“As I told you council members a few years ago about how the Lord sent me here and for what purpose, I now stand before you again to offer a solution to the theatre dilemma,” says the full copy of the statement Welton Worsham provided rrspin.com after delivering the speech. “God. He is more than able to do and will do the impossible. ThereforeI want you to consider prayerfully what I'm about to say.”
Worsham asked council, “Why did the Lloyd Andrews building flood? Do I not send the rain where I wish. But you say, 'Ah, an act of nature.' 'You think wrongfully,' sayeth the Lord God. 'Time and time again I sent my servant to tell you the truth about my plans for the theatre, but ye were stiff necked and would not hear.”
Continued Worsham, “'I,' says the Lord, 'am displeased with your council.' That's why the city flooded. That's why the Lloyd Andrews building did also. 'I also sent my minister to Gilbert Chichester's office to hand deliver my gracious offer to buy the theatre. Ye will still not believe.'”
In pitching his offer to buy the theatre, Worsham told council he would give the city $2.9 million for six months and $3.8 million for one year. “The rest will be paid in full in seven years,” he said, ending his statement by saying, “God.”
Asked following the meeting how he would raise the money, Worsham said, “God himself.”
Asked if he believed council was not taking him seriously, he replied, “I don't know,” and said any other appearance before council on the matter would, “Be ordained to what God tells me to do.”
Worsham's talk to city council during a public comment section came as the city begins work to refinance its theater debt.
City Manager Joseph Scherer told council during the meeting staff will meet with Davenport and Company to go over the parameters of the refinancing so the company can begin to solicit bid proposals. The city will meet with the Local Government Commission next week to review the same parameters.
He said the city could be in a position by next month to begin reviewing proposals.
Asked about Worsham's proposal, Scherer said, “The city attorney has discussed his proposal and what are any concerns about that.”
