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Story
January 18, 1898
The Record Union
Sacramento, Sacramento County, California
What is this article about?
In Bourbon, Ind., a church sermon on Satan turned chaotic when boys dressed as the devil appeared, sparking panic, injuries, and a fire that burned down Bethel Church. The pastor's son confessed to the prank.
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PANIC IN A CHURCH
Caused by the Appearance of a Youth Dressed as Satan.
CHICAGO, Jan. 17.—A special to the “Times-Herald” from Bourbon, Ind., says:
Rev. Mr. Akin, pastor of the flock of Bethel Church, on Sunday night took for his theme “His Satanic Majesty.” He is an eloquent man, and he painted the arch fiend in vivid colors.
At the climax of the description a being, dressed to represent a devil, with large head and switching tail, ambled up the aisle, blowing smoke from his nostrils, and bellowing:
“I am the devil, and I want all of you.”
The audience became panic stricken. Men, women and children were hurled to the floor and trampled upon in the mad rush for the door. In the confusion the stove was upset and the building caught fire. Before the horrified members had regained their senses the fire had made such headway that all attempts to save the church were in vain.
This morning George Akin, son of the pastor, confessed that he in company with other boys rigged up a devil suit, and, knowing the subject of his father’s sermon, concealed himself behind a chair, and awaited the arrival of the audience.
Caused by the Appearance of a Youth Dressed as Satan.
CHICAGO, Jan. 17.—A special to the “Times-Herald” from Bourbon, Ind., says:
Rev. Mr. Akin, pastor of the flock of Bethel Church, on Sunday night took for his theme “His Satanic Majesty.” He is an eloquent man, and he painted the arch fiend in vivid colors.
At the climax of the description a being, dressed to represent a devil, with large head and switching tail, ambled up the aisle, blowing smoke from his nostrils, and bellowing:
“I am the devil, and I want all of you.”
The audience became panic stricken. Men, women and children were hurled to the floor and trampled upon in the mad rush for the door. In the confusion the stove was upset and the building caught fire. Before the horrified members had regained their senses the fire had made such headway that all attempts to save the church were in vain.
This morning George Akin, son of the pastor, confessed that he in company with other boys rigged up a devil suit, and, knowing the subject of his father’s sermon, concealed himself behind a chair, and awaited the arrival of the audience.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Extraordinary Event
Deception Fraud
What themes does it cover?
Deception
Misfortune
Catastrophe
What keywords are associated?
Church Panic
Devil Prank
Sermon Disruption
Building Fire
What entities or persons were involved?
Rev. Mr. Akin
George Akin
Where did it happen?
Bethel Church, Bourbon, Ind.
Story Details
Key Persons
Rev. Mr. Akin
George Akin
Location
Bethel Church, Bourbon, Ind.
Event Date
Jan. 17
Story Details
During a sermon on Satan, George Akin and other boys staged a prank by dressing as the devil and appearing in church, causing panic, trampling, and a fire that destroyed the building.