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The Man Who Moved a Mountain
This biography of Reverend Bob Childress of the Blue Ridge Mountains has been compared to the tales of Mark Twain and the Mississippi. Shows Childress' transforming effects on rough and wild mountain communities.
253 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 27, 2009
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.
October 16, 2012
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 next spring with a new appreciation of the area and if I see a stone church, I hope it is one of Bob's.
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 next spring with a new appreciation of the area and if I see a stone church, I hope it is one of Bob's.
August 27, 2007
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.
July 9, 2009
This book is about my husband's great-grandfather.
August 15, 2015
This is a great book! It is basically a biography of the life of Bob Childress. Bob's life spanned from 1890 to 1956. He grew up and served in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina. Also traveled to the Virginia part of the Blue Ridge. The book is written in a story format and includes Bob's life before he came to know Christ. He grew up as a wild mountain man. The story of the life that the mountain people lived is almost unbelievable. The people lived a very hard life and had very little. As Bob comes to know the Lord and is called into the ministry the story shifts to how the Lord used Bob's changed life to change the people of the Blue Ridge especially those of Buffalo Mountain (these were probably the hardest people to work with). The stories of Bob's life are amazing and even more amazing is the change that occurred in his life after salvation.
If you enjoy biographies, the Blue Ridge Mountains, or/and how God can change a man's life and use him to change others then you will enjoy this book.Here is a website that includes pictures of the beautiful churches that Bob built. Here are a few more pictures of Bob and his work. One more link to a youtube video of Bob's work!
If you enjoy biographies, the Blue Ridge Mountains, or/and how God can change a man's life and use him to change others then you will enjoy this book.Here is a website that includes pictures of the beautiful churches that Bob built. Here are a few more pictures of Bob and his work. One more link to a youtube video of Bob's work!
January 21, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much that I have read it twice. I picked up the book when I visited Buffalo Mountain Presbyterian Church, one of the rock churches built by the Reverend Bob Childress. Having just moved, I wanted to learn more about the history of the area. I was not prepared for how much the book affected me when I read it. The Reverend Bob Childress remains an example of faith, hope, and the power of love in a dark world. From being born into an impoverished family in the heart of the Appalachian mountains, to learning that there was life beyond boot legging and whiskey, to finding a personal faith in a God that requires love and action, Bob Childress' life is an example to all.
November 2, 2009
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.
February 7, 2020
Interesting writing, but perhaps the wrong author for this book from a Christian standpoint. I believe that Bob Childress is a man we will meet in heaven, but the author managed to write an entire book on his ministry while mentioning Jesus Christ about twice. He seemed to prefer to focus on Bob's work at eliminating bootlegging and shooting, and the drama between Bob's churches and the Pentecostal leanings of the Primitive Baptists. A very interesting read, just one of those where the Gospel could have shone and sadly didn't.
March 5, 2010
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.
June 26, 2009
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.
July 30, 2019
If ever a book made me believe in the power of the Holy Spirit and physical work to change lives, this book is it.
Bob Childress was born into a mountain family in 1890 and raised in the middle of the drinking and fighting culture. He became a drinker and had his share of scuffles before turning to God and education as a way out of that lifestyle.
After seminary he moved his wife and children into a mountain community frought with booze, guns and fear. Little by little, he preached, he drove people to the hospital, he talked , he cared , he started a sawmill and after a number of years the culture became peaceful and loving. The drinking and killing became significantly less.
His wife raised their 8 children almost alone as Bob was off on the mountain preaching and driving people. Wow. And several of his sons also became preachers, so this couple managed to do something right.
Bob Childress was born into a mountain family in 1890 and raised in the middle of the drinking and fighting culture. He became a drinker and had his share of scuffles before turning to God and education as a way out of that lifestyle.
After seminary he moved his wife and children into a mountain community frought with booze, guns and fear. Little by little, he preached, he drove people to the hospital, he talked , he cared , he started a sawmill and after a number of years the culture became peaceful and loving. The drinking and killing became significantly less.
His wife raised their 8 children almost alone as Bob was off on the mountain preaching and driving people. Wow. And several of his sons also became preachers, so this couple managed to do something right.
December 30, 2017
Joseph Maiolo, a professor of creative writing at the U of MN Duluth was a neighbor who gave me this book in 1977, because I was a Presbyterian minister. Joe became obsessed with re-telling the story of Bob Childress and the mountain. His vision was for a major film, which I later told him would be along the lines of Matewan (1987). Joe wrote a film script, a script produced by Virginia public television, and a play based on the book produced by The Jacksonville Center at Floyd VA in 2002. I wrote to Union Seminary in Richmond to get their support for these projects, but they gave no response. Joe is now gone, but his work in relation to this book was witness to the power of the story told here.
