In His Steps
What is the general topic of Henry Maxwell's sermon in the opening chapter?
1 Peter 2:21 - Following in the footsteps of Jesus
The Bishop has two very different encounters outside of the Settlement House. Describe both encounters. Be sure to include whom he meets, what they want/need, and the result of their meeting.
1st encounter - Felicia - Bishop notices her cook shop and finds out how she came to Chicago as well as her plans to help out at the Settlement House. He takes her there to show her around and introduces her to Stephen Clyde (whom she already knew). Felicia will work with Settlement House using her cooking skills. 2nd encounter - Burns and his partner - Bishop is mugged by a man named Burns and his partner. Burns recognizes the Bishop as the man who helped him years ago when he lost his family and job and was drinking too much. The Bishop helped him get sober and get a job only for him to start drinking and lose it a few weeks later. Burns turned to a life of petty crime. Bishop prays for them both and offers to help both of them find positions if they would give up this life of crime and turn to Jesus. Bishop finds both jobs and continues to help Burns through his obstacles.
Parapet-
A defensive wall or elevation, as of earth or stone, in a fortification.
Melodrama-
A dramatic form that does not observe the laws of cause and effect and that exaggerates emotion and emphasizes plot or action at the expense of characterization.
What situation greets Mr. Maxwell at the Rectangle?
A group of drunken people surrounding the tent who do not want to listen to him, an upper class preacher.
Felicia Sterling-
A member of Chicago's Nazareth Avenue Church along with her family—most notably her sister, Rose, with whom she rarely sees eye to eye—Felicia Sterling is a sweet and candid young socialite caught up in the whirlwind of her family's ambition and struggle for power and influence. Only 19 years old and the cousin of Rachel Winslow, Felicia is moved almost against her will by the challenge issued by Rev. Bruce. Against her sister's protestation, Felicia determines to live by the promise. Though a touch naïve, Felicia's instincts and warm demeanor allow her to be receptive and compassionate for all whom she encounters. Felicia's existence is thrown into immediate tumult when the very night of her pledge: Her father dies by suicide in the face of bankruptcy, and her mother dies of shock and a broken heart. Going to live with the Winslows in Raymond, Felicia is very soon caught up in the movement there and in the Rectangle, becoming a true member of the cause and delighting in her newfound purpose. Discovering a natural talent in the culinary arts, she sets up a cooking class at the Rectangle and dreams of one day opening a bakery in Chicago where she can serve her own community.
Torrent-
A stream of water flowing with great rapidity and violence.
Temperance-
Abstinence from alcoholic drinks.
After receiving angry letters from customers and advertisers, what does Mr. Norman then decide not to print in the paper-a decision that could result in the loss of money?
Advertisements for tobacco and alcohol
Incarnation-
An incarnate being or form.
Tenement-
Any species of permanent property, such as lands, houses, rents, an office, or a franchise, that may be held by another.
What question does Maxwell seem to contemplate over and over again after the Settlement meeting?
Are we as Christians so far removed from Christ that people can no longer find Him in the church?
What is the state of the Rectangle at the end of the summer?
Besides the construction of the Page's project, nothing much has actually changed in the Rectangle.
Clarence Penrose-
Clarence Penrose was one of the most elegant looking men in Chicago. He came from an aristocratic family of great wealth and social distinction.
What change has occurred at the Rectangle in the week since members of the First Church started attending the services?
Consider events on pp.49-50, especially. There is a definite spiritual awakening, but there are still saloons and gaming dens everywhere.
According to Dr. Bruce's letter, what have some of the struggles been for the First Church over the course of the year since the pledge was made.
Division in the church - some have left the First Church and gone elsewhere while others stayed, but try to create strife and division among the members.
Declamation-
Exercise in oratory or elocution, as in the recitation of a classic speech.
Peril-
Exposure to injury, loss, or destruction; grave risk; jeopardy; danger.
