Southern Civil Religions: Imagining the Good Society in the Post-Reconstruction Era

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ix acknowledgments my introduction to southern religious history and civil religion came by way of Charles Reagan Wilson’s Baptized in Blood. To say that I was apprehensive when I asked him to read an earlier draft of this book would be an understatement. Yet, Charles not only gave his seal of approval ; he also provided invaluable feedback and guided me through the publication process. Similarly, I came to know Paul Harvey through his scholarship before he twice read my manuscript, passing along priceless critiques each time. Throughout the researching, writing, and revision, John Corrigan could not have been a more ideal mentor. I would not be where I am today without him. To Charles, Paul, and John, I am eternally grateful for your brilliant scholarship and boundless generosity. I wish also to thank those friends and colleagues who have given of their time, insights, and kindness, in particular Kelly Baker, Joseph Williams, Howell Williams, Michael Gueno, Jordan Smith, Matt Sayers, Kevin Vaccarella, and Dawn Hutchinson. Rhys Williams, Katie Oxx, Patrick Hayes, and Sharon Davies helped me to think through some of the finer points in this book, while Amy Koehlinger, Amanda Porterfield, and Elna Green helped me in framing the “big picture.” I am grateful to the many archivists and librarians who have assisted me, especially Dale Couch, Kathy Shoemaker, Elisa Baldwin, Boyd Murphree, and Jim Cusick. A special thanks to Dean DeBolt for pointing me to material on Sidney Catts; to Richard Chastang for supplying me with information on Bishop Allen and the Father Coyle affair; and to John Wright for sending me copies of his research on the Coyle murder and trial. x acknowledgments Much of my understanding of southern religion, history, and culture has come through extended conversations with Lee Willis and Mike Pasquier. Thus, I often called on them to read chapters, sometimes on a moment’s notice. And, to my good fortune, they always came through with just the right mix of criticism and praise. I have also relied on Lee and Mike for a good laugh, a challenging long run, and an in-depth discussion about very pressing matters—such as the latest college football polls. The students, administration, staff, and faculty at Saint Francis University have made it a perfect place to write, teach, and work. I thank Stephen Baker, Rosemary Bertocci, James Gerraughty, Grant Julin, Julia Levin, Chuck Olson, Gabriel Zeis, Denise Damico, Lindsay RossStewart , Mike McKale, Kirk Weixel, Gordon Thomson, Wayne Powel, Andy McKee, Lisa Moser, and the recently deceased Steve Neeley. I am thankful to Tim Whisler, Brent Ottaway, Robin Cadwallader, and the School of Arts and Letters for granting me release time to finish this book. Dan Fredricks read each chapter with great care and gave outstanding stylistic advice. So too did my parents, Vince and Joyce Remillard, to whom I am also indebted for encouraging me to pursue the charmed life that I now live. For their tireless work, painstaking attentiveness, and willing patience I am grateful to the good people at the University of Georgia Press, in particular Nancy Grayson, John McLeod, Jon Davies, and Beth Snead. M. J. Devaney’s copyediting skills are nothing short of superb. Any errors that might remain are my own. Of course, my most trusted editor, motivator, advocate, and friend has been my wife, Kate. Her intellect is exceeded only by her selflessness and compassion. So it is to Kate, with love, that I dedicate this book. Southern Civil Religions This page intentionally left blank ...