Russell H. Conwell   1843–1925

Russell H. Conwell is the founder of the Temple University, one of the renowned universities. He is famous for his “Acres of Diamonds” speech. His speech, not only contains an eye opening story of Al Hafed, it contains many other eye opening, heart warming stories and illustrations.

Many times, fortune is lying in your own backyard, in the back of your own mind. Its unfortunate many people never dig enough to find it.

During 1862, Conwell fought in the Civil War for the Union. Later he studied law and became a licensed lawyer (1).

How was the “Acres of Diamonds” discovered?

Conwell was also a writer. In 1869 he revisited the Civil War battlefields and wrote about the horrors of the War. Then he became a correspondent for American Traveler, a weekly journal (1). In 1870 he traveled down the Tigris River. He and the fellow tourists hired a guide at Bagdad to show them Persepolis, Nineveh and Babylon, and the ancient countries of Assyria as far as the Arabian Gulf (2). The tour guide was telling the story to entertain the tourists, most of which Conwell found boring. One of the stories was the story of a prosperous Persian farmer, Al Hafed. In the story, a Buddhist monk, while visiting Al Hafed, told him about diamonds. Even though a wealthy farmer, he thought the possession of diamonds would mean immense wealth. Hafed sold his land and went in search of diamonds, towards locations where diamonds may be found. At the end of the story, he lost everything, still searching for diamonds; he died far from home, poor and pauper. The new owner of Hafed’s land found fabulous diamonds in the same backyard. This was an eye opening story to Conwell. Diamonds are in your own backyard if you dig for them. They can be in the back of your own mind.

How a one small beginning can grow into something big?

Conwell served as pastor of the Grace Church congregation for 43 years at Berks and Mervine Streets in Philadelphia. One day, a young man approached him and requested Conwell on helping him with preparing for the ministry. Conwell offered to teach him one night a week (1). But on the agreed-upon evening seven young men came to Conwell. Here were Conwell’s “diamonds”. This is how the school called “Temple” founded.  Conwell’s class grew in numbers, within a short time, other teachers were hired, rented a room, a building and then two. In 1888, the charter for “Temple College” was issued. Conwell was the elected president and he served in that position for 38 years. Today, this is the famous Temple University.

Brief glimpses of Conwell’s accomplishments
- author of 40 books
- wrote church hymns and college songs
- founded Samaritan (now Temple University) Hospital
- served as pastor of the Grace Church congregation for 43 years
- served as the president of Temple College / Temple University for 38 years

His famous lecture “Acres of Diamonds” made him America’s foremost platform orator. He delivered that speech over 6000 times all across America. We encourage you to read his entire speech (http://www.temple.edu/documentation/heritage/speech.html).

He is a man of great vision, spirit and accomplishments. He is a true genius and a friend of mankind

There are many monuments named after him.

His speech is still read by millions all around the world. His story inspires everyone.

References:
(1) Carter, J.C., Temple University Website,  Temple's founder [online]. [Accessed 4th Feb 2006]. Available from World Wide Web: <http://www.temple.edu/about/temples_founder.html>

(2) Conwell, R.H., Temple University Website, Russell H. Conwell's Acres of Diamonds Speech [online]. [Accessed 4th Feb 2006]. Available from World Wide Web: <http://www.temple.edu/documentation/heritage/speech.html>