02/08/10 - Chester County

By: Lauren Linney
llinney@wbbjtv.com
5:21 p.m.
 
The bible brought thousands from all over the United States to Henderson for the 74th annual Freed Hardeman University Lectureship Series. "I'm gonna be back every year," said Flavil Nichols from Alabama.
 
Nichols has been to every Lectureship Series but one. "73 out of 74 times I've been here. The principle's the same, the emphasis on the bible is the same; the Christian fellowship is the same but the faces look different," said Nichols.
 
Some of those faces are young, like Drake Jenkins, 21, who said the Lectureship is the highlight of his year. "It just makes the town more homey. It's like our family is back," said Jenkins.
 
That family includes 3,000 people who come to Henderson from all over the country, including the state of Alaska. "This little town of 2,000 becomes a town of 7,000 because of the bible. It gives you a sense of excitement to be a part of it," said Jenkins.
 
During the week long series, the droves of people can listen to speakers and learn more about the bible. It also means extra dollars for local buisinesses. "Some of them [attendees] had to stay in Jackson because it was overcrowded down here," said Nichols. "We [the town of Henderson] make tons of money. All of the fast food places are always full," said Jenkins.
 
The Lectureship is not the only thing bringing people back to Henderson. Many said it is the small town hospitality and most importantly the people whether you are old or young. "That's the thing that counts. That's what keeps us coming," said Nichols. "When you see these guys who are like 50,60,70,80 and they still have the passion. It's just like wow that's what I get to look forward to," said Jenkins.
 
The Lectureship Series days go from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The whole event will conclude Friday at 11:30 a.m.