dollar bill. Well b nigh t Gadsden in two weeks, the assistant whispered. We kin use yu gain there ef yu will. The shill winked and nodded his head in agreement. Jacob waited until his girl friend, Sally, got healed of her grievous affliction. Off they went to enjoy the welcome windfall. If the devious action bothered them, the payment more than made up for any qualms of conscience. Thet preachers crooked ez a dogs hine leg, Jacob stated. Sally grinned and squeezed his hand as she contemplated spending her newfound wealth. The tent disappeared after five days. The contributions gradually declined until they no longer met Brother Roberts expectations. Hed stripped the Egyptians all he could. Soon, hed have a new flock to serve.