Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: The Church Choir That Didn't Explode
Apr 6, 2022
In a tiny Nebraska town, a church choir experienced a miraculous escape from a catastrophic explosion due to a gas leak in 1950. All 15 members arrived late for practice, and the improbable delays led to hilarious personal stories, including one choir member’s geometry homework causing a chain reaction. This remarkable coincidence sparks reflections on timing and fate, illustrating how life's unexpected twists can change everything. Join the hosts as they explore this incredible tale of survival and divine intervention.
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Astounding Coincidence
- The hosts discuss remarkable coincidences, including a man surviving both Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
- They introduce the story of a church in Beatrice, Nebraska, exploding in 1950.
The Church Explosion
- The Westside Baptist Church exploded on March 1, 1950, during choir practice.
- Reverend Walter Klemple lit the furnace, likely causing a gas leak explosion.
The Missing Choir
- Remarkably, all 15 choir members were late that night.
- Each member's lateness was independent, making the combined event statistically improbable, a one-in-a-million chance.