Lecture Series

The annual Presbyterian Women’s Lecture Series was originally endowed by Miss Laura Pettway. She was a long-term member of First Presbyterian Church; at her death in 1974, she left her gift to the Women of the Church of this congregation. Since the endowment’s creation it was doubled anonymously in honor of Julia Taylor White. This series has brought some of the most important minds in Christian theology and biblical scholars, reinforcing our deeply thoughtful Presbyterian Heritage.

Past speakers include Dr. Laura Mendenhall (President of Columbia Theological Seminary), Rev. Dr. Stanley P. Saunders (associate professor of New Testament at Columbia Seminary), Dr. Freda Gardner (former director of Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary), and Dr. Elizabeth Achtemeier (former professor of homiletics at Union Theological Seminary, Richmond).

Most recent lecture series (Fall 2011)

First Presbyterian Church
Knoxville, Tennessee
Fall Lecture Series – 2011
Sunday, November 13 & Monday, November 14
Guest Speaker – Dr. William P. Wood

The Reverend Doctor William P. Wood was elected Senior Minister at First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC, in 1983. Dr. Wood earned a Bachelor of Arts – History degree at Davidson College, in Davidson, North Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree and a Master of Theology degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Wood was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy – Old Testament-doctorate degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Wood also studied at the University of Heidelberg and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Tusculum College, Greenville, Tennessee.

Dr. Wood was raised in Johnson City, Tennessee.  Prior to assuming the Senior Minister position at First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC, Dr. Wood served as Associate Minister, First Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, Texas and as Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Kingsport, Tennessee.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

8:45 a.m    Early Worship Service
Sermon Title:    What Are You Standing For?

9:45 a.m.    Adult Sunday School Convocation
Lecture #1
The Essentials of the Reformed Faith

11:00 a.m.    Sanctuary Worship Service
Sermon Title:    What Are You Standing For?

5:30 p.m.    Congregational Meal
6:30 p.m.    Evening Gathering
Lecture #2
The Successful Ingredients of a Downtown Church

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Noon    Lunch open to members and
ministers/educators in the presbytery
Lecture #3
Can the Presbyterian Church (USA) Be Reformed?

7:00 p.m.    Evening Gathering
Lecture #4
How Did We Get in This Mess and How Do We Get Out?