© 2006 Donncha O Caoimh

Religion isn’t free

A preacher on State Street, just outside Old Navy. I seem to recall he was there way back in 2003 too.
I didn’t listen to anything he said but as I passed he pushed a sheet of paper into my hand. I made to take it but he wanted a quarter for it! In disgust I walked on. I’m not paying for something I won’t read anyway!
Even the guys with megaphones on Patrick Street give their propaganda for free.
A quick search on Google found out more about him: his name is Samuel Chambers, and he is a very youthful looking 66!

Samuel Chambers only wants the best for you.

So, if necessary, he won’t hesitate to tell you that you’re heading straight to hell.

Perhaps he’s told you that very thing as you were heading, instead, straight into the Old Navy store on State and Washington Streets to buy inexpensive summer tank tops. He’s the compact man, about 5 feet 6 inches with a thin moustache, dressed in a double-breasted suit and tie, holding a microphone out front on the sidewalk.

And finally, here’s a man who’ll give him a “big ol’ French kiss” the next time he walks by. “Pucker up” indeed!

14 Comments

  1. Posted March 1, 2006 at 12:55 pm | #

    a preacher that looks like a boxer singing on the street!

  2. Posted March 1, 2006 at 2:49 pm | #

    He really doesn’t look 66, lol. Great shot.

  3. Posted March 1, 2006 at 5:09 pm | #

    very good photo and the person have a nice mien!

    Mfg

  4. Posted March 2, 2006 at 9:43 pm | #

    Nice and very classic shot.

  5. Posted March 3, 2006 at 3:43 am | #

    Looks like something right out of the 60s. Great catch. Lovely tone.

  6. Flickr: PEEJ0E
    Posted September 13, 2006 at 6:59 am | #

    PEEJ0E has posted a comment:

    Great pic – great story!

    Religion isn't free

  7. Flickr: nicolebriant
    Posted November 13, 2007 at 7:59 am | #

    this guy continues on these days, can you believe it!!?! i saw him in july 2007 in chicago!!! same guy!!!! weirddddd!!!

  8. Flickr: alexandrajaraba
    Posted May 16, 2008 at 8:09 am | #

    yep, he’s still there

  9. None Business
    Posted January 30, 2009 at 3:56 am | #

    Stop talking about my daddy!!!!

  10. Bob
    Posted October 26, 2009 at 6:01 pm | #
  11. patrick
    Posted November 26, 2009 at 11:03 am | #

    I moved to Chicago in 1988. One of the first things I saw when I went down town was this same man. He is there every day spouting his hateful message in the guise of preaching.

  12. Maisie Marshall
    Posted July 28, 2010 at 1:23 pm | #

    actually it doesn’t matter what Religion you may have, as long as you treat the other person right.::,

  13. doug
    Posted September 20, 2010 at 10:00 pm | #

    I saw him in 1971!! WE were on our first “liberty” from Great Lakes Naval Training Center {boot camp} and there he was,megaphone,signs with his name and letting all the world know the message. That would have been 39 years ago, and he would’ve been 27 at that time, if I subtracted right. It was actually good to see him, as Chicago was kind of scary for me, It’s good to see Mr. Chambers still going strong.

  14. Ashley
    Posted February 21, 2011 at 2:11 am | #

    This is my great uncle, if he’s your daddy – we should talk.

One Trackback

  1. By .. on December 25, 2006 at 3:58 pm

    [...] This photo brings to mind the preacher in Chicago I photographed while on holiday there. I wonder if the man in San Francisco has the same colourful history. [...]

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