The Call of God: Selected Sermons

Wally Chappell has been preaching since his first appointment as Pastor in 1947, while a student in seminary. He was always known as an interesting, challenging preacher, who held the interest of his congregation. Many, across the years, encouraged him to put some sermons in print. He first tried his hand at retirement at 69, but became employed in community relations work for a local mortgage company for five and half years; and then came back to full-time church work as a retired associate for pastoral care at First United Methodist Church of Dallas where he remained on staff until 87 years of age. He finally 'got retirement right'. "Yes," he said, "I was wobbly, and fearful I'd spill communion wine on someone." Friends continued to encourage him to publish, and this book is the result. It is mostly sermons, with a eulogy, a devotional and a couple of stories tossed in. All were delivered at First Methodist Church of Dallas, some in Sunday school classes, retreats and studies. His engineer background shows, in a practical, matter-of-fact approach to spiritual matters. He is known as a clear thinker, and a passionate advocate of the Christian Way. He writes for speech, not the written page, and it shows in his syntax. He said, "I guess I 'preach' everything I read, sort of trying on the words for oral delivery." And it shows in reading the text. He is a Biblical preacher, almost always seeking to develop some passage of scripture. The reader will find these messages thought provoking, challenging and clear. It may help to know there were other "Wallace Chappells" in the Methodist ministry. This is the Texan, by birth, rearing and service, who sees himself a citizen of the world, and a lover of mountains.