The Best of Peter Marshall

by Peter Marshall, Catherine Marshall (Editor)

As pastor of Washington's historic New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Peter Marshall, former U.S. Senate chaplain, spoke with sharp wit, sparkling imagery of words, and passionate zeal. Contained here are selected messages from his books, sermons and prayers.

Genres: Christian

348 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

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

[Cliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Marshall is someone I discovered based on a few quotes read of his by Pastor Mark Batterson, and then by the movie "A Man Called Peter" on Netflix (which is from the 50's, well worth watching BTW, outstanding film). Marshall was a poor Scotsman who came to the US, wound up in Columbia Seminary, became a pastor, and rocketed to end up as Chaplin to the US Senate, and then to heaven at the age of 46.

Anyhow, this book of sermons and other writings by him is outstanding. Marshall is that rare man that has a thorough understanding of theology, while simultaneously understanding the human mind and the human heart. Since he was pastor at the New York Avenue Church in DC and then Senate Chaplin makes his writings even more relevant to those who live in the District. I particularly liked how he discussed what a meal where one invited those types Jesus suggested might look like in DC, and how it is different from the kinds of dinners that too frequently happen here. While he is no stranger to any theological issue, or how to apply them to our lives, what really shines through is his ability to share Christ's love and how The Bible, theology, and the church can reflect that.

Peter Marshall didn't have time to write as much as he might have. But he left what he needed. I believe that there are certain people who God puts a rocket on them from the beginning. It won't be a long ride this side of heaven. What's important is that they leave their mark. Peter Marshall certainly was able to do so.

[Regina]

I was able to glean a few good nuggets from this book, which is compiled of sermons that were written and preached by Peter Marshall. However, I think a lot was lost in translation since they were meant to be heard and didn't have the same impact when read. I much preferred Catherine Marshall's book, A Man Called Peter.

[Roger Smitter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Marshall provided us with more than a spiritual up-left. Her collection of her husband’s sermons provides a model for how ministers (and priests and rabbis) can engage listeners in a place of worship. Even in print form, the power of the speech engages the ear as well as the eye. As editor, Catherine Marshall used the print forms to bring her husband’s to life for the eye AND the ear.

This sample from the sermon “The Touch of Faith” rolls out with an innovative use of the print form of speech: captures many of the pages of what is written and how Rev Marshall said it:

“His (Jesus’) look seems to sing of tomorrow -- a new tomorrow—in which there should be no more pain
No more suffering
Nor persecution
Nor cruelty
Nor hunger
Nor neglect
Nor disillusionments
Nor broken promises.”

Reading this piece (and many others in the book) turns images of words into the sound of words spoken.

But of course the collection of Rev. Marshall’s sermons is more than an innovative print layout. The author had an ability to turn the narratives and the words of the Bible into engaging story lines. He doesn’t have to “preach” because his language carries the message of faith.

Anyone who has plans to speak about religious faith needs this sample of what can be communicated in a sermon.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Marshall was chaplain of the United States Senate in the late 1940s. He passed away at the age of 46, leaving a wealth of sermons. His widow compiled several books from these writings. This volume is a collection from six separate books. Any of these books will be printed as Peter Marshall wrote them out, in a poetic style. You will find passages of great beauty as you read. This book will give the reader a good taste of Pastor Marshall's words. Any of these books are worth reading over and over.