Vernon Shunt's Tent of Shame: March 2012

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Pastor Bob's Big Find

Pastor Bob's Big Find, a photo by captainpandapants on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Judith was begining to tire of Pastor Bob's pursuit of the proof that the big guy upstairs existed. His insistence on making her and Juna-Mae look at the slides was downright disturbing.

The Right Reverend Vernon Shunt

Reverend Vernon Slater Shunt was born in 1881 in Fleetsburg, West Virginia near where three states-Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio–meet. His upbringing is shrouded in mystery, due mainly to the fact that Fleetsburg was completely wiped out in the 1899 Ohio River flood. Out of respect to the 1200 residents killed in the disaster, the town was never rebuilt, and is absent today as a testament to the power of God to destroy as well as create. This had a great effect on Reverend Shunt, and fueled his interest in apocalyptic theology. In some ways, those 1200 residents were the sacrifice necessary to bring young Vernon Shunt to the Lord. He always said that he owed them something, and in due time he would repay them, with interest.

Reverend Shunt worked for 10 years in the coal fields of Fleetsburg as a youth, learning much about why men are sent to Hell, and why it’s often for the best. He carried this into his first pastorate, at the German-Finnish Discipleship Church of Black River, from 1901-1904. Here, he learned the techniques of delivering God’s good message of desolation and salvation mingled with sentimentality and racial harangues. This would be a trademark of Shunt’s for years to come. Converts came forward at the rate of 20 per night, sometimes more, and many found Jesus not just once but hundreds of times. Shunt was struck by the need of the masses to recommit themselves numerous times before they felt ‘clean’, and often said that his days at Black River were the “…happiest of my life, seeing all those sinners finding Jesus…the light that came onto their faces when they realized what worms they were…it made me cry for the Lord and his will…and it made me realize that all those who did not come to Him must be moved aside, gently or by force…”

Vernon Shunt left Black River in 1904 after a scandal rocked the church involving an organist and some cattle. When the smoke cleared, Vernon Shunt had moved along, leaving a trail of broken dreams and hymns unsung. By 1910, Shunt was living in rural Kentucky, where he taught the blind and mute about God by the use of sign language and charades with limited success. Finally, with the advent of Radio, Vernon Shunt found his voice. On December 12, 1931 Shunt first broadcast over experimental station KWWJD, located in Subgum, Kentucky on top of a large silo. He was an immediate success, and continued to broadcast for over 30 years.

The taping of Reverend Shunt was forbidden due to his interpretation of Leviticus 12:1-8, but a few wire recordings exist, most only lasting a minute or less, but capturing his fervor and aggressiveness about the Lord nonetheless. Reverend Shunt appeared on early Television in the 1950’s and 60’s, and what you see here are kinescopes made at that time. His excitement is obvious and his teachings are down to earth and gritty, almost filthy…perfect for the twisted youth of today.

After his retirement to Pauline, Ohio in 1970, Shunt has made few public appearances. The Lord has seen fit to continue the ministry of Stern Hand of God through Vernon Shunt II, son of the great pastor, and current Leader and Chief Deacon of Stern Hand of God Ministries and Bible Camp, located in Rolling Hills, Kentucky. With God’s help and financial contributions from you, the sinners of America, Stern Hand of God and Vernon Shunt will continue to bless and keep you, and smile upon you…sinners all, potential converts to the fold. God Bless America and God Bless Reverend Shunt!

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Pastor Bob's Big Find

The Right Reverend Vernon Shunt

Blog Archive

Followers

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Pastor Bob's Big Find

The Right Reverend Vernon Shunt

Blog Archive

Followers

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