Time and Place: The Happy Preacher

• Eric Cash
• 10:10 a.m., Jan. 19, 2015, Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Elder Cal Murrell, or “The Happy Preacher” as most people know him, shouts in elation during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day service at Ebenezer Baptist Church. It is a tailored style, upbeat attitude, and boisterous catch phrases — “Oh God!”, “Tell it!” and “Amen!” among many others — that have helped make this Valdosta native a welcomed sight and sound. Murrell even has his own day in Atlanta. Seriously. Oct. 01, 2012 was declared “Happy Preacher Day.”

Among all of the reflection and special guests present at the ceremony, my camera lens was almost immediately drawn to Murrell. This photo was taken early in the service during one of the religious segments. While many sat quietly taking in the scriptures, the Happy Preacher periodically spoke up with one of his exclamations. I have come to know how animated and excited The Happy Preacher gets during all sorts of events. I knew that a photo of him would capture a lot of the joy that other members of the congregation might have felt but also might not have been able to express as well.

For me, this photo captures a moment of pure joy. It portrays one of those moments where a person can do nothing but throw their hands up, smile, and yell in elation.