Evangelist Billy Sunday Arrives in Vibrant NYC, ca 1915

This photograph captures Billy Sunday arriving in New York City between 1915 and 1920. A prominent evangelist and former professional baseball player, Sunday was known for his energetic preaching style, which drew large crowds during the height of the American revivalist movement. This image reflects the eras cultural landscape, as Sunday’s revival meetings, often held in massive tents or auditoriums, aimed to inspire faith and instill moral values in rapidly urbanizing communities.

Produced by the Bain News Service, this striking photograph illustrates how Sunday, a figure with both athletic and religious backgrounds, bridged the worlds of sports and spirituality. His presence in New York signifies the importance of the city as a hub for social movements and religious fervor during the early twentieth century. This era marked a significant shift in American society towards organized religion, and Sunday was at the forefront, influencing countless individuals with his impassioned messages.