Bill Stidger was the most famous preacher in America in the 1930s and the model for Sinclair Lewis's Elmer Gantry. Norman Vincent Peale and Cardinal Sheehan acknowledged their friend Stidger as the source of many of their ideas. Stidger was the first person to realize the potential of modern media promotional techniques for evangelizing. A fervent preacher with a social conscience, he invented and patented an electric revolving cross to adorn church roofs and attract worshippers. He used advertising and wrote newspaper columns to publicize his services and even supported bowling alleys on church grounds. He brought religion to the radio with his program "Getting the Most Out of Life." His tactics aroused controversy and changed the way we worship in America.
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Written by his grandson, this is a well-documented and personal biography of Methodist evangelist Bill Stidger (1885-1949). Stidger experienced conversion at a Methodist revival and went on to become an ingenious innovator whose marketing abilities filled churches wherever he pastored: San Francisco, San Jose, Detroit, Kansas City, and Boston. He wrote 52 books, ran FDR's radio reelection campaign in 1936, and taught techniques for sermon writing at Boston University's School of Theology. He also actively addressed social issues, traveled abroad to mission stations, and volunteered and served with the YMCA on the front lines in France during World War I. Hyland, who incorporates Stidger's personal correspondence into the text, discusses how Stidger pioneered in preaching techniques, in creating news events that appeared in the daily papers, and in advertising. Though the book's appeal may seem limited to those seeking information on evangelism or Methodist preachers, it has a broader human interest, particularly in light of its historical setting, with accounts of World War I, Roosevelt, and Stidger's meetings and friendships with other notables. Nevertheless, because of its subject matter, general public library patrons may not seek it out; recommended for theological collections and large libraries. George Westerlund, formerly with Providence P.L., Palmyra, VA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Review
An excellent piece of work...a remarkable accomplishment. (Brendan Gill )
Bill Stidger was a fearless and creative preacher...{He} used the latest in journalism, advertising, showmanship, and the radio and adapted his message to what most effective. Yet, he quite consistently retained the integrity of his message....He never forgot he was a christian preacher. (Walter G. Muelder )
Reverend William Leroy Stidger (1885-1949) was a dynamic Methodist preacher with a social conscience who was known for his innovative use of the media. He served in World War I, provided for the destitute in the great depression, and performed missionary work in China, Korea, Japan, and the Phillipines. This biography by his grandson is illustrated with 24 photographs. (Theology Digest )
Bill Stidger was a fearless and creative preacher...{He} used the latest in journalism, advertising, showmanship, and the radio and adapted his message to what most effective. Yet, he quite consistently retained the integrity of his message....He never forgot he was a christian preacher. (Walter G. Muelder )
Reverend William Leroy Stidger (1885-1949) was a dynamic Methodist preacher with a social conscience who was known for his innovative use of the media. He served in World War I, provided for the destitute in the great depression, and performed missionary work in China, Korea, Japan, and the Phillipines. This biography by his grandson is illustrated with 24 photographs. (Theology Digest )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting book, enjoyable to read,
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This review is from: Evangelism's First Modern Media Star: Reverend Bill Stidger (Hardcover)
This book is both informative and interesting. As much a history book as a book about religion. This is a personal account of a very famous man and the times in which he lived. The recognizable names of important people that came into his life are impressive, and the actual stories of the last fifty years of history are told with such detail, that it is like re-living those times. His sincere dedication to people of every faith, from every walk of life; and to his religion, comes out strongly in the story. Underlying this story of the church and its changes, is a personal testimony of his great love of family. The book is well written and describes this colorful personality with such clear detail that you feel as though you actually knew him, or at least wished that you had known him.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A GREAT BIOGRAPHY,
By A Customer
This review is from: Evangelism's First Modern Media Star: Reverend Bill Stidger (Hardcover)
Captivating, well written, and extremely well-researched, this biography of one of the formative preachers of this century brilliantly blends biography and social history. This is not a religious book, but a story of one man seizing every opportunity to make the most of his life, to have "an adventure a day", to 'Zelig-like' be at "the center of immensities" of the issues and personalities of his day. Parallel to the story of this powerful and influential preacher is the story of Stidger's relationships to his fellow man, particularly the rich relationship that he sustained with his only daughter. A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A well written and very timely biography...,
By A Customer
This review is from: Evangelism's First Modern Media Star: Reverend Bill Stidger (Hardcover)
This book explores the place where religion and pop culture meet. It is an honest and revealing look at the search for the American Dream via the church. Bill Stidger was a man who truly put himself on the line for what he believed. But like anyone, he had his imperfections. Jack Hyland illuminates the humanity in all his subjects. His earnest and devoted writing exposes the complexities of religion, family, fame and success. A highly recommended book.
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