Rev. Dr. Arthur D. Griffin
July 25, 1929 - December 5, 2008
Dr. Arthur Dedrick Griffin, the Beloved Pastor Emeritus of the National Historic Landmark First Baptist Congregational Church of Chicago, made his transition on December 5, 2008, bringing to a close one of the most prolific and influential ministries of our time. Dr. Griffin has rendered over five decades of service as a spiritual and civic leader. He was 79 years old.
Dr. Griffin served as Pastor of First Baptist Congregational Church for 46 years. He retired in October, 2003. He was revered not only for his theological knowledge but also his community activism and contributions to the African American community and beyond.
Born on Chicago’s west side, he received his formal education in Chicago Public Schools. For his higher academic pursuits, Dr. Griffin earned the following degrees: Ph.D, Th.D, Hum. D, and D.D.
Dr. Griffin has formerly served as President of the Chicago Baptist Institute, Chairman of the Chicago Conference on Religion and Race; President of the Chicago NAAPC: First Chairman of the Chicago Opportunities Industrialization Center: President of the Church Freedom Federation of Greater Chicago; Executive Director of the Illinois Baptist State Convention: Instructor, Northern Theological Seminary; Chairman , Chicago Chapter of Ministers for Racial and Social Justice, United Church of Christ; Secretary , Board of Director Community Renewal Society; Chairman, Board of Governors, Bethany Hospital; Member, Board of Directors of Evangelical Health Systems; Member, Board of Directors, Chicago Bible Society; Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chicago Baptist Institute, Executive Director, Midwest Community Council; President Westside Federation; Chairman, Miles Square Federation and President, Interfaith Organizing Project; Chaplain, Chicago Police Department.
Additionally, he was a Senior Fellow in the American College of Theologians, President, Chicago Bible Society, a 2002 recipient of the Gutenberg award of the Chicago Bible Society, SCLC Drum Major award and he has received several other prestigious awards .
In the early 1960’s, Dr. Griffin was also noted for his marches and association with civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., welcoming him into his home and church on Chicago’s west side.
“The entire First Baptist Congregational Church Family and the City of Chicago mourns the loss of our Pastor Emeritus. “The world has lost a true man of God and the Heavenly Host is rejoicing. Reverend Griffin leaves a legacy of faithfully teaching and preaching the gospel. Dr. Griffins leaves his wife, Barbara, one daughter Rachel Louise, son, Arthur D. (Tamara) Griffin Jr., and one granddaughter, Lauren Ann.
