Remembering Jerry Falwell-1981 Sermon

The Rev. Jerry Falwell came to Madisonville, Kentucky in 1981, shortly after Ronald Reagan had been elected President. I was a news reporter back then, and I went to Madisonville to cover his appearance there at a local church. Falwell was then head of the Moral Majority and was quite a controversial figure.
I got to the church which was already crowded with parishioners. About 100 people were there in the small country church when Falwell stepped to the podium. He gave a sermon, and I'll tell you, whatever you thought of him, Falwell gave the best sermon I've ever heard. It was teriffic, real fire and brimstone combined with a real understanding and compassion for Jesus Christ. Just incredible. When he finished he said 'Now all of you in the church, you come right up here and Jerry will pray for you.' Everyone rushed the stage and bowed their heads and Falwell lead them in prayer.
After the sermon, I interviewed Falwell about his political involvement. I really wanted to stick it to him about the Moral Majority, which I didn't approve of, but I was no match for him. He really knew his lines and sort of disarmed me. He was charming in person, smiling, and not the confrontational person I thought he would be.
My memory of that evening though, was his incredible command of the Bible and his great sermon. The best sermon I've heard, before or since. Thanks for listening.