New Advocate book features essays by Rev. Tony Rowell

The newest book from the Advocate Press is a collection of faith-based essays by United Methodist pastor the Rev. Tony Rowell.

“What Would Granny Say? And Other Somewhat Embellished Memories” is a 276-page testament to faith and family written over the years by Rowell, an elder in the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church who currently pastors Beulah UMC, Gilbert.

For decades, Rowell—a mission trip leader, songwriter, photographer and storyteller—has made it his passion to experience, gather and share stories of the Lord at work in big ways and small. Now, a lifetime of memories is offered in one collection of 79 essays. From fishing with his granny in the Florida Panhandle to stumbling into boars and bear alike in the Carolina wilderness to ministry in Bolivia, Colombia and Latvia, Rowell weaves beauty with simplicity and good old-fashioned humor.

His photographs of both nature and people are peppered throughout, along with a healthy dose of Granny’s wisdom, prompting the title.

Rowell was born in Circleville, Ohio, and as a young child, he and his family moved up and down the East Coast from Upstate New York to Florida. His family settled in South Carolina during his teen years, which was also when he truly came to know Christ. Through music ministry and mission work, he realized his call to full-time ministry in 1993. He has served as both vice chair and chair of the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission in South Carolina and has pastored seven churches. Married to his high school sweetheart, Mary, they have three children and seven grandkids.

“I wish I could say that my writing is strictly a self-sacrificing and noble venture, but in truth, I am just trying to keep my priorities in line. I wander off in the wrong direction, and the Lord pulls me back with a story or two, until I wander off again. This process has gone on for a long time; consequently, this book was produced,” Rowell said. “My prayer is that those who read this will renew their love for God, family, country and the beauty of nature. Finally, in this worrisome world, I pray that a little rest, peace and comfort might bless a heart or two through this work.”

“We are thrilled to offer this book as our latest venture from the Advocate Press, which is committed to producing quality, God-centered books for United Methodists across South Carolina and beyond,” said Jessica Brodie, editor of the Advocate and chief editor of this book collection. “Tony Rowell’s writing has long been a favorite, and he has such a beautiful way with words. I’m certain his essays will reignite your faith, as well as your appreciation for family, nature and what it means to be centered in Christ.”

“What Would Granny Say” is available for purchase at here. Cost is $15.95 (plus shipping and handling) paperback and $6.99 eBook.

To order by mail, send a check for $15.95 plus $3 shipping and handling per book to Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.