How do Rose and Felicia's perspectives on poverty and human suffering differ?
Felicia - sees and pities the poor. She wants to do anything she can to help and end the suffering of others. Rose - ignores it as much as she can. She wants to stay separated from it.
Describe Felicia's dream.
Felicia wants to own a cook shop in a large city like Chicago. She wants to also minister to the poor families by helping them understand cooking and food.
How does each of the Sterlings react to Dr. Bruce's call?
Felicia: She takes the pledge. Rose: She rejects the pledge. Mr. Sterling: He is surprised by the pledge, but thinks it is nothing. Mrs. Sterling: Felicia tells her about it, and she seems responsive to it.
How has the pledge affected the lives of Fred Morris and Milton Wright?
Fred Morris was fired for refusing to work on a Sunday, so Maxwell set up a meeting with Edward Norman, who hired Morris. Milton Wright revamped his business dealings to have a more personal relationship with his employees and to make sure his business was ethical and moral in all its dealings.
What is the highly contested issue before the voters in Raymond in the upcoming election?
Give at least one reason each side is so adamant in its position. Liquor license being renewed or not. Saloons want it to continue to make profits while Maxwell and Marsh are against it because they feel that liquor leads to sinful behavior and the downfall of the Rectangle.
Stephen Clyde-
Had taken the pledge the same day as Felicia
Haggard-
Having a gaunt, wasted, or exhausted appearance, as from prolonged suffering, exertion, or anxiety; worn.
What is the third major decision Mr. Norman makes concerning the paper that initial week?
He decides NOT to publish a Sunday edition of the newspaper.
10. What decision did Mr. Powers make about the incriminating evidence he found? What consequences do you think this action will have for him?
He decides to resign his position and turn over the evidence against the railroad. He will likely be ridiculed by some for his decision, and his family may suffer financially and socially.
What happens to Mr. Manning?
He faints and later dies at Maxwell's home.
How does Dr. Bruce feel about Maxwell's proposal?
He is unsure that it is practical and cannot even think of a dozen men in his congregation that would take the risk.
What fear (or perhaps bias?) does Mr. Maxwell face, at Mr. Powers' request?
He is worried about speaking to these blue collar workers because he is used to a higher class of people being his audience.
After accidentally reading a letter that was not mean for him, what dilemma faces Mr. Powers?
He must decide whether to turn over the evidence he found to the Commission and most likely lose his job/position or to stay silent and pretend he never saw it.
On the anniversary of the pledge, what is Mr. Maxwell's new plan for the movement?
He wants the pledge to spread to other churches across the country
What change does Mr. Powers, the railroad superintendent, want to make to his storeroom?
He wants to create a breakroom/meeting room for the men at work to relax and also to hold meetings/discussions about spiritual matters.
How is Henry's changed outlook demonstrated in his sermon, prayers and behaviors-especially on the Sunday morning?
His sermons are more sincere and honest. They are much more impactful because of his purpose to preach as Jesus would.
What challenge is confronting Virginia?
How would Jesus use her money to help humanity and others
Jack Manning-
Inspired the WWJD questionThis man, Jack Manning, relates how he lost his job as a printer and that his wife has recently died. He boldly questions Maxwell's sermon on ...
How has Jasper Chase fared, or managed, in his commitment to the pledge? How is this evinced?
Jasper has missed meetings with the others who pledged to do as Jesus would. He actively decides to reject his pledge and do as he wants to gain more fame by going ahead and writing his social novel rather than what he believes Jesus would write.
Identify at least one aspect of the funeral held at the Rectangle that was noted in the passing reporter's editorial.
Large gathering like for someone important, women singing, flowers laid on her casket by the women in the tent, the six women carrying Loreen's casket rather than the men, etc.
What was the outcome of the election? Predict how this result might affect the city and those who were so deeply committed to the issue.
License was passed for another year. Drinking and the saloons will continue to operate. The supporters for no license are disappointed especially because many "Christians" either did not vote or they voted for it.
