Adiel Sherwood (1791-1879) helped establish some of the first antebellum efforts in education, temperance, and mission outreach in Georgia, especially among Georgia Baptists. Notably, he was head of a school in Eatonton; professor at Columbian College in Washington, DC; chair of sacred literature at Mercer University; president of Shurtleff College in Illinois; president of Masonic College in Missouri; then back to Georgia in 1857 as president of Marshall College at Griffin; whence, following the Civil War, he "retired" to Missouri. But especially in Georgia he is remembered as a venerable Baptist pastor and teacher and an accomplished organizer of Baptist causes. Sherwood submitted the resolution that led to the formation of the Georgia Baptist Convention. By promoting benevolent and educational causes such as Sunday schools and temperance societies, he helped fashion the Georgia Baptist Convention into an active missionary body that eventually overshadowed the antimissionary Baptists in the state. Sherwood was probably the most important spiritual influence in the founding of Mercer University, helping set the tone for creating a Baptist university committed to both inquiring faith and rigorous academics.

This book explores the role of Jesse Mercer within these debates as he promoted the first form of the Georgia Baptist Convention. His Calvinistic theology governed his actions and life. He emphasized missions, theological training for pastors, and cooperation between churches in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Eva Caroline Whitaker Davis was the Curator & Director of the Old Court House Museum - Eva W. Davis Memorial in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Her life tells the story that, money isn't the object, age means nothing, that lack of education can not be used as an excuse, but through will, intent, hard work and God's Grace all can be accomplished regardless of the obstacles that are placed in one's path. Life is a matter of recognizing that there are endless potentials, complete with endless possibilities. Those that think that they can not achieve because they have nothing, Eva's story is written for you. Those that just enjoy a inspirational story of a woman that would not be overlooked this message is for you. Those that need to identify with a powerful being to emulate here is your mentor. You are the ones that are called to read this book. There are no excuses for failure unless you give yourself permission and allow yourself to believe that you are not worthy of success.