Back in the 1950s, there was an outfit that used to meet in the old Moore Theater who called themselves "The Revival Center." They had a regular board of directors, but the nominal head of the outfit, and the main mouth of the place was a Brother Ralph J. Sander. He had a regular radio program. One of his schticks was to attempt to save souls or to heal people by having them put their hands on the radio while he prayed, telling them to pray along with him, and they will "get that glorious feeling!" Some wag once remarked that Brother Ralph was leaving out a crucial step. If his listeners really wanted to get that glorious feeling, they should stand in a tub of water, then put their hands on the radio.

Brother Ralph used to end his weekly programs with a plea for funds to help them continue "God's Glorious Work." "Send in those cards and letters—and your contributions—to The Revival Center, Box 888, Seattle, Washington. Remember, that's Box 888, the same forwards, backwards, and upside down!"

Then, one dark night, Brother Ralph cleaned out the center's treasury and ran off to Mexico with a sixteen-year-old female parishioner. They caught him and brought him back. The Center's board of directors decided not to press charges. They did it the Christian way, and forgave him.

Six months later, he did it again. Again, they caught him, brought him back. And forgave him.

Then, six months later, he did it again. Then again. And again.

Finally, the Revival Center just gave up and closed its doors.

Don Firth