Dr. John Agrippa Redhead, Jr. was minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro for twenty-five years, from 1945- 1970. He was not only well known locally, but also nationally and internationally through his radio broadcasts via the Protestant Radio Network and the Armed Forces Radio. Dr. Redhead carefully crafted every sermon that he preached. His detailed preparation consisted of: reading, organizing, writing, and 'absorbing the ceremony for delivery.'* He learned his sermons to the extent that he did not need to carry manuscripts or notes to the pulpit. He felt those papers would distance him from his congregation and diminish the impact of his delivery. He is quoted as saying, "paper is said to be a poor conductor of heat."** His sermons were broadcast live on the radio and he was highly sought after for his powerful and impeccable locution.
Also, Dr. Redhead's sermons were historically timely. After Greensboro's 1960 sit-ins, he preached a powerful lesson during these tense times, entitled, "On Turning the World Upside Down." Another famous sermon, A faith for today, was delivered on June 7, 1968 following the death of Robert F. Kennedy. Several of his books and sermons are still available today. Ever personable and connected to his congregation, Dr. Redhead was known for his amazing ability to call all 3,000 of his church members' names with ease. He was the 1975 recipient of the NCCJ Brotherhood/Sisterhood Citation Award for his efforts to promote understanding of people of all cultures. The above portrait, painted in 1954, hangs in a meeting/fellowship room of the First Persbyterian Church of Greensboro (see inside here; outside here)
Today is ABC Wednesday and, for Round Nine, we've been featuring People of Greensboro. See previous entries here.
* Greensboro 27, Abe Jones, Jr., p. 265.
**Fundamentals of Preaching,John Killinger, p. 167.
An incomparable preacher. To hear him was to be moved and inspired.
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 07:28 AM
What a fascinating post - we learn so much each Wednesday don't you think?
Thanks so much, Denise ABC Team
Posted by: Denise | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 08:00 AM
Really fascinating post. Great to know about Dr. Redhead.
Posted by: Netipot | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 08:35 AM
He was as good with names as I poor.
love the paper/heat quote!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Posted by: Roger Green | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Fascinating! I can relate with the paper and preaching. I was at a church and the pastor would always just read the entire sermon. Drove me crazy, but must say on his behalf that he is a very nice man. Thanks for such a detailed post.
Posted by: LeAnn | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 10:30 PM