The 'Pit Preacher' comes to UNCP

By Tiffeny Fields
Staff Writer

Gary Birdsong, the traveling evangelist, delivered his brand of religion to the UNCP campus Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 16.

From his pulpit atop a sidewalk bench outside the U.C., the “Pit Preacher,” as university students nationwide commonly know him, attracted a modest crowd of 40 or 50 people as he waved a small black Bible and preached about sin and judgment.

Birdsong preached the sins of man and the need to repent.

“We were being pushed away from God while he was preaching,” student Heather Dyson said.

One student acknowledged that some of his views were true but the majority was incorrect.

Birdsong regularly travels across the country in order to bring the gospel to college students.

“I mostly preach about sin to get people’s attention," Birdsong said. "I want them to debate and get talking about the Bible.”

Campus Police received several complaints. UNCP’s Capt. Larry McNeill said that they do not usually get involved unless someone’s personal character is attacked, because of First Amendment rights.

“If you are strong in your convictions and beliefs, then you don’t have anything to worry about. Sit back and enjoy the free entertainment,” said James Bass, assistant director of student activities.