History

 

Garnett-Nabrit Lecture Series

March 17-22, 2012
Theme: "Launching into the Deep"

 

The Garnett-Nabrit Lecture Series was named in honor of the leadership of James Henry Garnett and James Madison Nabrit. Garnett was a teacher of Systematic Theology and New Testament Greek at American Baptist Theological Seminary from 1924 to 1938. He served as the seminary’s dean from 1927 to 1939. During a portion of that time, from 1930 to 1932, he provided leadership as the acting president.

James Madison Nabrit was president of American Baptist Theological Seminary from 1936 to 1944. His eight-year tenure advanced the institution and brought forth the development of the National Baptist Training School for Christian Workers.

Garnett and Nabrit are landmarks in the legacy of great leadership provided to American Baptist College. Their example of innovation and integrity are recognized annually through the Garnett-Nabrit Lecture Series.

Even in the midst of learning situations, there have been moments when that which is learned need to be enhanced, enriched and enlightened. This concept seemingly was in the mind of Dr. J. C. Miles as he, under the leadership of Dr. J. M. Nabrit, the President of American Baptist Theological Seminary, directed the first Missionary Conference in March, 1937.

There was also an Annual Conference on Pastoral Problems held in November, 1937, and was closed with a celebration of Founder’s Day. The conferences were combined at least by 1943 and continued each year until 1957.

In 1949 the conception of the Garnett-Nabrit Lectures was realized. At the Annual meeting of the Alumni Association held June 3, 1949, a committee (J. T. Moore, B. E. Callier, J. T. Ridley, W. N. Daniel, Charles Williams and William Donaldson) reported that they had polled the alumni throughout the country and received the majority of votes in favor of a Garnett-Nabrit Lecture.

It was not until 1957 that the birth of the Garnett-Nabrit Lectures was actualized. For in April 30 - May 1, 1957 meeting of the Board of Trustees, the vote was made to change the name of the Annual Ministers and Missionary conference to the Garnett-Nabrit lectures in honor of the former dean Dr. J. H. Garnett and Dr. J. M. Nabrit, fourth President of the Seminary.

The first Lecture Series was held April 30 - May 1, 1958, under the co-directorship of Professor Joseph M. Conley, Director of Seminary Extension, and Dr. Maynard P. Turner, President in 1964. The Alumni Association strengthened the Lecture Series by initiating an Alumni Banquet. Each year an alumnus is chosen by the Alumni Association to deliver the Banquet address.