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 widely 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.
Contents
Samuel Chambers: The Street Preacher
Early Life and Inspiration
Samuel Chambers was born in Mississippi on May 22, 1938. He shares that when he was 13 years old, he felt a strong calling to share a religious message with people. This inspiration led him to become a preacher.
Preaching in Chicago
Chambers began his street preaching on State Street in Chicago around 1969. He has continued this work for many decades. He often preaches for up to eight hours a day, six days a week. Sometimes, he even preaches seven days a week.
He first started preaching at the corner of State and Madison. Later, he moved one block north to State and Washington Street. You could often find him in front of the Marshall Field and Company Building or an Old Navy store. Besides street preaching, Chambers is also a pastor at High Way Church of God in Christ. He is married and has eight children.
What is a Street Preacher?
A street preacher is someone who shares religious messages in public places. They often speak loudly to crowds of people passing by. This type of preaching is called open-air preaching. It is a way for preachers to reach many different people outside of a traditional church building.
Public Reaction and Impact
Samuel Chambers has become a well-known figure in Chicago. His messages are very strong, and not everyone agrees with them. He sometimes tells people that certain actions have serious consequences. Because of his direct style, he has faced some challenges. On a few occasions, he has been involved in difficult situations.
In 2016, a Donald Trump rally in Chicago was canceled due to protests. After this event, a video of Samuel Chambers went viral online. This happened when people were discussing free speech in Chicago. The video of Chambers became a popular internet meme.
