American Baptist College
American Baptist College (previously American Baptist Theological Seminary) is a private, Baptist college in Nashville, Tennessee, affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, USA. Founded in 1924,[3] its predecessor in black Baptist education was Roger Williams University, a Nashville college begun in the late-19th century and closed in the early 20th century (its campus is now occupied by Peabody College of Vanderbilt University). Upon full accreditation by the American Association of Bible Colleges, ABTS dropped use of the term "Theological Seminary" and renamed itself American Baptist College. The college has an 82% acceptance rate.[2] In Fall 2019, 77% of students were retained after the first year of attendance.[4]
College facilities[edit]
T.L. Holcomb and Susie McClure Library[edit]
The mission of the T.L. Holcomb and Susie McClure Library is to support the academic objectives, programs, and curriculum of American Baptist College by providing appropriate resources and services. The T.L. Holcomb and Susie McClure Library serves both the entire student body and its surrounding community. The T.L. Holcomb and Susie McClure library is a three-floor facility located in the center of campus. The library provides research and study areas, houses the ABC Chapel and a computer lab.
The library collection contains more than 14,000+ volumes, over 200 periodicals, and a rare collection of Bibles in over 300 different languages. The collected writings of Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhi can be found in the library's reading room. The library has also received donations from the private collections of Renita J. Weems, Harmon Wray, and Professor Janet Wolf. These donated books cover a variety of topics including ethics, politics, social justice, theology, and Christian leadership.
The T.L. Holcomb and Susie McClure Library is a member of Project Athena. This membership enables the library to share resources with other libraries. The library staff also offers one-on-one reference assistance as well as the classroom instruction in research skills and the use of specific electronic databases.
T.L. Holcomb Chapel[edit]
Chapel services are required and held weekly in the T.L. Holcomb Chapel. Every service involves students, staff, and faculty with occasional guest preachers, alumni, and scholars in residence. Chapel services are mandatory and held weekly on Tuesday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Vesper service is held weekly on Friday beginning at 6:45 pm (attendance not required).
J. H. Flakes and J. B. Lawrence Administration Building[edit]
The administration building was completed in 1946 and is named in honor of J.B. Lawrence, a former Secretary of the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board. In 2011, J. H. Flakes' name was added to the administration building in honor of his work and ministry on behalf of the college. This building houses administrative offices and classrooms.
Griggs Hall[edit]
Griggs Hall was the first building constructed on the campus in 1923. It was named to honor the legacy of the Griggs family: Sutton E. Griggs was the first president of American Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) and his father, A.R. Griggs, served as the secretary of the National Baptist Education Board. In 1948, a fifty-foot addition to the structure was completed. The school's first cafeteria was originally housed in the basement of the hall, along with modest laundry facilities. Currently, this building is undergoing renovation.
Baptist World Center[edit]
Dedicated in 1989, the Baptist World Center was constructed as the official international headquarters for the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. It is the very first building of its kind erected by the convention. The Baptist World Center is located on the south edge of the campus, on the original site of the former National Baptist Missionary Training center. It houses administrative offices of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and is used by American Baptist College for classroom space, events, workshops, and the campus dining hall. The sanctuary is large enough to accommodate the Annual Mid-Winter Board Meeting of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., as well as annual lectures and major conferences and convocations of the college.
John R. Lewis and Julius R. Scruggs Leadership Development Center[edit]
The Lewis-Scruggs building was opened in 2005 and named in honor of two ABC alumni, Congressman John R. Lewis (D-GA) and Julius R. Scruggs, ABC Board Member and Vice President at Large, National Baptist Convention, USA, Incorporated. The Leadership Center is located behind the T.L. Holcomb Library and Susie McClure Library
Alumni Hall[edit]
Alumni Hall is a single-story structure that was named in honor of the College's alumni. The hall, located near student apartments on the north edge of campus, is used to house the department of Campus Operations.
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