Salvation on Sand Mountain Characters

Questions and Answers

Who is Glenn Summerford?

Last preacher of the Church of Jesus with Signs Following, tried to kill his wife by forcing her hand into a snake enclosure.

Who is Dennis Covington?

Author and first-person narrator of the book.

Who is Sister Bobbie Sue Thompson?

Member of the Church of Jesus with Signs, first to invite Dennis to church there.

What is J.L. known for?

Preached in Glenn Summerford's absence, was a regular attendee of brush arbor services. Signup and view all the answers

What is special about Carl Porter?

Preached at a snake-handling church in Kingston, Georgia, and became an important spiritual mentor for Dennis. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Aunt Daisy?

Prophetess who prophesies Glenn Summerford's escape from prison. Signup and view all the answers

What did Brother Toney do?

Converted the Church of Jesus with Signs to the Woods Cover Holiness Church, causing all traces of snake-handling to die out. Signup and view all the answers

Who were Melissa Springer and Jim Neel?

Reporters and photographers who accompanied Dennis to snake-handling churches. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Bob Elkins?

Preacher of The Church of The Lord Jesus in Jolo, West Virginia. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about George Hensley?

Started the practice of serpent handling in church. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Chapter 1?

Dennis Covington discovers Glenn Summerford's attempted murder trial and is drawn to the peculiarities of the snake-handling church. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Chapter 2?

Covington focuses on Darlene Summerford's eyewitness testimony during Glenn's trial. Signup and view all the answers

What major theme is explored in Chapter 3?

The division among supporters of Glenn and Darlene, and Dennis's growing obsession with snake handlers. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in Chapter 6?

Covington reflects on his ancestry and finds connections to snake handlers. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dennis's realization in Chapter 7?

He has a lifelong connection to snakes and feels that handling them is something he's destined to do. Signup and view all the answers

What event does Chapter 9 cover?

Dennis shares his testimony after handling his first serpent and learns stories from other handlers. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Chapter 11?

Dennis feels he will be outcast from the snake handlers after speaking against Brother Carl's sermon. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Overview

Glenn Summerford: Last preacher of the Church of Jesus with Signs; attempted to kill his wife by forcing her hand into a snake enclosure.
Dennis Covington: Author and first-person narrator of the story; investigates the snake-handling faith.
Sister Bobbie Sue Thompson: First to invite Dennis to the Church of Jesus with Signs; plays a significant role in introducing him to the community.
J.L.: Preacher in Glenn's absence; regular attendee at brush arbor services.
Carl Porter: Preacher from a Georgia snake-handling church; serves as a spiritual mentor to Dennis.
Aunt Daisy: Acts as a prophetess, predicting Glenn Summerford's escape from prison.
Brother Toney: Converted the Church of Jesus with Signs to the Woods Cover Holiness Church; led to the decline of snake-handling practices.
Brother Charles: End-times preacher; travels to preach revivals and participates in brush arbor services.
Melissa Springer and Jim Neel: Reporters and photographers accompanying Dennis to snake-handling churches.
Bob Elkins: Preacher of The Church of The Lord Jesus in Jolo, West Virginia.
Sister Barbra: Final survivor who handled snakes with George Hensley.
George Hensley: Originator of the serpent-handling practice in churches.
The McGlocklins: Close friends of Dennis and Viki, also snake handlers.
Gracie McAllister: Handled fire; criticized for seeking medical help, deemed too "worldly."
Brother Bill: Firm believer that non-handlers are destined for hell.
Elvis Presley Saylor: Called "the wicked one" in Brother Bill's sermons; outcast due to church conflicts.
Punkin Brown: Serpent handler and preacher; attempts to pursue Elvis's wife.

Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1: Dennis Covington, a writer seeking a captivating story, uncovers Glenn Summerford's attempted murder trial and becomes fascinated by snake-handling practices after attending several church services.
Chapter 2: Focused on the trial of Summerford, detailing the prosecution and defense arguments, highlighting the dysfunctional dynamics within the Summerford family.
Chapter 3: The church divides into factions supporting either Glenn or Darlene, while Dennis develops an obsession with snake handlers, drawn by the thrill and danger reminiscent of his past reporting experiences.
Chapter 4: A brush arbor, built for local services, attracts Dennis and reintroduces him to the communal spiritual experience.
Chapter 5: Invited to a significant revival in Jolo, Dennis witnesses powerful emotions and begins to believe in a spiritual connection that prevents snake bites.
Chapter 6: Explores Dennis's ancestry, revealing ties to snake-handling through his family history, enhancing his understanding of spiritual connections.
Chapter 7: Dennis reflects on his lifelong relationship with snakes and his destiny to handle them spiritually.
Chapter 8: Glenn's cousins establish a new church, prompting Dennis to reconnect with handlers and ultimately leading him to take up a snake.
Chapter 9: Following his first snake handling, Dennis begins interviewing other handlers for their personal "War Stories," grappling with the deeper implications of his experiences.
Chapter 10: Dennis encounters Elvis Presley Saylor, recognizing the outsider status he shares with him, foreshadowing his own potential ostracism from the church community.
Chapter 11: At a snake-handling wedding, Dennis foresees his outcasting after challenging Brother Carl's sermon, culminating in a realization about his disconnect from the church.

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Explore the key characters from 'Salvation on Sand Mountain' through these flashcards. This quiz will help you familiarize yourself with significant figures like Glenn Summerford, Dennis Covington, and Sister Bobbie Sue Thompson, enriching your understanding of the narrative.