"The all-firedest explosion ever witnessed by any church."

(Excerpt from "A Fascinating Biography of J. Frank Norris)

Recommended by Dr. B. H. Carroll, J. Frank Norris was called as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas in September of 1909.

Norris describes his first two years as pastor of the church as peaceful and tranquil; but not being the type to acquiesce with the status quo, he soon initiated programs which disturbed the tranquil atomosphere, and also fulfulled a prophetic statement made by J. T. Pemberton:

"This church is not in condition for his (Norris') type of ministry.  If he comes there will be the all-firedest explosion ever witnessed by any church.  We are at peace with the world, the flesh, and the devil and with one another.  This fellow carries a broad axe and not a pearl handle knife.  I just want to warn you.  But now since you have called him, I am going to stay by him."