Peter Marshall's The First Easter

by Peter Marshall, Catherine Marshall (Foreword), William Hofmann (Illustrator)

Peter Marshall's sermons proved him to be not only a devout man of God but also a stimulating, sparkling storyteller. In this beloved book, Catherine Marshall skillfully weaves a magnificent dramatic narrative of Easter from Peter's many thought-provoking messages. ABOUT THE Peter Marshall was a Scots-American preacher, pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC and was appointed as Chaplain of the United States Senate. He was called as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, a small, rural church in Covington, Georgia. After a brief pastorate, Marshall accepted a call to Atlanta's Westminster Presbyterian Church in 1933. In 1937 Marshall became pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. In 1946 he was appointed as US Senate Chaplain, serving from January 4, 1947 until his sudden death of a heart attack just over two years later, at age 46.

Genres: Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Inspirational, Holiday

137 pages, Hardcover

First published December 28, 1985

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Peter Marshall was a Scots-American preacher, pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC and was appointed as Chaplain of the United States Senate.

He was called as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, a small, rural church in Covington, Georgia. After a brief pastorate, Marshall accepted a call to Atlanta's Westminster Presbyterian Church in 1933.

In 1937 Marshall became pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. In 1946 he was appointed as US Senate Chaplain, serving from January 4, 1947 until his sudden death of a heart attack just over two years later, at age 46.

Marshall is buried at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, Maryland.

Reviews

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're going to read an Easter book this year – let it be THIS ONE.

In a way that only a true storyteller can, Peter Marshall brings to life the story of the first Easter. It reads as if you were there, experiencing the last days of Christ's life on earth with Him. There is so much detail included too – detail that can only come from study, as not every little bit comes from the Bible itself. For some of the details, one would just have to research the Biblical times and customs, in order to understand little bits of information modern readers might skip over, not realizing the significance of it. Truly, this book brought out some interesting elements about Easter that I either didn't know, or didn't remember hearing before.

It's a dramatic telling of the greatest story of redemption known to man. It's lyrical prose invites the reader to enjoy a familiar story from a fresh viewpoint, complete with minute facts and biblical knowledge.

Actually, “The First Easter” is a collection of sermons by Peter Marshall, interlaced into one cohesive book. It's done so well (by his wife Catherine) that it is seamless, where one sermon passage ends and another begins. It all feels like one full-length book he wrote.

Furthermore (and maybe my favorite bit) is that the integrity of Peter's unique writing style of how he penned his sermons is preserved. His paragraphs cascade down the page, visually similar to poetry. I have learned that he wrote in this way to provide emphasis on certain words or key phrases. Well, as a logophile myself, this is magnificently done, and it makes Peter's work a joy to read.

I can easily see myself re-reading this title again, perhaps during some future Lent season. It's a beautiful experience, a spotless interpretation.

“We are to remember His death.
Never did He ask that we should commemorate His birth...
Not once did He request that any of the wonderful deeds He performed should be immortalized...
Only this – His last and greatest work –
the work of redemption.”

[Norman]

I read this a long time ago and wanted to re-read it and was not disappointed. Peter Marshall's writing is similar to Ray Bradbury's in that it is poetic and contemplative. The book is exactly what it says on the cover - the FIRST Easter. Marshall exposes many tiny details of the familiar story and engages the reader to think about them. A great book that easily stands the test of time. A more modern Bible translation would make the sections where passages appear a better read, but that's a minor thing.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book of a mixture of sermons and stories of the last days that Christ had on this earth. Written in a poem like feeling to that is is a story told of a simple man called Jesus who was done wrong but forgave and has done the right thing for everyone else. Easter is a wonderful season to remember how Jesus died for us and then rose from the tomb. And that tomb symbolizes all that He has done for us and will constantly be doing for us.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, it was edited by Catherine Marshall. She took parts of her husband, Peter Marshall's messages that focused around Easter. It was very enjoyable to read his thoughts on the subject. Also it goes into detail of the last days of Christ's life and all the events that took place. Definitely a good read to enjoy!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Marshall took Peter Marshall's Easter sermons and compiled them into one narrative. It's really nice prose. A quick read. I really enjoyed it. Even though much of it isn't what we would call "doctrinal," I felt like I gained a lot of insights. He paints a wonderful picture.

[Cws]

232.96

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written combination of the Gospels' account of Passion Week and ending with the Resurrected Saviour. The material is presented in Peter Marshall's own style - similar to blank verse; this makes the imagery flow into the heart and mind of the reader.
Worth reading any day, but especially as one approaches Resurrection Sunday.

[Beki Eikum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect thing to read during Easter week. Makes you feel like the old story is new again and you’re seeing it with your own eyes.

[Karyn Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book! What a powerful testimony of Christ! I highly recommend.

[Jemimah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Marshall illustrates Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection so beautifully. He takes a few creative liberties but he really humanises everyone present. It's beautiful and captivating.

[Suzie Olive · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very beautiful retelling of the Easter Story. My favourite quote- “death is not a wall but a door.”

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inherited this book from my late grandmother, who read it every year at Easter. I’ve vowed to take on the yearly rhythm — this being my third. And what can be said about this book, other than it’s one of the most important stories you can read?

For us who need fresh words for an old story, there’s no shortage of heart-enlightening, poetic retelling in this book. Read it only for the expansion on Peter’s life. But read it knowing that you can’t walk away the same person.

(My copy is a first edition, published in 1959. It has the most subtly gorgeous illustrations I’ve ever seen.)

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was compiled by Catherine Marshall, Peter's widow, from 96 Easter manuscripts from 18 years and 4 months of preaching. Peter was a Scottish immigrant-pastor and chaplain of the United States Senate. He passed away in 1949, only in his forties. Catherine was able to get the book published as he wrote his manuscripts, in a poetic style. It reads like poetry and paints a vivid picture of that first Easter.It is an annual read for me in the Easter season.

[Tierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never tire of hearing the gospel :-)