{"id":2132,"date":"2018-03-26T13:38:08","date_gmt":"2018-03-26T18:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/specialcollections\/?page_id=2132"},"modified":"2019-03-11T15:26:34","modified_gmt":"2019-03-11T20:26:34","slug":"the-book-will-be-preaching-after-you-and-i-have-gone-home-marshall-keebles-enduring-print-legacy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/specialcollections\/exhibits\/the-book-will-be-preaching-after-you-and-i-have-gone-home-marshall-keebles-enduring-print-legacy\/","title":{"rendered":"“The book will be preaching after you and I have gone home”: Marshall Keeble’s Enduring Print Legacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

By July, 1931, when Marshall Keeble preached a week-long revival in Valdosta, GA, he was already an effective and seasoned evangelist among Churches of Christ. At that time Benton Cordell Goodpasture was Minister of the Seminole Avenue Church of Christ (Atlanta, GA) and a Department Editor of Gospel Advocate<\/em>, a weekly journal published in Nashville, TN.<\/p>\n

Goodpasture attended the revival, sitting with Keeble onstage. At some point during the week he employed Connie Alderman, \u201can expert court reporter,\u201d to transcribe Keeble\u2019s sermons \u201cexactly<\/em> as delivered.\u201d Keeble spoke so rapidly she developed muscle fatigue trying to keep up, yet the result was a volume of five simple, straightforward sermons. The book, according to Keeble biographer Edward Robinson, \u201ccatapulted Keeble to national prominence in the Stone-Campbell movement.\u201d At the time of his death, April 20, 1968, Keeble was likely the most widely known evangelist among Churches of Christ. In 1939 Goodpasture became the editor of Gospel Advocate<\/em>, a position of considerable influence he retained until his death in 1977.<\/p>\n

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Photograph of Marshall Keeble from Goodpasture, B. C., ed. “Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist.” (Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1931).<\/p><\/div>\n

The B. C. Goodpasture Papers, housed in Center for Restoration Studies and Milliken Special Collections, contain a remarkable set of correspondence surrounding the publication of the book and its subsequent reception\u2014across the racial divide\u2014in Churches of Christ. Keeble and Goodpasture were household names in these churches in their lifetime, one result of the enduring legacy secured by the 1931 publication of Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist<\/em>. The letters provide a fascinating window into Churches of Christ, their most recognizable white publisher, their most well-known black author, and the book they jointly produced.<\/p>\n

Marshall Keeble left four legacies: those to whom he preached and baptized; the congregations he established; the preachers he trained and mentored; and a legacy in print consisting of books and articles. Fifty years after his death the book is still in print and still preaching.\u00a0 This online exhibit mirrors a physical one installed in the ACU Library in March 2018 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Marshall Keeble’s death.<\/p>\n

Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist<\/em><\/strong>, 1931 first printing, 1945 edition, and Gospel Advocate Classics Series edition of 1999
\n<\/strong>The first printing of 2,000 copies sold out in less than three weeks. By 1945, 22,000 copies were in print and by 1966 that figure reached 58,000 with an average of four copies sold per day for 35 years. In 1968 Goodpasture stated it was Gospel Advocate Company\u2019s best-selling book. Fifty years later it is still in print.<\/p>\n

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Goodpasture, B. C., ed. “Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist.” (Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1931).<\/p><\/div>\n

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Goodpasture, B. C., ed. “Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist.” (Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1945). This printing demonstrates by 1945 some 22,000 copies were in print.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Goodpasture, B. C., ed. “Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist.” Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1999.<\/p><\/div>\n

Promotional flyer, 1932
\n<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>B. C. Goodpasture used these flyers to promote book sales and to secure agents who would take sales orders. Many of the letters in the Goodpasture papers are from preachers, both white and black, who sold Keeble\u2019s book as part of their evangelistic and outreach ministries.<\/p>\n

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“Promotional flyer.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons manuscript, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

Photograph, 1931
\n<\/strong>One of the 92 immersions as a result of the revival meeting Keeble held in St. Petersburg, FL in 1931. From Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble<\/em>. Keeble\u2019s legacy included dozens of congregations planted, nurtured or strengthened by his preaching and teaching. He utilized the book as an evangelistic tool to further the scope and deepen the impact of his preaching.<\/p>\n

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Photograph of 1931 baptismal scene at St. Petersburg, Florida. B. C. Goodpasture, ed., “Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist” (Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1931), 40-41.<\/p><\/div>\n

Photograph<\/strong>, circa 1945
\n<\/strong>Left to right, standing: Hassen Reed, Robert McBride. Left to right, seated: Robert Wood, Marshall Keeble, Fred Gray. Keeble\u2019s legacy extended far beyond the printed page. As an evangelist and as President of Nashville Christian Institute, he mentored his students, such as those pictured here, by taking them to preaching appointments. Upon graduation from NCI, Fred Gray attended Western Reserve University Law School and established a law practice in Montgomery, AL at age 23. In 1955-1956 his representation of Rosa Parks against the City of Montgomery launched his career as a civil rights lawyer.<\/p>\n