February 9, 2012
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, hopelessness and ignorance.
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, hopelessness and ignorance.
December 29, 2014
This was a lovely, inspiring book about Bob Childress and his evangelism efforts in the Blue Ridge Mountains. My mom has visited the churches he started and had this book on her shelf--I'm really glad I read it. Imagine the cast of "Moonshiners" back in the 1920s and that's the kind of people Childress worked among. Having grown up there and seeing the harmful effects of alcohol and lack of education, he spent his life loving people and helping them know God's love. I was convicted by his zeal and tireless efforts. A great book to read as I look toward the new year!
October 10, 2017
This inspirational story is about a man who truly had a calling to serve God and "a people" who would otherwise have been left to their own harmful devices. It is fortunate that I am geographically close enough to make plans to see his beautiful stone churches in person. 3.5 stars
http://stone-churches.com/Home.htm
http://stone-churches.com/Home.htm
January 22, 2009
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.
January 17, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable story of a man after God's heart, who really did move a mountain of generational hatred and drunkenness into a mountain of gospel love, education, and work. Makes you want to walk through chestnut forests, singing hymns in one of the five "Rock Churches."
July 14, 2013
This humorous and heart-warming account of Buffalo Mountain in southwest Virginia and a man whose love profoundly impacted the community there makes me want to love people better than I do.
November 28, 2023
Richard C. Davids has written a very entertaining and uplifting biography of Reverend Bob Childress.
Published in 1970, it is the story of a man born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains, brought up on fighting and drinking until he found Jesus. He was 35 years old when he decided to become a Presbyterian minister. To do so he had to go back and finish high school, then college, then divinity school. After all that he chose to go back to Buffalo Mountain near his childhood home.
Childress went to a land where brandy and hard liquor were gods, where killing was the way to solve disputes. The people didn't want him! But he stayed, against the threats, the setbacks, and the hatred. He taught them the Bible, he taught them Jesus, and he showed them Jesus' love. It took him until his death, but he melted hard hearts until he had founded numerous new churches and had grown a crop of young men to take his place.
The author, Richard C. Davids is not well known. He was a writer and editor for Reader's Digest, Home and Garden, and the Farm Report. He wrote four other books, none of which were very popular. While researching another story he met Bob Childress and found himself coming back again and again. To write this book he took Bob's own words, and the stories of Bob's wife, children, and friends to paint a picture of a larger-than-life man with an even bigger heart who did in fact move a mountain through God.
The story will shock you, make you cry and make you laugh. You will be thankful that you met Bob Childress!
Published in 1970, it is the story of a man born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains, brought up on fighting and drinking until he found Jesus. He was 35 years old when he decided to become a Presbyterian minister. To do so he had to go back and finish high school, then college, then divinity school. After all that he chose to go back to Buffalo Mountain near his childhood home.
Childress went to a land where brandy and hard liquor were gods, where killing was the way to solve disputes. The people didn't want him! But he stayed, against the threats, the setbacks, and the hatred. He taught them the Bible, he taught them Jesus, and he showed them Jesus' love. It took him until his death, but he melted hard hearts until he had founded numerous new churches and had grown a crop of young men to take his place.
The author, Richard C. Davids is not well known. He was a writer and editor for Reader's Digest, Home and Garden, and the Farm Report. He wrote four other books, none of which were very popular. While researching another story he met Bob Childress and found himself coming back again and again. To write this book he took Bob's own words, and the stories of Bob's wife, children, and friends to paint a picture of a larger-than-life man with an even bigger heart who did in fact move a mountain through God.
The story will shock you, make you cry and make you laugh. You will be thankful that you met Bob Childress!
October 25, 2022
This book is truly powerful, it is the power of example of what a man can do for the glory of God when he unselfishly love his people and place enough to work tirelessly for them forever changing the Blue Ridge mountains, the last line is just as potent as, "For such a time as this."
" 'Now Bob Childress is gone,' he said. 'You won't have an other Bob Childress. There just won't be another.' His friend said, 'There won't never need to be.' "
If you ever need encouragement, especially as pastor to not grow weary in doing good, or ever feel like you are doing too much, this will book will put that in perspective, I simply do not know apart from God supernaturally sustaining this man, how he could have been able to do what he did, just the time along is mind blowing.
