Keith Harper taught Baptist History at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for twenty-eight years. He received his B.A. at Lexington Baptist College (KY). He pastored at Nicholasville and Marion, Kentucky, then received his M.A. at Murray State University (KY) and his Ph.D. in American history at the University of Kentucky. His dissertation was titled, “The Quality of Mercy: Southern Baptists and Social Christianity, 1890-1920.”

      He was highly regarded by his students and other faculty members. Some referred to him as a ‘Craftsman of Baptist history’. He wrote several books: SBC FAQs: A Ready Reference, cowritten with author Amy Whitfield; Between Fetters and Freedom: African American Baptists Since Emancipation; Rescue the Perishing: Selected Letters from Annie Armstrong and Other Writings; Send the Light: Lottie Moon’s Letters and Other Writings, and Esteemed Reproach: The Lives of Rev. James Ireland and Rev. Joseph Craig and A Mere Kentucky of a Place: The Elkhorn Association and the Commonwealth's First Baptists.

      Following a courageous battle with lung cancer, Dr. Harper passed away on April 23, 2025. Funeral services were held Greer First Baptist in Greer, South Carolina. He was buried in Nicholasville, Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Johnnie Hisel Harper, and son David A. Harper (Alexa).

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[From various sources. Scanned by Jim Duvall.]

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