It almost sounds too unbelievable to be true. A Civil War orphan born in central Iowa grows up to become a major-league baseball player, but he gives up a promising career as a pro athlete to become one of the country’s most famous Christian evangelists.

Not only is the story true, but it’s the real-life history of Iowa native Billy Sunday. Born in Story County and raised at the Iowa Soldiers’ Orphans Home in Davenport, Billy Sunday (1862-1935) became famous throughout America during his lifetime. Raised in Glenwood and Davenport, Sunday became a professional baseball player and later, an influential Christian minister and adviser to presidents. Known for his fiery, yet down-to-earth, dynamic style of preaching, Sunday’s message appealed to Americans in need of idealism on social issues.

Learn more about Sunday’s remarkable story at historic Central School in Lake City from Midwest historian Craig Bishop, author of the book “Billy Sunday: Baseball Evangelist.” With photos and stories, and audio testimonies from Billy Sunday’s wife, Bishop will discuss Sunday’s early years in Iowa, his athletic career and his rise to fame.

This free program is open to the public and will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday at historic Central School at 211 S. Center St. in Lake City. For more information, contact Central School Preservation Vice President Darcy Maulsby at 515-971-4415, or yettergirl@yahoo.com.

This free program is open to the public and will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday at historic Central School at 211 S. Center St. in Lake City. For more information, contact Central School Preservation Vice President Darcy Maulsby at 515-971-4415, or yettergirl@yahoo.com.