1. Russell Herman Conwell was an American Baptist minister, orator, philanthropist, author, lawyer, and writer.
17 Facts About Russell Conwell
1. 2.
Russell Conwell is best remembered as the founder and first president of Temple University in Philadelphia, as the Pastor of The Baptist Temple, and for his inspirational lecture, "Acres of Diamonds".
3.
Russell Conwell desired to enlist in the war effort shortly after its outbreak in 1861, but could not initially gain the approval of his father, Martin Russell Conwell.
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Russell Conwell was mustered out of service, along with his regiment, on July 29,1863.
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Russell Conwell then returned to North Carolina and was placed in command of a fort in Newport Barracks.
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Twenty miles into his trip, Russell Conwell learned that Confederate forces attacked and overran his company's position.
7.
When subsequently reported that the absence of Union officers contributed to the loss, Russell Conwell was placed under arrest and detained in Newberne pending an investigation, resulting in him being accused of desertion by his detractors.
8.
Russell Conwell was mustered out of the 2nd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery on May 20,1864.
9.
Two months into his detention, and prior to the completion of the investigation, Russell Conwell was assigned to Nashville, Tennessee, in June 1864 to join General MacPherson's movement against Atlanta.
10.
Alexander Reed, a leader of the Grace Baptist Church of Philadelphia, heard Russell Conwell preach when he visited him in Lexington, Massachusetts, and recommended that Russell Conwell become a pastor for his congregation.
11.
Russell Conwell ended evening services by holding an hour of prayer, leading song services, and giving commentary relevant to his sermons.
12.
The transcript for the sermon where Russell Conwell tells this story in full is available at Temple University Libraries.
13.
Russell Conwell was very impressed by the purpose and enthusiasm of the group.
14.
Russell Conwell later recommended the Christian Endeavor to the youth group of the church.
15.
Russell Conwell became president of the college, now known as Temple University.
16.
On February 15,1891, Russell Conwell preached his last sermon in the old church at Marvine and Berks Streets.
17.
The film Johnny Ring and the Captain's Sword is based upon Russell Conwell's writings regarding his experiences in the Civil War.