How They Both Found Favor in the Pages of the Press
By Roscoe Barnes III
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2018
#FFBosworth
Note: The material
shared in this paper was taken from the author’s doctoral research on F.F.
Bosworth’s ministry development as a healing evangelist. (See F. F.
Bosworth: A Historical Analysis of the Influential Factors in His Life and Ministry
(University of Pretoria, Date: 2010-07-30; website: https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/26869).
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| F.F. Bosworth |
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| Billy Graham |
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F.F. Bosworth and Billy
Graham were both evangelists, but in many ways they were worlds apart. However,
in some areas, especially when it came to promoting their ministries, they had a
few things in common. Much has been written about the impact of the news media
on the early years of Graham’s ministry, but there is little known about the
press’ involvement in the ministry of Bosworth. This paper shows how both men,
despite the differences in their ages, time period, and theological beliefs,
embraced the news media and seized the promotional opportunity it provided to reach
wider audiences with the Gospel.
When the two preachers
began their ministries, they started with humble beginnings. But they soon
found the support of the secular press. It was the type of support that
propelled their names to vast audiences throughout the United States. In Graham’s
case, his name became a household word.
Bosworth, author of Christ
the Healer, comes from a Pentecostal background and was known for his simple
preaching and teaching, and for playing musical instruments along with his
brother, B.B. Bosworth. He was associated with the Assemblies of God in his
early years as a pastor, but he resigned from the Pentecostal denomination over
the issue of speaking in tongues. He later held credentials with the Christian
and Missionary Alliance. Graham, however, is an evangelical who comes from a
Southern Baptist background. He is the author of Peace with God. Like Bosworth,
he conducted well-orchestrated city-wide, evangelistic campaigns throughout the
country.
Although both men generated
publicity for preaching the Gospel to thousands of people, Bosworth stood out,
in part, because of his ministry of divine healing. Despite having different
backgrounds -- and ministries that differed in many ways -- both men benefited from the coverage they received in the news media.
Throughout his career,
Bosworth used religious periodicals to spread his message and to promote his
ministry, but in 1919, he received an unexpected boost in publicity from the
secular press. It was during his evangelistic meetings in Pittsburgh, Pa.,
where he received the full support of the local newspaper, The National Labor
Tribune. Editor J. H. Vitchestain featured reports about Bosworth’s campaign
and circulated the papers to thousands of people. The papers were also sent to
places ahead of Bosworth’s meetings (Perkins 1921:123-124). It was reported:
Probably
never before has there been a secular paper “featuring the gospel of Jesus
Christ and its marvelous power on earth.” And this paper has been used of God
in spreading His fame abroad. There can be no doubt that God specially raised
up Mr. Vitchestain to help, even at a financial loss to himself – from the now
current viewpoint, whatever the future may reveal—in this wonderful evangel for
these closing days of the present age (Perkins 1921:124).
That experience might be
compared to the famous press incident in Graham’s ministry. In 1949, during
Graham’s meetings in Los Angeles, William Randolph Hearst ordered his papers to
“Puff Graham” (Pollock 1966/1969:63-64). That simple directive in two words resulted
in national coverage of Graham and served to make his name a household word.
“Someone told Graham, ‘You’ve been kissed by William Randolph Hearst’” (Pollock
1966/1969:64). In the June 7, 1997 issue of The Los Angeles Times, Reporter
John Dart wrote about the incident which is now legendary. In an article
titled, “Billy Graham Recalls Help From Hearst,” he noted:
Evangelist
Billy Graham recalls in his new book the pivotal point in his young ministry
when, during a 1949 Los Angeles crusade, a two-word directive from publisher
William Randolph Hearst to "puff Graham" made him an instant
celebrity nationwide.
The
sudden front-page coverage showered on Graham by Hearst newspapers in
mid-October (after three weeks of little notice) was quickly matched by other
newspapers and newsmagazines -- literally a media circus descending on his
rallies under a big tent.
The coverage for Bosworth
and Graham came at a pivotal time in their lives, and it clearly had a dramatic
impact on their ministries. And while it may be argued that the press coverage
was merely a coincidence or perhaps the fleeting fondness of a publisher, one
could also argue for divine providence in which the Lord Himself orchestrated
the press coverage. I’m more inclined to believe God was in it, just as He was
in the affairs of Joseph who found favor with the influential people of his day.
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about F.F. Bosworth?
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here!
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For more information: Visit ffbosworth.strikingly.com. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer
