Funeral services were recently held for longtime pastor and prominent civic leader, Rev. Dr. Arthur Dedrick Griffin, who served as Senior Pastor of the National Historic Landmark, First Baptist Congregational Church of Chicago for 46 years. Additionally,
Funeral services were recently held for longtime pastor and prominent civic leader, the Rev. Dr. Arthur Dedrick Griffin, who served as Senior Pastor of the National Historic Landmark, First Baptist Congregational Church of Chicago for 46 years. Additionally, he served five years as Pastor Emeritus after his retirement in 2003. He departed this life on December 5. He was 79 years old.
For over 50 years in ministry, activism and as one who walked with Dr. Martin Luther King and welcomed him to his home and church, Dr. Griffin had championed the causes that brought about better conditions for the community. Dr. Griffin’s body lie in state Dec. 12 at the church, located at 1613 W. Washington Blvd., on the West Side. Afterwards, hundreds of civic leaders, clergy members and public officials shared with the Griffin family in a Community Memorial Celebration.
During the community celebration of Griffin’s life, Dr. Arthur M. Brazier, pastor emeritus of the Apostolic Church of God, and many other clergy and civic leaders spoke eloquently of this great man of God and community leader. Many of the speakers represented the numerous organizations and affiliations that Dr. Griffin had been a part of over the years.
Resolutions were presented from the Office of the Mayor, several aldermen and numerous civic organizations. The music for the service was provided by Sis. Felicia Coleman Evans of The North Shore Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Ger Ray Welch and other notable singers and soloists throughout Chicagoland.
The home-going celebration followed as over a thousand celebrants filled the sanctuary to pay homage to this beloved pastor. The Rev. Clay Evans, pastor emeritus of Fellowship Baptist Church, spoke of Griffin’s commitment to ministry and the Rev. Stephen Thurston, pastor of New Covenant M.B. Church and president of the National Baptist Convention of America, spoke of Griffins’ homiletic genius as teacher and president of the Chicago Baptist Institute.
A prolific speaker, teacher and preacher, Dr. Griffin had an extensive collection of prestigious awards and recognitions as a testament to his strength and love for the Lord. In recognition of his civic and spiritual contribution, a portion of Ashland Avenue had been named in his honor.
Throughout his years of service, perhaps Dr. Griffin’s greatest contribution to the ministry would be his unwavering support of women in Christian ministry.
His writings are extensive on the subject and his book, "By Your Traditions," is nationally recognized as one of the best literary presentations on the subject.
The celebration was much like a morning worship service as the First United Chorus rendered songs of praise.
The celebration recessional song was one of Griffin’s favorites, the "Hallelujah Chorus" from George Frideric Handel’s Messiah.
The church also paid tribute to Griffin through a gallery of photographs depicting his family life, ministry and civic leadership.
Senior Pastor, the Rev. George W. Daniels, who succeeded Griffin after his retirement five years ago, gave the eulogy.
Born on Chicago’s West Side, Griffin attended Hayes Elementary School, McKinley High School, the University of Chicago, the American Conservatory of Music, the Chicago Evangelistic Institute, Northwestern University, the University of Wuerzburg in West Germany, Toledo Bible College and Seminary and the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.
For his academic pursuance, Dr. Griffin has been awarded a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Divinity, Doctor of Music, Doctor of Theology, Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Humanities.
Dr. Griffin was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954 because of his doctorate in music degree. After basic training, because of his degree in music, he was sent to a special intelligence unit.
In East Berlin, his duties included working on breaking musical codes used by East Germans to communicate with the Russians.
Dr. Griffin also gave many years of spiritual and civic leadership in the City of Chicago. He has numerous organizational affiliations
Dr. Griffin is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara; daughter, Rachel; son, Arthur Jr. (Tamara); granddaughter, Lauren; sister, Mildred F. Kelly; sisters-in-laws, Margaret Griffin and Rose Mary Griffin; many nieces and nephews; cousins; friends and a loving church family.
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