LAKE JUNALUSKA, NC – Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center invites all to celebrate the book release by Lake Junaluska Assembly Historian Rev. W. T. “Bill” Lowry on May 30 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the historic Lambuth Inn. Rev. Lowry will be signing copies of his new book, The Antechamber of Heaven: A History of Lake Junaluska Assembly.
“Several years ago I decided that the story of Lake Junaluska Assembly was one that had to be told,” says Rev. Lowry. “The journey from that moment of decision to the present has been an exciting walk back through history. Having spent what amounts to fifteen years delving into every area of history, I am more convinced than ever that this institution is of God. I invite you to join with me in the exciting story of the first century of the antechamber of heaven, Lake Junaluska Assembly.”
The Antechamber of Heaven chronicles the many changes that have taken place throughout Lake Junaluska, and Methodism as a whole, over the many years of its existence. With over 241 pages, the book includes many pictures from 1913, the year the Lake Junaluska Assembly opened, until present day. In addition, a detailed timeline from 1899-2005 and a foreword by Executive Director of Lake Junaluska Jimmy L. Carr are included.
“We are grateful to Bill for his thorough research and dedication to create a comprehensive history of Lake Junaluska,” says Jimmy L. Carr. “This book is a valuable resource to historians and locals alike, because it provides insight into the evolution of not only Lake Junaluska but the surrounding area itself. I hope that everyone has a chance to read it.”
Rev. Lowry is a native of Meridian, Mississippi, and is a retired minister in the United Methodist Church. He received degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and Emory University. Since 1994 Lowry has served as a staff member of the Heritage Center, which is the repository of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Commission on Archives and History. Lowry’s primary focus has been the collection, organization, and cataloging of historical material related to Lake Junaluska, which enhanced his ability to write a comprehensive history of Lake Junaluska.
In 2008 Lowry received the Chief Junaluska Award, given annually by the Junaluska Associates to the individual who exhibits “outstanding and continuous contribution to Lake Junaluska.” Bill and his wife, Barbara, live at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.
The reception on May 30 will also serve as an opportunity for those who have preordered the book to pick up their copies and have them autographed. Copies of The Antechamber of Heaven will also be available for purchase at the special pre-publication price of $22. Light refreshments will be available at the reception, which is sponsored by Lake Junaluska Assembly.
Please visit www.lakejunaluska.com/antechamber-of-heaven/ or call 828-452-5911 for more information or to purchase an advanced copy.