Doug Adams: His Life and Work
Henry Ward Beecher
Doug Adams wrote his dissertation on Humor in the American Pulpit from George Whitefield through Henry Ward Beecher. When he taught homiletics, and as a guest preacher, he would perform as Henry Ward Beecher (1813 - 1887), one of the most famous preachers in the 19th century and a distant relative of Adams (Beecher's mother was a Foote). He also performed as Calvin and Whitefield and wrote a one act play featuring humor in the pulpit, Exorcising Idols. This performance of Beecher was recorded on April 21, 1985.
Reproduction of this performance courtesy of The Center for Arts, Religion and Education. The photos below were taken by Michele Clement.
