Robert R. Taylor (1) (1931–2023)

He was immersed into Christ by Robert H. Bell at Locust Grove, Tennessee, on August 10, 1944. It was at that congregation where, five years later at the age of 18, he preached his first sermon. Brother Taylor began preaching in 1949, and he remains active in the Lord’s service to this day.

He went to Freed-Hardeman College. With Freed-Hardeman offering a two-year degree program at that time, brother Taylor went on to David Lipscomb College to finish his B.A, where he graduated with high honors. He earned his M.A. degree from George Peabody College for teachers.

After his college work he began preaching for congregations in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and later in Sharon, Tennessee. During those years he also taught in public schools.

He has preached in about 550 gospel meetings, and over 700 lectureships throughout the nation. It is estimated that he has delivered over 6,500 gospel sermons on television and radio over the years. For twelve years (1974-1986) he wrote the material for V. E. Howard and the International Gospel Hour radio program. Since Guy N. Woods’ death in 1993, Robert Taylor has preached on the last Sunday of each year at the Getwell church in Memphis, Tennessee.

For twenty-eight years he has helped with a prison ministry at the Fort Pillow prison, now the West Tennessee State Penitentiary, in Henning, Tennessee. In the course of his teaching there he has baptized many inmates into Christ. Brother Taylor has also been an instructor for the Online Academy of Biblical Studies for sixteen years.

Brother Taylor has authored thirty-five books and twenty-five gospel tracts. In 1978-79 he wrote the Senior Quarterly for the Gospel Advocate; between 1979-1990 he authored the Adult Quarterly for Gospel Advocate, and between 1990-96 (minus one year) he wrote the Gospel Advocate’s Companion. Between 1969 and 1977 he served as a staff writer for the Gospel Advocate, while B. C. Goodpasture was the editor.

As of January 1, 2011, brother Taylor retired from local work, but remains a member of the church in Ripley, Tennessee. He is now spending his time in gospel meetings and lectureships. Much of his time is devoted to writing.