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Photograph of Marshall Keeble with four boys, Marshall Keeble, Church Leaders Biographical Vertical File. Center for Restoration Studies. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

Photograph, 1931
\n<\/strong>Marshall and Minnie Womack Keeble (both age 52). From Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist<\/em>. Minnie died the following year, on December 11, 1932.<\/p>\n

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1931 photograph of Marshall Keeble and wife Minnie Womack Keeble. B. C. Goodpasture, ed., “Biography and sermons of Marshall Keeble, evangelist” (Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1966), 8-9.<\/p><\/div>\n

Letter, Marshall Keeble to B. C. Goodpasture, 30 October 1931 <\/strong>
\nKeeble describes his evangelistic activities and expresses his joy over the effect the book is having across the country. \u201cAs you say,\u201d Keeble wrote, \u201cthe book will be preaching long after you and I have gone home to get our reward.\u201d<\/p>\n

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“Marshall Keeble to B. C. Goodpasture, October 30, 1931.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

Letter, Marshall Keeble to B. C. Goodpasture, 6 January 1932<\/strong>
\nThe book\u2019s rapid sale confirmed for Keeble the power of the printed page as a way to complement his preaching. Over 500 books were sold and distributed during the 1932 Los Angeles meeting described in this letter.<\/p>\n

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“Marshall Keeble to B. C. Goodpasture, January 6, 1932.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

Typescript draft of Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist<\/em><\/strong>, 1931
\n<\/strong>This draft contains annotations and corrections\u2014some in Keeble\u2019s hand\u2014and additional matter not published in the final book.<\/p>\n

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Page from typescript draft of “Biography and sermons of Marshall Keeble, evangelist,” 1931. Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons manuscript, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

Letters, 1931-1932
\n<\/strong>These letters indicate how leaders among Churches of Christ viewed Keeble and received his book. In the absence of a formal denominational structure, among Churches of Christ the colleges and periodicals held tremendous influence among preachers, church leaders, and the reading public. Endorsements from highly-regarded white leaders ensured the book\u2019s favorable reception. Anticipating this, prior to publication Goodpasture solicited such from Calhoun, Burton, Boles, and Hardeman and included their commendations in the book. Christian Leader<\/em> and Firm Foundation <\/em>were periodicals of nationwide scope and circulation. Wallace, Burton, and Calhoun were likewise nationally known white leaders. A. L. Cassius was a nationally known black evangelist and church planter whose efforts in Los Angeles ensured that city became a major locus for Black Churches of Christ. Ricks, Miller and Vaughner, also pictured in the book, were leading evangelists and Keeble prot\u00e9g\u00e9s.<\/p>\n

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“N. B. Hardeman to B. C. Goodpasture, August 7, 1931.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

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“A. M. Burton to B. C. Goodpasture, August 20, 1931.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

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“P. E. Ricks to B. C. Goodpasture, September 21, 1931.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

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“A. L. Cassius to B. C. Goodpasture, October 28, 1931.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

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“Hall L. Calhoun to B. C. Goodpasture, October 29, 1931.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

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“A. L. Cassius to B. C. Goodpasture, November 1, 1931.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

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“L. Miller to B. C. Goodpasture, November 2, 1931.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

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“F. L. Rowe to B. C. Goodpasture, December 7, 1931.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

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“John R. Vaughner to B. C. Goodpasture, December 14, 1931.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

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“Foy E. Wallace, Sr. to B. C. Goodpasture, January 12, 1932.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

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“G. H. P. Showalter to B. C. Goodpasture, January 16, 1932.” Folder: Marshall Keeble Biography and Sermons \u2013 1931-1932, Box 4, Benton Cordell Goodpasture Papers, 1854-1991. Center for Restoration Studies Manuscript #464. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.<\/p><\/div>\n

Photograph, 1931<\/strong>
\nThese six evangelists are described as Keeble\u2019s \u201cfellow workers\u201d whom he \u201chas either baptized or encouraged to preach.\u201d One enduring legacy of Keeble\u2019s ministry, the effects of which are still felt among many Churches of Christ today, are the hundreds of preachers he mentored. The Goodpasture Papers contain the only known surviving letters from O. L. Aker, John Vaughner, Luke Miller, and Percy Ricks. Ricks was also Keeble\u2019s brother-in-law. The photograph is from Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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1931 photographs of men Marshall Keeble either baptized or encouraged to preach. B. C. Goodpasture, ed., “Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble, Evangelist” (Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1931), 24-25.<\/p><\/div>\n

Want to learn more about Marshall Keeble?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n