Erasmus Gibson Davis, 1920
B.D., Crozer Seminary
D.D., Furman University
Orange, Va.
Citation awarded on Saturday, June 6, 1964
The outstanding ministry of Erasmus Davis in the Southern Baptist Convention is displayed in his work as a pastor, denominational servant, and one of the strong spiritual forces in southern church and community life.
Serving in some of the largest churches in the South for more than 40 years, Dr. Davis has been a faithful interpreter of the Bible and his preaching has won countless men to the Christian faith. Rising to leadership in the denomination, he has served with distinction on the state boards of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, vice president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, and as trustee of Southern Baptist Seminary, Golden Gate Seminary, Union University, and Carson-Newman College.
In civic life he has made his influence felt as a member of the governor’s staff of Tennessee and a trustee of the Tennessee Mental Health Department, as well as president, director, and trustee of numerous civic, health, and welfare organizations. Retiring two years ago, he has continued as a supply pastor, presently serving the Baptist Church of Orange, Virginia.
