Russell Herman Conwell lived an interesting and varied adult life that took him from Yale College to the battlefields of the Civil War, to far off continents and back to cross the United States delivering a powerful message of motivation and self-improvement. While he is well-known as the founder of Temple University, it is "Acres of Diamonds" that is Conwell's legacy with the longest reach and from which all generations can benefit.

The reader will be struck by Conwell's modesty when enjoying the autobiographical content of "Fifty Years on the Lecture Platform" included at the end of "Acres of Diamonds." This is a true reflection of Conwell's pure intention to serve others for their own improvement. The same simple intention motivated him to tour the United States and deliver this lecture in person to all who would come to listen.

Conwell writes, "I had from childhood felt that I was called to the ministry." This is not surprising when one reflects on his many occupations including lawyer, teacher, pastor, writer, and speaker. His call to ministry continues today in the form of his published works and the continuing education provided by Temple University.

From 1862 to 1864, Conwell served in Lincoln's Army as a captain. Upon leaving the military, he achieved his law degree at Albany Law School.

In 1869, Conwell rejoined the landscape of the Civil War in the South as a journalist for the New England press. His graphic reports detailed the horrors he witnessed during battles and in their aftermath. For his outstanding reporting, he was granted a staff position with the Boston Evening Traveller. Next came the opportunity with the American Traveller publishing a weekly column of Conwell's international expedition. It was during this journalism assignment that Conwell heard the story of Ali Hafed and the mythical field of diamonds. This is the story upon which the lecture "Acres of Diamonds" is built.

Upon returning to Boston, Conwell practiced law. During this time, Conwell's counsel was sought regarding the sale of a rundown church in Lexington. Conwell recommended that the congregation rebuild and restore the church, which they did. Some time later, Conwell was ordained, and it was at this very same church that he began his pastoral duties.

While pastoring at this church in 1882, Conwell's growing reputation drew a deacon from Philadelphia to come and hear him preach. This deacon was impressed so far as to invite Conwell to move to the newly built Grace Baptist Church on Berks and Mervine Streets in Philidelphia. Here at Grace Baptist Church in 1884, Conwell was approached by a young man interested in preparing for the ministry. Conwell cordially agreed to teach him one night a week. On the first night of the agreement, this young man came for his lesson eagerly joined by six others. And thus the seed that grew into Temple Univesity was sewn.

During the 43 years that Conwell was the pastor of Grace Baptist Church, he was also occupied with teaching, touring the lecture circuit, and writing several college songs, church hymns, and 40 books. It was also during this time that he founded Samaritan Hospital which later became Temple University.

Accolades recognizing Conwell's contributions include the award of Philidelphia's Academy of Music -- a gold key from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania representing gratitude -- which was given to him at the 5,000th delivery of "Acres of Diamonds." A school in Wothington, Massachusetts and one in Philidelphia are named in his honor, and a stone bust of Conwell rests atop the east side of Philidelphia's School District Administration Building.

Headquarters of the Pennsylvania Department of Education in Harrisburg display a frieze in which Conwell's name is carved. You will find Conwell Hall among the buildings that make up Temple University. Conwell's contributions were also recognized by the Kiwanis Club with an award in 1922 for "distinguished service."

In 1923 the great public honor of the $10,000 Philadelphia award -- which includes a scroll, a chest, and a medal -- was given to Conwell recognizing him as the area's outstanding citizen for that year. His contributions, as always, were much appreciated.

The Founder's Garden of Temple University is the final resting place for Russell H. Conwell. His genius and vision is forever memorialized in the impressive and lasting monument of Temple University.