Oral Roberts
Oral Roberts
“He was dynamite from the word, ‘Go!’ He would hit that platform running and preach like a house on fire…"
Biography
Oklahoma native Granville Oral Roberts attended Oklahoma Baptist University and Phillips University (now Northern Oklahoma College) and was the pastor of a small church in Enid, Oklahoma, when he preached his first tent revival there in 1946. The revival launched his healing ministry which blossomed into the Oral Roberts Association and Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He created two nationally televised programs for NBC entitled “Oral Roberts Presents” and “Contact!” The shows aired in every state and across Canada. He has authored numerous books including his autobiography, The Call. Roberts is of Cherokee Heritage and was named “Indian of the Year” by the American Indian Exposition at Anadarko in 1963. He retired as president of Oral Roberts University in 1993.
Fun fact
Oral Roberts was chosen as one of the “50 Most Influential Oklahomans” of the 20th Century” by Oklahoma Today Magazine.
Oklahoma connections
Roberts was born in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma.