George Washington Truett (1867-1944)

George was an Americcan clergyman who was pastor of the First CHurch of Dallas , Texas from 1897- 1944 - nearly half a century. He was the president of both the Southern Baptist Convention ( 1927-9) and the Baptist World Alliance (1934-9) .

He had a sudden conversion at a revival camp meeting in 1886. His dream was to be a lawyer

In 1887, aged just 20, he founded the Hiawassee Academy - a rural mountain school where he served as principal. In 1889 he moved with his parents to Whitewright in Texas. He joined the Baptist church there and attended Grayson College.

George began to get involved - he taught Sunday School and ‘filled in’ when the pastor was away. The church recognized his talent and made the decision for him. (Read * I was thrown into the stream and just had to swim. )
What over welling support from the congregation!

By 1890 he had already gained a reputation for being able to speak like the famous preacher Charles Spurgeon according to the Reverend Fernando C. McConnell. His remarkable voice made him audible to large crowds without the aid of an amplifying system.

1890 he was ordained into the Baptist ministry at Whitewright. In nearby Sherman he preached his first sermon.

In 1891 Baylor University were looking for a financial agent to help correct a debt. George’s pastor, R.F. Jenkins, wrote a letter recommending him to B.H.Carroll - a Baylor trustee- and George was called for an interview.
The trustees thought he was too young. Before they could dismiss him George stood up and demanded that they at least let him make his case. They listened; the job was his. (Read A preacher on the Rise)

In 1893 he enrolled as a freshman at Baylor. He served as a student-pastor of the East Waco Baptist church to pay for his tuition. He graduated in June 1897 with an A.B. degree and became pastor at First Baptist Church in Dallas. He stayed for 47 years - until he death . His preaching made him famous. The church rebuilt 3 times - membership rose from 715 to 7,804.

George was 1 of 20 preachers chosen by President Woodrow-Wilson to go to Europe for 6 months during WW1. He delivered as many as 6 sermons a day.

During his 47 year pastorate he published 10 volumes of sermons, 2 volumes of addresses and 2 Volumes of Christmas messages.

George’s famous sermons* Baptists and Religious Liberty* were delivered on the steps of Washington May 16, 1920.

For 37 years he made trips to preach to cattle drives in the Davis Mountains- concerned cowboys were too isolated.

He was involved with the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He chaired the committee seeking to find a location. Fort Worth, Texas was chosen.
1910 - 1944 he remained on the board of trustees and president from 1931-1944.

There is a biography to buy-see Amazon advert.
The George W. Truett Theological Seminary was founded in his memory in 1993.

He was one of the most famous Southern baptist preacher and writer of his era.

Sources
wikipedia
SBTS