This week in Christian history: Criswell ordained, Methodist theologian dies, Ferdinand II becomes emperor

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, August 25, 2024

W.A. Criswell ordained – Aug. 29, 1928

Wallie Amos Criswell(1909-2002), notable Southern Baptist pastor and prolific author. | Facebook/The W. A. Criswell Sermon Library

This week marks the anniversary of when Wallie Amos Criswell, a notable preacher and author who led First Baptist Dallas for decades, was ordained in Amarillo after being questioned on matters of faith by six Baptist leaders.

The author of more than 50 books, Criswell helped found Criswell Bible Institute (now known as Criswell College), and played a role in the Southern Baptist Convention’s Conservative Resurgence movement, which rejected liberal theology in the late 20th century.

After serving a couple of churches in Oklahoma, Criswell became the lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, in 1944, and is credited with greatly growing the congregation.

“He served for fifty years as senior pastor of First Baptist Church, for many years the largest church in the Southern Baptist Convention, preaching more than five thousand sermons from its pulpit,” explained the W.A. Criswell Sermon Library. “He became the historic church’s first Pastor Emeritus in 1995.”