We invite you to join us for a special day at First Baptist Griffin.
Explore how early Baptists shaped the American founding through revival, dissent, and an uncompromising commitment to freedom of conscience. Dr. Samuel Smith, Residential Department Chair and Director of the History Graduate Program at Liberty University, will be with us on May 6th for two guest lecture appearances to share his expertise on the topic of Baptists and Religious Liberty in America. His talks will trace American Baptist roots from the colonial and revolutionary eras and highlight leaders who argued that religious liberty was essential to a republican form of government. From persecution to principled resistance, discover why Baptists became America’s primary populist defenders of local faith, voluntary belief, and liberty from coercion.
First, we will host Dr. Smith during a lunch and learn workshop from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Cheatham Room. This event is open to the public, but registration is required. Please reserve your spot today by calling the church office (770-227-5517) or by visiting our online registration form.
Later in the day, Dr. Smith will speak in Morgan Hall at 6:00 p.m. No registration is required for this public, evening event. Small groups are encouraged to attend.
Dr. Smith is a renown scholar in early American religious history and the author of books, articles, and reviews in his field. Prior to serving at Liberty University, he was a teacher and administrator in Christian schools.