[1][2] He was one of the "most famous Southern Baptist" preachers and writers of his era while still known today effectively for his educational impact among his many generational ministry legacies in addition to his exegetical preaching and outstanding oratorical skill.

In 1887, he founded the Hiawassee Academy in that same county, with the intention of making enough money from private students to pay for law school.

[1][4] He elaborated anti-Catholic views as the core element in his defense of religious liberty and the separation of church and state.

[9] He warned his flock that America was “menaced by our vast and fast-growing cities,” which had become dens of “lawlessness.” Urban centers drew “the alien populations of the world with their strange customs and beliefs and ideals and sentimentalisms.” He said that Catholics rejected separation of church and state and were secretly plotting papal control of the American government.

[10] Truett forwent seminary to become the financial secretary for Baylor University which ultimately saved the school's existence from its indebtedness, leading to its current operability to date.

Fundamentalist elements attacked him for welcoming Northern Baptists to preach at his church in Dallas, and for fighting against the divisive influence of J. Frank Norris.

[2] Reverend Truett worried that cowboys who worked the cattle drives were too isolated from family, church, and society.

He made annual trips through the Davis Mountains of West Texas for thirty-seven years, traveling with cattle drives there and preaching.

[13] According to John S. Ezell: In 1957 Truett was portrayed by Victor Jory in the episode "Lone Star Preacher" of the syndicated television series, Crossroads.

The actress Barbara Eiler was cast as Truett's wife, Jo, who died eleven months before the episode aired.