Longing for Jesus

John Giggie
-- University of Alabama
"Masterfully knitting new strands of research into a rich tapestry of religious history, Lester Ruth brings to life the long-hidden story of the nation's first African-American Holiness church. . . . By turns narrative history, exegesis, and study of Christian practice, Ruth's book brims with insight and wisdom about how a small church in the deep South sparked a movement that would sweep the country and start a revolution in worship and preaching."

W. Scott Haldeman
-- Chicago Theological Seminary
"Lester Ruth's Longing for Jesus takes the reader inside Christ Temple of Jackson, Mississippi, and the ministry of Charles Price Jones, a central figure in the Black Holiness movement. . . . We can experience the richness of worship in that place and imagine enriched worship practices for ourselves. This accessible and innovative introduction to a critical but underappreciated figure in the history of American Protestant worship is a great gift indeed."

Dale T. Irvin
-- New York Theological Seminary
"This richly rewarding book takes the reader into Christ Temple under the leadership of Charles Price Jones a century ago in order to discover a host of fresh insights into hymnody, preaching, and the encounter with God that takes place in worship. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the study and practice of worship."

James Abbington
-- Candler School of Theology
"Lester Ruth has unburied the rich treasures and legacy of the Church of Christ (Holiness) USA and its founder, Charles Price Jones. . . . Ruth's meticulous attention to the documents, music, and worship practices successfully connects us to the songs, prayers, and sermons of these 'saints on higher ground'!"

Melva Costen
-- Interdenominational Theological Center
"Longing for Jesus invites us into a significant form of African-American communal worship at a significant time in American history. This Holiness congregation at worship is no doubt reflective of other nascent African-American churches struggling to find meaning and freedom in a confused religious environment. . . . I highly commend this scholarly research series to all who take worship seriously!"