Cane Ridge: The Way Back

A return to basics may be the answer…

Rev. Wesley McIntosh is facing a major problem where his Dyson, Kentucky church is concerned. The membership is divided about an effort to expand the church and absorb a huge debt or, instead, to focus on its spiritual growth and embrace the preaching and teaching of the word of God.

McIntosh, determined to keep the church together, is convinced that a return to basics can provide an answer. That means going back to Cane Ridge where his Christian denomination began.

At Cane Ridge, the minister is reminded he should follow the teachings of Barton Stone, the facility’s long-time pastor and founder of the Christian Church, who focused on preaching the Gospel – the good news about Jesus Christ. Along the way, McIntosh is counseled by a knowledgeable individual who might be the answer to his plea for God’s help.

About the Author

“An award winning editor and journalist who creatively mingles real events and people in historical fiction, creating high drama while bringing back real participants and activities of the past.”

—Susan B. Dyer, author of Lincoln’s Advocate: The Life of Judge Joseph Holt

“Ed Ford’s research is excellent, revealing facts essential to a story well done. Although he’s an author of historical fiction, his accounts are based on actual facts and his characters are reflections of real participants. Their reasonable dialogue adds to the smoothness of narrative.”

—Dr. Paul Rominger, author of The Battle of Richmond, Kentucky and American history authority

“Well-researched historical fiction that is vivid, realistic and powerful… accurate and rich portrayal writer of American history.”

—Jessica James, multi award-winning historical novelist and author of Shades of Gray

“Novels filled with good characters and a few bad ones… honest dialogue and vivid scenes from another time and place.”

—Lessons in Life, Kentucky review

Ed Ford is an author of historical fiction and has written seven books, two plays, and a number of articles about the US Civil War and the pioneer history of Kentucky. Cane Ridge: The Way Back is a departure from those topics but is in keeping with the author’s background. Ford has served as a deacon and elder in three Disciples of Christ churches and was urged to develop this novella based on The Cane Ridge Meeting House, the birthplace of the Christian Church movement.

Prior to his career as a novelist, Ford was an award-winning corporate editor and public relations specialist with Ford Motor and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and was a newspaper and magazine reporter and editor.

The University of Kentucky journalism graduate operates his own public relations firm in Richmond, Kentucky, and has served as public relations director for Berea College.