State Street Preacher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Chambers
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| Born | May 22, 1938 |
| Other names | State Street Preacher, Old Navy Preacher |
| Occupation | Evangelist |
| Years active | 1960s - present |
| Known for | Street preaching |
| Children | 8 |
Samuel Chambers (born May 22, 1938) is an American street preacher. He is also known by his nickname, The State Street Preacher. Since 1969, Chambers has been a familiar sight on Chicago's State Street. He often preaches for many hours each day, six days a week.
Early Life and Calling
Samuel Chambers was born in Mississippi in 1938. He shares that when he was 13 years old, he had a special dream. In this dream, he believes God told him to share God's message with people. This experience inspired him to become a preacher.
Preaching in Chicago
Chambers started preaching on State Street in Chicago around 1969. For many years, he has preached for several hours daily. He often begins in the early afternoon and continues until late evening. He usually preaches six days a week, sometimes even seven.
He first preached at the corner of State and Madison. Later, he moved one block north to State and Washington Street. He often stands in front of the Marshall Field and Company Building or near an Old Navy store. Chambers is also a pastor at High Way Church of God in Christ. He is married and has eight children.
Public Reactions and Challenges
Samuel Chambers has sometimes faced strong reactions during his preaching. He shares his beliefs about how people should live their lives. He believes that certain actions are wrong and often tells people they are making poor choices.
Because of his strong messages, not everyone agrees with him. He has reported being treated badly by some people. He has claimed that people have spit on him or threatened him. In one incident, he said someone tried to burn his clothes while he was wearing them. On May 21, 2014, two men assaulted Chambers. However, he refused medical help and returned to preach the next day. He told reporters he was ready to forgive his attackers.
Viral Moment
In 2016, a Donald Trump rally in Chicago was canceled because of protests. After this event, a video of Samuel Chambers became very popular online. This happened when people were discussing whether free speech was respected in Chicago. His video became a widely shared internet meme.
