It was at least twenty years ago when I visited the Hermitage for the first time. Of course, I’m referring to the beautiful home of Andrew Jackson near Nashville. I became fascinated with Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, who was such a pivotal figure in the early years of our state. His name is all over Tennessee.

As you know, Jackson was a brilliant, fearless, charismatic leader with a volatile temper. He formed deep friendships but also made bitter enemies. Jackson was not a very religious man for most of his life. But in his latter days, facing illness and the prospect of meeting his Master, he tried to put his spiritual house in order. A Presbyterian pastor, Dr. John Edgar, visited Jackson. The old General said that he wanted to take the vows of church membership. …