Fred Sheldon Donnelson “Thousands of lives were touched by his ministry in both times of peace and war. As a prisoner of war … he displayed … that he never expected of others a price any greater than he himself was willing to pay.” (Anonymous)   Early Life and Call to Service Fred Sheldon Donnelson was born on November 16, Read more...

George Beauchamp Vick “We either had to sacrifice, and endure, and do without or else quit.” (George Beauchamp Vick)   Early Life and Formation George Beauchamp Vick was born on February 5, 1901, in Russellville, Kentucky. His father had served in politics and law, but eventually entered the seminary and became a pastor. Vick, at a young age, accompanied his father on pastoral visitation, Read more...

Oliver Boyce Greene “This modern ‘Santa Claus’ religion that is sweeping country today is not the religion Jesus taught and John practiced.” (Oliver Boyce Greene)   Oliver Boyce Greene (February 14, 1915 – July 26, 1976) stands as a significant figure in mid‑20th‑century American evangelicalism—especially within the independent, fundamentalist tradition. Known for his dynamic revival meetings, prolific writing, and the founding of the radio ministry The Gospel Hour, Read more...

Robert Earl Hughes “Bob Hughes’ life prayer was that God would do such a great work that people would one day say, ‘That’s not Bob Hughes’ work; it had to be of God!’” (Christian Hall of Fame)   Robert Earl Hughes: A Missionary’s Brief but Urgent Call Born on August 8, 1932, near Center, Texas, Robert Earl Hughes grew up Read more...

Gaylord Ford Porter “No church, no lodge, no good works can save you. Remember, God does the saving. All of it!” (God’s Simple Plan of Salvation)   Early Life and Calling Ford Porter—whose full name was Gaylord Ford Porter—was born on February 5, 1893, in Ottawa County, Michigan. Raised in a home where his parents maintained a consistent “family altar,” Read more...

Robert Greene Lee “Revival will come… if all the sleeping folk will wake up, if all the lukewarm folk will fire up, if all the dishonest folk will confess up… Then we can have a revival!” (Robert Greene Lee)   Early Life and Calling Robert Greene Lee was born on November 11, 1886, in York County, South Carolina, into a Read more...

John Richard Rice “The world never burned a casual Christian at the stake.” (John Richard Rice)   Early Life and Call to Ministry John Richard Rice was born on December 11, 1895, in Cooke County, Texas, the eldest son of William H. Rice and Sallie Elizabeth La Prade Rice. At age twelve he made a profession of faith and joined Read more...

Bascom Ray (B. R.) Lakin “God lay the weight of the world upon me. Give me a love for every soul for whom Jesus died. Help me preach as a dying man to dying men with a broken heart and tears.” (Bascom Ray [B. R.] Lakin)   Early Life and Conversion Bascom Ray Lakin was born on January 5, 1901, Read more...

Theodore H. Epp “We should never think that once we have given some money and time to the Lord that the rest is ours to do with as we please. All that we have belongs to God, so He should be taken into consideration in everything we do.” (Theodore Epp)   Early Life and Preparation Theodore H. Epp was born Read more...

Wallie Amos (W. A.) Criswell Jr. “He was our Apostle Paul … he led with intellectual pursuit coupled with a passionate heart.” (Anonymous)   Early Life and Call Wallie Amos Criswell Jr., widely known as W. A. Criswell, was born December 19, 1909, in Eldorado, Oklahoma, to Wallie Amos Criswell Sr. and Anna Currie Criswell. When he was six the Read more...

Noel Smith “[He] summed up his life this way: ‘Many times it is possible to meet people who remind you of other people. Not so with Noel Smith. … He was unique.’” (Norma Gillming)   Early Years and Conversion Noel Smith was born on August 7, 1900, in Greenvale, Wilson County, Tennessee. When he was still a child his family Read more...

Harold Ray Henniger “I think the reason for the growth of the church was Rev. Henniger himself. He had a new car when he first came and wore it out visiting people. … He always visited people and knew everyone’s name.” (Canton Baptist Temple Website)   Early Life and Calling Harold Ray Henniger was born on May 4, 1924, in Read more...

Adrian Pierce Rogers “We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.” (Adrian Pierce Rogers)   Adrian Pierce Rogers Adrian Pierce Rogers (September 12, 1931 – November 15, 2005) stands as one of the most consequential figures in late 20th-century American evangelicalism. His pastoral leadership, doctrinal stance, media ministry, and Read more...

Inscription On this site June 1956, the Thomas Road Baptist Church was founded by Dr. Jerry Falwell as Pastor. This plaque is placed here in the memory of Mrs. Ruth Knowles one of the church’s charter members. Read more...