A Man Called Peter is one of the most popular books ever written. A biography of a Man of God, it tells of a common man who came to America as an almost penniless immigrant from Scotland, worked as a common laborer and rose to become pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. This was an important position because the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church is located just four blocks from the White House. Presidents, Congressmen and Senators often went there. Marshall was a powerful speaker which explains his rapid rise to the top, from a common ditch digger to pastor of one of the most important churches in America. He was called "that charming young Scot with the silver tongue". The church pews were full whenever he preached. His sermons sometimes influenced pending legislation. Audio tapes of some of his sermons are still available. He was then appointed as Chaplain of the United States Senate.