This record takes us inside a Mennonite tent revival meeting of the mid-1950s, with both music and a message from evangelist Myron Augsberger. The Mennonites are a group of Protestant denominations that believe in adult baptism and pacifism.
The stereotype of a revival meeting is one of overt emotionalism intended to evoke a commitment to God. This example could hardly be less like that stereotype. The familiar songs are sweetly presented and unaccompanied. The evangelist presents an almost intellectualized version of Christ's death. He does not make demands on, cajole, or warn his listeners about sin. His message is of faith and redemption. (He also speaks as rapidly as any preacher I have ever heard.)
Indeed the typical revival experience and the Mennonite culture were always somewhat at odds. As Theron Schlabach writes in a review of a book on this very movement (a movement called Christian Laymen's Tent Evangelism, headquarted in north central Ohio), revivalists have been criticized for "manipulating people in ways that have victimized children or the spiritually and psychologically insecure," but Myron Augsberger's approach was different. These recordings bear that out.
The LP was made sometime after Augsberger took over the movement in 1955 and before it changed its name to the Christian Laymen's Evangelistic Association in 1958. The movement itself continued until 1962. Augsberger, whom I believe is still alive, went on to become president of Virginia's Eastern Mennonite College, which he served for many years.
The sound on this record is fairly good; but the rustling and occasional peak distortion show that it was heavily used and clearly well-loved.
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