John R. Sampey (1863-1946)

John Sampey was Southern Seminary’s fifth president (1928-42) during the difficult years of the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. Sampey served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention three times. He often contributed to the Convention’s Sunday School literature and devotional material.

Active as an evangelist, Sampey recalled one trip in particular to Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro in 1925, Sampey preached to a large group on the 53rd chapter of Isaiah. He later shared that when he “quoted the passage setting forth the substitutionary sufferings of the Servant of Jehovah, He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities,” the voice of my interpreter cracked. At the close of the service he explained that he was won to faith in Christ by the verses I quoted.”

Ellis A. Fuller (1891-1950)

Ellis Fuller became Southern Seminary’s sixth president during the World War II era and served for eight years (1942-50) before dying suddenly from a stroke. Fuller changed the nature of the Southern Seminary presidency, leading the institution into the executive model that was becoming popular in the business world. As an administrator, Fuller oversaw the acquiring and construction of several buildings.

One of Fuller’s well-known quotes was this:

“I have no difficulty believing in the existence of a personal devil. He offers me advice as to how I should conduct my life every morning before I eat breakfast.”

Roy Lee Honeycutt (1926-2004)

Dr. Roy L. Honeycutt was Southern Seminary’s eighth president (1982-93) and led the seminary through a tumultous time. During his tenure as president, Southern saw the addition of the new Honeycutt Center, which includes a new gym, coffee shop, study area, and meeting halls.

Though Dr. Honeycutt opposed the Conservative Resurgence in the SBC, he was, by all accounts, a consummate Christian gentleman who sought to forge alliances between the fracturing parties of the Convention. He is known for a commentary he wrote on II Kings.