This work documents how religion flourished in southern cities after the turn of the century and how a cadre of clergy and laity created a notably progressive religious culture in Richmond, the bastion of the Old South. It examines six mainline white denominations, including Baptists and Lutherans.

This first thorough study of organized mainline churches in a major southern American city during the early 20th century makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the dynamics of urban religion.