 In early July 1955 , Hensley began a series of meetings near <unk> , Florida . He conducted the meetings without snakes for three weeks , before procuring a 5 @-@ foot ( 1 @.@ 5 m ) snake and bringing it to a Sunday afternoon service on July 24 . Several dozen people gathered at an abandoned blacksmith shop for the observance . During the service , Hensley loudly delivered a sermon on the topic of faith . He removed the snake from the lard can in which it was stored , wrapped it around his neck , and rubbed it on his face . He walked around the audience while preaching and then returned the snake to the can . As he placed the snake into the can , it bit him on his wrist . After a few minutes , Hensley became visibly ill , experiencing severe pain , a discolored arm , and <unk> . He refused medical attention , although he remained in pain and was urged to seek treatment both by congregants and the Calhoun County Sheriff . One eyewitness claimed that Hensley attributed his suffering to the congregation 's lack of faith , although his wife Sally stated that she believed it was the will of God . Hensley died early the next morning . Calhoun County Judge Hannah Gaskin ruled his death a suicide . 
