Meet the Author
Grady Wilson Powell, a native of Brunswick County, Virginia, has had a varied career in education and the professional ministry. He attended a one-room elementary school and an episcopal high school located on a college campus. He holds a bachelor of science degree from St. Paul’s College (1954), a master of divinity degree from Virginia Union University (1959), a doctor of divinity degree from St. Paul’s College (1976), and a doctor of humane letters degree from Virginia Union University (2012). He has done further study at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.
Along with a brief teaching career, he has served four rural churches; however, his heart’s desire was to be a full-time pastor, and that occurred for him in 1958 when he became pastor of Quioccasin Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, and then pastor of Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia, for thirty-six years.
Dr. Powell’s outreach beyond Gillfield has been extensive. He has served on many boards and committees and has been honored on several occasions. After his retirement, he assisted six churches as interim pastor and continued to share his life in community service.
He is married to Dr. Bertie J. Powell, a retired professor of English from Virginia State University. They have five children (Sandra, Dorthula, Grady Jr., Herbert, and Eric) and two grandchildren (Harvey III and Grady III).
Details
Formats: Paperback
Pages: 136
ISBN PB: 978-1-9399303-0-9
Release Date: 11/1/2014
Endorsements
“It has been a source of great inspiration and admiration to have reflected on the life of a respected academician and scholar, a visionary leader, a dynamic and gifted preacher and an outstanding minister, Grady Wilson Powell, Sr., whose impact upon the community has been immeasurable. As a pioneer, he was faced with challenges during his career and has conquered them in ways that were uniquely Grady Powell. He established new precedents as he swam against the proverbial tide and shattered those glass ceilings known as the status quo. Empowering others to be the best they can be; enhancing the dynamics of the Christian witness; and guiding churches to experience phenomenal programmatic growth will be a part of his rich legacy. His mantra throughout his life has been ‘Let excellence characterize all facets of your life.’ You will cherish reading about each phase of the life of this servant of God.”
~ Lucille Murray Brown, Superintendent, Retired, Richmond Public Schools
“Many senior adults find it therapeutic to write their memoirs. We can be glad that the Reverend Grady Powell was prompted to do so, for I am confident that his book will be judged one of the best. He lets you look behind the scenes of a busy and beloved pastor whose generation has seen more changes than any preceding one. Everyone has a story, but the narrative of Grady’s life is not to be missed, from his earliest days until now. He was a founding member of American Baptist Churches of the South, bringing both predominantly black and white congregations together into the national body.”
~ Robert Seymour, Minister Emeritus, Binkley Memorial Baptist Church in Chapel Hill
“I have had the privilege of observing Reverend Grady Powell preach from the pulpit on several occasions, and I can honestly say that he is one of the greatest preachers I have ever heard. Drawing on his vast knowledge of the Bible, combined with the skills of the master storyteller, Dr. Powell has the rare ability to attract the undivided attention of his listeners and deliver a profound message at the same time. Dr. Powell’s autobiography, From Morning ’til Evening, does the same for its readers. The book contains a powerful message about family, overcoming obstacles, taking chances, justice, and love equal to any of his greatest sermons. Anyone who reads will be moved and inspired by the story of a remarkable man and his time.”
~ Charles F. Bryan, Jr., President and CEO emeritus, Virginia Historical Society
