Did you know Lloyd C. Douglas...

Lloyd C. Douglas was a Congregationalist pastor who became one of America’s most successful novelists in the 1930’s and ‘40’s. He grew up in Indiana, the son of a Lutheran pastor. He followed his father’s career path in the Lutheran Church until 1915 when he became a Congregationalist, pastoring churches in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Akron, Ohio, and Los Angeles.

In his spare time he wrote a novel that was published in 1929 under the title, Magnificent Obsession. It sold millions of copies and was made into a movie in 1935. It is the story of a hedonistic young man whose life is saved after an accident, but causes the death of an eminent doctor. The young man then determines to become a doctor. He dedicates his life to serving others, and in the process, becomes a Christian. With this initial success Douglas resigned from the ministry to write full time. He enjoyed tremendous success as a novelist. Most of his novels became best sellers and several became popular films. All of his novels had moral and religious undertones. Two of his most popular works were set in the time of Christ.

The Robe, published in 1942, is the story of the Roman soldier present at the crucifixion of Jesus who wins the condemned man’s robe in a dice game. It takes him on a journey to discover who Jesus really was and to join the Christian movement. The Big Fisherman is about the apostle Peter. Both novels were made into very successful movies.

Gracious God, we thank You for Jesus Christ, who inspired our ancestors to be who they became, and for each like revelation of Yourself in the hearts of all who followed them in the last four centuries. Teach us to know that Christ can inspire us this and every hour to be what we ought to be ourselves. Amen.

                                               ...was a Congregationalist?

Historical story by: Rev. Norm Erlendson
Celebrating 400 Years of American Congregationalism

Learn more about our Congregational History at naccc.org