Publisher's Synopsis
Forty Years A Country Preacher is a timely re-publication of a New York Times Best Seller of the 1930's. It is an amazing, uplifting, entertaining and often quite hilarious tale of his experiences. He is not so much a clergy man but a true shepherd of his flock. His story tells not of sermons and liturgies but of a life dedicated to land a helping hand to hundreds of individuals and families during the worst time of the Depression, most of them immigrants and families entrenched in poverty. His ministry went far beyond taking care of the spiritual needs of his congregations. He ferried them to church, he fed them, he cut their hair and pulled teeth when needed. When someone was in need of anything, a stove, clothing, a job, food, somehow he managed to provide what was needed. His interests and influence were not limited to Middlesex county. He takes on politicians, lawmakers, utility companies, money lenders and warns his flock of the dangers of installment purchases. He even sponsors a like-minded "Jewish lawyer, ablaze with liberal ideas". for the Connecticut House of Representatives. Pastor Gilbert was a "doer" not a "talker". A must-read to help us regain a compass to navigate today's complex and confusing world.