The Presbyterian Home for Children has released a new history book, The Journey, documenting the ministry’s remarkable evolution from 1964 through today and continuing the story first told in the Home’s beloved “Blue Book.”
The original history book written by Dr. Allen Jacobs, the eighth president, chronicled the first century of the Home’s mission, from its founding in 1864 through 1964. The Journey picks up where that volume ended, detailing six decades of change, growth, resilience, and faith as the Home adapted to meet the changing needs of Alabama’s children and families.
The book debuted June 13 during Alumni Day 2026, giving former residents an opportunity to experience the history of their childhood home before the publication was released to the public. The book is now available for purchase online at bit.ly/4ei84Zm.
Written by award-winning author Tom Ward and PHFC President and CEO Doug Marshall, The Journey combines extensive historical research with firsthand knowledge of the Home’s modern transformation.
“Working on this historic book project has been an honor and a privilege,” Ward said. “The stories found within these pages reveal how one ministry has continually adapted to meet new challenges while remaining faithful to its mission of caring for vulnerable children and families.”
Marshall said the book captures more than historical events – it tells the story of lives changed through the ministry of the Home.
“What moved me most while writing this book was seeing the thread of hope that runs through every generation,” Marshall said. “Whether in the 1960s or today, the Home has existed to give children and families a chance at a brighter future. This book celebrates the people, faith, and community support that made that possible.”
Through archival research, interviews, photographs, and personal accounts, the book explores how the Home evolved from an orphanage established in the aftermath of the Civil War into a multifaceted ministry serving at-risk children, homeless mothers and children, young women transitioning to independence, and families in crisis across Alabama.
Readers will learn about major milestones including the expansion of family preservation services, the development of housing programs that allow mothers and children to remain together, outreach efforts serving migrant children and families, and the continued support provided by Presbyterian congregations and donors throughout the Southeast.
The book also highlights the countless individuals who shaped the Home’s legacy, including residents, staff members, volunteers, Presbyterian Women, board members, and supporters whose dedication sustained the ministry through changing times.
“The Journey reminds us that our history is not simply a collection of dates and events,” Marshall said. “It is the story of thousands of children and families whose lives have been transformed through love, stability, faith, and opportunity.”
About the Authors
Doug Marshall has served as President and CEO of the Presbyterian Home for Children since 2017. A Certified Public Accountant, he brings extensive leadership experience from both the corporate and nonprofit sectors and has overseen significant program growth and expansion during his tenure.
Tom Ward is an award-winning journalist, author, and ghostwriter based in Birmingham. He has served as editor-in-chief of four newspapers and authored multiple books, including the bestselling novel I Died and Went to Mississippiand Alabama’s official bicentennial history book.
About the Book
The Journey continues the story begun in PHFC’s original history book and chronicles the Home’s impact from the 1960s through the 2020s. The book explores how the organization adapted to changing societal needs while remaining rooted in its mission of serving vulnerable children and families. Through stories of hardship, perseverance, and success, readers gain insight into the Home’s expansion of ministries, innovative approaches to family preservation, support for young adults and mothers in crisis, and enduring partnerships with Presbyterian churches and supporters. Readers also learn more about the talented staff that has helped children succeed, some for decades. Above all, the book celebrates more than 158 years of planting seeds of hope that continue to transform lives across Alabama and beyond.
For more information or to purchase a copy of The Journey, visit bit.ly/4ei84Zm.
