Russell H. Conwell, founder of the Institutional church in America

The biography traces the subject's rise from energetic youth to a religious leader who reimagined the church as an active community institution, founding an influential congregation, a college offering working people access to education, and a hospital embodying Christian care. It combines personal reminiscence, illustrative anecdotes of youthful enterprise, and accounts of organizational pioneering to show how modest means and persistent service produced large philanthropic results. Two of his well-known lectures are included to exemplify themes of personal responsibility and practical charity, while appreciative essays emphasize character, helpfulness, and making religion a daily social practice.