"The Spiritual Journey of J. C. Penney": Orlando L. Tibbetts, Dr. Orlando Tibbetts
Editorial Reviews
Much has been written about James Cash Penney as both a business genius and man of great influence during the 20th Century. Now, for the first time, Orlando Tibbetts, a retired Baptist Minister, looks behind the scenes of this fascinating figure in American history and charts J. C. Penney’s spiritual progress.
Finding self-fulfillment through helping others, the merchant millionaire overcame struggle and sickness, financial devastation during the Great Depression, the loss of loved ones, and his own personal crisis of faith, which led him to the discovery of a new sense of purpose.
The Spiritual Journey of J. C. Penney is the story of a man who was born into poverty, inspired by spiritually-minded parents, and driven by a dream which was never diminished even in his advancing years. The influence of his parents stayed with him long after their deaths and the support and motivating power of Mr. Penney’s wives has not been adequately told until now.
Because his father was poorly treated as a clergyman of a country church, J. C. Penney had difficulty relating to the institutional church throughout his life. Fortunately, certain significant people touched him in ways that led him to discover his own spiritual potential and to manifest it in the creation of a retirement community, exclusively for clergy, that would provide its members with meaningful and happy golden years.
J. C. Penney led a truly philanthropic and exemplary life. For readers who already believe that the achievement of success and wealth is not everything. “The Spiritual Journey of J. C. Penney” will serve to provide support. Orlando Tibbetts has written a fascinating and inspiring book that opens up new insights into Penney’s dynamic personality, and, by example, will affect the reader’s life.
About the Author
Orlando Tibbetts is a clergyman and writer with an extensive educational background. He holds master’s and doctorate degrees from Gordon College and Andover-Newton Theological School, as well as an honorary doctorate from Rio Grande College. He has served as a pastor in Boston, Massachusetts, Lakewood, Ohio, and Providence, Rhode Island.
A popular lecturer, Dr. Tibbetts has authored seven books, three of which were best sellers. He is listed in Writers’ Dictionary and International Authors and Writers Who’s Who. Now retired and still writing, Dr. Tibbetts belongs to the Kiwanis Club and is Councilman on the Penney Farms Town Council. He travels extensively with his wife Phyllis to whom he has been married for 50 years. They have four children.