It has recently come to light that there is a deacon in New York who dresses up like Elvis Presley, and preaches as him during services.
Videos by Wide Open Country
In an exclusive talk with The New York Post, the story of Anthony Liguori Jr. has come to light. And I couldn't not share it with you, dear reader.
Liguori Jr., 64, is apparently referred to as "Deacon Elvis" by those who attend Corpus Christi Church in Hasbrouck Heights. He may be a deacon by day, but by night, he's part of an Elvis Presley tribute band. Naturally, he plays the part of The King.
He enjoys combining both of his passions, which has resulted in him becoming Presley in the pulpit. Although he's preaching the gospel, he also enjoys the reactions of the audience.
Talking to the outlet, he says, "During Christmas services, I could see these people come in, and then they're tapping on the shoulder and pointing ... It's pretty funny to watch."
"Even as I'm up there proclaiming the Gospel, I'm watching the people looking at me, some of them with smirks on their face. And then their family who brought them in is saying, 'No, this is what he does.'"
New York Deacon Doesn't Perform In Church, He Just Dresses Up
"People would yell out at concerts, 'Elvis, you're The King!' And he would say, 'No, I'm not, Jesus is The King," he hilariously said.
One of Liguori Jr.'s fans, Don Dunn, purchased the sterling silver cross that was handmade for Presley by his ranch hand in 1972. He bought it for around $1,500 in 1978 and gifted it to Liguori Jr. when he was ordained a deacon in 2011.
"He said, 'I have no children and I got to give it to somebody that really would deserve this.' I was floored. And he gave me . . . a photograph of Priscilla wearing this," the deacon said of the gift.
According to Deacon Elvis, it's not absurd to combine religion and Elvis Presley.
"A lot of the churches where he lived in a very poor part of Mississippi were black Gospel churches, so he got a lot of that rhythm and soul from them."
Liguori Jr. also brought up the late superstar's charity work.
It's not every day you'll see a deacon dressed as Presley during a service. Well, unless you attend his services, I suppose.