While Virginia is driving through the Rectangle with her "society friends," she runs into Loreen. In what state does she find Loreen and how does Virginia decide to help her?
Loreen is drunk and seems to feel hopeless in regards to her ability to be saved and loved by anyone, especially God. Virginia decides to help her by taking her home to Page mansion and taking care of her.
Who is Loreen and why is Virginia so interested in her?
Loreen is the young woman who came forward to change her life for Christ. Virginia comforted her and prayed with her that night.
How does Mrs. Page, Virginia's grandmother react to Virginia's decision? How does Rollin react? What do their reactions tell us about each of them?
Madame Page is furious and gives Virgina an ultimatum that it is either Loreen or her that stays. Virginia chooses Loreen. Rollin believes Virginia did the right thing according to what Jesus would do. This shows that Madame Page still has not accepted the idea of doing as Jesus would while Rollin has changed and wants to do the right and moral thing.
Specifically, how have the following characters changed as a result of their pledge?
Maxwell Henry: sermons more sincere, more aware of his position, humbleness and purpose to end liquor license and to spread the pledge to others. Alexander Powers: lost railroad job, but works in telegraph office, family does not go out in society any longer Edward Norman: lost money in newspaper, but has started Christian paper with help of Virginia Page Milton Wright: business is going well, when got sick, his employees rallied around him to care for him personally as well as the business. Rachel Winslow: turned down singing offers and sings and teaches music in the Rectangle and is engaged to Rollin Page
What challenge does Henry give to his congregation the following Sunday?
Maxwell asks for volunteers to pledge to ask themselves what would Jesus do before every decision in their lives for one full year.
Instead of going abroad, what does Mr. Maxwell do with his vacation fund?
Maxwell gives the money for his vacation to a needy family from the Rectangle to give them a much needed break from reality. They are hurting and desperate.
What news comes to Dr. Bruce and Bishop Hampton? What events in the previous chapters foreshadowed this event?
Mr. Sterling has committed suicide. He was acting suspicious and Mrs. Sterling seemed very worried about him.
What are the consequences of Mr. Sterling's suicide for each of the following characters?
Mrs. Sterling - She dies from shock. Rose - She is left distraught and without home or money. Felicia - She is left mourning and without home or money.
Compare and contrast Rachel and Virginia.
Rachel Winslow - beautiful young woman, soprano singer, offered singing jobs, volunteered to do as Jesus would, but not sure how Jesus would use her talents, friend to Virginia Page Virginia Page - wealthy heiress, beautiful, lives with brother Rollin and grandmother Madame Page, volunteered to do as Jesus would, but not sure how Jesus would want her to use her money, friend to Rachel Winslow Both want to do as Jesus would do, but unsure how to do that. Both beautiful upper society young ladies who have lost someone, but are still privileged.
Rachel Winslow-
Rachel Winslow is the resident soprano of the First Church of Raymond, destined for the stage and a celebrated career in vocal performance. Like many others in Raymond, Rachel is content with her life and with the status quo, suffering no want and happily moving about her social circle. However, once Rev. Maxwell issues the challenge to live and act only as Jesus would, she immediately embraces his words as a personal call to reform her life, change her course of action, and abandon a career on the stage for a life in service to others. A noted beauty, Rachel is courted by several young men in town, eventually falling in love with Rollin Page, the younger brother of her best friend, Virginia Page/ Encouraged by her mother to use her immense vocal talents for self-satisfaction and the luxuries of fame and fortune, Rachel Winslow discovers that she is only truly content when using her gifts to serve others. She turns down a lucrative job offer in the opera in order to spend even more time singing for the purposes of evangelization, singing both at the First Church in Raymond as well as at the revival meetings held in the Rectangle in attempts to convert and reform the area. Thoughtful and generous to a fault, Rachel proves to be a faithful friend and an invaluable member of the evangelization team responsible for bringing light, love, and restoration to the Rectangle and the wider Raymond community.
