The Calling of Dan Matthews

This sequel to Wright's best-selling Shepherd of the Hills follows the story of Dan Matthews, son of Sammy and Young Matt. As the newly appointed minister to the small Midwestern town of Corinth, Dan faces the challenge of uniting a community divided by the legacy of violence. He is outraged by the town's treatment of Grace Conner--rejected, humiliated, and held accountable for her father's crimes. Adding to the drama is Dan's increasing attraction to the town's new nurse, Hope Farwell, who also champions the scorned Grace. Dan wrestles with his conscience as his duty to the church elders conflicts with his desire to prescribe holiness and justice to his ailing congregation. The Calling of Dan Matthews is a timeless story based on the show more principles of neighborly kindness and community fellowship. show less

Likely to appeal to someone who enjoyed the Harvester by Gene Stratton Porter. This book does a nice job of describing the gradual and sudden shifts in the political climate of a small town. Dan Mathews only wants to serve and do good, but the purity of his efforts as minister earn him more slack and acceptance outside the church than within its leadership.

One of a series of wildly successful novels written by the author in the early part of the 20th Century. His thesis that the Christian church ministers solely to itself and that ministry exists best apart from the estblished framework of the church strikes a familiar bell when one considers the same criticism being administered to the church of today. Concerns a young, idealistic preacher called to a small town ministry who is disillusioned by the shielding of corruptness in a church member in order to maintain the church image. Thought-provoking.

Elsbery W. Reynolds, owner of The Book Supply Company was not bashful in promoting this book. On the back of the dust jacket people deciding whether or not to buy the book could read this recommendation:
"Harold Bell Wright has given us the greatest novel of his day and generation . . . in wonder we exclaim: 'To what heights may this gifted author not attain? What will his master mind in its broadness and gentleness not grasp?'
. . . a good, wholesome story, and comes to us like the cannonading of the elements purifying a murky atmosphere.
Big Dan, that manly man of convictions; Hope Farwell, so delightfully refreshing; the old Doctor, true philosopher and poet, and poor little crippled Denny, so sympathetic, loving everything and show more everybody, are masterful character creations—the best Mr. Wright has yet done.
Unless you are a man or woman living without hope, without aspiration or ambition, without life's emotions, the laughter and tears, read The Calling of Dan Matthews. It will do you good and so will do unto others." show less

Given to Dave Roseman - 3/2026

One Copy given to Dave Roseman - 3/2026