Daniel Paul Rader  “Paul Rader was one of the most powerful preachers of his day … he was the most fantastic storyteller and could use illustrations in messages that … I’ve never heard.” (Wheaton College)   The Life and Legacy of Daniel Paul Rader Daniel Paul Rader—often simply known as Paul Rader—was one of the most dynamic and influential Christian Read more...

William Edward Biederwolf  “His scholarship was broad; his use of the English language was concise, accurate, and powerful; his sympathies were deep; his heart was warm …” (Hannah S. Bowers)   The Life and Legacy of William Biederwolf William Edward Biederwolf stands among the notable evangelists of the early twentieth century, remembered for his clear gospel preaching, his patriotic spirit, Read more...

Thomas Theodore “T. T.” Martin  “We have fallen upon an evil day. … We have trusted in material wealth … and all have failed to give us the bliss for which we yearn. … The principles of the great Teacher … will bring us to real prosperity.” (Thomas Theodore “T. T.” Martin)   The Life and Legacy of Thomas Theodore Read more...

Melvin Ernest Trotter  “Mel Trotter believed the old saying, ‘saved to serve.’ … His mission work provided shelter to the homeless, clothing to the poor, and food to the hungry. But primarily his ministry provided people the gospel of Jesus Christ.” (David Oliver)   The Life and Legacy of Melvin Ernest Trotter Melvin Ernest Trotter stands among the most compelling Read more...

Henry Clay Morrison  “I regard H. C. Morrison the greatest pulpit orator on the American continent.” (William Jennings Bryan)   Henry Clay Morrison: A Voice of Revival and Holiness Henry Clay Morrison (1857–1942) was one of the most significant leaders in the American holiness movement—a preacher, editor, educator, and revivalist whose influence shaped Methodism and helped birth the modern Wesleyan-Holiness Read more...

Reuben “Uncle Bud” Robinson “I’m a happy Christian. I’m so full of the love of Jesus that I feel like I could swing out over hell on a cornstalk and spit in the devil’s eye.” (Reuben “Uncle Bud” Robinson)   Reuben “Uncle Bud” Robinson: The Country Evangelist Who Set Hearts on Fire Reuben Archer “Uncle Bud” Robinson (1860–1942) was one Read more...

George Washington Truett  “To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge! To do the will of God is the greatest achievement.” (George Washington Truett)   George W. Truett: Pastor, Preacher, and Statesman of Faith George Washington Truett (1867–1944) was one of the most influential Southern Baptist leaders in American history—a pastor, preacher, and denominational statesman whose life exemplified Read more...

Lee Rutland Scarborough  “Through his approachability, humor, and optimism he guided thousands of young men and women into ministry.” (Rosalie Beck)   Lee Rutland Scarborough: The Evangelist Who Trained a Generation Dr. Lee Rutland Scarborough (1870–1945) was one of the foremost leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention during the early twentieth century—a preacher, educator, author, and evangelist whose influence helped Read more...

Rodney “Gypsy” Smith “There are no sad saints. A gloomy Christian is a contradiction.” (Rodney “Gypsy” Smith)   Rodney “Gypsy” Smith: Evangelist to the World Rodney “Gypsy” Smith (1860–1947) was one of the most beloved evangelists of his generation. Born in a gypsy tent on the outskirts of London, uneducated and poor, Smith rose to international renown as a preacher Read more...

Louis Sylvester Bauman  “Bauman was instrumental in developing young Brethren Church leaders … [and] encouraged many young men to attend dispensationalist BIOLA.” (Wikipedia)   Louis Sylvester Bauman: Defender of the Faith and Shepherd of Souls Louis Sylvester Bauman (1875–1950) was one of the most remarkable voices in early twentieth-century American fundamentalism—a pastor, author, educator, and denominational leader whose life was Read more...

William Leroy Pettingill  “He received only a fourth-grade education … yet traveled across North America, Central America, and Europe sharing his gift of stirring people to action from the Word.” (Christian Hall of Fame)   William Leroy Pettingill: A Defender of the Faith and Teacher of Grace William Leroy Pettingill (1886–1950) was among the early twentieth century’s most influential Bible Read more...

Lewis Sperry Chafer  “Through all the acclaim and accomplishments, his students remember best his deep reverence for the Word, and a daily, humble dependence on the Holy Spirit.” (Wholesome Words)   Early Life and Conversion Lewis Sperry Chafer was born on February 27, 1871, in Rock Creek, Ohio. His upbringing was humble: his father, Thomas Chafer, served as a pastor Read more...

Thomas Todhunter Shields  “He was called a ‘man of special gifts, a mountain peak without peer as preacher, teacher, writer — a veritable genius, the Canadian Spurgeon, a battling Baptist, and a devoted pastor.’” (David Cloud)   Early Life and Formation Thomas Todhunter Shields was born on November 1, 1873, in Bristol, England, into a family whose father was an Read more...

William Reed Newell  “Few men have had a clearer grasp of God’s grace in Christ or have been able to convey it with such lasting results.” (Christian Classics Ethereal Library)   Early Life and Education William Reed Newell was born on May 22, 1868, in Savannah, Ohio.  He pursued his undergraduate education at the College of Wooster in Ohio, graduating Read more...

John Elward Brown Sr.  “The future has for each of us greater privilege, greater opportunity, greater responsibility and greater challenge.”  (John Elward Brown Sr.)   Early Life and Conversion John Elward Brown Sr. was born on April 2, 1879, near Center Point, Iowa, into a modest family whose father, John Franklin Brown—a Civil War veteran—struggled with health issues and financial Read more...