What surprising decision does Rachel come to, one that upsets her mother greatly?
Rachel decides to reject her offers and continue to sing in Raymond at the First Church and more importantly at the Rectangle.
Manifest-
Readily perceived by the eye or the understanding; evident; obvious; apparent; plain.
Reconcile-
Restore friendly relations between.
Rollin Page-
Rollin Page is first introduced in relation to Rachel Winslow, with whom he has long been in love, and by whom he is summarily rejected in short order. With a sound rebuke, Rachel cuts to the heart of Rollin's primary defect: He has never demonstrated any purpose in life. A handsome, energetic, and popular young man, Rollin—the younger brother of Virginia Page—spends most of his time frequenting clubs and social gatherings with a host of friends and acquaintances. Always one for gossip, he is the first to make public Rachel's possible employment in show business, and when the promise of the First Church is brought up, he is the first to make himself scarce, having no interest in conversation of any depth or import. However, in witnessing the events at the Rectangle, Rollin is moved to repentance and conversion, and he turns over a whole new leaf. Abandoning his pursuit of Rachel's affections, Rollin begins to pursue the purpose he had, up to that point, always neglected. He begins frequenting the meetings at the revival tent, often spending much time speaking with Mr. Gray the evangelist. The change in Rollin over the course of the novel is evident to everyone, and his radical change in character eventually wins Rachel's affection and simultaneously proves to be both a nuisance and a marvel to his former friends. Instead of abandoning his old social circles, Rollin attempts to convert them to a new way of living, desiring to see the same change in them as happened in him.
Who proposes to Rachel? What is her response? What reason does she give for this answer?
Rollin Page proposes to Rachel on their walk home. She tells him no because he has no purpose in life and is a playboy without ways to make the world a better place.
11. Based on his conversations with Virginia and Rachel, what change has come over Rollin? How is this change demonstrated in his words/actions?
Rollin has truly accepted the pledge to do as Jesus would do. He wants what is best for others as seen in his plans with Virginia. He acts a little stiff around Rachel because he fears being rejected again, but he still loves her.
Detail the conversation Rollin and Rachel have as he walks her home. What has been Rollin's mission? How have things changed between them? Why?
Rollin tells Rachel of his purpose and decisions to follow as Jesus would in the area of men like him (young and wealthy young men without a purpose). This opens Rachel's eyes to the possibility of loving him and sharing a Godly life with him.
What is Settlement House?
Settlement House is an old brewery warehouse that has been converted into a place for Dr. Bruce and the Bishop to live and use for their new ministry and outreach. It is a place for meetings and the work on helping the poor and downtrodden in the inner city of Chicago. People can go there for help finding work, food, etc.
What strange request does Mrs. Sterling make of Felicia after the play? What is her concern?
She asks Felicia to pray with her because she is worried about Mr. Sterling. She also asks her for a kiss.
How does Rachel's refusal of Jasper Chase's proposal show a change in her? What is responsible for this change?
She is not the same person since taking the pledge. Her spiritual life has become her priority and purpose. Jasper does not have the same purpose. Plus she has seen Rollin turn his life over to God.
Describe the events at the Rectangle on election night. Be sure to include what happens, who is involved and what the end result(s) is.
Tent meeting that seems to go well, but has a large group of people surrounding it. The crowds are restless and many are drinking. When the meeting is over, the feeling and rumors believe that the license will be denied (Maxwell and March are winning), which leads to many of the drunken people to start yelling and throwing things at the group of believers. The men try to protect the women, but Loreen jumps out to protect Virginia from a thrown bottle. She ends up getting struck and dies from her injury.
What is Mr. Powers' main concern after his resignation? How does Mr. Maxwell help alleviate this concern?
That the meetings continue that he started. He asks Maxwell to make sure they continue in his absence.
How is the Bishop connected to the Sterlings?
