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Man Who Moved Mountain
This is the definitive biography of Reverend Bob Childress of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Often compared to Mark Twain's tales of the Mississippi, the style and the text show, with stark clarity, the transforming effects Childress and his ministry had on the rough and wild mountain communities of this section of Virginia.
Paperback, 268 pages
Published
January 1st 1972
by Augsburg Fortress Publishing
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This book is about a backwoods preacher, Robert W. Childress.
Bob Childress was born in Patrick County, Virginia in 1890. Since we lived in Patrick Co. for 4 years, I loved reading this book! Even if you are not reading it for local history, you will benefit from reading about the life of this dedicated man. He drove thousands of miles a year over perilous mountain roads to serve churches and bring the light of Christ to his people who were trapped a culture founded on alcoholism, violence, hope...more
Bob Childress was born in Patrick County, Virginia in 1890. Since we lived in Patrick Co. for 4 years, I loved reading this book! Even if you are not reading it for local history, you will benefit from reading about the life of this dedicated man. He drove thousands of miles a year over perilous mountain roads to serve churches and bring the light of Christ to his people who were trapped a culture founded on alcoholism, violence, hope...more
Oct 03, 2009
Rachel
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
those interested in Appalachian history and religious biography
Recommended to Rachel by:
Glenda
It took me about a year to read this book. It was difficult to stay engaged with this biography and not just because of the writing style, which is quite plodding. On the one hand, the book counters the negative and lingering stereotypes of the people of the Blue Ridge mountains, namely of Carroll (from which my mom's family hails) and Floyd Counties and the surrounding area. Indeed, the most moving and terrifying part of the book for me was the recounting of an article in a national newspaper d...more
This is the wonderful biography of a missionary pioneer to Appalachia! When he headed for the hills, in the pre-War on Poverty days, it was a place of isolation, poor hygiene and illiteracy. But through this man's ministry, lives were changed in every aspect by the power of the Gospel. You can still see some of his "stone chapels" along the Blue Ridge Parkway today.
This is the story of my great-grandfather and his sons and daughters (my grandfather included). Of course, for me the meaning of this books is much different than most people might get -- I see the torrents that cut throgh my family and still do, how religion and spirituality has shaped the face of all the people and places I knew as a child.
Actually met the man's grandson and my parents have a cabin in this area..A place I have visited and been thru many times in my life and loved reading this book. Yes, one person can change a country with God's plan being put into action.
Jun 25, 2009
JG (The Introverted Reader)
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommended to JG (The Introverted Reader) by:
Granny
Shelves:
appalachia,
biography_memoir,
non-fiction,
reviewed,
southern-lit,
3_stars,
author_american,
setting_us
My family all loved this, but I remember thinking it was just okay. I think this is one of those books that appeals more to the region its set in than anyone else. It was a decent biography though.
Excellent book about an Appalachian preacher and how he (practically) single-handedly changed the violent ways of the mountain on which he lived.
I love this book b/c it is all about the region around my in-law's cabin in VA. It just shows you how one person can make a difference.
If you like American History and stories of ordinary people doing extrodinary things with no regard to themselves, this book has both and more. I liked the style of writing and really 2 stories in one, Bob Childress before The Buffalo and after moving to The Buffalo.
Growing up with Andy Griffith on the TV I chuckled when I saw familiar places like, Mayberry and Mt. Airy. As a kid we often vacation along the Blue Ridge and many of the locations named brought back found memories. I'm going back ne...more
Growing up with Andy Griffith on the TV I chuckled when I saw familiar places like, Mayberry and Mt. Airy. As a kid we often vacation along the Blue Ridge and many of the locations named brought back found memories. I'm going back ne...more
This was a pretty amazing story of a man who came from nothing, but made something of himself by helping others. It was interesting to read about a time not really so far away and a place relatively close as well--the Virginia mountains about 50-60 years ago. It was entertaining and inspiring to read about how his life impacted those around him. I want to take a day trip to the area he lived in after reading this book.
Amazing what this man accomplished in the rough mountains of Southwest Virginia during Prohibition!
This is an easy read, chock full of mountain history. Often funny, touching and down right Andy Griffith-like.
Incredible "inside" look at a time and place, and the life of a selfless man.
Another great biography about how to reach people.
This book is about my husband's great-grandfather.
I love local stories and this one is excellent. It tells the story of Bob Childress, a Presbyterian minister who set out to bring the Gospel to the sometimes lawless mountains. This isn't one of those books that encourages the hillbilly myth, it simply deals with all the trials and struggles associated with the uphill climb Childress faced. It's a story of triumph and hope and a real page turner. And that's not always something you get with non-fiction.
This book is rather personal foe my whole family. During the area and time the early part of this book was set, my grandfather was growing into a young man.
When the Blue Ridge Parkway was built through that area, it split the family farm down the middle. It was sold and the family scattered. My grandfather headed south into North Carolina where he met my grandmother and they started their branch of the family tree.
When the Blue Ridge Parkway was built through that area, it split the family farm down the middle. It was sold and the family scattered. My grandfather headed south into North Carolina where he met my grandmother and they started their branch of the family tree.
This is a true story about a minister in the Virginia mountains. It moves the spirit, as you see the power of one persons faith and love for his people. His ministry is by helping others.
I read this book several years ago. A very interesting look into our local history.
Apr 02, 2013
Alison
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