This significant volume is more than a biography of events in the life of James R. Cope. It seeks to understand his character and conscience as he wrestled with far-reaching issues affecting both the college and the members of the church.

Building on the Good provides insights into the greater cultural background of rural Tennessee, which formed Cope's lifelong persona. It tells how his association with significant school men shaped his philosophy of education. It addresses the development of thinking that led to principles upon which Florida College was built, and it shares much about the history of the College during the thirty-three-year presidency of James R. Cope.

Building on the Good explains the brotherhood issues involving colleges operated by members of the churches of Christ. It addresses the historical origins and scriptural basis for the doctrinal positions Cope conscientiously adopted after serious study. At the same time, it tells of his constant emphasis upon personal faith and family. We hope you will thoroughly enjoy time well spent with Building on the Good.

Written by C. G. "Colly" Caldwell (PhD., Vanderbilt University), who served as president of Florida College from 1991 to 2009, and even longer as a Professor of Biblical Studies and Church History. He has long served the Lord's Church in the Tampa area, at congregations such as Citrus Park church of Christ and Carrolwood church of Christ, supported always by his beloved wife Linda.