The Bishop was a suitor to Mrs. Sterling before she married Mr. Sterling. She chose the millionaire over the Bishop.
Consecretion-
The act of consecrating; dedication to the service and worship of a deity.
Degradation-
The act of degrading.
Proxy-
The agency, function, or power of a person authorized to act as the deputy or substitute for another.
Martyrdom-
The condition, sufferings, or death of a martyr.
Mr. and Mrs. Sterling-
The owner of it all, Mr. Charles R. Sterling, stood before an open grate fire smoking a cigar. He had made his money in grain speculation and railroad ventures, ...
How does Mr. Norman's editorial on political questions differ from his previous stance on politics?How does his new stance represent a more Christ-like perspective?
The paper will no longer back politicians or policies based on party lines, but rather will look to support only the people and the policies that are morally right and benefit the good. It is looking at the moral position, not a corrupt or selfish position.
What is the Rectangle?
The poor side of town filled with poverty, saloons, gaming dens, etc.
Edward Norman-
The principal editor and head of the Raymond Daily News, Edward Norman is one of the most senior members of the church and a pillar in the community. For years he ran the Daily News with only one goal in mind: success. Once Rev. Maxwell issues his challenge, however, Edward is the first to take real steps towards accomplishing his goal and fulfilling that fateful Sunday afternoon pledge. Completely redirecting the aims for the newspaper, Edward begins slowly excising all objectionable content from the paper in an attempt to publish only what is virtuous and truly newsworth Immediately setting himself apart from all the other newspapers in circulation, Edward Norman refuses to print anything that he considers to be sensationalism, or gossip, or that glorifies violence, alcohol, or crime. Over the course of the novel, he loses countless subscribers and hemorrhages money until the plan for creating a Christian daily is conceived by the little community of familiars and subsequently funded by Virginia Page's charitable donations. Edward proves himself to be resilient and steadfast to the promise, even in the face of impending doom, by risking the failure of the newspaper. He is one of the first to change the way that journalism is practiced.
What news story does Edward Norman refuse to run because it compromises (goes against) his conviction (promise)?
The prize fight story
Expendiency-
The quality of being convenient and practical despite possibly being improper or immoral; convenience.
What is the effect of their participation in the primaries?
They actual have victory over the primaries and make an impact that shocks most involved in the election.
What is the sisters' connection(s) to Raymond?
They are cousins to Rachel Winslow. Their mom and Rachel's mom are sisters.
What do Dr. Bruce and the Bishop decide they must do in order to "suffer for the sake of Christ"?
They decide to resign their positions in their churches in order to move into the inner city of Chicago to minister to those living there.
How do Dr. Bruce and the Bishop get the saloon closed?
They discover who owns the property (Clayton). He has taken the pledge to do as Jesus would and gladly offers not only to close down the saloon when the lease expires, but to give the property to Settlement House to help with their mission.
What do Dr. Bruce and the Bishop find at the Sterling home?
They find chaos and confusion from the staff.
What is Mrs. Delano's prediction of how the church will react to Dr. Bruce's encouragement to follow in Raymond's First Church's steps?
This will divide the church.
Endow-
To provide a permanent fund or source of income.
Solicit-
To seek for (something) by entreaty, earnest or respectful request, formal application.
At the end of the novel, Maxwell has a vision of the future. What troubles him about this vision? What gives him hope for the future?
Troubles - He sees the ones who will fall away and not be saved because they did not follow in His steps. Hope - He sees the numerous young people following the pledge and spreading the pledge throughout the world.
