James Wyatt Griffith
Baptist Pastor & TeacherJames Wyatt Griffith was born November 1, 1923 in Gary, Panola County, Texas. He was the fifth son of W.G. and Ethel Griffith. On August 10, 1946, he married Mae Chapmen. They had four children, Phil, Joe, Nancy and Mark.
He was saved June 19, 1939 and later baptized by Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Panola County, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Auston State College and taught in public schools for seven and one half years. On August 27, 1952, at age 28 he answered the call to the ministry at Nacogdoches Missionary Baptist Church. One month later he was pastoring the church. They ordained him in October, 1952. His pastorates included the following churches: Nacogdoches, Pruitt Lake, Sunset-Hopewell, Zion Hill, First Baptist-ARP, Bethel and Symnra. He was senior adult minister at Calvary Baptist Church, Henderson, Texas for many years.
In the Fall of 1952, he enrolled in Texas Baptist Institute, where he earned his Bachelor and Master of Theology degrees. He was awarded a Doctor of Theology in 1959. From 1952 until his death (1997) he was affiliated with T.B.I. as student, teacher, trustee, treasurer and registrar. Up to his death he taught Old Testament history and church history.
The pen was his most mighty sword! J.W. was born with a heart defect (blue baby) and was not expected to live to adolescence. He could not run and play like other kids, so he read and wrote. This became an asset later as he taught in public schools and seminary. For 19 years he wrote literature for the Sunday School Commitee of the American Baptist Association. He authored a very popular series of book-by-book Old Testament study manuals and work books. His last book was titled The Old Testament in Matthew.
Countless lives were affected by J.W.'s teaching, pastoring, and writing. Like many other men of faith, he will not be soon forgotten. God blessed many lives through James Wyatt Griffith.
========================= [From a plaque sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church, Henderson, Texas. Erected by History and Archives Committee, Missionary Baptist Association of Texas, 2000. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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