
My newest book is a non-fiction history of First Presbyterian Church of Wheeling, W.Va. While this June 2023 release would be of most interest to residents of the Ohio Valley, this 200-year-old church also provides an interesting point of view in terms of American and church history.
The story begins inside a log fort just after the last land battle of the Revolutionary War (the Siege of Fort Henry) and tracks a single church through multiple wars, a dramatic reckoning with slavery, and the presently precarious state of Mainline Protestantism. So, we’re basically talking God, guns and conflict 1.0.
It is available solely in hardback ($25) through the church office — 304-232-3833, fpc1823@gmail.com.
A shout out to Wheeling historian Margaret Brennan and graphic designer Phyllis Sigal in addition to the church’s part of the editorial team — Pastor Mike O’Neil and attorney/church elder Tom Hazlett. What a blessing it was to put together such a book with you people. Researching and writing this one gave me a new perspective on both a timeless God and where the American church is today.
Discover more from Nora Edinger -- JOY Journal
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Congratulations, Nora! That’s quite an accomplishment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Annie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Nora! How exciting!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Liz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Nora!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How exciting Nora!! You are such a gifted writer and I’m glad you were able to use your gift to tell the story of this church. The book sounds intriguing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It was really interesting to produce. The chapter on slavery most captured my attention. There was a point at which slaves, freed African-Americans, slave owners and abolitionists were all attending church together. That’s kind of the whole human condition in one room.
LikeLike
Wow! Way to go again. Sounds very interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was my favorite project to date — a stretch as I’m not normally a history writer. Summer blessings!!
LikeLike
I know how hard you have worked to bring this to fruition! Congratulations, I’m happy for you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 It was a long haul, but a good haul. Thanks so much!
LikeLike