JACKSON, Tenn. — March 13, 2001 — Union University president David S. Dockery will be speaking at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for a Founder's Day celebration Thursday, March 22. His address will focus on Herschel Hobbs' influence both denominationally and theologically in Southern Baptist life.
Hobbs was born in Alabama, educated at Howard College, now Samford University, and received his master of divinity and doctorate at the seminary. During his career he served key churches in Alabama before becoming pastor of First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, Okla.
The president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1961 to 1963, Hobbs had enormous influence in the formation of , a statement which was adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention May 9, 1963.
Dockery's address will celebrate Hobbs' life as well as issue a challenge for a new consensus. The basis for the challenge will be grounded in Hobbs' strong biblical and Christ centered theology for our day.
Dockery is the 15th president of Union where he has served since December 1995. He is a graduate of University of Alabama, Southwestern Seminary, Texas Christian University and the University of Texas-Arlington where he received his doctorate. The author and editor of 18 books, Dockery is currently writing a chapter on Hobbs for Theologians of the Baptist Tradition, edited by both Dockery and Timothy George. The book is scheduled for release at this year's Southern Baptist Convention which will be held in New Orleans, La.