James Madison Nabrit Sr
Reverend Dr. James Madison Nabrit Sr., a distinguished clergyman and educator, was born on September 17, 1877, in Atlanta, Georgia, siblings J. Clarke and Margaret (Knox Petty) Nabrit. He entered into matrimony with Augusta G. West on May 5, 1899, and their union bore eight children: James M. Jr., Margaret, Samuel M., Ann Gertrude, Henry, Lois, and Cecelia.
Dr. Nabrit's educational journey included the pursuit of an A.B. and D.D. at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia, an M.A. at Virginia Union Seminary, Richmond, Virginia, and honorary degrees (D.D.) from Morris College, Chicago, Illinois. His dedication to education extended to teaching roles at Central College (1899-1907), Americus Institute (1907-1912), and Walker Institute (1915-1920).
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Nabrit served as a pastor in several churches, including St. James Church in Forsyth, Georgia (1902-1907), Bethesda Church in Americus, Georgia (1907-1912), Springfield Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia (1912-1921), and Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia (1921-1936).
In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Dr. Nabrit contributed significantly to the academic community, serving as a Trustee of Morehouse and Atlanta Universities in Atlanta, Georgia. Notably, he held the position of General Secretary of the National Baptist Convention Inc. from 1931 to 1946 and was elected President of the Georgia Baptist Convention.
Dr. Nabrit's legacy is particularly noteworthy for his tenure as the President of the American Baptist Theological Seminary, a role he assumed on April 23, 1936. Despite facing a severe back injury six months into his presidency, Dr. Nabrit demonstrated remarkable resilience. Under his leadership, the seminary experienced unprecedented encouragement, and the groundwork for its future success was laid. Despite resigning from the presidency in 1944 to resume the pastorate in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. James Madison Nabrit Sr. continued to leave an indelible mark on the intersection of faith and education until his passing in 1947.
References
Powell, Ruth Marie. Lights and Shadows: The Story of the American Baptist Theological Seminary 1924-64. 1964.