Earnest Congregation

Three years ago, Rev. J. Frank Norris, best known* revivalist-Genesis-trumpeter of the Texas Baptist belt, prophesied in John Roach Straton's pulpit that "within one hour" grimy, sinful Manhattan would be demolished. Manhattan survived. Two months ago, he shot D. E. Chipps, Texas lumberman, three times. Mr. Chipps did not survive (TIME, July 26).

Reverend Norris goes on trial for murder on Nov. 1. Meanwhile, earnest workers of the First Baptist Church of Tarrant County, Texas, are planning a month of prayer meetings and song festivals in behalf of Killer Norris. The avowed purpose of their campaign is to reach the heartstrings of every man and woman in Tarrant County, whence will come the jurors who will try Killer Norris. His congregation has also scheduled a subscription meeting from which to glean funds for paying his lawyers.

*Despite the fact that he is outlawed by the regular Texas Baptist organization, he is, among his own huge congregation, both Saint and Dictator.