L.W. Marks: A Baptist Progressive in Missouri & Oklahoma, 1862-1943

by Alvin O. Turner

Overview

In this biography, Alvin O. Turner brings his historian’s rigor and his poet’s instinct for graceful writing to the fascinating story of minister, businessman, and mayor of Edmond, OK, L.W. Marks. The book deals with the life and ministry of L. W. Marks, a Missouri and Oklahoma Baptist minister who was a key figure in the creation of early Oklahoma Baptist institutions. Marks traveled Oklahoma and Indian Territory extensively promoting the Word and Way newspaper as well as Baptist agencies, and is recognized as the father of Oklahoma Baptist history. He was an early mayor of Edmond where he served as pastor of the First Baptist Church on two different occasions.  Marks also established one of the landmark businesses in Edmond. In addition to its interesting historical topics, the book is enjoyable for its portrayal of the life of a Baptist minister during that era, especially one such as Marks who was defined by a progressive spirit that frequently left him a relative outsider.  The collection is illustrated with vintage Marks family photographs. 

Product Details

BN ID:	2940013560857
Publisher:	Mongrel Empire Press
Publication date:	12/15/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	254
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Alvin O. Turner is a native Oklahoman who claims both Guthrie and Oklahoma City as home towns.  As an adult, he has also resided in Edmond, Stillwater, Altus, Guthrie, El Reno, Alva, Ada and Norman in conjunction with his work in Oklahoma Higher education and the museum profession. He recently celebrated his 44th wedding anniversary and is the father of two adult children.  He remains active in research and writing and the Oklahoma and regional poetry scene and pastors Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Sulphur, Oklahoma.  Turner holds the Ph. D in history from Oklahoma State University and is emeritus dean of social sciences and humanities and professor of history at East Central University.  This is his sixth book.  He he also written  eight chapters in different books and more than forty articles and encyclopedia entries dealing with aspects of regional and state history  served as contributing editor for four different versions of The Rainbow Study Bible, and published fiction, poetry and book reviews in varied journals.  His books include: First Family: A Centennial History of the First Baptist Church of Oklahoma, City, which he co-authored with Bob Blackburn, and Letters From the Dust Bowl, a finalist for the non-fiction award from the Oklahoma Center for the Book and for the Oklahoma Reads Oklahoma initiative.

Editorial Reviews

Turner's knowledge of Mark's position and proximity to several controversies are especially appreciated from a historical viewpoint. Subjects such as the Whitsitt Controversy,[and] his cooperation with Black churches and pastors, [...] provide an excellent view of life as it was at the beginning of the 20th Century. With the addition [...] the Oklahoma land run, prohibition, the Great Depression, [...] and Mark's support of the Baptist Messenger, this book becomes a "must" read.

Eli H. Sheldon