Here is a link to see the Stone Churches Bob Childress and the Blue Ridge Mountain folks built:
https://www.stone-churches.com/
" 'Now Bob Childress is gone,' he said. 'You won't have an other Bob Childress. There just won't be another.' His friend said, 'There won't never need to be.' "
If you ever need encouragement, especially as pastor to not grow weary in doing good, or ever feel like you are doing too much, this will book will put that in perspective, I simply do not know apart from God supernaturally sustaining this man, how he could have been able to do what he did, just the time along is mind blowing.
Here is a link to see the Stone Churches Bob Childress and the Blue Ridge Mountain folks built:
https://www.stone-churches.com/
August 20, 2020
One of the best and most inspirational books ever. A testament to the impact one caring person can have on hundreds of others.
Bob Childress fully understood the ills and setbacks that plagued the southwest Virginia region of Buffalo Mountain. Childress' intellect, personal empathy and physical stature culminated into a unique individual who helped many overcome the destruction of alcoholism, violence and poverty.
Sidenote: I bought this book on the same day that I hiked up to Buffalo Mountain's summit - a beautiful view. Knowing the region and terrain was very helpful during the reading.
Bob Childress fully understood the ills and setbacks that plagued the southwest Virginia region of Buffalo Mountain. Childress' intellect, personal empathy and physical stature culminated into a unique individual who helped many overcome the destruction of alcoholism, violence and poverty.
Sidenote: I bought this book on the same day that I hiked up to Buffalo Mountain's summit - a beautiful view. Knowing the region and terrain was very helpful during the reading.
August 14, 2021
Bob Childress got drunk for the first time at age three. That's the way it was in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia—a lawless place full of drinking and killing. As he grew older, Bob felt the call to become a preacher. He knew the drinking and killing were bad, and he wanted to change things. And change things, he did, one person at a time.
The Man Who Moved a Mountain is a gripping story of an unselfish, loving man who made a difference. It's fascinating, inspiring, and educational, painting a vivid picture in both words and photographs of life in the wild mountains of Virginia in the early 20th century. Highly recommended.
The Man Who Moved a Mountain is a gripping story of an unselfish, loving man who made a difference. It's fascinating, inspiring, and educational, painting a vivid picture in both words and photographs of life in the wild mountains of Virginia in the early 20th century. Highly recommended.
September 2, 2025
Not all saints are canonized!* This story of how a turn-coat mountaineer tamed and converted the people of the Buffalo Mountain area is an inspiring look at local history and a real page turner. Being from Roanoke, I can’t look up at Bent Mountain or the Floyd area the same way. I now know that God has done some serious work in our area through Bob Childress and even as a Catholic, thank God for using this Presbyterian minister to bring the gospel and upright living to a troubled locality.
*Disclaimer- I realize I can't judge peoples souls.
*Disclaimer- I realize I can't judge peoples souls.
January 29, 2021
I absolutely loved this book and will come back to it again in the future! What a page turner about an amazing man of God who had a vision for a better life for the mountain people of Floyd and Carroll counties. His energy, storytelling, courage and confidence in God and his calling was astounding. I’m sad I finished reading it!! But I hope to travel and see some of these churches this Spring.
May 10, 2023
This book is an engaging biography of a man who changed a lawless backwoods into productive hamlets through sharing the love of God, his own physical labor and help, listening for the real story and a whole lot of humor.
A friend who lives in MOD shared this book with me. I look forward to visiting the area soon.
A friend who lives in MOD shared this book with me. I look forward to visiting the area soon.
May 4, 2025
An absolute gem of a story showing how a life given to Christ not only transforms a person, but those around. His Christian influence was outsized and inspiring. This book shares so many nuggets of wisdom and truth of how God works in today’s world (or in this case the early 1900s) through a surrendered life.
July 1, 2025
A remarkable story of a man called by God to minister in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He grew up in those same mountains and brought love where there was hatred, peace where there was turmoil, turned enemies into friends and lived out the gospel to these folks who desperately needed good news! God changed a community through this man for generations!
October 5, 2017
Bob Childress is a poorly educated man with a wife and five children who becomes a preacher in the Presbyterian Church. He is probably the person who Presbyterians look up to.
However, I’m not of the Presbyterian faith and found the book boring.
However, I’m not of the Presbyterian faith and found the book boring.
May 30, 2018
The most inspirational book I ever read
I cannot tell you how much this book has meant to me over the years. I never met the man. He died long before I was born but I live where he grew up and his story changed my life.
I cannot tell you how much this book has meant to me over the years. I never met the man. He died long before I was born but I live where he grew up and his story changed my life.
August 27, 2018
Truly inspiring story of a man who had a heart to love people and through that love brought a whole area in the Blue Ridge mountains, that was once steeped in evil and living in darkness, to the Light, Jesus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews