James Petigru Boyce (1827-1888)

James served as a Southern Baptist pastor, theologian, author, seminary professor and founder and first president oft the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS).

He was born at Charleston, South Carolina. James was educated at Brown University under Francis Wayland, whose evangelical sermons contributed to James conversion.

James served as editor of the Southern Baptist when he graduated.
In 1849 he then went to Princeton Theological Seminary under Charles Hodge who led James to appreciate Calvinistic theology. He completed the 3 year course in 2 years.

He then served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Columbia, South Carolina until 1855 when he was offered the chance to join the faculty at South Carolina’s Furman University (SCFU) as professor of theology.

James enjoyed teaching at SCFU but he wanted to begin a Baptist seminary for southerners. In his famous 1856 inaugural address on Three Changes in Theological Education he presented his educational philosophy for a theological school.

With the help of fellow southern Baptists he brought his vision to life - Southern Seminary (SS) opened in Greenville in 1859. For nearly 30 years years he served SS 's as defacto president. He proved himself to be a skillful fund-raiser and administrator. He finally took the title in 1888- the year he died.His talent as an executive fostered competition for his talents but he stayed at SS.

He taught theology from 1859 until 1888. He wrote a catechism and a book Abstract of systematic Theology (1887). The book was used for many years in the department.
He led a Sunday School class at Broadway Baptist church and served as president for Southern Baptist Convention (1872-9 and 1888).

In 1888 he became ill and he took the opportunity to recover in Europe. His heart lifted when he met Charles Spurgeon. Reports indicated James was suffering from gout and while travelling his condition worsened and became fatal. He died in Pau, France on 28th December 1888.

James’ legacy lives onto this day through the seminary he devoted his life to establishing and preserving. - Our Presidents

Sources used
Amazon
Southern Seminary
wikipedia