Carl M. White, the former pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Meridian,  has released his first novel “The Last Chaplain”.

The book is a suspenseful story of faith, family, and political intrigue.

At the request of Pastor John Grant, the last chaplain of the United States Senate, Lisa Smithy embarks on the adventure of a lifetime – to find a former Senate staff member and convince him to reveal to a DC reporter the plot that led to Dr. Grant’s removal and the discrediting of his best friend, a United States Senator.

From the South to the West, to the Midwest, evil men are desperate to stop her, and romance surprisingly finds her. Can she bring together the former Senate staffer who knows all and the Washington reporter who can tell all, while eluding the men who would end it all?

When asked why he wanted to write a book, White said he has always been a storyteller – making up stories for his children around a campfire while camping, or writing short stories for Easter Sunrise services.

“About three years ago I had this idea in my head about a retired pastor on a walker,” White said. “Things had not gone well in his life, he was frustrated – that became the Last Chaplain.

White describes the book as Christian fiction, not preaching, but about characters who have real faith that make a difference.

“It shows how he and his wife sought to be faithful all their lives serving the Lord, yet they struggled with their children,” White said. “I think a lot of Christian parents can identify with that.”

White has already started writing a second novel, which will be historical fiction surrounding integration taking place in the Jackson Public Schools from 1970-74.

“The first book was fun to write, the second I felt destined to write, and the third I will deal with religious prejudice,” White said.

White hopes after reading The Last Chaplain readers will feel good.

“I hope they are able to take away from it the sense of how the power of the Gospel can enrich and empower our lives even in difficult circumstances – and know there is always hope.

White will be selling and signing copies of his book on Saturday, Aug. 11 at Crooked Letter in downtown Meridian, across from the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, starting at 11 a.m. Books are also available locally at Harry Mayer Clothiers at 3129 MS-39 and at Quick Prints, 2318 12th Street.

White will also be at the Authors Alley at the Mississippi Book Festival, on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Mississippi Book Festival takes place at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson. Authors Alley is on Mississippi Street on the south side of the Capitol.

A native of Jackson, White is retired after serving as a pastor for 36 years, the last seventeen at Highland Baptist Church in Meridian. He is a graduate of Provine High School in Jackson. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, as well as the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He and his wife, Frances, make their home in Meridian.  They enjoy visiting with their three grown children and spouses, their five grandchildren, and two grandpuppies. The Last Chaplain is his first book. You can visit his blog at www.pastorcarlwhite.com.