Virginia Page-
Virginia Page is Rachel Winslow's best friend, an unmarried, attractive, and wealthy young heiress who joins the first group at the First Church of Raymond to commit to Rev. Maxwell's promise of acting only in accord with their Christian conscience. The executor of an enormous estate, Virginia also lives with her brother, Rollin, and her grandmother, Madame Florence Page. In contrast to many of her friends who generally inhabit the circles of the working and middle class, Virginia's aristocratic status proves a formidable obstacle to her fulfilling her promise. Eventually, Virginia's course of action will even drive her grandmother from the house in protest over Virginia's newly adopted code of conduct. While many characters face decisions that will have financial ramifications, perhaps none are so weighty and monumental as those made by Virginia, whose inheritance numbers into the millions. No person could be better prepared for the task, however, as Virginia has quite the business and financial acumen. Thus, Virginia proves to be of the highest character, donating copiously both to the newly dedicated Christian newspaper and to the establishment of a house of rehabilitation in the heart of the Rectangle district for the benefit of the entire community.
Who decides to finance Mr. Norman's Christian paper? (Bonus: How much was given to endow, or support, this new endeavor?)
Virginia Page offers $500,000 to help Edward Norman with his Christian paper.
What is Virginia's plan for the remainder of her money? How does she want Rachel to be involved?
Virginia and Rollin plan to buy a tract of land in the Rectangle to build a boarding house/school for young women in the Rectangle to help them have a place to live and to learn skills to better their lives. She wants Rachel to head up the music part of the school to share her talents with these young women.
What question does the "tramp," Mr. Manning, ask the church after the minister's sermon?
What does it mean to walk in His steps?
16. What common conviction has Henry and Donald Marsh, the local college's president, come to? Why do they feel this is so important?
What is your opinion on this matter? They must become involved in politics to get rid of the saloons (liquor license) and the corruption in Raymond politics.
What dilemma is Rachel facing?
Would Jesus want her to accept either of the two offers she has received to sing or not.
Rose Sterling-
cousin to Rachel, the one who could not handle her reduced station in life
Loreen-
drunkard who was taken in by Virginia Page; was killed when she was hit with a beer bottle when she steeped in front of Virginia saving her life; she was "killed by the saloon"
Dr. Bruce-
everend Calvin Bruce is pastor of the Nazareth Avenue Church in Chicago. An old friend of Henry Maxwell's—the two spent time together in their seminary training—Calvin is intrigued to hear of the pledge taken by the members of First Church in Raymond and the work being done in the Rectangle. After visiting Raymond for a number of weeks, Dr. Bruce returns home to Chicago and issues the same challenge to his own parish, a community even more affluent and highfalutin than the Raymond congregation. While the challenge meets harsh resistance, Dr. Bruce is resolute and begins to form a movement in his own community. Eventually, Dr. Bruce meets with the local Bishop who hears of the movement and joins Calvin in resigning from formal ministry to work directly among the people of the inner city in downtown Chicago. Renting out an old factory located where the saloons had the most influence, Calvin is able to work in an entirely new way; he can give his whole self in service to people directly, making real sacrifices in a way that neither he nor his congregation ever have. While Rev. Maxwell emphasizes the need to choose as Jesus did, Calvin Bruce is focused on direct contact with the poor and marginalized and the need for self-sacrifice in imitation of Jesus.
Burns-
idk
Mr. Clayton-
idk
Madame Page-
left the house when she was staying with Virginia b/c she could not believe that Virginia brought a drunk into her home
Milton Wright-
one of the leading merchants in Raymond; after taking the challenge, he treated his employees better; Milton asks Reverend Maxwell to come in and speak to his employees once a week; he becomes ill and his employees take over his business for him
Henry Maxwell-
pastor of the First Church of Raymond Maxwell is a kind and gracious man who is genuinely dedicated to the members of his parish church, though he has at times struggled with apathy and a desire to please rather than speak the truth in love.
Donald Marsh-
president of Lincoln College; came to Reverend Maxwell for help; said he needed to "bare his cross"; raised support to vote NOT to renew the liquor liscense in Raymond
Alexander Powers-
rail road owner; quits because he figures out his employees are breaking the law; ends up working for the Daily News
Jasper Chase-
young writer who loves Rachel and proposed marriage to her, she refused, he writes a novel that is unChristian and denies his Lord