Nashville writer, and Chattanooga native Whit Stiles is the author of book recently awarded the Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal for Excellence. Mr. Stiles is the son of Janice and Bill Stiles, Chattanooga advertising executive, and is a graduate of McCallie School and Belmont University.
The Diocese of Nashville’s recently released photographic history book, The Diocese of Nashville: A Family of Faith, has earned the national Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal for Excellence by the Independent Book Publishers Association at the annual awards ceremony in Manhattan Beach, California. The Independent Book Publishers Association, established in 1983, is the largest publishing association in the U.S.
“A Family of Faith is very meaningful to our community, and I join Robin Hood, Whit Stiles, Farrar Hood Cusomato and the entire Grandin Hood team in celebrating this achievement,” said The Most Reverend J. Mark Spalding, the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Nashville. “The beauty inherent in this stunning book demonstrates the faithful tradition of our diocese and the service of our parishioners."
The Diocese of Nashville: A Family of Faith was released in November 2022 and highlights parishes and churches that compose the Catholic community in Nashville and Tennessee. Author Whit Stiles relays the history of early Catholic settlement and the foundations of faith throughout the greater Nashville area, which is supplemented by photography of individual churches and artwork.
“This award is a true honor for Grandin Hood Publishers,” said Mr. Hood, the Pulitzer-Prize winning photographer whose images of art and architecture are featured in the historical book. “It recognizes the hard work and dedication that this team has put into telling this story in an inspirational and memorable edition.”
The book is currently available for sale online through the diocese’s website: dioceseofnashville.com for $50 plus shipping and handling. It is also available at Saint Mary’s Bookstore and Parnassus Bookstore in Nashville.